Here are the prospects vying for roster spots
More of the game’s top prospects than usual have gotten an opportunity to gain experience and show what they can do against top competition with expanded rosters and 60-man player pools during Summer Camp, but Opening Day is nearly here, and teams are whittling down their rosters.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the prospects who received an invite to Major League Summer Camp, with an update on where they stand as teams finalize their rosters.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
BLUE JAYS
Made roster:
Nate Pearson, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 8) -- Taxi Squad member
One of hardest throwers and top pitching prospects in the Minors, Pearson has the type of electric stuff that could help him make an impact, and he will travel with the team as a member of the Taxi Squad.
Anthony Kay, LHP (No. 10)
The former first-round pick (2016) got his first taste of the Majors last summer after the Blue Jays acquired him from the Mets and is viewed as a rotation candidate, or perhaps even a multi-inning reliever, going into the season.
Reese McGuire, C (No. 20)
McGuire is expected to share catching duties with Danny Jansen after the former first-round pick (Pirates) produced a .297/.343/.539 line with seven homers in 44 games between the 2018-19 seasons.
Anthony Alford, OF (No. 21)
The former Top 100 prospect still has some untapped potential, but he’s struggled in the Majors in each of the past three seasons and enters 2020 without any remaining options.
Santiago Espinal, 2B/SS (No. 22)
Added to the Blue Jays’ 40-man after the 2019 season, Espinal provides the club with flexibility and versatility as someone who can play multiple infield positions as well as the outfield while also offering a high contact rate from the right side of the plate.
Thomas Hatch, RHP (No. 24)
Similar to Kay, Hatch impressed club officials during Spring Training and built upon that performance in Summer Camp, making him an option for either the starting rotation or a multi-inning relief role.
Others in player pool:
Jordan Groshans, SS (No. 2), Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP (No. 3), Alek Manoah, RHP (No. 4), Alejandro Kirk, C (No. 5), Patrick Murphy, RHP (No. 19), Kevin Smith, SS/3B (No. 23), Julian Merryweather, RHP (No. 25), Riley Adams, C (No. 27), Yennsy Diaz, RHP (No. 29), Austin Martin, SS (first-round pick)
ORIOLES
Locks:
Austin Hays, OF (No. 5)
Hays is slated to be the starter in center field and could end up being the Orioles’ leadoff hitter on Opening Day.
Hunter Harvey, RHP (No. 12)
Harvey will definitely play a large role in the back end of the bullpen and could end up at least sharing closing duties.
Contenders:
Dillon Tate, RHP (No. 27)
Tate, who made his big league debut with the Orioles last summer and appeared in 16 games out of the bullpen, is in the mix for a long-relief role.
Long shot:
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B/OF (No. 4/MLB No. 94)
It was somewhat surprising Mountcastle wasn’t in camp from the get-go, but even if he’s unlikely to start the year with the club, it’s easy to see his bat finding a place at some point during the season, especially with Trey Mancini out for the year.
RAYS
Lock:
Peter Fairbanks, RHP (No. 24)
A three-level climber in 2019 whom Tampa Bay acquired from the Rangers last July, Fairbanks battled some control problems in the Majors but showed two dominant pitches in an upper-90s fastball and a devastating, swing-and-miss slider. He’s been a more consistent strike-thrower in Summer Camp, however, and has opened eyes by adding a promising changeup.
Long shots:
Brendan McKay, LHP/DH (No. 2/MLB No. 15), Shane McClanahan, LHP (No. 7), Joe Ryan, RHP (No. 8), Randy Arozarena, OF (No. 17), Josh Fleming, LHP (No. 28)
McKay looked like a lock for the rotation during the spring, but a recent absence from action in Summer Camp has cast doubt on his chances of cracking the Opening Day rotation. McClanahan was one of the more impressive and talked-about young Rays hurlers in Spring Training and has continued to open eyes with his electric stuff and overall confidence. He could take on any number of pitching roles for the club, while Ryan and Fleming provide the Rays with valuable depth pieces capable of either starting or working multiple innings out of the bullpen.
RED SOX
Contenders:
Bobby Dalbec, 3B/1B (No. 3)
Dalbec arrived late to Summer Camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but the slugger still could emerge as the backup to Rafael Devers at third base and Mitch Moreland at first base.
Jonathan Arauz, INF (No. 30)
Arauz’s bat isn’t ready and he has played just 28 games above Class A Advanced, but he’s a Rule 5 pick who can’t be sent to the Minors without clearing waivers and getting offered back to the Astros for half of his $100,000 Draft price.
YANKEES
Lock:
Michael King, RHP (No. 25)
Bouncing back from a stress reaction in his elbow that truncated his 2019 season, King has impressed with his pitchability and could serve in a swingman role. Manager Aaron Boone announced Wednesday that King will make the Opening Day roster.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
INDIANS
Lock:
James Karinchak, RHP (No. 14)
Karinchak still has to prove he can throw enough strikes, but he set a modern Minor League record by averaging 22.0 whiffs per nine innings last year and will factor into Cleveland’s bullpen sooner rather than later.
Long shots:
Yu Chang, INF (No. 21)
Chang homered five times in six days in intrasquad action last week, enhancing his chances of claiming a utility infield job.
Others in player pool:
Nolan Jones, 3B (No. 1), Tyler Freeman, SS (No. 2), Bo Naylor, C (No. 3), George Valera, OF (No. 4), Daniel Espino, RHP (No. 5), Aaron Bracho, 2B (No. 7), Ethan Hankins, RHP (No. 8), Triston McKenzie, RHP (No. 9), Logan Allen, LHP (No. 11), Bobby Bradley, 1B (No. 12), Scott Moss, LHP (No. 18), Sam Hentges, LHP (No. 22), Jean Carlos Mejia, RHP (No. 26), Ernie Clement, SS (No. 28)
ROYALS
Lock:
Brady Singer, RHP (No. 2/MLB No. 59)
The Royals were considering Singer, the headliner of the team’s pitching-heavy 2018 Draft haul, for the fifth spot in their rotation back in the spring. Manager Mike Matheny announced Thursday that Singer will start the second game of the season for the Royals on Saturday.
Josh Staumont, RHP (No. 30)
After posting a 3.72 ERA over 16 appearances down the stretch last season, Staumont, who pairs an upper-90s heater with a plus breaking ball, appears poised to claim a spot in the Royals’ ‘pen after making some mechanical adjustments in Spring Training.
Contenders:
Nick Heath, OF (No. 27)
Heath swiped a Minor League-best 60 bags in 2019 to earn a spot on Kansas City’s 40-man roster, while his ability to play all three outfield positions only enhances his odds of securing a bench role in ‘20.
Tyler Zuber, RHP (No. 29)
After a breakout 2019 campaign that saw him reach Double-A while saving 21 games with a 1.79 ERA and 11.1 K/9 in 55 1/3 innings (43 appearances), Zuber was very much in the mix for an Opening Day bullpen spot in the spring and has continued to dazzle in Summer Camp, striking out four in two scoreless innings in his most recent outing. As with Singer and Tillo, the 25-year-old righty’s inclusion on the Opening Day roster hinges on him being added to the 40-man roster.
Long shot:
Daniel Tillo, LHP (No. 20)
The 6-foot-5 southpaw has been developed as a starter but arguably offers more value in a relief role, where his late-moving fastball, elite ground-ball rates and below-average control could fit nicely.
Others in player pool:
Bobby Witt Jr., SS (No. 1), Daniel Lynch, LHP (No. 3), Jackson Kowar, RHP (No. 4), Kris Bubic, LHP (No. 6), Kyle Isbel, OF (No. 7), Khalil Lee, OF (No. 8), Austin Cox, LHP (No. 11), Nick Pratto, 1B (No. 12), MJ Melendez, C (No. 13), Seuly Matias, OF (No. 14), Ronald Bolanos, RHP (No. 16), Jeison Guzman, SS (No. 18), Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B (No. 22)
TIGERS
Made roster:
Beau Burrows, RHP (No. 13)
Burrows, a first-round Draft pick in 2015, was added to the Opening Day roster on Thursday.
Bryan Garcia, RHP (No. 15)
After having his 2018 campaign wiped out by Tommy John surgery, Garcia made a healthy return last season to climb three Minor League levels and earned a September callup.
Rony Garcia, RHP (No. 25)
Garcia, whom the Tigers took with the No. 1 overall pick in the December Rule 5 Draft, was expected to make the club’s original Opening Day roster and only strengthened his case with his strong showing in Summer Camp.
Kyle Funkhouser, RHP (No. 26)
Funkhouser looked like he was on the fast track to Detroit after being selected in the fourth-round of the 2016 Draft, but injuries derailed him in 2017, '18 and '19. He'd been optioned to Toledo back in March, but he made the Opening Day roster out of Summer Camp.
Others in player pool:
Casey Mize, RHP (No. 1), Matt Manning, RHP (No. 2), Riley Greene, OF (No. 3), Tarik Skubal, LHP (No. 4), Isaac Paredes, 3B/SS (No. 5), Willi Castro, SS (No. 6), Daz Cameron, OF (No. 7), Alex Faedo, RHP (No. 9), Jake Rogers, C (No. 10), Franklin Perez, RHP (No. 12), Anthony Castro, RHP (No. 16), Zack Hess, RHP (No. 29), Derek Hill, OF (No. 30), Spencer Torkelson, 3B (first-round pick), Dillon Dingler, C (second-round pick)
TWINS
Contenders:
Lewis Thorpe, LHP (No. 10)
Thorpe was competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation before the shutdown, but now has a chance to make the club this summer as a long relief/swingman type of contributor.
Brent Rooker, OF (No. 12)
Rooker presents another option as a player with power from the right side who can play left field and some first base (or DH).
Travis Blankenhorn, INF (No. 18)
Blankenhorn doesn’t have a true defensive home -- he played mostly second base and left field in 2019 -- but he could find his way onto the big league team as a left-handed bat off the bench who can play multiple spots, especially if Miguel Sano isn’t ready to start the season and Marwin Gonzalez is forced into a starting role.
WHITE SOX
Lock:
Luis Robert, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 3)
Coming off a 30-30 season in which he led the Minors with 314 total bases, Robert is one of the best prospects in baseball and the leading candidate for American League Rookie of the Year.
Contenders:
Nick Madrigal, 2B (No. 4/MLB No. 40)
Few players can rival Madrigal’s bat-to-ball skills and he’s Chicago’s best option at second base right now, though service-time considerations may dictate that he not make the Opening Day roster.
Dane Dunning, RHP (No. 6)
Dunning looks completely recovered from March 2019 Tommy John surgery, throwing four pitches for strikes and putting himself in position to claim a long-relief role for now and perhaps a starting job later.
Zack Collins, C/1B (No. 10)
He’d be only the third catcher behind Yasmani Grandal and James McCann, but Collins’ power and ability to play first base would make him useful in a bench role.
Ian Hamilton, RHP (No. 18)
After a disastrous 2019, during which a car accident injured his shoulder and a line drive broke his jaw, Hamilton is back throwing a mid-90s fastball and a power slider, a combo that could bolster the White Sox bullpen.
Danny Mendick, INF (No. 19)
The overachieving Mendick, who notched 12 hits in 16 games in the bigs last year, could grab a utility job.
Yermin Mercedes, C (No. 25)
A career .302/.366/.491 hitter in the Minors who batted .381/.409/1.000 with four homers in 21 Cactus League at-bats, Mercedes is defensively challenged but may just bash his way onto the roster.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
ANGELS
Contenders:
Jared Walsh, 1B/LHP (No. 23)
Walsh’s ability to provide a power left-handed bat off the bench AND a left arm out of the bullpen in one person gives him a chance to at least make the 30-man.
Patrick Sandoval, LHP (No. 6)
Sandoval tested positive for COVID-19 and arrived late to Summer Camp, but put together a strong showing and may find himself at the back of the Angels' rotation.
Long shots:
Jo Adell, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 6)
Adell homered in an early intrasquad game during Summer Camp, perhaps serving notice that he’ll be doing that in Angel Stadium soon enough and could hit his way into the outfield rotation.
ASTROS
Locks:
Abraham Toro, 3B/2B (No. 3)
Toro homered to win Justin Verlander’s no-hitter last September and is a switch-hitter with plate discipline and some pop who can play anywhere in the infield but shortstop.
Bryan Abreu, RHP (No. 5)
He’s still figuring out how to throw strikes, but his wipeout curveball (backed up by a plus fastball and slider) make him a bullpen weapon.
Blake Taylor, LHP (No. 27)
One of just three left-handers on Houston’s 60-man list, Taylor enhanced his chances of making the team with seven scoreless innings during Grapefruit League action.
Contenders:
Christian Javier, RHP (No. 6)
Javier stands out more with his deception than his pure stuff but led the Minors in ERA (1.74), strikeout rate (13.5 per nine innings) and opponent average (.130) while advancing from Class A Advanced to Triple-A in 2019.
Enoli Paredes, RHP (No. 13)
Paredes has thrown just 50 innings at the Double-A level, but his plus fastball could help him land a role on the Opening Day roster, especially given that the year will begin with expanded rosters. Paredes also has a solid slider and fanned 128 batters over 94 innings this season.
Garrett Stubbs, C (No. 23)
Surprisingly quick and athletic for a catcher, Stubbs can serve as a third backstop while also filling in at second base and the outfield corners.
Long shots:
Forrest Whitley, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 19), Jose Urquidy, RHP (No. 2)
A suspension, minor injuries and command issues limited Whitley to just 86 regular-season innings in 2018-19, but each of his five pitches grades as at least plus when at their best. World Series hero Urquidy would have been a lock for the rotation but went on the injured list Monday with an undisclosed condition.
ATHLETICS
Locks:
Jesus Luzardo, LHP (No. 1/MLB No. 12)
Though he tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the start of Summer Camp, Luzardo will begin the season in the big league bullpen, but should get stretched out to eventually join the rotation.
Sean Murphy, C (No. 2/MLB No. 33)
The A’s trusted him enough to have him start behind the plate in the Wild Card game last year; now he’s their starter.
Contenders:
Sheldon Neuse, 3B/SS (No. 6)
Neuse put up huge numbers in Las Vegas last year to earn his first callup to Oakland. His ability to play second and third, and perhaps left field, could land him a utility role this season**.**
Others in player pool:
A.J. Puk, LHP (No. 3), Robert Puason, SS (No. 4), Nick Allen, SS/2B (No. 5), Logan Davidson, SS (No. 7), Luis Barrera, OF (No. 9), Jonah Heim, C (No. 10), Greg Deichman, OF, (No. 13), Brayan Buelvas, OF (No. 14), Skye Bolt, OF (No. 16), Kyle McCann, C (No. 23), Buddy Reed, OF (No. 24), Brian Howard, RHP (No. 25), Parker Dunshee, RHP (No. 27), Tyler Soderstrom, C (first-round pick)
MARINERS
Locks:
Evan White, 1B (No. 4/MLB No. 56)
The Mariners wouldn’t have signed him to a six-year deal if they didn’t think he was their first baseman of the future. That future starts now as he’s the starter at the first base corner.
Justin Dunn, RHP (No. 7)
After a brief big league debut last September, Dunn figures to be a part of the Mariners’ planned six-man rotation this summer.
Jake Fraley, OF (No. 9)
The door was wide open with Mitch Haniger out for the year and Mallex Smith getting a late start, and while Fraley has scuffled a bit in summer camp, he’s likely to be the starter in left field on Opening Day.
Kyle Lewis, OF (No. 10)
He hit six homers in 71 at-bats during his big league debut last year, then hit three homers in his first two scrimmages this summer with an outfield corner all his. He been manning CF in Smith’s absence and will be in the Opening Day lineup in right field.
Justus Sheffield, LHP (No. 13)
Command issues have been the only thing holding him back and he was fantastic this spring before the shutdown. He’s slated to be a part of the six-man rotation.
Braden Bishop, OF (No. 18)
Bishop has the chance to be the fourth outfielder this summer now that Smith is back, enhancing his chances as his bat has heated up a bit of late.
Taylor Guilbeau, LHP (No. 23)
Guilbeau made his big league debut with the Mariners last year after coming from the Nats in the Roenis Elias deal and should fit in nicely as a lefty out of the 'pen.
Contender:
Sam Delaplane, RHP (No. 21)
Have you seen Delaplane’s slider? Few hitters have, as it had one of the best swing-and-miss rates in baseball in 2019 and he and his career 15.1 K/9 rate are ready to attack big league hitters.
Long shots:
Jarred Kelenic, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 11)
It seems highly unlikely the Mariners would rush the 2018 first-rounder to the big leagues, but the way he’s raked in Summer Camp certainly has opened a lot of eyes.
Joey Gerber, RHP (No. 19)
Though he’s thrown just 19 games above A ball, Gerber’s plus fastball and outstanding slider, both with high spin rates, could fit nicely in the bullpen, especially with the expanded roster to start the season.
Aaron Fletcher, LHP (No. 20)
A move to the bullpen full-time with the Nationals in 2019 allowed him to make a big step forward, which continued after his trade to the M’s and in a dominant Arizona Fall League performance.
Others in player pool:
Julio Rodriguez, OF (No. 2), Logan Gilbert, RHP (No. 3), George Kirby, RHP (No. 5), Noelvi Marte, SS (No. 6), Cal Raleigh, C (No. 8), Brandon Williamson, LHP (No. 11), Isaiah Campbell, RHP (No. 12), Juan Then, RHP (No. 14), Austin Shenton, 3B (No. 17), Braden Bishop, OF (No. 18), Donovan Walton, 2B (No. 24), Art Warren, RHP (No. 26), Ljay Newsome, RHP (No. 28), Emerson Hancock, RHP (first-round pick), Zach DeLoach, OF (second-round pick), Kaden Polcovich, 2B (third-round pick), Tyler Keenan, 3B (fourth-round pick)
RANGERS
Locks:
Nick Solak, 2B/3B/OF (No. 5)
Solak batted .293/.393/.491 with five homers in 33 games over the final two months of last season and should get regular at-bats while bouncing all over the infield and outfield.
Jonathan Hernandez, RHP (No. 25)
Manager Chris Woodward has taken note of Hernandez’s upper-90s sinker and could push to include him as a bullpen option.
Contender:
Joe Palumbo, LHP (No. 9)
Palumbo could be the next man up if Texas needs another starter and he also could plug a hole in a bullpen that might be short on healthy southpaws.
Long shots:
Leody Taveras, OF (No. 3), Demarcus Evans, RHP (No. 22)
Taveras may not be ready to make an impact offensively but he’s the best defensive center fielder the Rangers have on their 60-man list. Evans pairs an explosive fastball with a hammer curveball coming out of the bullpen, though he can be erratic at times.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
BRAVES
Contenders:
Kyle Wright, RHP (No. 4/MLB No. 52)In the shortened season, the Braves are likely to piggyback with their pitching staff/rotation, but the Braves have plenty of options at the back-end of their rotation when it comes to an Opening Day roster.
Bryse Wilson, RHP (No. 6)Wilson has touched the big leagues in each of the last two years, without too much success, but will get another shot in this piggyback system with his future long-term role still up in the air.
Tucker Davidson, LHP (No. 10)
Davidson has been a starter throughout his career and was added to the 40-man roster after a bounce-back 2019 season that saw him reach Triple-A, but could be part of a piggyback system or provide a lefty arm out of the bullpen in Atlanta.
Patrick Weigel, RHP (No. 16)
Weigel got called up twice last year, but didn’t get to appear in a game, something that will change as he could get the opportunity to help the big league bullpen out this summer.
Alex Jackson, C (No. 22)
The former No. 6 overall pick of the Mariners made it to the big leagues briefly last year and should get a chance to contribute, at least at the start of the season should the Braves carry three catchers.
Long shot:
William Contreras, C (No. 9)
Contreras is a rapidly improving prospect with a chance to break onto the MLB roster this season, but Alex Jackson has the edge with more MLB experience should the team need a short-term replacement.
Others in player pool:
Cristian Pache, OF (No. 1), Drew Waters, OF (No. 2), Ian Anderson, RHP (No. 3), Shea Langeliers, C (No. 5), Braden Shewmake, SS (No. 7), Kyle Muller, LHP (No. 8), Huascar Ynoa, RHP (No. 11), Jasseel De La Cruz, RHP (No. 12), Bryce Ball, 1B (No. 21), Philip Pfeifer, LHP (No. 28), Logan Brown, C (No. 30), Jared Shuster, LHP (first-round pick)
MARLINS
Lock:
Sterling Sharp, RHP (No. 28)
The Marlins could carry 16 or more pitchers on their initial 30-man roster and they want to hold onto Sharp, a Rule-5 pick from the Nationals with an electric sinker.
Contenders:
Lewin Diaz, 1B (No. 7)
Acquired via trade last season, Diaz had a breakout campaign with his left-handed power bat and could factor into the team's plans, especially with a spot at DH available.
Others in player pool:
Sixto Sanchez, RHP (No. 1), JJ Bleday, OF (No. 2), Jazz Chisholm, SS (No. 3), Jesus Sanchez, OF (No. 4), Edward Cabrera, RHP (No. 5), Braxton Garrett, LHP (No. 6), Trevor Rogers, LHP (No. 8), Monte Harrison, OF (No. 9), Nick Neidert, RHP (No. 10), Jose Devers, SS (No. 11), Jerar Encarnacion, OF (No. 15), Jorge Guzman, RHP (No. 19), Jordan Holloway, RHP (No. 20), Humberto Mejia, RHP (No. 23), Will Banfield, C (No. 25), Alex Vesia, LHP (No. 27), Max Meyer, RHP (first-round pick)
METS
Contenders:
Walker Lockett, RHP (No. 25)
Lockett, 26, is the closest thing to a lock among Mets prospects, in part because the right-hander is out of options, though he’ll need to perform at a higher level than the 8.34 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and .347 BAA he posted last year in nine games (four starts) with the Mets.
Kevin Smith, LHP (No. 9)
A breakout prospect who reached Double-A as a starter in 2019, Smith, with his deceptive left-handed delivery and swing-and-miss breaking ball, is said to be in the mix for a spot in the Mets’ Opening Day bullpen.
David Peterson, LHP (No. 10)
After a strong Double-A campaign in 2019, Peterson reported to spring camp in better physical shape and saw his velocity tick up a bit as a result, with his ground-ball-inducing sinker touching 93-94 mph more often. His candidacy for a spot in the Opening Day rotation likely will depend on the health of the Mets’ other starters, though the club could also choose to deploy him in a bullpen role.
Long shots:
Andres Gimenez, SS (No. 3/MLB No. 84), Ali Sanchez, C (No. 26), Ryley Gilliam, RHP (No. 27)
Both Gimenez and Sanchez are Major League-ready defenders, and the former made significant gains as a hitter late last year in Double-A before claiming the Arizona Fall League batting title. Gilliam, a late addition to the Mets’ 60-man pool, is a potential bullpen depth piece who climbed three levels up to Triple-A in his first full season, all while averaging 13.0 K/9.
NATIONALS
Lock:
Carter Kieboom, SS/2B (No. 1/MLB No. 21)
Nationals manager Dave Martinez recently named the 22-year-old Kieboom the team’s starting third baseman. He scuffled during a brief stint in D.C. last year, batting .128 over 11 games, but slashed .303/.409/.493 with 16 homers in 109 games with Triple-A Fresno.
Long shots:
Luis Garcia, SS/2B (No. 2/MLB No. 97), Tres Barrera, C (No. 19)
The Nationals have challenged Garcia, a $1.3 million international signee in July 2016, at every stage of his young career. He turned 20 in May, but is advanced enough in all facets of the game to warrant consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Barrera’s defense makes him a valuable depth option behind the plate for the organization, and he already holds a spot on the 40-man roster after making his big league debut last September.
Others in player pool:
Jackson Rutledge, RHP (No. 3), Wil Crowe, RHP (No. 4), Tim Cate, LHP (No. 8), Seth Romero, LHP (No. 9), Matt Cronin, LHP (No. 10), Yasel Antuna, SS/3B (No. 12), Joan Adon, RHP (No. 16), Jake Irvin, RHP (No. 21), Ben Braymer, LHP (No. 22) Steven Fuentes, RHP (No. 24), Raudy Read, C (No. 25), Jakson Reetz, C (No. 28), Cade Cavalli, RHP (first-round pick)
PHILLIES
Contenders:
Alec Bohm, 3B/1B (No. 1/MLB No. 30)
It might be more likely that the 2018 No. 3 overall pick starts the year in auxiliary camp, but the offense is advanced enough to help sooner rather than later and there could be an opening should Scott Kingery not be ready to go after testing positive for COVID-19.
Cole Irvin, LHP (No. 22)
The lefty is probably the closest to being a lock among the contenders after pitching very well down the stretch out of the bullpen, a role he could get the chance to resume.
Long shots:
Enyel De Los Santos, RHP (No. 8), Jojo Romero, LHP (No. 13)
Both of these arms could be called upon to help in a number of ways. De Los Santos has been in the big leagues over the past two years and has shown the ability to both start and relieve, though he’s more likely to contribute this year out of the 'pen. Romero’s only been a starter in the Minors, but his strong turn as a reliever in the AFL last fall certainly opened some eyes.
Others in player pool:
Spencer Howard, RHP (No. 2/MLB No. 34), Damon Jones, LHP (No. 14), Mauricio Llovera, RHP (No. 15), Connor Seabold, RHP (No. 21), Deivy Grullon, C (No. 24)
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
BREWERS
Contenders
Drew Rasmussen, RHP (No. 9)
After a pair of Tommy John surgeries, Rasmussen made a healthy return in 2019 to post a 3.15 ERA and 96/31 K/BB in 74 1/3 innings across three levels, finishing the year in Double-A. With solid control of an upper-90s fastball, a swing-and-miss slider and a promising changeup, the 24-year-old right-hander could emerge as a bullpen weapon for the Crew in short order.
Devin Williams, RHP (No. 13)
The former second-round pick (2013) missed nearly 22 months due to injuries (including Tommy John surgery), but found new life as a reliever last season, riding an uptick in stuff en route to the Major Leagues, where he compiled a 3.95 ERA while averaging 96.4 mph on his fastball across 13 relief appearances.
Zack Brown, RHP (No. 14)
After being left off Milwaukee’s 40-man roster last fall, Brown looked more like his 2018 self during the spring and has continued to impress the Brewers’ coaching staff in Summer Camp.
Long shots:
Trey Supak, RHP (No. 15), Dylan File, RHP (No. 24), Clayton Andrews, LHP (No. 27)
Supak, a member of the Brewers’ 40-man roster, File and Andrews were assigned to the Brewers’ alternate camp site in Appleton, Wisc. At the same time, they all enjoyed some upper-level success in 2019 and have profiles that could allow them to serve the club in a variety of roles.
CARDINALS
Lock:
Junior Fernández, RHP (No. 10)
The hard-throwing righty has the type of electric stuff that could lead to a high-leverage role with St. Louis. In 13 appearances with the Cardinals last season, the 23-year-old struck out 16 in 11 2/3 innings and compiled a 1.52 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 65 Minor League innings.
Contenders:
Dylan Carlson, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 17)
While the Cardinals’ outfield remains crowded even after the club traded Randy Arozarena and Jose Martinez during the offseason, Carlson, who slashed .292/.372/.542 with 26 homers and 20 steals between Double- and Triple-A last season at age 20, and then encored with an eye-opening spring camp, still could force his way into the Opening Day picture.
Andrew Knizner, C (No. 6)
Matt Wieters is expected to back up Yadier Molina to open the season, though an injury to either backstop could open the door for Knizner, who batted .226 with two homers in 18 games with St. Louis last season.
Johan Oviedo, RHP (No. 11)
The 6-foot-5 right-hander’s electric stuff plays up because he generates huge extension toward the plate, and he’s drawn rave reviews from those within the organization for his improved delivery in Summer Camp. The Cardinals still view Oviedo as a starter long-term, though he could make an immediate impact if moved into a bullpen role.
Kodi Whitley, RHP (No. 14)
The former 27th-round pick (2017) had a breakout ‘19 campaign across three levels including Triple-A, compiling a 1.60 ERA with 78 strikeouts and 19 walks in 67 1/3 innings (50 appearances), while also tallying nine saves.
Long shots:
Génesis Cabrera, RHP (No. 9), Jake Woodford, RHP (No. 12), Justin Williams, OF (No. 17), Edmundo Sosa, INF (No. 20)
Cabrera appeared ticketed for a spot in the Cardinals’ Opening Day bullpen but is behind schedule after testing positive for COVID-19. Woodford, Williams and Sosa all have Major League or Triple-A experience and could provide the organization with potential Opening Day roster depth if needed.
Others in player pool:
Nolan Gorman, 3B (No. 2), Matthew Liberatore, LHP (No. 3), Ivan Herrera, C (No. 4), Zack Thompson, LHP (No. 5), Elehuris Montero, 3B (No. 7), Angel Rondon, RHP (No. 13), Julio Rodriguez, C (No. 15), Malcom Nunez, 3B (No. 16), Trejyn Fletcher, OF (No. 18), Seth Elledge, RHP (No. 24), Roel Ramirez, RHP (No. 25), Ricardo Sanchez, LHP (No. 26), Alvaro Seijas, RHP (No. 30), Jordan Walker, 3B (First-round pick), Masyn Winn, SS/RHP (Second-round pick)
CUBS
Lock:
Nico Hoerner, SS/2B/OF (No. 1/MLB No. 51)
After batting .282 with three homers in 20 games as an emergency callup last September, Hoerner could win the second-base job and is the primary backup to Javy Baez at shortstop.
Contender:
James Norwood, RHP (No. 23)
Norwood struggled in the Cactus League but has looked better in Summer Camp, giving him a strong chance of opening the season with the Cubs as a reliever capable of working multiple innings.
PIRATES
Lock:
Mitch Keller, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 39)
Yes, his big league debut was uneven, but he finished well (14 K and 3 ER over 10 IP in last two starts) and is penciled into the middle of the Pirates rotation.
Others in player pool:
Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B (No. 2), Cruz, SS (No. 3), Liover Peguero, SS (No. 5),Travis Swaggerty, OF (No. 6), Jared Oliva, OF (No. 9), Cody Bolton, RHP (No. 10), Ji-Hwan Bae, 2B/SS (No. 11), Mason Martin, 1B (No. 15), Kevin Kramer, INF/OF (No. 18), Will Craig, 1B (No. 19), Max Kranick, RHP (No. 21), Rodolfo Castro, INF (No. 23), Aaron Shortridge, RHP (No. 27), Blake Cederlind, RHP (No. 28), Nick Gonzales, SS (first-round pick)
REDS
Contenders:
Tejay Antone, RHP (No. 20)
After reaching Triple-A in 2019, Antone was added to the 40-man roster during the offseason and while he has largely average stuff, he is a ground-ball machine who could serve as a spot starter or long reliever, something that could be of use if the Reds go with a piggyback system.
Joel Kuhnel, RHP (No. 22)
Kuhnel used his fastball-slider combination to pitch his way to Cincinnati last year and could use his fastball that touches triple digits and low-90s breaking ball to impact the bullpen again in 2020.
Long shots:
Nick Lodolo, LHP (No. 1/MLB No. 48), Tyler Stephenson, C (No. 3), Jose Garcia, SS (No. 5)
It might be unlikely that the Reds would rush their 2019 first-round pick to the big leagues, but he is very advanced and has thrown well in Summer Camp, leading some to dream about him helping, even if it’s in a piggyback situation. The Reds appear set behind the plate, but if Kyle Farmer ends up playing a lot of shortstop and the Reds want to carry three catchers, Stephenson is close to ready. Speaking of shortstops, or a lack thereof, Garcia was getting a lot of reps in Summer Camp because the Reds don’t have many true shortstops in camp.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-BACKS
Contenders:
Kevin Cron, 1B (No. 26)
Cron could be a DH option for the D-backs this season after the 27-year-old slugger erupted to hit a Minor League-best 39 homers, including a franchise-record 38 in just 82 games with Triple-A Reno, and added six more homers in 39 games with Arizona after a May debut.
Kevin Ginkel, RHP (No. 27)
Ginkel, 26, used his fastball-slider combo to post a 1.48 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 25 appearances late last season following his big league debut in early August.
Long shots:
Daulton Varsho, C (No. 3/MLB No. 76), Andy Young, INF (No. 15)
Varsho is coming off of a career-best season in Double-A in which he batted .301/.378/.520 with 18 homers, 25 doubles and 21 steals in 108 games. Young is able to play multiple positions and could be a great bench piece for the D-backs this season.
Others in player pool:
Alek Thomas, OF (No. 2), Geraldo Perdomo, SS (No. 4), Corbin Carroll, OF (No. 5), Blake Walston, LHP (No. 6), Corbin Martin, RHP (No. 7), Luis Frias, RHP (No. 8), Levi Kelly, RHP (No. 9), J.B. Bukauskas, RHP (No. 10), Seth Beer, 1B/OF (No. 12), Jon Duplantier, RHP (No. 13), , Josh Green, RHP (No. 16), Tommy Henry, LHP (No. 19), Dominic Fletcher, OF (No. 20), Pavin Smith, 1B/OF (No. 24)
DODGERS
Locks:
Dustin May, RHP (No. 2/MLB No. 23)
May’s electric sinker helped him claim a spot on Los Angeles’ postseason roster last October, three years after he was drafted out of high school, and don’t be surprised if he becomes a rotation mainstay after opening this season in the bullpen.
Brusdar Graterol, RHP (No. 5/MLB No. 83)
Acquired from the Twins in an offshoot of the Mookie Betts trade in February, Graterol hit 102 mph during his big league debut last summer and will deliver heat out of the bullpen.
Contender:
Edwin Rios, 3B/1B/OF (No. 18)
The universal DH rule for 2020 is tailor-made for Rios, who has well above-average power to all fields and homered 35 times in 440 at-bats last year (including four in 47 at-bats with Los Angeles).
Others in player pool:
Josiah Gray, RHP (No. 3), Keibert Ruiz, C (No. 4), Tony Gonsolin, RHP (No. 6), Kody Hoese, 3B (No. 7), Michael Busch, 2B (No. 8), Diego Cartaya, C (No. 9), Mitchell White, RHP (No. 11), DJ Peters, OF (No. 13), Gerardo Carrillo, RHP (No. 17), Michael Grove, RHP (No. 19), Victor Gonzalez, LHP (No. 21), Omar Estevez, 2B/SS (No. 24), Edwin Uceta, RHP (No. 25), Ryan Pepiot, RHP (No. 28), Brett de Geus, RHP (No. 29), Andre Jackson, RHP (No. 30), Bobby Miller (first-round pick), Landon Knack (second-round pick), Clayton Beeter, RHP (supplemental second-round pick), Jake Vogel, OF (third-round pick), Carson Taylor (fourth-round pick)
GIANTS
Locks:
Mauricio Dubon, SS/2B (No. 11)
Part of the Drew Pomeranz/Ray Black trade with the Brewers last July, Dubon posted a .754 OPS as a Giants regular down the stretch and should get plenty of at-bats as either a starter at second base or in a super-utility role.
Logan Webb, RHP (No. 12)
Webb ended 2019 with back-to-back quality starts in San Francisco and his stuff is as good as any of the club’s rotation candidates, so he’ll probably begin the season as the No. 5 starter.
Contender:
Dany Jimenez, RHP (No. 29)
A Rule 5 pick in December, Jimenez held his own in Cactus League action and must stick on the big league roster or else be exposed to waivers and offered back to the Blue Jays for half of his $100,000 Draft price.
Long shots:
Joey Bart, C (No. 1/MLB No. 14), Jaylin Davis, OF (No. 13)
Though Buster Posey’s decision not to play in 2020 increased anticipation that the No. 2 overall pick in 2018 will make his big league debut this summer, Bart has played just 22 games above Class A Advanced. Davis has impressive power but must prove he can make more consistent contact to claim a job.
PADRES
Locks:
Jorge Mateo, SS/2B (No. 13)
Acquired from the A’s in early July, Mateo has not yet taken the field for the Padres after he tested positive for COVID-19 upon his intake screening. The 25-year-old speedster is out of options and was expected to make San Diego’s Opening Day roster before testing positive.
Javy Guerra, RHP (No. 23)
The former shortstop quickly developed into a bullpen force, operating with a fastball that touches triple digits. He was sharp during the spring, allowing just three hits with five strikeouts and a walk over 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and has continued to impress in his return to camp.
Contenders:
Adrian Morejon, LHP (No. 6)
After reaching the Majors last year as a 20-year-old, the hard-throwing lefty is a candidate for the No. 5 spot in the rotation and could prove valuable in a long-relief role if forced to the bullpen.
Michel Baez, RHP (No. 7)
Baez also reached the Majors last season, pitching well in relief, and encored with a strong spring camp. He’s in a similar position to Morejon as someone who could either fill out the back-end of the team’s rotation or return to the bullpen.
Edward Olivares, OF (No. 19)
Perhaps the most-talked about player in Padres Summer Camp, Olivares seems to be the favorite to land an Opening Day roster spot. The 24-year-old batted .283/.349/.453 with 18 homers and 35 steals last year for Double-A Amarillo and slashed .389/.421/.722 in 11 games during the spring.
Long shots:
MacKenzie Gore, LHP (No. 1/MLB No. 5), Luis Patiño, RHP (No. 3/MLB No. 27), Taylor Trammell, OF (No. 5/No. 57), Jake Cronenworth, SS/RHP (No. 17), David Bednar, RHP (No. 29)
Gore and Patiño, both 21, are among the best pitching prospects in baseball and should make their big league debuts at some point this season if they don’t crack the Opening Day roster. Trammell is a candidate for one of the club’s remaining outfield spots, and the same goes for Bolanos’ chances of making the team’s starting rotation. Cronenworth’s versatility and solid bat could provide the Padres with some extra roster flexibility, while Bednar, a right-handed reliever who debuted late last season, offers solid bullpen depth.
ROCKIES
Locks:
Brendan Rodgers, 2B/SS (No. 1/MLB No. 29)
In a perfect world, Rodgers will claim the second base job outright in summer camp, allowing Ryan McMahon to play first and Daniel Murphy to handle DH duties. Rodgers is healthy and ready to go.
Sam Hilliard, OF (No. 9)
With Ian Desmond electing not to play the 2020 season, there’s an opening, one that Hilliard could step through after impressing the big league staff by hitting seven homers in 77 at-bats during his debut in 2019.
Josh Fuentes, 3B/1B (No. 18)
Fuentes’ ability to play both infield corners should help him land a bench spot, where he could be a backup for his cousin Nolan Arenado and for McMahon at first.
Contender:
Yonathan Daza, OF (No. 11)
The free-agent signing of Matt Kemp makes it a bit more crowded, but Daza has shown the ability to hit and really defend throughout his Minor League career, making him a good fourth outfielder type candidate.
Long shots:
Tyler Nevin, 1B/3B (No. 12), Ryan Castellani, RHP (No. 15), Tommy Doyle, RHP (No. 19), Ashton Goudeau, RHP (No. 26)
Both Castellani and Goudeau are inching close to showing they can help the rotation and could be the first to get called on should there be an opening. Both threw well in the Arizona Fall League last fall, with Goudeau showing he can be lights-out from the bullpen as well. Doyle has closed a bunch of games in the Minors and could eventually be called upon to do the same in Colorado. Nevin could find himself in the mix for the DH spot as well as providing support at the corners.