Spring Training is winding down, and that means Opening Day rosters are beginning to take shape. For some top prospects, that means achieving the ultimate spring goal – breaking camp with their club for Opening Day.
Many of the game’s best blue-chippers are in precisely this position. Many others fell just short, though with the expectation they’ll be in the big leagues in short order. So, who’s in? Who’s out?
Let’s take a look at the Top 30 prospects invited to Spring Training and where they currently stand. Here is a team-by-team breakdown:
Blue Jays (Top 30 Prospects)
Sent down: Gabriel Moreno, C (No. 1), Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B (No. 2), Jordan Groshans, SS/3B (No. 3), Otto Lopez, 2B/OF/SS (No. 4), Leonardo Jimenez, SS/2B (No. 5), Bowden Francis, RHP (No. 15), Hagen Danner, RHP (No. 17), Adrian Hernandez, RHP (No. 18)
Orioles (Top 30 Prospects)
Contenders
Mike Baumann, RHP (No. 13) — Baumann is being prepped as a starter after debuting with four relief appearances down the stretch last season. But the hard-throwing righty’s clearest path to Baltimore seems as a multi-inning reliever, at least right now.
Zac Lowther, LHP (No. 27) — The former second-round pick debuted in 2021, put together a nice string of September starts and entered camp in competition with Tyler Wells, Dean Kremer and Keegan Akin for a back-end rotation job. But he’s yet to make a start this spring, logging two scoreless innings in relief of Bruce Zimmermann in his only Grapefruit League outing so far.
Felix Bautista, RHP (No. 30) — The 26-year-old Bautista is one of baseball’s oldest prospects. But he climbed three levels in 2021, throws 100 mph, and the O’s need back-end arms with Wells converting back into a starter. Bautista has only helped his case this spring, striking out seven across four outings.
Injured
Adley Rutschman, C (No. 1) — Whether Rutschman could crack the roster was supposed to be the story of Orioles camp this spring. But a triceps injury limited the 2019 top overall pick early in camp, and although he’s resumed light baseball activities, Rutschman won’t be ready for either Triple-A Opening Day or Major League Opening Day.
Sent down: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP (No. 2), DL Hall, LHP (No. 5), Kyle Stowers, OF (No. 8), Kyle Bradish, RHP (No. 10), Terrin Vavra, 2B (No. 14) Kevin Smith, LHP (No. 18), Jahmai Jones, 2B (No. 22), Yusniel Diaz, OF (No. 26)
Rays (Top 30 Prospects)
Injured
Shane Baz, RHP (No. 1) — Baz appeared primed to impact the Rays’ rotation before learning he needed arthroscopic right elbow surgery this spring. The highly touted righty should resume throwing in a couple weeks.
Sent down: Josh Lowe, OF (No. 2), Vidal Bruján, OF/2B/SS (No. 4), Jonathan Aranda, INF (No. 22), Rene Pinto, C (No. 27)
Red Sox (Top 30 Prospects)
Lock
Kutter Crawford, RHP (No. 25) — Boston is thin on right-handed bullpen depth, creating opportunity for the hard-throwing Crawford, who came up as a starter and debuted last September. He’s whiffed eight in three relief appearances this spring. Manager Alex Cora announced on Monday that he’s made the team.
Sent down: Triston Casas, 1B (No. 2), Jarren Duran, OF (No. 4), Brayan Bello, RHP (No. 5), Jeter Downs, SS/2B (No. 6), Chris Murphy, LHP (No. 11), Jay Groome, LHP (No. 12), Josh Winckowski, RHP (No. 14), Connor Seabold, RHP (No. 15), Ronaldo Hernández, C (No. 24), Christian Koss, SS (No. 27)
Yankees (Top 30 Prospects)
Contenders
Clarke Schmidt, RHP (No. 7) — Schmidt could either play a role in the big league bullpen right away, or stretch out as a starter in the Minors to open the season. The 26-year-old has MLB experience and has been solid this spring, with a 3.86 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings.
Sent down: Oswald Peraza, SS (No. 2), Yoendrys Gómez, RHP (No. 9), Luis Gil (No. 10), Everson Pereira, OF (No. 11), Luis Medina, RHP (No. 12), Oswaldo Cabrera, INF (No. 14), JP Sears, LHP (No. 24), Ron Marinaccio, RHP (No. 28), Deivi García (No. 29), Estevan Florial, OF (No. 30)
Guardians (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Bryan Lavastida, C (No. 12) — Projected Opening Day backup catcher Luke Maile’s hamstring strain created an opportunity for Lavastida, who raked at two levels and reached Triple-A in 2021. He beat out veteran backstop Sandy Leon for a spot on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster with the advantage of already being on the 40-man roster.
Steven Kwan, OF (No. 15) — Steven Kwan turned his red-hot spring into a trip to Cleveland for Opening Day. He hit .429/.467/.500 with seven runs scored and three RBIs over 14 games. Last season, the 24-year-old posted a combined .328/.407/.527 slash line, 12 home runs, four triples, 65 runs and 44 RBIs in 77 games over the top two Minors levels.
Sent down: George Valera, OF (No. 1), Gabriel Arias, INF (No. 3), Brayan Rochhio, INF (No. 4), Tyler Freeman, INF (No. 5), Nolan Jones, 3B/OF (No. 6), Logan Allen, LHP (No. 8), Jose Tena, INF (No. 9), Bryan Lavastida, C (No. 12), Jhonkensy Noel, 3B/1B (No. 13), Bo Naylor, C (No. 16), Cody Morris, RHP (No. 17), Richie Palacios, 2B/OF (No. 18), Tobias Myers, RHP (No. 22), Nick Mikolajchak, RHP (No. 29)
Royals (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Bobby Witt Jr., SS (No. 1) — It feels all but certain at this point that baseball’s No. 1 overall prospect will be starting at third base in Kansas City come April 7. The Royals have been giving Witt Jr. reps at the hot corner all spring in order to give him the best chance to make the big league club out of camp, and with a 1.138 OPS in 11 spring games, he’s certainly making the most of his chances.
Contenders
Kyle Isbel, OF (No. 7) — Isbel is a lefty bat who got decent playing time with the Major League club last year – a .276/.337/.434 line in 28 games. According to Royals beat writer Anne Rogers, the club will need to decide if they would rather have Isbel get consistent at-bats in Triple-A to start the season or have him as a bench option.
Jon Heasley, RHP (No. 10) — Heasley is likely to make the Opening Day roster in a bullpen role, likely as a middle-inning guy to help support the starters who are only able to go three or four innings to begin the season, according to Rogers. As a multi-inning guy, his presence also gives the Royals good rotation depth.
Long shots
Dylan Coleman, RHP (No. 23) — Coleman impressed in 6 1/3 innings for the Royals last September, but he’s only thrown two innings in Spring Training so far, so he’ll likely log time in the Minors before making the Big League club.
Sent down: MJ Melendez, C (No. 2), Nick Pratto, 1B (No. 3), Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B (No. 5), Jonathan Bowlan, RHP (No. 9), Angel Zerpa, LHP (No. 14), Austin Cox, LHP (No. 19), Maikel Garcia, SS (No. 22)
Tigers (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Spencer Torkelson, 1B (No. 1) — Torkelson stands to make his highly anticipated MLB debut on Opening Day. General manager Al Avila said on April 2 that the 2020 No. 1 overall Draft pick is poised to make the roster. He’s expected be the Tigers’ everyday first baseman, with Miguel Cabrera taking DH duties.
Contenders
Jason Foley, RHP (No. 19) — Foley probably has a better than 50-50 shot to make the Opening Day roster thanks to an expanded bullpen to open the season. The 26-year-old reliever made 11 relief appearances for the Tigers in 2021 with a 2.61 ERA and six strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings.
Long shots
Ryan Kreidler, SS/3B (No. 7) — The 24-year-old infielder isn’t going to make the Opening Day roster. A non-roster invitee to Spring Training, Kreidler is batting .188 with a home run in 16 at-bats. He hit .270 with 22 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2021.
Gage Workman, SS (No. 11) — The 22-year-old won’t make the Tigers Opening Day roster, having no playing experience above High-A. Workman crushed his first homer of the spring on April 3 and had 55 extra-base hits with 31 stolen bases between Single-A and High-A last season.
Injured
Riley Greene, OF (No. 2) — Greene, who suffered a fractured right foot on April 1, had been a star in Spring Training while playing mostly center field. The Tigers say the injury will not require surgery, and he’ll be re-evaluated in a few weeks.
Sent down: Dillon Dingler, C (No. 4), Ty Madden, RHP (No. 6), Dylan Smith, RHP (No. 9), Joey Wentz, LHP (No. 12), Alex Faedo, RHP (No. 16), Kody Clemens, INF/OF (No. 18), Beau Brieske, RHP (No. 23), Garret Hill, RHP (No. 27), Angel De Jesus, RHP (No. 28)
Twins (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Joe Ryan, RHP (No. 4) — Despite sporting a starting rotation with three pitchers with Opening Day experience — Sonny Gray with three, Chris Archer with four and Dylan Bundy with two — Twins manager Rocco Baldelli announced Thursday the rookie right-hander Ryan will start Opening Day against the Mariners. Ryan will be the first rookie to start Opening Day for the Twins since Tom Hall in 1969.
Contenders
Jhoan Duran, RHP (No. 6) — Including Ryan, the Twins could have three of their top four pitching prospects with them on Opening Day. Whether that happens depends on the brewing bullpen competing involving Duran, a hard-throwing righty who was limited by elbow issues last season. He’s unscored upon across six innings of one-hit ball this spring.
Josh Winder, RHP (No. 7) — The 6-foot-5 Winder is in the mix as well, though he’s been stretched out as a starter this spring. The 25-year-old posted a 2.63 ERA in 14 starts between Double- and Triple-A last season.
Sent down: Royce Lewis, SS (No. 1), Austin Martin, OF/SS (No. 2), Jordan Balazovic, RHP (No. 5), Spencer Steer, 2B/3B (No. 11), Ronny Henriquez, RHP (No. 14), Aaron Sabato, 1B (No. 16), Cole Sands, RHP (No. 17), Drew Strotman, RHP (No. 19), Blayne Enlow, RHP (No. 20), Chris Vallimont, RHP (No. 22), Jovani Moran, LHP (No. 24), Jermaine Palacios, SS (No. 30)
White Sox (Top 30 Prospects)
Contenders
Jake Burger, 3B (No. 7) — Despite Chicago’s deep pool of bats, Burger entered camp with a chance to win a bench role and at-bats at designated hitter with a strong spring. He’s having that, with two homers and two doubles in 10 games.
Micker Adolfo, OF (No. 14) — Adolfo is in a similar position as Burger, though he’s out of options and therefore might have a better chance at cracking the roster. He bashed 25 homers at Triple-A last season, and has been one of Chicago’s most productive hitters this spring.
Sent down: Jose Rodriguez, SS (No. 3), Yoelqui Céspedes, OF (No. 4), Romy Gonzalez, SS/2B (No. 8), Jimmy Lambert, RHP (No. 16), Jason Bilous, RHP (No. 17), Jonathan Stiever, RHP (No. 18), Anderson Severino, LHP (No. 20), Caleb Freeman, RHP (No. 21), Bennet Sousa, LHP (No. 25), Emilio Vargas, RHP (No. 27), Kade McClure, RHP (No. 28)
Angels (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Austin Warren, RHP (No. 17) — Warren should be considered a lock to make the Angels’ Opening Day bullpen. The 26-year-old righty was fantastic down the stretch last season after being called up at the end of July, posting a 1.77 ERA in 16 relief appearances with 20 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.
Reid Detmers, LHP (No. 1) — Detmers impressed the Angels this spring and was named their sixth starter following his April 1 outing against Cincinnati. The team’s top prospect, who debuted last August and made five starts for the Halos, struck out 11 without issuing a walk over 5 2/3 frames in the Cactus League.
Long shots
Michael Stefanic, 2B (No. 27) — Stefanic isn’t on the 40-man roster and is considered a long shot to make the team out of Spring Training. The 26-year-old right-handed hitter, who batted .336 in the Minors last year, is batting .381 (8-for-21) this spring.
Sent down: Janson Junk, RHP (No. 11), Davis Daniel, RHP (No. 13), Brendon Davis, INF (No. 22), Elvis Peguero, RHP (No. 28)
Astros (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Jeremy Peña, SS (No. 1) — Peña is set to inherit the Astros’ starting shortstop role from Carlos Correa. Those are big shoes to fill, but the 24-year-old is the team’s top prospect. Peña is batting .389 in Spring Training (7-for-18) and hit .297 with 10 home runs in just 37 games in the Minors last season.
Jose Siri, OF (No. 14) — Siri is on track to make the Opening Day roster and figures to split time in center field with Chas McCormick while Jake Meyers recovers from offseason shoulder surgery that will keep him out until at least May. The 26-year-old impressed in his debut season last year, batting .304 with four home runs and three steals in 21 games and contributing to Houston’s postseason run.
Sent down: Korey Lee, C (No. 2), Hunter Brown, RHP (No. 3), Pedro Leon, SS/OF (No. 4), Forrest Whitley, RHP (No. 5), Peter Solomon, RHP (No. 7), Shawn Dubin, RHP (No. 8), Joe Perez, 3B/1B (No. 9), Jonathan Bermudez, LHP (No. 19), Tyler Ivey, RHP (No. 20), Alex McKenna, OF (No. 22), Grae Kessinger, INF (No. 24), Corey Julks, OF (No. 28)
A’s (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Daulton Jefferies, RHP (No. 13) — Jefferies is in line for a rotation spot after the A’s traded Chris Bassitt and lost James Kaprielian to shoulder woes. According to A’s beat writer Martin Gallegos, Jefferies will likely slot in as the club’s fourth starter to open the year.
Contenders
Cristian Pache, OF (No. 4) — With Ramon Laureano serving a PED suspension for the first 27 games of the 2022 regular season, Pache is aiming for an Opening Day outfield spot. The 23-year-old struggled with the bat and injuries in 2021, but his excellent defense could earn him the starting job in center field over Skye Bolt.
Kevin Smith, SS/3B (No. 16) — After a breakout offensive season at Triple-A Buffalo where he hit 21 home runs and 18 stolen bases, Smith landed in Oakland as part of the return package in the Matt Chapman trade. He profiles best at third, but could provide some versatility by filling in at shortstop and second as well.
Injured
Brent Honeywell Jr., RHP (No. 30) — After appearing ready to crack the A’s Opening Day roster, the oft-injured former top prospect Honeywell Jr. was shut down indefinitely Monday due to another elbow ailment.
Mariners (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Julio Rodríguez, OF (No. 1) — Given the fact that Seattle has been regularly starting J-Rod in center in spring games, it would have been a shock if he didn’t make the team out of camp. On Monday, Rodríguez learned he was on the Opening Day roster and is expected to start the season as the club’s everyday center fielder, per Mariners beat writer Daniel Kramer. Seven of his 13 hits in his first 12 Cactus League games went for extra bases, and he also logged eight RBIs, three walks and three stolen bases in that stretch.
Matt Brash, RHP (No. 6) — In the same April 1 game in which George Kirby pitched three frames of one-hit ball, Brash fanned six and permitted one run — his first of the season — over 4 1/3 innings, cementing a rotation spot. The 23-year-old got a Seattle callup at the end of last year but did not make his debut.
Long shots
Wyatt Mills, RHP (No. 27) — The 27-year-old Mills was ineffective in his time with the Mariners last season, allowing 14 earned runs and 19 hits in 12 2/3 innings, in addition to allowing three runs on five hits in four innings this spring. He’ll likely start the season in Triple-A to hone his stuff and polish up for the big leagues.
Sent down: Noelvi Marte, SS (No. 2), George Kirby, RHP (No. 3), Levi Stoudt, RHP (No. 7), Alberto Rodriguez, OF (No. 8), Zach DeLoach, OF (No. 12)
Rangers (Top 30 Prospects)
Contenders
Glenn Otto, RHP (No. 26) — Another fifth starter candidate, Otto is probably behind Alexy and a few others at this point. After joining Texas’ farm system from the Yankees in the Joey Gallo trade, he pitched to the tune of an impressive 2.70 ERA while holding batters to a .188 average in 20 Triple-A innings.
Injured
Josh Jung, 3B (No. 2) — Jung was shut down before camp in February with what ended up being a torn labrum, so he will miss a significant chunk of the season and will spend much of 2022 rehabbing.
Sent down: Ezequiel Duran, INF (No. 4), Sam Huff, C (No. 11), Ricky Vanasco, RHP (No. 14), A.J. Alexy, RHP (No. 25), Yerry Rodriguez, RHP (No. 27)
Tucker Davidson, LHP (No. 8) — Davidson made his big league debut late last season and started Game 5 of the World Series, that experience probably giving him a leg up this spring. He’s also out-pitched Muller, striking out eight over five innings of two-run ball.
Long shots
Spencer Strider, RHP (No. 2) — That Strider rose from Single-A all the way to the big leagues in 2021 was evidence of the 23-year-old’s sky-high ceiling. The Braves might be comfortable putting him on the active roster for a couple of weeks, but Strider likely needs more time in the Minors to properly develop.
Sent down: Michael Harris II, OF (No. 1), Drew Waters, OF (No. 3), Kyle Muller, LHP (No. 4), Braden Shewmake, SS (No. 6), Vaughn Grissom, SS (No. 7), Freddy Tarnok, RHP (No. 9), Jesse Franklin V, OF (No. 11), Brooks Wilson, RHP (No. 20), William Woods, RHP (No. 21), Alan Rangel, RHP (No. 22)
Marlins (Top 30 prospects)
Contenders
Cody Poteet, RHP (No. 24) — The 27-year-old Poteet was one of Miami’s most improved pitchers last season, debuting in May and holding his own in seven starts before missing the final three months with a knee injury. He looks like a potential long-man in the Marlins’ ‘pen at this point..
Sent down: Edward Cabrera, RHP (No. 2), Sixto Sánchez, RHP (No. 5), Nick Neidert, RHP (No. 20), Braxton Garrett, LHP (No. 21), Jerar Encarnación, OF/1B (No. 22), Nick Fortes, C (No. 30)
Mets (Top 30 prospects)
Long shots
Eric Orze, RHP (No. 17) — A two-time cancer survivor, Orze rose three levels in 2021 behind the strength of his split-fingered fastball. But the Mets’ bullpen is fairly set with veterans, especially after the recent additions of Adam Ottavino and Chasen Shreve.
Hayden Senger, C (No. 20) — The Mets don’t have much wiggle room at catcher: James McCann will start, with Thomas Nido backing up and Patrick Mazieka providing depth. Senger should begin the year at Triple-A.
Sent down: Francisco Álvarez, C (No. 1), Brett Baty, 3B (No. 2), Ronny Mauricio, SS (No. 3), Mark Vientos, 3B/OF/1B (No. 4), Khalil Lee, OF (No. 7), Nick Plummer, OF (No. 8), Jose Butto, RHP (No. 12), Jake Magnum, OF (No. 22)
Nationals (Top 30 prospects)
Contenders
Joan Adon, RHP (No. 8) — It’s hard to imagine Adon earning an Opening Day nod over Cavalli at this point, even with the potential loss of Fedde to an injured side opens the door for the 23-year-old who made his big league debut last season after an up-and-down Minor League campaign.
Long shots
Jordy Barley, SS/2B (No. 28) — Considering Barley has gotten one Grapefruit League at-bat and has played yet to move past Single-A, his presence on the Nats’ Opening Day roster would be miraculous.
Sent down: Cade Cavalli, RHP (No. 1), Jackson Rutledege, RHP (No. 4), Yasel Antuna, SS/3B (No. 12), Evan Lee, LHP (No. 18), Donovan Casey, OF (No. 19), Drew Millas, C (No. 20), Jackson Cluff, SS (No. 22), Israel Pineda, C (No. 25)
Phillies (Top 30 prospects)
Locks
Matt Vierling, OF (No. 10) — Vierling raked to the tune of a .324/.364/.479 line in 34 big league games last year to put himself squarly in Philadelphia’s plans. He looks like the Phillies’ Opening Day center fielder.
Mickey Moniak, OF (No. 18) — After years of struggling to live up the expectations, the 2016 top overall pick appears primed head north with the Phillies as their fourth outfielder. He’s homered five times in 12 games this spring.
Christopher Sánchez, LHP (No. 23) — Sánchez debuted last season and brings big stuff, despite inconsistent control. He’s logged seven innings of one-run ball this spring with an eye toward making the club as Philadelphia’s third lefty in the ‘pen.
Contenders
Bryson Stott, SS (No. 1) — The former first-round pick had a huge year in 2021, climbing three levels and excelling in the AFL. He’s also tied with Bryce Harper for the team lead in hits with 12 this spring.
Damon Jones, LHP (No. 30) – A 27-year-old southpaw, Jones also enjoyed a strong turn in the AFL last fall. He’s been solid in five spring outings as he competes with Sanchez and others for relief innings.
Sent down: Johan Rojas, OF (No. 4), Logan O’Hoppe, C (No. 5), Hans Crouse, RHP (No. 6), Luis García, SS (No. 8), Francisco Morales, RHP (No. 11), Jhailyn Ortiz, OF (No. 13), James McArthur, RHP (No. 21), Simon Muzziotti, OF (No. 22), Donny Sands, C (No. 29)
Brewers (Top 30 prospects)
Sent down: Sal Frelick, OF (No. 1), Joey Wiemer, OF (No. 2), Brice Turang, SS/2B (No. 4), Ethan Small, LHP (No. 7), Jackson Chourio, OF (No. 9), Joe Gray Jr., OF (No. 13), Zavier Warren, 3B/1B (No. 18), Marco Feliciano, C (No. 21), Alec Bettinger, RHP (No. 23), Dylan File, RHP (No. 25)
Cardinals (Top 30 Prospects)
Sent down: Jordan Walker, 3B (No. 1), Nolan Gorman, 2B/3B (No. 2), Matthew Liberatore, LHP (No. 3), Juan Yepez, 1B/3B/OF (No. 6), Zack Thompson, LHP (No. 9), Alec Burleson, OF (No. 10), Brendan Donovan, INF/OF (No. 12), Angel Rondón, RHP (No. 14), Andre Pallante, RHP (No. 15), Luken Baker, 1B (No. 17), Connor Thomas (No. 20), Delvin Pérez, SS (No. 25), Freddy Pacheco, RHP (No. 29), Jake Walsh (No. 30)
Cubs (Top 30 prospects)
Contenders
Alfonso Rivas, 1B/OF (No. 23) — Rivas is getting an extended look and is tied for the team lead in hits this spring. There is a scenario where he could head north if the Cubs want an extra lefty bat on the bench.
Ethan Roberts, RHP (No. 30) — Added to the 40-man roster this winter, Roberts entered camp in the mix for a bullpen job. He’s logged four scoreless appearances this spring to up his chances.
Long shots
Cayne Ueckert, RHP (No. 29) — The former 27th round pick and his big fastball have impressed this spring, but Ueckert hasn’t pitched above Double-A.
Sent down: Owen Caissie, OF (No. 8), Brailyn Marquez, LHP (No. 10), Miguel Amaya, C (No. 13), Ed Howard, SS/2B (No. 14), Nelson Velazquez, OF (No. 16), Alexander Canario, OF (No. 18), Christopher Morel, OF/INF (No. 21)
Pirates (Top 30 prospects)
Locks
Diego Castillo, INF (No. 21) — The versatile infielder hit his way to Triple-A and onto the Pirates’ 40-man roster last season, and he belted six homers over a seven-game span this spring to cement a spot.
Injured
Miguel Yajure, RHP (No. 16) — The right-hander missed time last season to a forearm strain, and is behind this spring due to a lumbar issue.
Sent down: Nick Gonzales, 2B (No. 1), Henry Davis, C (No. 2), Oneil Cruz, SS (No. 3), Quinn Priester, RHP (No. 4), Liover Peguero, SS (No. 6), Endy Rodriguez, C/OF (No. 7), Matt Fraizer, OF (No. 10), Michael Burrows, RHP (No. 11), Travis Swaggerty, OF (No. 13), Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP (No. 14), Ji-hwan Bae, 2B/OF (No. 17), Kyle Nicolas, RHP (No. 19), Jared Triolo, 3B (No. 20), Tahnaj Thomas, OF (No. 22), Canaan Smith-Njigba, OF (No. 23), Mason Martin, 1B (No. 24), Tucupita Marcano, INF (No. 25), Rodolfo Castro, INF (No. 27), Cal Mitchell, OF (No. 28), Jack Suwinski, OF (No. 30)
Reds (Top 30 prospects)
Locks
Hunter Greene, RHP (No. 1) — Greene and his triple-dight heat have already been told he has made Cincinnatin’s Opening Day roster. He’s slated to start the club’s fourth game of the season, which will also be his Major League debut. The 22-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the greatest spring, but his time has come.
Reiver Sanmartin, RHP (NR) — Sanmartin benefited greatly from the injury issues in the rotation and was named the probable starter for the Reds’ second regular season game. Two impressive late-season starts with the Reds and a strong spring gave him a strong opportunity to open the season in The Show.
Nick Lodolo, LHP (No. 2) — The lefty part of the 1-2 punch with Greene, Lodolo has been strong in Cactus League competition, but sore shoulders for ace Luis Castillo and veteran Mike Minor might be the biggest reasons he’ll be a part of the Reds’ rotation out of the chute. The 24-year-old certainly has the pedigree, but all things being equal, having made just three Triple-A starts would lend itself to more Minor League seasoning.
Sent down: Matt McLain, SS (No. 4), Brandon Williamson, LHP (No. 5), Graham Ashcraft, RHP (No. 8), Allan Cerda, OF (No. 22), Alejo Lopez 2B/3B (No. 23), TJ Friedl, OF (No. 30)
D-backs (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Jake McCarthy, OF (No. 26) — McCarthy’s ability to play at any spot in the outfield as well as his plus speed puts him on the fringe of being a lock to break camp with Arizona. The 24-year-old appeared in 24 games last year with the D-backs after a solid Minor League campaign which has continued into Cactus League action where he’s batted .333 with a .945 OPS.
Contenders
Geraldo Perdomo, SS (No. 8) — Perdomo has enjoyed a strong spring and with the added benefit of having been a Major Leaguer last year, albeit briefly, he has a chance to be a backup to starting shortstop Nick Ahmed. The more likely scenario, however, is opening the year with Triple-A Reno.
Seth Beer, 1B (No. 12) — Beer’s strong spring coupled with his not having much, if anything, left to prove in Triple-A puts him in a good spot to be on the D-backs’ Opening Day roster. With the designated hitter now a part of National League play, Beer’s chances of starting the season in the Majors is strong.
Long shots
Buddy Kennedy, 3B (No. 24) — Kennedy’s power is real — 22 homers among his 35 extra-base hits in 96 Minor League games last season — but he has yet to play above Double-A. Expect the 23-year-old to be much more of a realistic option this time next year.
Sent down: Alek Thomas, OF (No. 1), Kristian Robinson, OF (No. 13), Drew Ellis, 3B (No. 18)
Dodgers (Top 30 Prospects)
Sent down: Michael Busch, 2B/1B (No. 3), Andy Pages, OF (No. 4), Miguel Vargas, 3B/2B/1B (No. 5), Ryan Pepiot, RHP (No. 6), Eddys Leonard, INF (No. 8), Jorbit Vivias, 2B/3B (No. 9), Andre Jackson, RHP (No. 11), James Outman, OF (No. 17), Jacob Amaya, SS (No. 19), Michael Grove, RHP (No. 23), Kody Hoese, 3B (No. 24), Carson Taylor, C (No. 27)
Giants (Top 30 Prospects)
Locks
Joey Bart, C (No. 2) — The second overall pick in the 2018 Draft, Bart now becomes the Giants everyday catcher after Buster Posey’s surprise retirement. He’s looked the part this spring, homering thrice in seven games.
Long shots
Brett Auerbach, 2B/C (No. 28) — The Giants’ second base situation is set, with Tommy La Stella and Thairo Estrada providing a veteran platoon. Auerbach is exciting, but yet to play above Single-A.
Sent down: Heliot Ramos, OF (No. 6), Patrick Bailey, C (No. 8), Randy Rodriguez, RHP (No. 13), Gregory Santos, RHP (No. 15), Kervin Castro, RHP (No. 20), Sean Hjelle, LHP (No. 27), Ricardo Genovés, C (No. 30)
Padres (Top 30 Prospects)
Contenders
CJ Abrams, SS (No. 1) — Abrams went from being a long shot to a verifiable contender once Fernando Tatis Jr. was sidelined with a wrist injury that will keep him out of action until early summer. The 21-year-old appeared in only 42 games last season — all with Double-A San Antonio — but has been one of San Diego’s top hitters this spring, batting .355 with a .956 OPS. Steady with the glove and a threat on the basepaths, Abrams has a legitimate chance to break camp with the club next week.
Reiss Knehr, RHP (No. 8) — Knehr has big league experience after making 12 appearances in The Show last year, but has made just one start this spring, allowing a run in two innings. Grabbing the last rotation slot might be a stretch, but slipping into the role of swingman/reliever is a possibility.
Long shots
Luis Campusano, C (No. 3) — Campusano is close … very close, but breaking camp and heading to the Majors is probably not happening. The 23-year-old has tallied just 12 Cactus League at-bats and two hits — both home runs.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP (No. 4) — Gore has been impressive this spring. Despite allowing six runs, he has struck out 16 and allowed three walks in 12 innings. With a rotation all but full and just a handful of Triple-A starts under his belt — including a rough go of it in 2021 — Gore will have to bide his time for a bit longer.
Kevin Kopps, RHP (No. 16) — Kopps figured to be a quick mover after being drafted in the third round out of the University of Arkansas last year. He followed that up with a tremendous debut, posting a 0.61 ERA in 14 appearances across three Minor League levels. However, players a year out of college rarely, if ever, break camp with the team. Kopp’s time is coming and sooner than later, but not on Opening Day.
Steven Wilson, RHP (No. 21) — Wilson has been nearly perfect this spring, yielding two hits and two walks in six scoreless innings. He’s also been one of San Diego’s most reliable Minor League bullpen arms in 2019 and 2021. At 27, his big league debut will surely occur this season … but cracking the Padres’ relief corp out of Spring Training is a tall ask.
Sent down: Eguy Rosario, INF (No. 7), Efrain Contreras, RHP (No. 24), Adrian Martinez, RHP (No. 26), Ray Kerr, LHP (No. 30)
Rockies (Top 30 Prospects)
Sent down: Elehuris Montero, 3B/1B (No. 4), Ryan Rolison, LHP (No. 5), Ezequiel Tovar, SS (No. 6), Ryan Vilade, OF (No. 9), Helcris Olivarez, LHP (No. 17), Ryan Feltner, RHP (No. 21), Colton Welker, 1B/3B (No. 22), Noah Davis, RHP (No. 26)