Top MLB prospects to watch in spring training games

One of the more fun aspects of MLB spring training is getting a chance to watch some of the top prospects play in exhibition games. 

While most of them will go back to the minor leagues when the regular season begins, the youngsters at least get a taste of major league life and give fans something to dream about.

Here are some of the top prospects who have yet to make their big league debut and are worth watching in Grapefruit and Cactus League games, which begin Friday.

Leo De Vries, Athletics

The 19-year-old shortstop was part of the package the San Diego Padres gave up to acquire All-Star closer Mason Miller at last year’s trade deadline. Despite being a teenager, DeVries played 118 games between Double-A and High-A last season, hitting .255/.355/.451 with 15 home runs and 11 stolen bases. The Dominican Republic native is expected to begin this season at Double-A Midland.

Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates

Another 19-year-old shortstop, Griffin, was the consensus Minor League Player of the Year last season, just one year after being the Pirates’ first-round draft pick. Griffin had a .333/.415/.527 slash line with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases in 122 games at Double-A and both Class-A levels. Griffin will likely start the season with Triple-A Indianapolis but could make the Pirates’ Opening Day roster.

Jesus Made, Milwaukee Brewers

An 18-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic, Made reached Double-A at the end of last season, his first in the American minor leagues. Made hit .285/.379/.413 with six homers and 61 steals in 115 games. Made will likely start the season back at Double-A Biloxi.

Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers

Yet another shortstop, the 21-year-old McGonigle was a first-round draft pick of the Tigers in 2023. Last season, McGonigle hit 19 home runs in just 88 games between Double-A and the two Class-A levels while slashing .305/.408/.583 and stealing 10 bases. McGonigle is slated to start the season with Triple-A Toledo.

JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals

The second baseman has rocketed through the minor leagues since being selected in the first round of the 2024 draft. Wetherholt played in 109 games at Triple-A and Double-A last season and hit .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games. Barring an awful spring showing, the 23-year-old Wetherholt figures to be the Cardinals’ Opening Day second baseman.