The American League East has been one of if not the most competitive division in Major League Baseball. With multiple teams competing for a division title, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that can help make an impact on these teams in the future.
Baltimore Orioles – Jackson Holliday SS – ETA 2024
The Orioles saw great success in 2023, and look to keep that momentum moving forward with MLB’s top prospect Jackson Holliday. Son of former major leaguer Matt Holliday, Jackson possesses incredible hitting skills, just like his father. Taken first overall in the 2022 draft, Holliday has impressed ever since. At just 20 years old he found himself ending the season at the AAA level, leaving many to question if he would get a callup to help the club in the postseason. This past season, Holliday hit for a .323 average with a .442 on base percentage and .499 slugging percentage. Holliday had a .941 OPS and provided great defensive skill at the shortstop position. Depending on how he does in spring training, Holliday could very well see himself break the opening day roster.
Boston Red Sox – Kyle Teel C – ETA 2025
Boston may have found their franchise backstop with Kyle Teel. Teel was taken 14th overall in the 2023 draft and displayed incredible athleticism behind the plate during his career at Virgina. Teel played 26 games this season across three levels, soaring through the system and reaching the AA level. In those 26 games he put up an impressive slashline of .363 BA/.483 OBP/.495 SLG, with a .977 OPS. Teel also possesses a great arm behind the plate and if he can keep up this level of production offensively, he can very well reach the majors sooner than expected.
New York Yankees – Spencer Jones OF – ETA 2025
Following the breakout big league start for Jasson Dominguez, the minor league spotlight shines brightest on outfielder Spencer Jones. Since being drafted as the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones has impressed in his two seasons in the minors. Jones played 100 games at the High-A level in 2023, posting a slashline of a .268 BA/.337 OBP/.450 SLG for a combined .739 OPS. Jones also recorded 13 HR, 56 RBI, and stole 35 bases. Jones saw a brief stint in Somerset with the AA squad, and will most likely look to continue to develop in the AA and AAA levels this season.
Tampa Bay Rays – Carson Williams SS – ETA 2025
Tampa Bay looks to replace their shortstop and Carson Williams will undoubtedly fit into the squad when the time comes. Williams’ arm and ability in the field is the highlight of his game, but he also flashes potential of having above average power for the shortstop position. In the past three seasons in the minors, Williams hit 42 home runs and stole 50 bases. Williams flashes potential to be a great all around middle infielder, and if he can lower the amount of strikeouts at the plate, he can develop into the Rays new shortstop most likely by the 2025 season.
Toronto Blue Jays – Ricky Tiedemann LHP – ETA 2024
The Blue Jays are looking to compete for a division title and a possible deep postseason run. While the offense is certainly competitive, the Jays could use the young lefty in their rotation. Tiedemann was taken in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft and has played two seasons with the club in the minor leagues. In those two seasons Tiedemann posted a 2.71 ERA in 33 games pitched. Tiedemann also tallied 199 strikeouts in 122.2 innings pitched. Tiedemann saw his year end in AAA Buffalo, but a good spring training could put Toronto’s top prospect in their rotation early in 2024.
Honorable Mentions
Baltimore – Enrique Bradfield Jr. OF – ETA 2026
Boston – Marcelo Mayer SS – ETA 2024
New York – George Lombard Jr. SS – ETA 2027
Tampa Bay – Brayden Taylor 3B – ETA 2026
Toronto – Arjun Nimmala SS – ETA 2027
