Young MLB stars are ready to make an impact. Bobby Witt Jr., the top prospect in baseball, came up huge to help the Kansas City Royals defeat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1. Witt Jr. was hitless in his first three at-bats; he hit a double to deep left field to score Michael Taylor. Andrew Benintendi drove in it Witt Jr. on an RBI single to give the Royals the go-ahead lead. He won’t be the only up-and-coming player making his big league debut. Here are some notable young MLB stars who will make their debuts soon.
Meet the Young MLB Stars
Jeremy Peña
Prospect Profile-Shortstop
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Jeremy Peña, the son of Geronimo Peña, is taking over as starting shortstop for Carlos Correa. The 24-year old has the task of filling Correra’s shoes, but he comes with high expectations. Pena is the defensive player in the Houston Astros farm system. He’s riding off the success to a strong finish last year at Triple-A. He looked excellent in Spring Training, making his Major League debut against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Pena went 0-for-4 with strikeouts.
Bryson Scott
Prospect Profile- Infielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Right
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Bryson Stott as the 14th pick of the 2019 MLB Draft. The organization’s No. 1 prospect climbed through the minor league ranks from High-A Jersey Shore to Triple-A Leigh Valley. He can draw many walks, helping him get in more favorable counts to let him drive the ball with more emphasis on extra bases. He has the arm, hands, and instincts to play shortstop. But Stott is versatile enough to play anywhere in the infield. He could see time at third and second base this season.
Hunter Greene
Prospect Profile- Right-Handed Pitcher
Hunter Greene is finally here. The 22-year old, who was the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, missed 2019 and 2020 following Tommy John surgery. Greene comes with a power repertoire, hitting 100+ mph routinely. In 2021, the Cincinnati Reds No.1 prospect was 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA, striking out 60 batters in 41 innings over seven starts at Double-A Chattanooga. His promotion to Triple-A Louisville didn’t translate well, compiling a 5-8 record with a 4.13 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 65 1/3 innings.
Spencer Torkelson
Prospect Profile-1B/3B
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Spencer Torkelson’s quick rise through the minor leagues is impressive. The top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft rose from High-A to playing 40 games in Triple-A. He hit .267/.383/.552 over 530 plate appearances. This spring, evidence of a good approach and contact rate were notable, as Torkelson hit .280/.406/.440 over 12 games. Torkelson is the latest Detroit Tigers prospect to make it to the majors. Plus, he’s the first Tiger to make his debut on Opening Day since 2010. Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore were the last to do so.
Julio Rodríguez
Prospect Profile- Outfielder
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
An International prospect signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2017; Julio Rodríguez has an advanced approach at the plate. He can hit the ball hard to any part of the field with impressive plate discipline. Plus, there’s proof that the 21-year old has hit everywhere he’s played, sporting a .331/.412/.543 slash line in 227 Minor League games. Through 12 spring games for the Seattle Mariners, he hit .419 with a 1.310 OPS. He’s an excellent and aggressive baserunner who can steal a base. Rodríguez has the makings of being a big league superstar.
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Players mentioned:
Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Taylor, Andrew Benintendi, Jeremy Peña, Geronimo Peña, Carlos Correa, Bryson Stott, Spencer Torkelson, Austin Jackson, Scott Sizemore, Julio Rodríguez
