Four National League prospects who are poised for success in 2023

Eury Pérez, RHP, Miami Marlins

MLB Pipeline ranking: 13

A tall, hard-throwing right-hander with impressive control, Pérez has all the ingredients to become the next great Marlins pitcher. 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara has become Pérez's mentor during spring training and sees much of himself in the young pitcher. 

In 17 starts with Double-A Pensacola last season, Pérez had a 4.08 ERA, though a mid-season strained lat inflated that number. His four-pitch mix features an upper-90s fastball with running movement and a filthy changeup that touches 91 mph, although his curveball and slider are still developing.

Elly De La Cruz, SS/3B, Cincinnati Reds

MLB Pipeline ranking: 10

The switch-hitting De La Cruz is one of the most electrifying prospects in baseball, drawing comparisons to Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz due to his 6-foot-5 frame. Since he hasn't played above Double-A in his career, he may not make the big league club right out of camp, but he'll be there in no time.

De La Cruz offers speed and power in addition to being a strong defender. It's hard to ignore his power when listening to the crack of the bat on some of the hits he had last season, and his strength is only increasing.

Between High-A and Double-A last season, he had a .304 batting average, 28 homers, and 47 stolen bases, with a .945 OPS. De La Cruz's biggest flaw is his tendency to strike out. He struck out in 30.9% of his Double-A at-bats last season and 158 times in total.

Andrew Painter, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies 

MLB Pipeline ranking: 6

Even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, Painter will debut in majors at some point in 2023. Thanks to his elite pitch repertoire, the 6-foot-7 teenager has risen quickly through the minor league system. 

Painter's fastball tops out at 101 mph, and he has a mid-80s slider with great breaking action, a curveball with 12-6 movement, and a reliable changeup.

Pitching across three levels in the minor leagues last season, Painter had a 1.56 ERA and 0.89 WHIP, with 155 strikeouts in 103.2 innings pitched. His potential is as high as any minor league pitcher, and he should make a significant impact for the reigning NL champions down the stretch.