Dylan White’s Breakout MLB Prospects Team For 2024
Image credit: Phillies SS Starlyn Caba (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A spring tradition at Baseball America is to present breakout prospect teams by Matt Eddy, Geoff Pontes and Dylan White.
These are Dylan’s picks. You can find Geoff’s picks here and Matt’s picks here.
In this exercise we focus on non-Top 100 Prospects, and wherever feasible we focus on those without a ton of pro experience. Players are listed with their projected Opening Day assignments and will be updated as minor league rosters are finalized.
C Josue Briceño, Tigers
Low-A Lakeland | Age: 19
The 2022 international signee out of Venezuela may not stick at catcher but the bat should play anywhere. As an 18-year old in the Florida Complex League, the 6-foot-4-inch catcher posted the fourth highest barrel rate, 13th highest OPS, and 18th lowest strikeout rate amongst all FCL hitters, 20 years or younger, with at least 100 plate appearances.
Other catchers: Thayron Liranzo, Dodgers; Carter Jensen, Royals
1B Moises Ballesteros, Cubs
Double-A Tennessee | Age: 20
Although currently playing catcher, the consensus seems to be that the 20-year-old will end up at first base or designated hitter. With a plus grade hit tool and elite 90th percentile exit velocities for his age, the squat Venezuelan is showing the potential to be situated in the middle of a major league batting order.
2B Devin Saltiban, Phillies
Rookie-level Florida Complex League | Age: 19
The smooth-swinging Hawaiian has 50s or 55s across his scouting grades, and Geoff’s live look a few weeks ago confirmed it: Saltiban is poised for a breakout in 2024.
Other second basemen: Dylan O’Rae, Brewers; Luke Keaschall, Twins
3B Joendry Vargas, Dodgers
Rookie-level Arizona Complex League | Age: 18
One of the stars of the stacked DSL Dodger championship squad, the switch-hitting shortstop will likely slide over to third base which his plus arm can handle. Vargas will make his stateside debut in 2024 where he will showcase his above-average hit tool and ability to make adjustments. If he adds power as expected, he will be one of the more popular helium names this summer.
Other third basemen: Trevor Werner, Royals
SS Starlyn Caba, Phillies
Rookie-level Florida Complex League | Age: 18
When the Phillies signed him out of the Dominican Republic, they expected an elite defender at shortstop who might need some time to develop a hit tool. In his debut, Caba showed an uncanny contact ability and excellent swing decisions, suggesting he might be a traditional table-setter at the top of a lineup. He may never grow into average power, but the Phillies praise his makeup and look forward to him coming stateside in 2024.
Other shortstops: Cooper Pratt, Brewers
OF Rayner Arias, Giants
Rookie-level Arizona Complex League | Age: 18
Before a broken left wrist ended his 2023 DSL campaign prematurely, the center fielder showed tantalizing upside with excellent contact, swing decisions, and power for a 17-year-old, as evidenced by his four home runs in 16 games. Although he may not stick in center as he grows into more power, he has the arm (and bat) to profile comfortably in right field.
OF Robert Calaz, Rockies
Rookie-level Arizona Complex League | Age: 18
Another center fielder from the Dominican Republic who will probably end up in right field, Calaz was a RoboScout darling courtesy of his top end exit velocities. Already quite physical, Calaz maintains his athleticism with a solid work ethic. Expect Calaz to continue on his path as a corner masher.
OF Aidan Smith, Mariners
Low-A Modesto | Age: 19
The projectable 19-year-old currently plays an excellent center field defense and has shown flashes of plus raw power. Although the hit tool is still raw and may never get to average, I’m betting on the athlete and the Mariners’ recent track record for hitting development
Other outfielders: Yophery Rodriguez, Brewers
RHP Logan Evans, Mariners
Double-A Arkansas | Age: 23
The buzziest pitching prospect this spring, Evans has added nearly four mph to his fastball and has multiple secondaries that give hitters fits. Mariner pitching development has been very good in recent years, and Evans looks like he may be another name to add to the long list of success stories.
LHP Kyle Carr, Yankees
Low-A Tampa | Age: 22
An athletic lefty with a starter’s delivery and a developing third pitch, Carr impressed Geoff Pontes during a recent live look. Carr should reach Low-A by mid summer and may become one of the buzzier names.
LHP Alex Clemmey, Guardians
Low-A Lynchburg | Age: 18
A prep lefty who sits in the mid-to-upper 90s, Clemmey is a near perfect fit for the Guardians’ pitching development team. He will bring his huge fastball, sharp curveball and developing changeup to Low-A in 2024. If he can harness his command, expect Clemmey to rocket up rankings.
RHP Carlos LaGrange, Yankees
Low-A Tampa | Age: 22
An intimidating 6-foot-7-inch presence on the mound who throws two fastballs—a four-seamer at 97 mph which induced batters to whiff on 44% of their swings and a two-seamer that sits 95—as well as a low-to-mid 80s slider that got above average whiffs and chases amongst sliders at the level. He has the ceiling of a mid rotation starter but needs to add another consistent secondary and improve his command. Still, there is a lot of exciting clay to work with.
RHP Brett Wichrowski, Brewers
High-A Wisconsin | Age: 21
After being taken in the 13th round out of Bryant, the Brewers have seen the 6-foot-2-inch righthander add 3+ mph to his fastball, which was on display at the Spring Breakout where he sat 97-99 mph, with a potentially plus slider with big sweep. He may end up a reliever, but with the loud stuff he could find himself being relied on in high-leverage situations.
Other pitchers: Adam Serwinowski, Reds, Nolan McLean, Mets, Cade Kuehler, Braves
