Future Projection Episode 85: MiLB Prospects Off To Strong Starts In 2024

Image credit: James Wood (Photo/Tom DiPace)

Ben and Carlos talk through all kinds of early-season performances to start the season, but before getting into minor leaguers they start off with how red hot Michael Busch has been for the Cubs. Does this change our evaluations of the Dodgers-Cubs trade and how have minor leaguers Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris been so far in the 2024 season?

After that, the two talk about the odd situation in Florida where the Marlins have sent their best performing pitcher—Max Meyer—back to the minors. Is it service time manipulation or just an odd way to manage a young pitcher’s workload? The Marlins slow start to the season also leads to a conversation about the worst teams in the league, the draft lottery and who the favorites are to land a top-three chance for the No. 1 pick in 2025. Sorry, White Sox and A’s fans.

Next, Carlos brings up Bobby Witt Jr. and his scorching start to the 2024 season and Ben counters with CJ Abrams taking a step forward with his hitting. The two then talk about James Wood’s sensational start and debate whether he or Dylan Crews is the prospect to have in Washington’s system. Carlos rants about Dylan Crews skepticism on the internet and the two then move on to lower-level prospects moving and shaking so far this season.

That includes: Phillies infielder Aidan Miller and his swing change; Rockies lefthander Sean Sullivan and his unique pitch profile; Braves righthander Owen Murphy and his lack of premium velocity but strong results; the Rays finding yet another pitching gem with righthander Santiago Suarez; the Orioles “late” find of righthander Moises Chace; early improvements for Reds third baseman Cam Collier; continued offensive dominance from Guardians first baseman Ralphy Velazquez; Jackson Chourio’s younger brother Jaison Chourio, who is also in the Cleveland system; and Cubs shortstop Jefferson Rojas.

The two close the show by talking about split-camp players and why opinions on prospects can vary so widely, how those deltas are handled in scouting departments and the pressures to align opinions with higher ups and/or the “consensus” opinions on a player in the industry.

Time Stamps

(0:00) – Michael Busch
(10:00) – Zyhir Hope
(14:00) – Jackson Ferris
(18:00) – Max Meyer
(26:00) – Draft lottery talk
(34:00) – Bobby Witt Jr. and CJ Abrams
(42:00) – James Wood
(45:00) – Dylan Crews vs. James Wood
(53:00) – Aidan Miller
(59:30) – Sean Sullivan
(1:12:00) – Owen Murphy
(1:16:00) – Santiago Suarez
(1:21:00) – Moises Chace
(1:27:00) – Cam Collier
(1:33:00) – Ralphy Velazquez
(1:42:00) – Jaison Chourio
(1:46:00) – Jefferson Rojas
(1:49:00) – Split-camp players and why opinions can vary so much