As the final stages of Major League Baseball's season approach, an exciting crop of young talent is breaking onto the scene with notable late-season call-ups. These call-ups are more than just strategic moves by the teams; they represent significant opportunities for these budding stars to get a taste of the big leagues, all while circumventing substantial service-time impacts for their respective clubs.
Emerging Stars to Watch
Several promising players have recently been called up, creating buzz across the league. Among them are Kumar Rocker of the Rangers, Luisangel Acuña of the Mets, Thomas Saggese of the Cardinals, and Seth Johnson of the Phillies. Each of these players brings unique skills and a fresh dynamic to their teams as they navigate the closing games of the season.
Roman Anthony: A Red Sox Sensation
One player who has particularly captured attention is Roman Anthony, a 20-year-old outfielder for the Red Sox. Anthony’s transition to Triple-A has been nothing short of remarkable. Over his first 29 games, he’s hit .327/.431/.504, showcasing an impressive ability to handle advanced pitching. Notably, Anthony’s plate discipline stands out as he has nearly as many walks as strikeouts, a rare feat for a young player in such a competitive environment. His raw power is evident as well, with his exit velocity peaking at an impressive 112.5 mph.
Joining Anthony in Worcester are other promising talents such as Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Kyle Teel. Together, they form a nucleus that could well be the foundation of future Red Sox success.
Bubba Chandler: Pirates' Pitching Prodigy
For the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bubba Chandler represents a standout on the mound. At 22 years old, Chandler boasts a 1.59 ERA and a 3.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his first four Triple-A starts. His fastball reaches 97 mph and pairs lethally with a slider that has a 33% whiff rate. Chandler has also set a new career high in innings pitched this season, signaling his stamina and readiness for higher levels of play. Another noteworthy prospect for the Pirates is Nick Yorke, a second baseman obtained from the Red Sox, who is making notable strides at the Triple-A level.
Jacob Misiorowski: Brewers' Towering Talent
The Milwaukee Brewers are eager about Jacob Misiorowski, a towering 6-foot-7 right-hander. Misiorowski has been exceptional, posting a 2.87 ERA and averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings at Triple-A. His fastball clocks in at 98 mph, and when combined with his effective breaking ball, it forms a daunting arsenal for opposing hitters. Misiorowski has also pitched more than 20 innings beyond his previous career high this season, indicating his development and durability.
Chase Petty and the Reds' Rising Prospects
In Cincinnati, the Reds are keeping a keen eye on Chase Petty, another promising pitcher. Petty has logged 132 innings this season, relying heavily on his mid-90s sinker and a sharp slider. These two pitches have been the backbone of his success, and his performance is a positive sign for his future with the Reds. The Reds also recently promoted Rhett Lowder in late August, adding further depth to their pitching prospects.
Cubs' Cornerstone: Matt Shaw
The Chicago Cubs are excited about first-round pick Matt Shaw, who has made significant progress in a short period. Shaw advanced to Double-A late last year and was promoted to Triple-A in August. Despite a setback due to a back issue, Shaw returned in September and delivered immediately, recording seven multi-hit games out of 11. His resilience and talent make him a key figure in the Cubs' plans moving forward.
The influx of young talent across Major League Baseball is invigorating for both teams and fans. These late-season call-ups not only signal exciting times ahead but also offer a glimpse into the future of the sport. As the 2023 season wraps up, these young athletes will be looking to make lasting impressions that could shape their trajectories in the big leagues.