Central STL News

Several top prospects across Major League Baseball’s farm systems have posted strong offensive numbers in recent weeks, with many showing potential for promotion or trade as the season advances.

Among the most notable is Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, who has led Minor League hitters over the past month. Jones recorded a .427 batting average, .477 on-base percentage, and .987 slugging percentage with 12 home runs in 18 Triple-A games entering Wednesday. His performance may earn him a call-up to the majors or make him a key piece in a possible trade.

Mariners first baseman Tyler Locklear also stood out with a .407/.481/.779 line and nine home runs over his last 22 Triple-A games. Seattle promoted Locklear on Wednesday following this stretch.

Other organizations have seen similar surges from their top prospects:

- The Blue Jays’ Juan Sanchez moved into Toronto’s Top 30 prospects after hitting .333/.447/.548 with 12 extra-base hits over his last 21 games.

- Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo produced a .313/.370/.729 line in July despite missing time due to injury.

- Rays catcher Dominic Keegan hit .286/.349/.518 in July for Triple-A Durham after returning from an elbow issue.

- Red Sox outfielder Yophery Rodriguez improved to .338/.373/.549 in his last 18 games after early struggles post-trade.

- Guardians first baseman Ralphy Velazquez posted a .338/.398/.600 line with 12 extra-base hits at High-A recently.

- Royals catcher Carter Jensen delivered seven homers and four doubles with a .328/.438/.738 line in July at Triple-A Omaha.

- Tigers outfielder Max Clark continued his success after moving up to Double-A Erie, reaching base in ten of twelve games since July 8.

- Twins outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez made adjustments at the plate and now holds a combined average of .340 for the year.

In the National League Central, St. Louis Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt has drawn attention. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft left Double-A Springfield after hitting two home runs in his final Texas League game on July 6. He then homered and tripled three days later during his debut for Triple-A Memphis. In his first twelve games at that level, Wetherholt posted a .787 slugging percentage and recorded more extra-base hits than strikeouts. Although he is currently blocked by established players Brendan Donovan and Masyn Winn at St. Louis’ middle-infield positions, Wetherholt continues to push for major league consideration.

The Cubs’ Owen Caissie maintained an eight-homer streak over seventeen Triple-A games while Pirates outfielder Edward Florentino produced seven home runs and sixteen stolen bases over the past month.

Across other organizations, several young players are beginning to show their potential as well:

- Braves third baseman David McCabe returned strong from Tommy John surgery.

- Marlins catcher Joe Mack hit seven homers over seventeen Triple-A contests.

- Dodgers prospect Zyhir Hope contributed five homers and four steals over eighteen High-A games.

The performances of these prospects come as playoff races intensify around MLB and teams consider moves ahead of the Trade Deadline.

“His [Wetherholt's] .787 slugging percentage in his first 12 games ranks fourth at Triple-A since his arrival, and he has more extra-base hits (10) than strikeouts (eight) in that span,” according to team reports. “Wetherholt is blocked by Brendan Donovan and Masyn Winn at St. Louis’ two middle-infield spots but continues to push for a potential debut in his first full season all the same.”

More information about top prospects can be found through MLB Pipeline’s coverage: https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100