Here are 12 young MLBbros to look out for in the future.
1. “Money” Michael Harris II
Atlanta native Michael Harris II entered this season as the Braves top ranked prospect and could finish as the National League Rookie of The Year. Harris is one of the youngest players in the Majors and looks like the second coming of Ken Griffey Jr. with the combination of skills, he brings to both sides of the ball.
He was the best player on last year’s World Series winning team and is only one home run away from finishing with a 20 home runs and 20 steals while accounting for 64 RBI and a .296 batting average.
2. Triston “Dr.Sticks” McKenzie
Triston McKenzie put the title of “Ace” next to his name after his 2022 coming out party. He reached a different level this season, particularly after the All-Star Break, raking up 11 quality starts in a row since August 7th.
He finished the year in the top 10 for both ERA (2.96) and strikeouts (190) while his .201 batting average against is the seventh lowest throughout Major League Baseball.
3. Hunter Greene
Hunter Greene is Major League Baseball’s biggest gas thrower. He threw 300 pitches this season over 100 MPH, the most in the league by nearly 200! Greene was drafted second overall by the Reds as a Two-Way player in the 2017 draft but after Tommy John surgery he became pitching exclusively.
He finished this season with 154 strikeouts and a 4.44 ERA.
4. Nick Gordon
Nick Gordon took a huge step forward this season: raising all his numbers at the plate in his first full Major League season.
This year he slashed .271/.316/.430 with nine home runs and 48 RBI. Last year’s same statline had him at .240/.292/.355 with four homers and 23 RBI.
Gordon also made a smooth transition from infielder to full-time outfielder, filling in as a solid replacement for his teammate, 2022 All-Star Byron Buxton.
5. “King” Vaughn Grissom
Vaughn Grissom is another one of the Baby Braves that got thrown right into the line of fire and showed signs of being a superstar.
Grissom played a big role for the Braves this year, taking over the second base position for Ozzie Albes after he suffered an injury.
He was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer over the Green Monster and a stolen base in his Major League debut and has a .290 average with five home runs this season.
6. Josiah Gray
Josiah Gray is the future of the Nationals and gave fans a glimpse into what could be a promising future featuring him and shortstop C.J. Abrams, who was acquired by Washington in a trade for Juan Soto.
In his first full Major League season Gray had three games with at least 10 strikeouts, 154 total K’s, a 7-10 record and 2.39 batting average against.
7. C.J. Abrams
C.J. Abrams is on fire to end the 2022 season and gives Nationals fans hope that they will return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Over his last 15 games, Abrams is batting .316 with 18 hits, seven runs scored, four steals and had a walk-off single to beat the Atlanta Braves.
8. Bubba Thompson
Bubba Thompson has a legitimate chance to steal 50 bases next season when the league expands bases.
This year in Triple-A he stole 49 bases and was only caught three times.
Since his call-up to the Majors in August, he already has 18.
However, do not think Thompson does not bring power to the plate, he had 29 home runs and 100 RBI in two Minor League seasons.
9. Kyle Lewis
Lewis won the American League Rookie of the Year award in the Covid 2020 season but has not been able to piggyback off that success due to injuries. He suffered a Torn ACL last season, the same ACL he had repaired back in 2016. Since then, Lewis has not been able to secure a role on the Mariners who are going to the playoffs for the first time in 21-years.
He batted a woeful .143 in the Majors this season, which must be improved if he wants another shot in the Bigs.
10. Jordan Hicks
In his career, flame throwing reliever Jordan Hicks has thrown the second most pitches over 102 MPH in the statcast era, only trailing Aroldis Chapman. The Cardinals wanted to see Hicks in a starting role this season, but it looks like they think he can do his best work out of the bullpen. Injuries to his neck and arm recently landed him on the Injured List but after a bullpen session he may be Activated for the Wild Card Series.
In 60.1 innings Hicks has a 4.92 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
11. Akil Baddoo
Baddoo Mania took over the Majors in his rookie year, but the dreaded sophomore slump caught up to him, leading to him being sent to the Minors. After batting .259 with 13 home runs last year, he is only at .207 and two bombs for 2023.
He has found his stride at the plate recently, hitting .286 in his last seven games.
12. Chuckie Robinson
Chuckie Robinson is a Black catcher in the Major Leagues, something we have not seen often throughout Major League history. The third generation catcher for the Cincinnati Reds was first called up to fill the extra roster spot made for the “Field of Dreams” Game but made his debut on August 24th. Robinson has two home runs this season, including a game-tying two-run shot in the bottom of the 7th Wednesday night.
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