25 MLB prospects who should make an impact in 2023 (2023)

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The Guardians have become a hotbed for pitching, and Bibee could be their next star. With improved velocity, the Cal State Fullerton alum burst onto the scene last season with a 2.17 ERA and 6.19 K/BB ratio between High-A and Double-A. He has the polish to make an instant impact in 2023.

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No franchise has done a better job developing minor leaguers than Tampa Bay, and Bradley looks like a gem. He produced a 2.57 ERA and 4.27 K/BB ratio between Double- and Triple-A last season against older competition at age 21. The Rays have great pitching depth heading into 2023, and Bradley is part of the equation.

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Canario is overcoming an offseason injury, but that shouldn't prevent him from making his debut at Wrigley Field this year. He produced a .899 OPS and 37 home runs between three minor league levels last season and could man the middle of the batting order by the second half of the season.

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A much-hyped Cuban prospect, Colas' presence allowed the White Sox to let AJ Pollock and Jose Abreu walk in free agency. He will get a chance to win a roster spot in Spring Training after hitting .314-23-79 between three levels last season.

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The fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Sam Houston State, Cowser has been as advertised as a pro. The tall outfielder proved to be an on-base machine with a .406 on-base percentage between three levels last season and also came just short of going 20/20. He should be at Camden Yards soon, especially if the Orioles pick up where they left off last season.

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If De La Cruz isn't the best prospect in the minors, he certainly has the most upside. The 6-foot-5 infielder hit .304-28-86 with 47 stolen bases in 120 games between High-A and Double-A last season. The rebuilding Reds have no reason to rush him, but De La Cruz could force his way into Cincy during the second half of the season.

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Acquired from the Twins last season, Encarnacion-Strand had done nothing but hit since he was drafted in 2021. He hit .304-32-114 between High-A and Double-A last season and could be a valuable part of the Reds' roster during the second half.

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A former first-round pick, Espino can light up the radar gun but made only four starts last season due to injury. Cleveland will want to ensure he's healthy before entertaining a promotion to the majors, but Espino has the upside to be an ace or closer.

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Flores is a bright spot for a farm system that's become somewhat barren, emerging as a potential ace last season with a 2.79 ERA and 5.65 K/BB ratio between High-A and Double-A. The Tigers added some pitching depth during the offseason, but Flores will be in their plans if he continues the progress from 2022.

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There might not be a better pure hitter in the minors than Frelick. The former first-round pick hit .331-11-59 with 24 steals over three levels last season and kept his strikeout rate close to 10%. With Hunter Renfroe gone, Frelick could compete for a spot in Spring Training.

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Few teams have more starting pitching depth than the Giants, but Harrison remains waiting in the wings. The top prospect could be an ace in the making with a career K/9 above 14.0 while dominating more experienced hitters at Double-A last year. A strong impression during Spring Training could go a long way.

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Mervis was penciled in as the Cubs starting first baseman until the team added Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini during the offseason. He will now have to scratch and claw for playing time, but he is highly capable if last season's performance is an indication. He hit .309-36-119 between three levels and launched six homers in only 17 games during the Arizona Fall League.

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Painter was the 13th pick in the 2021 draft out of high school and is already in the conversation as the top pitching prospect in the game. He had a pristine 1.56 ERA and 6.20 K/BB ratio between three levels last season, including Double-A. The Phillies should be mindful of his arm youth, turning 20 in April, but Painter could still force his way to the majors.

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Pitching is a strength for Miami, and it will be even better when Perez arrives. He produced a 4.08 ERA and 4.24 K/BB ratio in 17 starts at Double-A last season while still a teenager. Miami will likely start Perez at Triple-A this year, with an MLB promotion in the second half.

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For an organization that needs pitching, Pfaadt could be ready just in time. He's shown pinpoint control as a pro, including a 1.8 BB/9 between Double- and Triple-A last season. With a spot on the backend of the rotation up for grabs, he could compete in Spring Training.

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Pittsburgh's starting rotation is starting to develop, with exciting promotions for Roansy Contreras and Luis Ortiz last season. Priester is next in line, as the former first-round pick had a 3.29 ERA between four levels last year.

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Rodriguez emerged as a top prospect in 2022, hitting .323-25-95 between three levels. He fulfills an immediate need at catcher for the Pirates, but his defensive versatility should also come in handy at other positions.

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Rodriguez dominated once again last season, with a 2.62 ERA and 13.0 K/9, but didn't progress past Triple-A due to injury. He will be able to crack the starting rotation during Spring Training, giving the Orioles a potential ace in 2023.

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Soderstrom has shown off huge power since he was drafted in the first round in 2020, including 29 home runs between three levels last year. His bat allows Oakland some flexibility to move Soderstrom to first base or leave him at his natural position behind the plate.

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The Dodgers have been shy about making moves this offseason, for a change, putting more pressure on Stone to emerge in 2023. He should be up for the task after producing an incredible 1.48 ERA and 12.4 K/9 between three levels last season. Stone has a chance to be the team's first minor league starting pitcher promoted this year.

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Toronto found a steal with Tiedemann in the third round of the 2021 draft, showing his dominance between three levels last season. He posted a 2.17 ERA and 4.03 K/BB, flying up the farm system at age 19. The lefty should force his way to the majors soon.

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Turang's development has been somewhat slow, but the Brewers saw much growth from him at Triple-A Nashville last year. The former first-round pick hit .286-13-78 with 34 steals in 131 games and could battle for at-bats at second base after Kolten Wong was traded.

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The Yankees have a wealth of exciting middle infield prospects, but Volpe could have the highest upside. He hit .249-21-65 with 50 stolen bases between Double- and Triple-A last season, performing well against older competition at age 21. The team will likely give him more time at Triple-A early this year, but Volpe could be in pinstripes by midseason.

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Walker could be the best-hitting prospect St. Louis has produced since Albert Pujols. The former first-round pick hit .306-19-68 with 22 steals at Double-A last season and also performed well at the Arizona Fall League. He will get an opportunity to win a spot in Spring Training.

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Wiemer has impressive offensive tools, producing as a 20/20 man in back-to-back minor league seasons. Fellow prospect Sal Frelick has more polish, but Wiemer also has the potential to help Milwaukee in an outfield corner during 2023.