Play ball (lastly)!
Forward of pitchers and catchers reporting this week for spring coaching, Yardbarker MLB writers establish one rising star on every Nationwide League crew. (Final season’s regular-season data are in parentheses.)
NL East
ATLANTA BRAVES (89-73) | Righty Spencer Schwellenbach had a superb debut season with the Braves, fanning 127 in 123.2 innings and posting a 3.35 ERA. Anticipate him to come back again even stronger in his second season.
MIAMI MARLINS (62-100) | In a stunning transfer ultimately season’s commerce deadline, the Baltimore Orioles traded infielder Connor Norby to the Marlins for pitcher Trevor Rogers. In 36 video games with Miami, Norby impressed (seven HRs, 17 RBI and a .760 OPS).
NEW YORK METS (89-73) | Infielder Ronny Mauricio suffered a torn ACL throughout the 2023 offseason following a strong 26-game stint within the majors. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old might be prepared for the 2025 season, which he’ll in all probability begin in Triple-A.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (95-67) | With a tentative MLB debut set for July, right-handed prospect Andrew Painter is a participant to look at for the Phillies. His fastball remains to be touching triple digits even after Tommy John surgical procedure in 2023.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS (71-91) | Drafted second total within the 2023 MLB Draft, outfielder Dylan Crews debuted in August and appeared in 31 video games for Washington. He hit three homers, 5 doubles, drove in eight runs and stole 12 bases throughout that span. — Lauren Amour
NL West
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (89-73) | Shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar might find yourself at second or third base this season, however he might be given each shot to make an influence on the Diamondbacks. Staying wholesome has been a difficulty for the 22-year-old, but when he can get constant at-bats, he has the expertise to succeed.
COLORADO ROCKIES (61-101) | In what might be a crowded outfield in Denver, keep watch over 23-year-old Jordan Beck. The thirty eighth total decide within the 2022 MLB draft was restricted to solely 170 at-bats final season due to a hand harm. He has loads of competitors however might be Colorado’s proper fielder on opening day.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (98-64) | Many eyes might be on 23-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki and the way shortly he makes his MLB debut. Scouting reports indicate “he’s as good as advertised.” Sasaki makes the defending World Sequence champions’ rotation as deep as maybe any in MLB historical past.
SAN DIEGO PADRES (93-69) | The Padres will begin 18-year-old catching phenom Ethan Salas within the minor leagues, however don’t be shocked if he makes his MLB debut later this season. After a quiet offseason, the Padres hope to enhance from inside, and Salas’ expertise behind the plate might present long-term hope on the place.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (80-82) | The Giants hope Kyle Harrison is without doubt one of the cornerstones of a future rotation. The 23-year-old left-hander confirmed flashes of skill final season throughout his 24 begins (118 strikeouts in 124.1 innings). This season, the Giants will lean on him to offer back-of-the-rotation energy with veterans Robbie Ray, Logan Webb and Justin Verlander on the entrance. — Kevin Henry
NL Central
CHICAGO CUBS (83-79) | Simply 22, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will patrol heart subject for the Cubs, who hope his .237/.286/.384 slash line in 372 at-bats final season served as a springboard for larger issues this season.
CINCINNATI REDS (77-85) | Proper-hander Chase Petty ended 2024 as Cincinnati’s eighth-ranked prospect, and the 21-year-old right-hander heads to spring coaching with an opportunity to compete for a spot within the rotation. On the finish of final season, he was promoted to Triple-A, the place he posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in two begins.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS (93-69) | Outfielder Jackson Chourio completed third in final season’s NL Rookie of the 12 months voting after slashing .275/.327/.464 in 573 plate appearances. The 20-year-old, nevertheless, hit simply .206 in 106 plate appearances in March and April and .215 in 68 plate appearances in Might earlier than adjusting and blossoming right into a key piece within the lineup.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (76-86) | In a 2024 season dominated by teammate Paul Skenes, fellow rookie beginning pitcher Jared Jones was typically an afterthought, partially as a result of he struggled after the All-Star break (5.87 ERA in six begins whereas battling by means of harm and a drop in velocity). However he completed the season with 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (83-79) | With first baseman Paul Goldschmidt gone and third baseman Nolan Arenado on the trading block, shortstop Masyn Winn enters 2025 because the face of the infield. Final season, Winn grew to become simply the fourth main rookie shortstop in MLB historical past to smack 15 residence runs, put up 150 hits and steal 10 bases in a season…and he’s already talking about stealing 30 to 40 bases this season. — Kevin Henry
