MLB Pipeline has released its lists of the top 10 prospects at each level. Thursday night revelation The 2023 Top 100 Prospects list airs on MLB Network at 7 pm ET/4 PT.
Here are the No. 1 prospects at each position as we wait for the top 100.
Catcher: Francisco Alvarez, Mets
In the year There may not be a more powerful prospect in baseball than Alvarez, who hit 24 homers in A ball as a teenager in 2021, then 27 more as a 20-year-old in the major minor leagues last year before making his MLB debut for the Mets on Sept. 30. The Venezuelan shortstop enters 2023, still 21 years old. Only a major league-ready bat, and if he continues to refine his work behind the plate, he has the potential to become a multi-time All-Star. Full list »
First base: Tristan Casas, Red Sox
Casas never hit 20 homers in a minor league season, but he generated tremendous raw pop in all fields with his bat speed, power and massive 6-foot-4 frame. Notably, five of his 15 balls in his MLB debut in 2022 left the yard. He should hit for average and power, and even on days when he doesn’t do that, he can impact the game defensively. That’s why Boston cleared the opening day to make Casas its starting first baseman heading into the upcoming season. Full list »
Second base: Termarr Johnson, Pirates
The fourth overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft, Johnson has the makings of a multi-year superstar. Scouts consider him one of the best high school shortstops in years, one that combines the plate discipline of Wade Boggs with the bat-to-ball skills of Vladimir Guerrero Sr. Listed at 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds, Johnson isn’t physical but projects to produce plus power. And while his arm and quickness will force him to move from shortstop to second base, the midfielder has a solid defensive routine at his new position. Full list »
Third base: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
Henderson is only 21, but he made his debut for the Orioles in 2022 and showed his big league readiness, slashing .259/.348/.440 over 132 plate appearances. He’s scratching the surface for power from the left side of the plate, and he also offers above-average speed. Henderson’s athleticism and plus arm could make him a solid shortstop despite his size, but he has Gold Glove potential at third base and played mostly for Baltimore last year. Full list »
Shortstop: Anthony Volpe, Yankees
Early concerns about Volpe’s ability to hit at the top level eased when he was promoted to Double-A last year in June. Despite his slow start, he became the first 20-homer, 50-stealer minor leaguer since Andrew Jones in 1995. Volpe has a right-handed stroke designed for the floor and produces high exit velocities and power to all fields. Despite some arm concerns, he is a consistent defender at shortstop as well. Full list »
Outfield: Corbin Carroll, D-backs
Carroll offers the best hitting ability and speed of all the prospects. After being called up by Arizona last August, he showed his chops, posting the highest average sprint speed (30.7 ft/s) of any major leaguer in 2022. At least Carroll should hit for average, wreak havoc on the bases and compete. For the Gold Gloves in center field. How much power he generates determines how big a star becomes — and he notably hit four homers in his first 32 majors. Full list »
Right hand pitcher: Andrew Painter, Phils
The 2021 13th overall pick gave everyone a taste of the ceiling in his first full season with a 1.56 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 155 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings in three starts. Triple figures, plus a high-spin slider and two more pitches in his curve that can touch and keep batsmen guessing. The 6-foot-7 Wright’s ability to settle in the zone has improved as the season has progressed, and if he continues in this direction, his control could be a plus by the end of 2023. Full list »
Left-handed pitcher: Kyle Harrison, Giants
Harrison projects as a front-line starter thanks to an above-average fastball, sweeper slider and a modified mid-80s changeup with a fade and sinker. He’s still learning to use his stuff, though, as he’s able to miss at-bats in the strike zone with all three deliveries. Full list »