With the 2023 MLB season kicking off yesterday, the time is right to take a look at some of the rookies who have a chance to shine with their teams.
Anthony Volpe, SS, Yankees
The organization’s No. 1 prospect, Volpe passed Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to take the No. 6 spot from the Yankees. Nearing his 22nd birthday, the shortstop is a pure hitter with power to all angles who has shown good control of the strike zone in more than 1,200 professional appearances. He’s coming off stealing 50 bases in the minor leagues, and his instincts and work ethic are reminiscent of Derek Jeter.
Jordan Walker, OF, St.Louis
With an imposing physique and advanced “approach” at home plate, Walker showed in training that he is ready for the highest level despite the fact that he won’t turn 21 until May. Home run power is considered a “double plus” by evaluators, and what’s interesting is that Walker has been able to balance that tool with his ability to consistently make contact. The exit velocities of his contacts have been some of the best in the minor leagues. The sepia player should become one of the most exciting figures in the business.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Baltimore
Henderson enters the season as the number one prospect in all of Major League Baseball, after presenting spectacular credentials in September of last year. Last year, he managed to increase his transfers and decrease his strikeouts, showing his power with 50 extra-base hits between AA and AAA before moving up to MLB. As for his defense, Henderson can play shortstop and projects as a Gold Gloves candidate at third.
Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona
Carroll is an excellent athlete and one of the fastest running backs in MLB. Between AA and AAA, he hit .307/.425/.610 with 24 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 2022 and looked major league-ready in the 32 games he played for Arizona. He is a left-handed hitter who will be in center field for the Diamondbacks. Like those mentioned above, he should be in the running for the Rookie of the Year award.
Others: Oscar Colás (OF-White Sox), Masataka Yoshida (OF-Boston) and Kodai Senga (PD-Mets). He eyed Elly de la Cruz, who could be called up by Cincinnati later in the season.
