Each new Major League Baseball season brings plenty of old faces to new places. Whether it occurs through trades or free agency, the Major League Baseball offseason often has a lot of players moving to different teams. However, what about the new MLB prospects that are expected to emerge this year?
In addition to hot stove activity in the winter, many teams are also counting on some of their young prospects to make an impact at the major league level this year. These are three names you can expect to hear contributing with their major league clubs on a more consistent basis this season.
MLB Prospects Who Will Make an Immediate Impact
Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks
Corbin Carroll is currently one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He is expected to be on the opening-day roster for the Arizona Diamondbacks. An organization loaded with young talent, the Diamondbacks expect Carroll to be one of the cornerstones of their young core.
Last year, Carroll did appear in some games with Arizona. He had a .260 average with 4 home runs and 14 RBI. He grades well defensively, showing a good break on the ball and the ability to close gaps in the outfield. While centerfield is his main position in the outfield, he can also play the other corner outfield spots.
Like a lot of younger prospects, the 22-year-old from Seattle has struggled with the high velocity in the majors. If he isn’t an everyday contributor for the Diamondbacks, it’ll likely be because he’s not yet ready to consistently hit the fastballs commonly seen at that level.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B/SS, Baltimore Orioles
Like Carroll, Gunnar Henderson is expected to be an everyday starter at third base for the Baltimore Orioles. The 21-year-old prospect from Montgomery, Alabama is one of the top prospects in baseball, grading in the top five in most publications.
Henderson has tremendous upside defensively at third base, which tends to translate quicker at the major league level while his offense catches up. Last season he appeared in 34 games for the Orioles, hitting four home runs and driving in 18 runs with a .259 average.
The offense for Henderson is projected to develop a bit later. He struggled last season against left-handed pitching. All four of his home runs were against right-handed pitching. Additionally, he batted .290 against right-handed pitchers and .130 against left-handed pitchers. This is common for a left-handed bat but something to keep an eye on if he is expected to be an everyday contributor at the major league level.
READ MORE: Some of the best MiLB team names, ranked
Triston Casas, 1B, Boston Red Sox
Triston Casas is ranked a bit lower than the other two prospects mentioned on this list. He is mentioned though because he is expected to be the starter at first base for the Boston Red Sox. Other prospects that are ranked ahead of him will likely be spending a bit more time in the minor leagues.
The 23-year-old from Miami, Florida grades out to be a very traditional first baseman. Average defense with doubles power that is expected to develop into home run power later in his career. He could end up being a 25-home run, 40-double player within the next few years.
His defense has room for improvement and first base will likely be where he stays for most of his career. Last season the Red Sox experimented with him at third base, where he struggled defensively. In 27 games played for Boston last year, he hit five home runs, drove in 12 runs, and had a .197 batting average.
Main Image: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY
