As Major League Baseball’s offseason concludes, attention shifts to the promising talents awaiting their debuts. Despite the imminent start of the 2024 season, it’s prime time to evaluate the future stars of the game. Here, we present CBS Sports’ ranking of the top 50 minor-league prospects, curated through consultations with scouts, analysts, and player development experts.
- Jackson Holliday, SS, Orioles (20 years old) MLB ETA: Spring 2024 Holliday, a left-handed shortstop, boasts exceptional potential with a lineage tied to his father, seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. Despite the weight of expectations, Jackson has consistently exceeded projections, showcasing his prowess across three minor league levels, concluding with a standout performance in Triple-A. With a well-rounded skill set and a knack for surpassing challenges, Holliday is poised to make a significant impact at the highest level.
- Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays (20 years old) MLB ETA: Debuted in 2023 Caminero, renowned for his raw power and defensive prowess, offers an intriguing blend of skills. Despite an aggressive plate approach, he demonstrates the ability to generate substantial exit velocities and effortless power, making him a formidable presence at the plate. With comparisons to established sluggers, Caminero’s potential as a cornerstone player for the Rays is undeniable.
- Evan Carter, CF, Rangers (21 years old) MLB ETA: Debuted in 2023 Carter’s emergence as a disciplined outfielder with a keen eye for the strike zone has been a revelation. Despite initial doubts surrounding his profile, Carter has silenced critics with his command of the plate and defensive versatility. With a well-rounded skill set and a penchant for making solid contact, Carter promises to be a mainstay in the Rangers’ lineup for years to come.
- Wyatt Langford, OF, Rangers (22 years old) MLB ETA: Spring 2024 Langford, the fourth overall pick, has rapidly ascended through the minor leagues, showcasing his offensive prowess and athleticism. Despite unconventional swing mechanics, Langford’s production at multiple levels underscores his potential as a dynamic contributor. With a blend of speed and power, Langford is poised to make an immediate impact in the majors.
- Dylan Crews, OF, Nationals (22 years old) MLB ETA: Summer 2024 Crews, hailed as the best prospect in his class, possesses a well-rounded skill set and a track record of success. While facing challenges in his transition to professional baseball, Crews’ pedigree and abilities suggest a bright future. With continued development, Crews aims to establish himself as a cornerstone player for the Nationals.
- James Wood, OF, Nationals (21 years old) MLB ETA: Summer 2024 Wood, a towering outfielder with immense power potential, presents a tantalizing blend of skills and athleticism. Despite concerns regarding his strikeout rate, Wood’s ability to drive the ball and his defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Nationals. With room for growth and refinement, Wood aims to become a premier slugger in the majors.
- Jackson Chourio, CF, Brewers (20 years old) MLB ETA: Summer 2024 Chourio, heralded for his dynamic skill set and offensive prowess, offers a unique combination of power and speed. Despite questions surrounding his hit tool, Chourio’s success in the upper minors underscores his potential as a game-changing talent. With continued development, Chourio aims to become a perennial All-Star for the Brewers.
- Ethan Salas, C, Padres (17 years old) MLB ETA: Summer 2024 Salas, a precocious catcher with advanced defensive skills, has garnered attention for his poise and maturity beyond his years. With a potent bat and exceptional receiving ability, Salas promises to revolutionize the catcher position. Despite the challenges facing young backstops, Salas’ potential as a franchise cornerstone is undeniable.
- Walker Jenkins, OF, Twins (19 years old) MLB ETA: Late 2026 Jenkins, hailed as the best prep bat in his draft class, offers a tantalizing blend of power and plate discipline. Despite questions regarding his defensive profile, Jenkins’ offensive potential and physical tools make him an intriguing prospect for the Twins. With continued development, Jenkins aims to become a fixture in the Twins’ lineup for years to come.
- Paul Skenes, RHP, Pirates (21 years old) MLB ETA: Summer 2024 Skenes, the top overall pick, possesses elite velocity and a power arsenal, making him a coveted prospect for the Pirates. Despite concerns regarding his fastball’s effectiveness, Skenes’ track record of success and raw talent suggest a promising future. With refinement and development, Skenes aims to anchor the Pirates’ rotation for years to come.
The list continues with a diverse array of talent poised to make waves in the majors, embodying the future of baseball’s brightest stars.
