One prospect to watch from every AL team

With Opening Day in the rear view mirror, here are a few names to keep an eye on for each American League team who should graduate from the minor league level soon.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles – Samuel Basallo

Basallo currently sits behind one of the league’s best catchers in Adley Rutschman. However, the Orioles’ decision not to trade him at last year’s deadline shows they value his potential.

With an elite power bat and defensive versatility, Basallo could force his way onto the roster sooner rather than later to grow with this young roster in an ultra-competitive division.

Boston Red Sox – Jhostynxon Garcia

Garcia, who has fittingly earned the nickname “the password,” was a surprise addition to the 40-man roster this offseason.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has repeatedly expressed interest in adding a right-hander to the surplus of lefties in his lineup, and his rapid rise through three minor league levels in 2024 will make the Venezuelan product a name to watch.

New York Yankees – Will Warren

While I’m tempted to go with the Rookie of the Year favorite in Jasson Domínguez, new injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil have left holes in the rotation, so Warren will likely be called upon early.

Despite early struggles, his strong fastball-slider combination could make him a crucial depth piece in a season where New York will need every arm it can get.

Tampa Bay Rays – Dylan Lesko

Once a top pitching prospect before undergoing Tommy John surgery, Lesko was the centerpiece of the Rays’ trade that sent Jason Adam to San Diego.

Tampa Bay’s outstanding reputation for developing misfit prospects and Lesko’s high-upside arsenal that features a devastating changeup make him a prime candidate to regain his status as a top prospect.

Toronto Blue Jays – Alan Roden

Roden has been one of the league's best hitters this spring, positioning himself as a borderline lock to patrol center field for the Jays.

Roden’s disciplined approach at the plate gives him a real chance to break through in 2024, especially with Toronto seeking help to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in town past this season.

AL Central

Chicago White Sox – Chase Meidroth

An overlooked yet valuable piece in the blockbuster trade this offseason that sent Garrett Crochet to Boston, Miedroth will likely be the first of the four promising young pieces the White Sox received to contribute at the big league level.

With strong contact skills, Meidroth has the potential to develop into a steady presence in an otherwise volatile lineup.

Cleveland Guardians – Chase DeLauter

DeLauter has impressed at every level, and I had the chance to see his skills firsthand in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he earned the Robert A. McNeese Outstanding Pro Prospect Award in 2021.

His combination of power, speed, and plate discipline has made him one of Cleveland’s most intriguing outfield prospects.

Detroit Tigers – Jace Jung

The younger brother of Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, Jace has all the tools to be a productive major leaguer.

Jung was another name that I witnessed thrive among some of the best collegiate competitions in Cape Cod a few summers ago. He boasts excellent bat speed and a strong approach at the plate, but consistency will be key.

Kansas City Royals – Jac Caglianone

Caglianone has one of the most electrifying bats in the minors, capable of launching tape-measure home runs every at-bat.

A former two-way player at Florida, his highlights alone are worth watching, as he combines elite raw power with solid defensive versatility. It is no secret that Caglianone won’t stay in the minors for long, so the Royals will closely monitor his development.

Minnesota Twins – Luke Keaschall

Keaschall caught my attention in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he put all five tools on display.

Given his track record and Minnesota’s oft-injured roster, Keaschall could provide an impact bat at the major league level for a team still looking to establish its core.

AL West

Oakland Athletics – Max Muncy

No, not the All-Star slugger from the Dodgers, but an interesting shortstop prospect in his own right. Muncy offers a strong blend of defensive ability and developing power, providing more than just name value.

As the A’s embark on their relocation process, Muncy could be a key piece of their future infield alongside Jacob Wilson.

Los Angeles Angels – Christian Moore

The Angels have aggressively promoted their top prospects in past years, with Moore likely to be next in line.

Drafted with the eighth overall selection last year, he already has a path to a starting job at second base after putting together an impressive spring training campaign as LA remains desperate to make the most out of Mike Trout’s prime years.

Houston Astros – Cam Smith

Houston shifted its identity this offseason, transitioning away from talented veterans Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, and inking newcomers Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker to deals while relocating former AL MVP Jose Altuve to left field.

A talented outfielder who had a shocking fall on draft night, Smith has made a strong impression this spring with his bat after being acquired from the Cubs this offseason. The former Florida State standout could play a significant role for Houston as it embraces a new infusion of youth.

Seattle Mariners – Harry Ford

With Cal Raleigh locked in as the Mariners’ starting catcher for years to come after signing a massive extension this offseason, Ford’s long-term defensive home is still uncertain.

However, his athleticism and bat speed are too good to be ignored. Seattle’s lineup struggled mightily last season, and Ford’s offensive potential could be precisely what it needs to complement its elite pitching staff.

Texas Rangers – Kumar Rocker

Fans will see Rocker’s name and have a flashback to one of the most dominant college pitchers we have ever seen.

A once-elite pitching prospect, Rocker has had his fair share of storylines surrounding him with injury concerns leaving him unsigned after being selected 10th overall in 2021 by the Mets, but 2024 could finally be the year where he reclaims his fame. With an electric fastball and a wipeout slider, he still has the tools to be a dominant pitcher, especially given fellow top prospect Jack Leiter’s struggles.

Chris Carr is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cjc7403@psu.edu.