For general managers, witnessing a player on your club perform above and above expectations is one of the most rewarding aspects of spring training. It can be a veteran who had experienced a downturn prior to an improbable comeback. After spring training, a youngster who was off your radar might suddenly have a chance to make the squad. It might even be a role player who has changed significantly and is now likely to see more playing time after surprising you with their modifications.
I asked the executives of each of the 30 teams to name one member of their squad who is drawing attention in spring training. Here are their comments and my evaluations of each player.
NL East
Atlanta Braves — AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP
Age: 21
Height: 6-3 Weight: 205
The Braves believe that Smith-Shawver is their top pitching prospect. They were so confident in him that they promoted the 20-year-old to the major leagues last year, where he made five starts and one relief appearance. After recording a 2.76 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 62 innings throughout 15 starts in the minor leagues, he was promoted. Thanks to changes made to his delivery, Smith-Shawver’s major problems, command and control, are beginning to get better. Although he will most likely begin the season in Triple A, he provides the Braves with a reliable option in case any rotational injuries occur.
President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos: “He is definitely making progress since making his team debut last season and has had a nice camp thus far.” Delivery and other things have advanced as well. It will be fascinating to watch his growth this season.
Miami Marlins — Eury Pérez, RHP
Age: 20
Height: 6-8 Weight: 220
With a wipeout slider, a decent changeup, and a regular triple digit, Pérez’s stuff is off the charts. He has been working with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. this spring to add a curveball, and the early results have been encouraging. I made the same prediction about Pérez a few years ago that he would one day win a Cy Young Award, which Sandy Alcantara did in 2022. As a front-line starter and ace, he has a bright future.
Skip Schumaker, manager: “Pérez is 20. His first time out, didn’t throw a pitch under 98 (mph) and learned a curveball to go along with the slider/changeup. He is turning into Sandy 2.0. Eury followed him around for a year. Sandy is in his back pocket in the weight room, bullpens, kitchen, you name it, pushing him to be great. And he has a chance to be just that.”
New York Mets — Starling Marte, RF
Age: 35
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 195
Since 2020, Marte has frequently struggled with injuries, and since 2019, he has not participated in more than 120 games in a season. While he did steal 24 bases in 28 attempts last year, it appeared as though age and decline had finally caught up with him as he slashed.248/.301/.324 with five home runs in 86 games. But his bat appeared to be considerably slower. Early results from spring training appear encouraging. In his thirteenth season in the major leagues, the two-time All-Star might emerge as a contender for Comeback Player of the Year.
David Stearns, president of baseball operations: “Marte has come into camp in a great spot physically. He worked extremely hard this offseason and played winter ball, which prepared him well for camp. He’s moving very well.”
Philadelphia Phillies — Cristopher Sánchez, LHP
Age: 27
Height: 6-1 Weight: 165
Sánchez’s walk rate dropped from 11.9 percent in 2021 to 9.6 percent in 2022 to 4.0 percent in 2023, demonstrating significant gains in control and command. Last season, he pitched for the Phillies in 18 starts and 1 relief appearance, recording a 3.44 ERA over 99 1/3 innings with 96 strikeouts and only 16 walks. He chased the ball at a rate in the 97th percentile and ground balls at a rate in the 95th percentile. Last season, he had such a great changeup that opposing batters only hit.148 against it. Last year, his two-seam fastball averaged 92.1 mph, and this spring, it has increased somewhat.
Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations: “Sánchez continues to take the next step forward to being a quality major-league starting pitcher. Velocity has increased while still maintaining his command.”
Washington Nationals — James Wood, OF
Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-6 Weight: 234
After the Futures Game in Seattle last year, I called him the best middle-of-the-order power prospect, and I meant it. I wrote this back then: Wood is really noticeable on the pitch. His ability to cover the striking zone despite his enormous frame is even more astounding. His speed at that stature, which comes from long strides and superb first-step quickness, is also impressive. But what really stood out to me on Saturday was his batting average to both left and right field. He has the potential to be a superstar. I had assumed that Wood would join the major leagues on Opening Day in 2025 or late in 2024, but after seeing him make major improvements and display his power with three home runs early in camp, I have modified my estimate of when he would arrive. Avoid
Mike Rizzo, president of baseball operations: “James is showing vast improvements in game preparation and routine. He’s sharpening his exceptional skill set at a rapid pace.”
NL Central
Chicago Cubs — Owen Caissie, OF
Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 190
After being selected by the Padres in the second round of 2020 out of Notre Dame High in Burlington, Ontario, Caissie was the star prospect in the trade for Yu Darvish in December of that same year. He slashed.289/.399/.519 at Double A last year, totaling 84 RBIs, 77 runs, 31 doubles, and 22 home runs. Having gone 10-for-23 in spring training with the Cubs, scouts from all around the league are raving about him. Most likely, he will begin the season in Triple A and work his way up to the majors before the end of the year. He has a unique gift.
Carter Hawkins, GM: “Caissie impacts the baseball like someone 10 years older. He has a chance to be a power bat in an outfield corner in the near future for our Cubs.”
Cincinnati Reds — Julian Aguiar, RHP
Age: 22
Height: 6-3 Weight: 180
Aguiar, a 2021 classmate of Cypress College in California, was selected by the Reds in the 12th round. He had a breakthrough season in the minor leagues, striking out 138 batters in 125 innings between High A and Double A while earning a 2.95 ERA across 25 starts. He will be in Double A or Triple A at first this year, but if he keeps improving, he might end up in the Queen City later on. Last season, he was named the Reds’ minor-league pitcher of the year due to his average curveball, plus slider, high ground-ball rate, and fastball in the mid-90s.His durability and poise are his best qualities.
Nick Krall, president of baseball operations: “He has pitched well this spring. He made strides last season. He showed excellent poise in his first big-league camp and competes well. His stuff continues to improve and he has a chance to be a quality big-league pitcher in the near future.”
Brad Meador, GM: “Julian had a good year last year and has put himself in a great position going into this season.”
Milwaukee Brewers — Brice Turang, 2B/SS
Age: 24
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 188
With a sprint speed in the 95th percentile and above-average range to both sides, Turang is a second baseman worthy of a Gold Glove. The primary concern for this season is his batted average; he hit only.218 with a.285 on-base percentage in 2017. How much better can he get this year? Additionally, he plays shortstop as a strong defender; if the Brewers choose to trade Willy Adames before the deadline, he may have to switch positions. Turang needs to enhance his attack, though. He has proven to have a strong work ethic and be open to making the required changes in order to improve.
Matt Arnold, GM: “Brice was already a dynamic defender worthy of Gold Glove consideration and continues to get better every day. He worked very hard this offseason, and he has looked great so far in camp.”
Pittsburgh Pirates — Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B
Age: 27
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 195
Hayes seems to be a breakout contender every year, and I always tell everyone that he will one day win a Gold Glove Award. Though he may not have made a splash just yet, last year he did win his first Gold Glove. In addition, he increased his power output, setting career highs in doubles (31) and home runs (15). He will be on my breakthrough list once more this year, and I think he will become the kind of hitter I have always thought he might become: 40 doubles and 20 home runs.
Ben Cherington, GM: “Ke has been and is a really important player for us. This spring he has taken another step forward in his game on the field and taken another step as a voice inside our clubhouse.”
St. Louis Cardinals — Thomas Saggese, INF
Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 185
Saggese was the Rangers’ fifth-round pick in 2020 out of Carlsbad (Calif.) High. The Cardinals acquired him in the Jordan Montgomery trade at last year’s deadline. He played at Double A and Triple A last season, slashing a combined .306/.374/.530 with 34 doubles, 26 home runs, 111 RBIs and 12 steals. This spring his high baseball IQ and instincts have stood out to the Cardinals’ coaching staff.
Oliver Marmol, manager: “He’s a student of the game and taking as much out of his time in camp as possible. He has a good idea at the plate and understands who he is.”
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks — Alek Thomas, CF
Age: 23
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 5-11 Weight: 175
Thomas’s outstanding defense, which included an outfield range that was in the 90th percentile the previous season, was evident to all of us during the postseason. On the basepaths, where he had nine steals in ten attempts, Thomas’s speed further helps him. In 125 games during the regular season, he made just.230/.273/.374, a line that was identical to his 2022 rookie campaign. The Diamondbacks are expecting he can make significant progress offensively this season after being pleased with his at-bats during spring training.
Mike Hazen, GM: “He’s had great at-bats with the same elite defense.”
Colorado Rockies — Elehuris Montero, 1B/3B
Age: 25
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 235
The Rockies acquired Montero from the Cardinals in the blockbuster 2021 trade that sent Nolan Arenado to St. Louis, a deal that so far has not worked out for Colorado apart from the salary savings. Montero was one of the headliners in the trade for Colorado, but last year he batted .243 with 11 home runs, 39 RBIs and -0.1 WAR (Baseball Reference). This spring he’s looked more promising as he’s played mostly at first base and batted .333 with three home runs and eight RBIs. The Rockies are hoping for a breakout season. If he can maintain this type of level throughout spring training, it could push Kris Bryant back to the outfield.
Bill Schmidt, GM: “Montero has had a very good start to camp and has swung the bat very well.”
Los Angeles Dodgers — Gavin Lux, SS
Age: 26
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 190
Lux was one of the top shortstop prospects in baseball before injuries, including a season-ending knee injury last spring, slowed his progression. However, in his short major-league career (894 at-bats), he has posted 5.2 WAR with 18 home runs, 105 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. He’s having a strong spring training at the plate, going 8-for-23 so far, and looks healthy. The offensive potential has always been there and now that he’s in one of the best lineups in baseball with little to no pressure, don’t be surprised if he realizes his potential. However, he must overcome his throwing issues at shortstop, which have resurfaced this spring.
Brandon Gomes, GM: “Lux hasn’t missed a beat offensively and may look better than we’ve ever seen him in the box. To miss an entire year and still have his rhythm and timing versus major-league pitching is really impressive.”
San Diego Padres — Jackson Merrill, LF
Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 195
A 2021 first-round pick, Merrill was drafted as a shortstop but with Ha-Seong Kim at short and Xander Bogaerts at second, his best chance of making the Padres’ big-league team out of spring training will be in left field. I saw him play in the Futures Game last July and thought he had the loudest bat in batting practice as he showed off ridiculous raw pull power. (In games, he uses the whole field with authority.) Last year between High A and Double A, he slashed .277/.326/.444 with 25 doubles, four triples, 15 home runs, 64 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 19 attempts. Fernando Tatis Jr. recently said during an ESPN spring training broadcast that he hopes Merrill makes the team as the starting left fielder despite his age because of his overall talent and potential. He’s holding his own so far this spring at the plate and looks like he’ll be able to learn to play left field. If he doesn’t start the year in the majors, he’ll eventually get there this season and when he does should be a positive contributor in the short term and could become an All-Star caliber player in the long term.
A.J. Preller, president of baseball operations: “Jackson worked really hard this offseason to be prepared for this camp. He brings an energy every day that is contagious and it’s been fun to see the way he has attacked the challenge of learning the new position of left field.”
San Francisco Giants — Mason Black, RHP
Age: 24
Height: 6-3 Weight: 230
Black logged a 3.71 ERA in 29 starts between Double A and Triple A last year. He struck out 155 in 123 2/3 innings but also walked 52. His feature pitch is his four-seam fastball from a low arm slot that plays against both righty and lefty hitters at the top of the zone at 93-95 mph, which reminds me of Bryan Woo of the Mariners. Black’s repertoire also includes a hard sweeping slider and a tighter cutter. He needs to work on his changeup and command but he’s making progress and this spring the durable righty is competing for a starting rotation spot.
Pete Putila, GM: “Black is showing what he can do in this camp after making the eighth-most starts in the minors the past two years. In 2023, he improved the command of his sweeper and added a shorter, harder slider. This spring, he has continued to refine his (pitch) mix by improving his changeup.”
AL East
Baltimore Orioles — Kyle Stowers, OF
Age: 26
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-3 Weight: 215
The Orioles are so loaded with outfielders, including their starting three (Anthony Santander, Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays) and youngsters Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad, who look like they’re on the verge of contributing. But don’t forget about Stowers, who is also impressing. Last season in the minors (mostly at Triple A) Stowers slashed .275/.388/.566 with 10 doubles, 21 home runs and 58 RBIs in just 258 at-bats. He gives the Orioles flexibility to trade some of their outfield depth or could become a trade piece himself. He has hit three home runs this spring.
Mike Elias, GM: “He had some tough luck with an ill-timed injury in 2023, but Stowers has come into camp sharp and determined. He’s made his swing a tick more efficient and has also been excellent staying in against left-handed pitching this spring. Huge power and a great athlete with his whole career in front of him.”
Boston Red Sox — Justin Slaten, RHP
Age: 26
Height: 6-4 Weight: 222
Slaten, a former Rangers prospect, was selected by the Mets in the Rule 5 draft, then acquired by the Red Sox in a trade. Last year between Double A and Triple A he posted an 2.87 ERA in 39 relief appearances and one start, with 86 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings. This spring he’s pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks. Slaten’s status as a Rule 5 selectee means he needs to make the active roster or be sent back to the Mets.
Craig Breslow, chief baseball officer: “Slaten has been impressive. He’s shown the ability to get swings-and-misses in the zone on his secondaries with enough (on his fastball) to keep hitters off balance.”
New York Yankees — Nick Burdi, RHP
Age: 31
Height: 6-3 Weight: 225
It’s not often a 31-year-old journeyman-type pitcher stands out in spring training but that’s what Burdi has done this spring with the Yankees. His stuff is overpowering but he’s rarely been healthy over the past decade; when he has pitched, he’s logged high strikeout and walk rates. He has a 98 to 100 mph fastball from a lower arm slot to go with a slider and changeup. He’s had two Tommy John surgeries and a surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome, so health concerns will always be there, but he’s struck out seven and walked one in three innings this spring as he tries to win a spot in the bullpen.
Aaron Boone, manager: “Burdi has ridiculously great stuff. The only question is, can he put it all together and stay healthy? If he can, watch out!”
Tampa Bay Rays — Jonathan Aranda, INF
Age: 25
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 210
The Rays always seem to have players who “come out of nowhere” and exceed expectations and this spring Aranda looks like he could be the next one to do it. Last year he slashed .339/.449/.613 with 23 doubles, 25 home runs and 81 RBIs at Triple A, then was promoted to the majors where he posted a .340 OBP but didn’t do much damage outside of that. This spring he’s hit .375 in 16-at bats with loud noise coming off the sweet spot. He’s one to watch.
Erik Neander, president of baseball operations: “Aranda is a gifted hitter with a great track record in the box. He’s generated a lot of buzz in camp and is earning stronger consideration for a major-league opportunity each passing day.”
Toronto Blue Jays — Alejandro Kirk, C
Age: 25
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-8 Weight: 245
With 19 doubles, 14 home runs, and 63 RBIs in 2022, Kirk slashed.285/.372/.415 to earn the title of Silver Slugger and All-Star. With 16 doubles, 8 home runs, and 43 RBIs last year, he hit.250/.334/.358, but he was unable to duplicate such achievements. He has hit two home runs in his first five games this spring, though, and he looks to be in much better form. The Blue Jays need Kirk to have a breakout season after losing Matt Chapman to free agency and failing to add much offensive talent this offseason outside of Justin Turner; there are encouraging early indicators he is headed in that direction.
Ross Atkins, GM: “Alejandro has looked very strong thus far. His focus, work and routines have put him in position to be successful in every aspect of his game.”
AL Central
Chicago White Sox — Dylan Cease, RHP
Age: 28
Height: 6-2 Weight: 200
In addition to being the White Sox’s finest pitcher, Cease represents the best trade asset for the organization in the lead-up to the trade deadline. In 2022, he finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting with a record of 14-8, 2.20 ERA, 32 starts, 227 strikeouts, and 78 walks in 184 innings. He declined last season, finishing 7-9 over 33 starts with a 4.58 ERA and a 3.72 FIP. He struck out over 200 batters for the third consecutive year, but he also walked 79 in 177 innings (4.0 walks per nine). The White Sox will be happy to see that he resembles the Cease of 2022 more this spring. He will probably be the one they open with.
General Manager Chris Getz: “Dylan is already averaging 98 mph on his fastball and 88 to 89 mph on his slider.” He is never been more physically ready for a season than he is going into this one. He says he is not even locked in yet, but this is the best we have seen him command as a White Sox starter thus far.
Cleveland Guardians — Angel Martínez, INF
Age: 22
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 200
Last season, Martínez played in both Double A and Triple A, compiling a stellar.251/.321/.394 slash line that included 23 doubles, five triples, 14 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. He began 32 games at shortstop, 38 at third base, and 56 at second base. He is had a fantastic spring so far, and it is impressive that he can play all three of those infield positions effectively. The changes that Guardians has made to his game have everyone in the camp gushing.
General Manager Mike Chernoff: “Martínez is a dynamic and adaptable player who worked extremely hard this offseason, both on offense and defense, and that effort has continued into spring training.” He can make several distinct contributions to the game.
Detroit Tigers — Andy Ibañez, INF
Age: 30
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 205
Having a tenth player on your squad who can cover numerous roles in case of an injury is crucial. Ibañez offers the Tigers just that. He hit.264 with 11 home runs and a 102 OPS+ in 356 at-bats during the previous season. His value was 2.0 WAR.Given how good his spring is, some scouts think he might be an everyday player. Meanwhile, he will be a valuable substitute in case veteran third baseman Gio Urshela or rookie second baseman Colt Keith require a day off or have a tough pitching matchup.
GM Jeff Greenberg: “Ibañez has put together a solid camp.” He is a multifaceted asset, as we seen last year. He makes a lot of hard contact and approaches every at-bat with good technique. He offers us flexibility in a number of areas of the field. He keeps up his excellent defense work, is very regimented, and is ready to contribute every day whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Kansas City Royals — Kyle Isbel, OF
Age: 27
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 190
Isbel will be playing for the Royals for the fourth time in the majors this season, and the front staff is expecting a breakout. He slashed in 91 games played last year.240/.282/.380 with five home runs, 34 RBIs, and 22 doubles. Isbel may be able to smash 15 to 18 home runs and steal 20 bases, according to some scouts. Is this the year?
GM J.J. Picollo: “Kyle arrived to camp in excellent condition. He moves looser and with greater athleticism. He has a nice swing and is running smoothly. He is hitting the ball off his bat and making excellent use of all fields.
Minnesota Twins — Carlos Correa, SS
Age: 29
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
Although it is difficult to imagine, Correa is still in his 20s as he gets ready for his tenth major league season. Over his last two seasons with the Twins, he has participated in at least 135 games every season and produced respectable results despite a history of foot and leg problems. Leading the squad in home runs and RBIs, he has averaged 20 over his career, however his OPS fell from.834 to.711 in the previous season. This spring, scouts have noticed improved range from him in both directions, as his lower half looks much healthier than it has in the past. The Twins need a healthy Carlos Correa if they hope to win the NL Central again. He is doing well.
Derek Falvey, president of baseball operations: “Carlos battled through a lot of soreness last year with that plantar issue. He played great defense all year through it all. You can tell he’s feeling a lot better this spring.”
AL West
Houston Astros — Kenedy Corona, OF
Age: 23
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 184
Last season, Corona played at High A and Double A, where he had a slash line of.251/.331/.458 with 32 stolen bases in 42 tries, 22 doubles, and 65 RBIs. In a few games, he held his own while competing in the Arizona Fall League. Although he plays above-average defense and power, is he a good enough hitter to be successful in the major leagues? He could reach the majors this season if he makes the necessary corrections in the early going of the season.
Dana Brown, GM: “Corona is very intriguing. It’s most likely plus defense with a plus arm and good bat-to-ball (skills) and power upside because there is natural strength. He was added to the 40-man this offseason and might burst on the scene by the beginning of summer.”
Los Angeles Angels — Jordyn Adams, OF
Age: 24
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 181
Adams, a 2018 first-round selection, has not developed quickly. But as he sliced at Triple A last year, it appeared like he was beginning to understand.With 25 doubles, six triples, 15 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 44 steals in 49 tries, his slash line was 268/.352/.465. At the end of the season, the Angels called him up, but he did not sing like Beyoncé; instead, he went 5-for-39. But this spring, he is making waves with a different song—like her No. 1 country hit. He is an amazing athlete and has always possessed quickness. He only has to hit sufficiently. Adams has tools, so the Angels should not give up on him too soon.
Perry Minasian, GM: “A ‘toolshed center fielder’ who’s starting to slow the game down. He can impact the game in multiple ways.”
Oakland A’s— Joe Boyle, RHP
Age: 24
Height: 6-7 Weight: 240
Boyle is making an impression this spring and is a good candidate to make the big-league roster out of training. He had a 3.84 ERA over 25 starts in Double A and Triple A last year, with 168 strikeouts and only 83 hits allowed in 117 1/3 innings. He did, however, walk 93 batters. He made the most of his September call-up, going 16 innings with 15 strikeouts and 5 walks while recording a 1.69 ERA. He will be a valuable member of the A’s pitching staff once command and control arrive. This spring’s early returns have been encouraging.
General Manager David Forst: “Boyle continued exactly where he left off in September.” His command has been excellent, his stuff is in midseason form, and he does not look like a rookie who has only made three major-league starts.
Seattle Mariners — Ryan Bliss, 2B/SS
Age: 24
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-6 Weight: 165
During the trade deadline last year, Bliss was the star prospect in the Mariners and Diamondbacks’ Paul Sewald transaction. He was taken by Arizona in the second round of the 2021 draft out of Auburn. Between Double A and Triple A last season, he slashed.304/.378/.524 with 34 doubles, 23 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 55 stolen bases. In seven games this spring, he is batting.375 (6-for-16). He is altered his posture at the plate a lot, shortening his swing, and using a toe tap, among other things. His best position is second base, but if he can reach the Mariners this season, a utility player role would be ideal for him. It is thrilling to see this athletic athlete play.
Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations: “Bliss has been a standout since day one. He’s been smooth defensively, showing he can handle both middle-infield spots, while also showing a quick bat with sneaky power and plus-plus speed.”
Texas Rangers — Justin Foscue, 2B/3B
Age: 25
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 205
Foscue, a 2020 first-round selection out of Mississippi State, was selected by the Rangers. He slashed at Triple A last year.266/.394/.468 with 14 stolen bases, 84 RBIs, 18 home runs, and 31 doubles. In the major leagues, Josh Jung at third base, Corey Seager at shortstop, and Marcus Semien at second base have all blocked him. He is most likely to be moved for pitching when the Rangers decide they need to make a move because his only realistic route to major league playing time is as an injury replacement or in a backup capacity. Foscue’s defense has really improved, and he will ultimately start playing second base for a team. Just the Rangers are not expected to be involved.
Chris Young, GM: “Justin continues to demonstrate an elite approach and has worked really hard to make himself a solid defender. He’s having an impressive camp.”
(Top photo of Owen Caissie: Matt Dirksen / Getty Images)
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