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Closest MLB-ready prospect for each AL team
Two months before the All-Star Game, some MLB teams are already contemplating call-ups from their minor league systems. Here, Yardbarker MLB writers identify one MLB-ready prospect for every American League team. (All statistics are through Sunday's play.)
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES | RHP Chayce McDermott | The Orioles’ pitching is abysmal, so it may be McDermott’s time to shine sooner than later. The right-hander, Baltimore’s No. 4 prospect, threw four shutout innings with three strikeouts in his Triple-A debut on May 3.
BOSTON RED SOX | OF Roman Anthony | Anthony, who has an elite .933 OPS with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, should make his MLB debut soon. Boston’s top prospect is also MLB’s top-ranked prospect overall, an indicator of his massive potential and ability to become an impact major league regular.
NEW YORK YANKEES | RHP Eric Reyzelman | Most of the Yankees’ top young players are still in Single-A or Double-A, which means they still have development time ahead. That’s what makes Reyzelman, New York’s No. 21-ranked prospect, a viable option to be called up as a bullpen reinforcement. He has a 2.63 ERA at Triple-A.
TAMPA BAY RAYS | SS Carson Williams | Known more for his elite glove than his hitting skills, Williams figures to receive a big-league call-up this season despite batting just .172 at Triple-A. The Rays’ No. 1 prospect wouldn’t have much competition at the big-league level, either, at least not until veteran Ha-Seong Kim returns from injury.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS | SS Josh Kasevich | Keep an eye on Kasevich, who could be next in line to start at shortstop for the Blue Jays should incumbent Bo Bichette be dealt this summer or depart in free agency after the season. Kasevich, Toronto’s No. 7 prospect, is already hitting .325 with an .815 OPS at Triple-A. — Seth Carlson
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX | First baseman Tim Elko | Elko is not going to be found on any top prospect lists, but he is off to a white-hot start at Triple-A Charlotte, posting a .333/.408/.657 batting line with 10 homers and four doubles in 120 plate appearances. The White Sox have received minimal production at first and DH, providing a path for Elko to get a look.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS | Infielder Juan Brito | Brito had a chance to win the Opening Day second baseman job but struggled in spring training. As present second baseman Gabriel Arias is capable of playing short and infielder Brayan Rocchio has yet to show that he can handle major league pitching, Brito may get a chance soon.
DETROIT TIGERS | Outfielder Roberto Campos | The Tigers do not have many holes with the exception of center field. Campos, who is capable of playing all three spots in the outfield, has a .333/.424/.444 batting line in his 87 plate appearances at Double-A Erie. If he continues this production, Campos could skip Triple-A to help the Tigers.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS | Infielder Peyton Wilson | Wilson is not on any top prospect lists, but he may have forced his way into the Royals’ plans with an impressive .392/.506/.689 batting line in 91 plate appearances at Double-A before his promotion to Omaha. As Michael Massey has done nothing to prove that he can be the answer at second base, Wilson has a path to the majors if he continues the hot hitting at Triple-A.
MINNESOTA TWINS | Outfielder Emmanuel Rodriguez | A consensus top-100 prospect over the past three years, Rodriguez has displayed five-tool talent, although injuries have slowed his progression through the system. The major league outfield is hardly a paragon of health, so Rodriguez could get his chance if he can remain healthy in Triple-A. — David Hill
AL West
ATHLETICS | OF Colby Thomas | The A’s have already brought several top prospects to the majors this season (first baseman Nick Kurtz and infielder Max Muncy). Thomas, ranked as the A’s second-best prospect per MLB.com, may be next given his raw power and ability to handle all three outfield spots.
HOUSTON ASTROS | Infielder Brice Matthews | Originally drafted as a shortstop, Matthews has spent most of his time in Triple-A at second base. As neither Brendan Rodgers nor Mauricio Dubon has provided much offensively, Matthews could get a look soon as the Astros look to keep their window of contention open.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS | RHP Caden Dana | Dana has already made his debut with the Angels with four appearances at the major league level, but he may get a longer look soon as Los Angeles looks to shore up the back of the rotation. He has dominated in Triple-A, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.247 WHIP over his 25.2 innings, striking out 31 with 10 walks.
SEATTLE MARINERS | Catcher Harry Ford | The Mariners’ fourth-ranked prospect, Ford offers a unique profile as a catcher with plus speed and a solid all-around game offensively. Although he is still raw defensively, Ford could be an option for a Mariners team looking to get more out of the lineup, potentially allowing starting catcher Cal Raleigh more time as designated hitter.
TEXAS RANGERS | Infielder Justin Foscue | The Rangers have not gotten much production from either first base or designated hitter. Foscue may not have a spot defensively, but he has continued to hit well in Triple-A, posting a .300/.402/.473 batting line with four homers and seven doubles in 133 plate appearances. — David Hill
More must-reads:
- Closest MLB-ready prospect for each NL team
- Watch: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani blasts HR where he created '50-50' club
- The 'MLB playoff home run leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Paul Skenes continues home dominance in Pirates' shutout
Paul Skenes tossed six shutout innings and struck out eight to lead the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night. Despite allowing a career-high seven hits (five singles), Skenes (7-8) delivered another dominant performance to bolster his case for the National League Cy Young Award. Skenes also beat the Reds for the fourth time in four starts in his career and first time this season. Jared Triolo and Henry Davis each had two hits and two RBIs to give Skenes more than enough of a cushion to secure a win for the third time in his past four starts. It was Skenes' third consecutive start with eight or more strikeouts. It was also the Pirates' fifth shutout of the season in a Skenes start and their 14th overall shutout. It was the Reds' 10th shutout loss. Skenes lowered his major-league best ERA to 1.94 and continues to be exceptionally good at PNC Park, where he has not allowed an earned run since June 3. Bryan Reynolds, who also had two hits, homered in the first inning off Reds' starter Brady Singer (9-9), who lasted only 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on six hits, walked four and struck out two. Reynolds' home run came with two outs. Singer proceeded to issue three consecutive walks to Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and Jack Suwinski to load the bases, setting up a two-run single by Triolo, which gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Cruz and Spencer Horwitz each had an RBI and Davis belted a two-run home run off Reds reliever Brent Suter in the bottom of the seventh. Gavin Lux had three hits, and TJ Friedl and Matt McLain each had two hits to lead Cincinnati offensively. But the Reds went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base. McLain and Elly De La Cruz hit back-to-back singles off Skenes with one out in the first. But Austin Hays grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the threat. -Field Level Media
Steelers Now Have A Surefire Solution To End Cam Heyward's Hold-In
The Pittsburgh Steelers got hit with quite a bit of interesting news on Thursday. It started when NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward was staging a hold-in, attending training camp but not fully participating as he seeks a new contract. Not long after that, kicker Chris Boswell was also reported to be interested in a new deal, adding another contract situation to the team’s growing list of concerns. As for Heyward, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly quickly suggested a possible solution that could effectively end the hold-in without requiring a full contract extension. Kaboly proposed the idea of adding incentives to Heyward’s existing deal, which would reward performance while avoiding a long-term financial commitment. He believes this compromise would allow the Steelers to show respect for Heyward’s contributions while keeping the team’s salary cap in check. Kaboly explained that the Steelers used a similar approach in 2016 with star wide receiver Antonio Brown. At the time, Brown was also seeking a new deal, and instead of offering an extension, the team added incentives to his contract to keep him satisfied for the season. The move kept Brown on the field and productive, and Kaboly believes this method could work just as well for Heyward, helping resolve the situation without complicating the team’s financial outlook. "Steelers don't restructure contracts until a year out, but Cam Heyward has 2 years remaining on his deal," Kaboly posted on his social media. "Here is the kicker and this is what I would use if I were Heyward: The Steelers worked some funny math with Antonio Brown in 2016 to get him a $4 million raise." Heyward just received a new deal ahead of the 2024 season. Now, Kaboly is pointing out that with two years remaining on his contract, the Steelers typically don’t restructure deals until there’s only one year left. However, Kaboly believes that if the team follows the same approach they used with Brown, it could help resolve Heyward’s situation. "They moved $4 million of AB's 2017 money to 2016, then tore up the contract in 2017 and made him the highest-paid WR in the NFL," Kaboly said. "AB got a $4 million raise, and the Steelers were able to keep their long-standing policy intact." Both sides could technically come out ahead with this approach. The money was going to Heyward anyway, but by advancing a portion of it to this year, he gets earlier financial recognition without requiring a full extension. Then, when the time comes to negotiate a new deal, both parties can do so in good faith, working toward a contract that makes sense for everyone involved. For now, moving some money forward would be a clear sign of appreciation for Heyward’s contributions and an acknowledgment of how the market has shifted for elite defensive linemen. It would also allow the Steelers to maintain their long-standing policy of waiting until a player enters the final year of his contract before negotiating an extension. Ultimately, it’s a short-term financial gesture that builds trust and buys time for a more permanent solution. Steelers And Cam Heyward Both Could Come Out As Winners This approach not only benefits Heyward financially in the short term but also helps preserve the relationship between the player and the organization. It shows the Steelers value his contributions and want to keep him motivated without rushing into long-term decisions prematurely. By handling things this way, the team retains flexibility in managing their salary cap and future roster moves. It also avoids the potential pitfalls of a large extension that might limit options later. For Heyward, it offers a sense of security and respect while keeping open the door for a more comprehensive agreement when the time is right.
Palworld Studio Adds Another 'Exciting Game' to Its Growing List of Hits
Palworld Studio’s publishing division seems to have a knack for grabbing attention lately, and they’re not slowing down. The studio behind the highly anticipated monster-collecting survival game Palworld just announced they’ve signed yet another “very exciting game” to their lineup. And yes, we’re all ears—though we’re still trying to figure out how they balance releasing one banger after another without breaking a sweat. Their latest announcement follows hot on the heels of their impressive work backing a new horror game featuring talent tied to Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy. It seems their publishing arm is becoming the go-to for delivering games that make players pause their beloved playthroughs and say, “Alright, fine, take my money.” What’s next, world domination? At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised. Palworld’s Publishing Momentum is Unstoppable It’s no secret that Palworld itself has been a major talking point in the gaming sphere. This isn’t just your average monster-collecting game; it’s a delightfully chaotic mashup of Pokémon-like creature taming mixed with dystopian survival elements. And yes, you can wield guns while standing alongside your adorable (and potentially exploitable) pals. If that doesn’t scream absurd fun, what does? But what’s intriguing about Palworld Studio is how their publishing arm continues to expand with titles that don’t just ride on the coattails of Palworld’s buzz. Instead, they’re curating a diverse collection of innovative games that somehow scream “this is worth your time” even before you hit the download button. It’s becoming apparent that they’ve tapped into something most publishers can only dream of. From Horror to Hopeful Anticipation The recent horror game they helped bring to life is evidence of Palworld’s ability to pick winners. Featuring developers with experience on mammoth titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy, this game blurred the line between spine-tingling chills and jaw-dropping visuals. The kind of game that makes you want to leave the lights on, but also keeps you glued to the screen. This success wasn’t just a one-off. It proved that their publishing arm isn’t about quantity for the sake of it, but about finding games with real potential to connect with audiences. And now, with the news of their next “exciting game” signing, the studio is making it clear they’re not just a one-hit (Palworld) wonder. What Makes Palworld Studio Unique? What’s refreshing about the Studio is that they’re building a reputation not only for their own creations but also for their keen eye as a publisher. They’re choosing projects that feel distinct, well-crafted, and most importantly, fun. This combination of bold decision-making and a knack for gaming trends is likely why they’ve been so successful in catching the attention of hardcore gamers and casual players alike. While some publishers flood the market with games that feel like clones of one another, Palworld seems laser-focused on quality and originality. Whether it’s through survival horror or creature-collecting madness, they’re ensuring that each game they touch carves its own identity in the vast gaming landscape. What’s the Mystery Game? Of course, the identity of their latest “very exciting game” is still under wraps, and we’re left to speculate (read “obsessively refresh the news feed”) about what it could be. Is it another survival title? A new RPG with mind-blowing mechanics? Or perhaps something totally out of left field? The one thing we do know is that Palworld Studio has already proven its ability to deliver. Their track record alone is enough to keep gamers invested, and whatever this new project is, expectations are sky-high. No pressure, right? What Does the Future Hold for Palworld Studio? With Palworld still riding a tidal wave of hype and their publishing portfolio growing stronger with every announcement, it’s safe to say Palworld Studio has carved a spot for themselves as a major player in the industry. And if their next project lands as well as their previous efforts, they might just redefine everyone’s expectations for what a modern game studio and publisher can achieve. While we wait (impatiently) for their sensational mystery game to be revealed, all eyes are on Palworld. Will their unique blend of chaos and charm live up to the hype when it eventually drops? Judging by their track record, we’re willing to bet on it. Why Palworld Should Be On Your Radar If you haven’t been following the studio’s meteoric rise, you’re missing out. Whether it’s their quirky and ambitious Palworld or their growing list of well-crafted published games, everything this studio touches seems to turn into a hit. And with their latest announcement promising yet another gem on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to keep Palworld Studio on your radar (and your wishlist). Stay tuned, because if one thing’s clear about Palworld Studio, it’s that they’re just getting started.
The 'Single-season touchdown catch leaders by franchise' quiz
The Philadelphia Eagles begin their Super Bowl title defense with a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight. Defending the Lombardi Trophy is incredibly difficult, as receiver A.J. Brown mentioned when asked about what the Eagles need to do to go back-to-back. “I like to say, the Lombardi, she’s not loyal,” Brown said. “We gotta try to win her over again.” “The process of the daily grind is still the same. Once you look at it through that lens, you just got to go back to work. All that stuff is over with.” Which brings us to today’s quiz. Since bursting onto the NFL scene with the Tennessee Titans in 2019, Brown has been one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. With that being said, can you name every player with the most touchdown catches in a season for each NFL franchise? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
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