Spring training standouts: 10 young players who are impressing GMs, scouts (2024)

Spring training performances can be misleading, especially early in camp when hitters often face Double A and Triple A pitchers or hurlers who haven’t yet fine-tuned their secondary pitches and command.

However, evaluators understand how to assess players in this environment and account for spring factors. They focus more on how a hitter performsagainst the best pitches in the toughest locations rather than the actual results of a play.Ultimately, they’re able to get a good read on which performances are legit and which should be viewed with more skepticism or further patience.

So, which young players have stood out this spring in Florida in Arizona? Here are some of the notable names making the strongest impressions on front-office executives and scouts throughout the league. (Scouts were granted anonymity so they could speak freely.) I’ve highlighted 10 spring standouts, along with quotes on each player from their president of baseball operations, general manager and/or manager.

(Statistics are updated through Monday’s game unless otherwise noted.)

1. Jordan Walker, LF, Cardinals

Age: 20
B: R T: R
Height: 6-5 Weight: 220
Spring stats: AB: 33AVG: .424 HR: 3 RBI: 7 SB: 1

Jordan Walker began spring training knowing that he had to learn a new position, left field, and had a roadblock of outfielders ahead of him — Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar — all of whom deserved the first shot at the Cardinals’ starting outfield positions. But Walker has the biggest upside of the group, so much so that I ranked him as the top prospect in the sport last August. What differentiates Walker is that he doesn’t have any holes in the strike zone despite his 6-foot-5 frame, which is difficult to do. He has electric bat speed that generates loud sweet-spot contact and exceptional exit velocity. He has line-drive and lofting power, with great backspin. Light towers across the majors are in serious danger once Walker arrives; he’ll be smashing light bulbs thanks to his prodigious power. However, he’s a hitter first and uses the whole field. Last August, I predicted he would be the National League Rookie of the Year this season. I stand by that prediction, whether he makes the Cardinals’ 26-man roster out of spring training or not.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak: “Jordan is making a strong impression on our entire staff — not surprised. Because of the (World Baseball Classic) this year, he is getting more opportunities than in a normal spring training and is taking advantage of that. From the offensive side of the ball, he is showing plate discipline and making hard contact, which has produced impressive offensive numbers. The next few weeks will be fun to watch play out.”

2. Brett Baty, 3B, Mets

Age: 23
B: L T: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 210
Spring stats: AB: 26AVG: .423 HR: 1 RBI: 5 SB: 2

Brett Baty is not expected to make the big-league team out of spring training; instead, he’ll probably start the season at Triple A. However, one could argue he is already a better overall hitter than Eduardo Escobar, and it won’t be long before Baty moves Escobar to a utility role. Baty consistently hits the ball hard, with exit velocity in the 90th percentile. He doesn’t chase out of the strike zone, which makes me believe he’s major-league-ready. His glove continues to improve, and his range and arm strength are above average. The Mets have put an emphasis on defense, which is the main reason Baty probably doesn’t make the team out of camp.

Mets GM Billy Eppler: “Brett has demonstrated an advanced approach at the plate throughout spring training. It’s clear that he worked hard at his craft on both sides of the ball this offseason and has brought a professional mentality into camp.”

3. Jarred Kelenic, LF, Mariners

Age: 23
B: L T: L
Height: 6-1 Weight: 206
Spring stats: AB: 26AVG: .462 HR: 4 RBI: 8 SB: 2

The data tells us that the prime years for most major leaguers are ages 25 to 30, which is reason enough to not judge Jarred Kelenic, 23, on the slow start to his big-league career. Once considered a top 10 prospect in the sport, Kelenic hasn’t been able to live up to the hype. However, he might be headed in the right direction now. He’s been a much better hitter this spring, mainly because he’s more disciplined and patient in his approach and isn’t chasing out of the strike zone as much. You can see Kelenic’s growing confidence in the way he’s carried himself during spring training.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto: “Jarred is in a great place. There’s a different kind of confidence, an air about him, that’s been fun to see. In the box, he made a few adjustments to his swing over the offseason, and he’s been locked in since day one (of spring training). The combination of contact quality to all fields, pitch selection and overall consistency from at bat to at bat has been excellent. We are currently seeing a young, five-tool player who is evolving as a person, taking the lessons he’s learned and making the necessary adjustments.”

Mariners GM Justin Hollander: “We’ve all been so impressed with his pitch-to-pitch focus from day one of camp. He’s obviously incredibly physically talented, but his approach has gone to another level. I’m really happy for him that he’s seeing positive results (so far) from all his offseason work.”

4. Alec Bohm, 3B, Phillies

Age: 26
B: R T: R
Height: 6-5 Weight: 218
Spring stats: AB: 29AVG: .345 HR: 3 RBI: 6

No one in the majors has worked harder at improving their defense at third base than Alec Bohm over the last year and a half — the results have been dramatic. Offensively, he understands how teams are pitching him and has improved his management of the strike zone, taking advantage in locations where he can do the most damage. Scouts who have watched Bohm this spring think his home run total could increase to the 25 to 30 range this year and that he could be hitting smack in the middle of the Phillies’ lineup by season’s end. He can hit the ball to all fields but at the same time is showing he understands how to use his pull power more consistently. Get ready for a breakout season.

Phillies GM Sam Fuld: “Alec has shown a lot of confidence in the batter’s box and on the infield. He’s making good decisions at the plate and is driving the ball to all fields. His defensive work is paying dividends, and he has shown great maturity in the early going here.”

5. Triston Casas, 1B, Red Sox

Age: 23
B: L T: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 252
Spring stats: AB: 28AVG: .357 HR: 2 RBI: 6

Triston Casas is the long-term answer at first base for the Red Sox, and they have high expectations for him this season, when he’ll get his first shot as their regular first baseman. A first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, Casas slashed .269/.374/.485 with 46 home runs and 181 RBIs in more than 1,200 plate appearances over his first four minor-league seasons. He works the count, draws walks and profiles to eventually be a 20- to 25-home run hitter. He’s also an above-average defender with plus range. He turned 23 years old in January and appears to be major-league-ready.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom: “Triston does everything with a purpose from the moment he walks in the door — and then he carries that work into the game with a mature at-bat every time. He’s still learning the league but he knows the strike zone and he knows who he is.”

Red Sox GM Brian O’Halloran: “Triston came into camp in great shape. He’s continued to work hard, has put together quality (at-bats) and played excellent defense at first base. He’s also contributed to a very positive clubhouse culture along with his teammates.”

6. Jose Miranda, 1B/3B/DH, Twins

Age: 24
B: R T: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 210
Spring stats: AB: 17 AVG: .353 HR: 3 RBI: 5

Jose Miranda withdrew from the World Baseball Classic (Team Puerto Rico) because of a sore right shoulder, but the Twins believe he’ll be ready by Opening Day. He played mostly at first base as a rookie in 2022 but is expected to play mostly at third this year. (He’s DH-ing now because of the issue with his throwing shoulder.) He has a short, quick stroke from the right side, with above-average bat speed. He has shown above-average exit velocity and hard-hit rates but needs to improve his plate discipline as he still chases too much out of the zone. However, his level swing and ability to hit fastballs, breaking balls and changeups at equal rates signal his offensive potential. Even with the shoulder injury, Miranda has scouting talking about him this spring.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey: “Jose had a great start to his (major-league) career and then went on to have one of the better winters I’ve seen a young player have when it comes to setting a goal and exceeding it. He committed to offseason (strength) and agility work while trimming down his body to push his overall speed and lateral movement. He’s come into camp in fantastic shape and keeps swinging the bat in a really advanced way. There’s a lot of growth left in his game. I’m just really proud of how much he committed to taking that step to the next level.”

Twins GM Thad Levine: “Jose came into camp in great shape, ready to make the transition back to third base. (He) possesses an exceptional feel to hit. He continues to work diligently with our coaching staff and performance team to maximize his defensive productivity. Jose has forged a relationship with Carlos Correa, who has taken Jose under his wing and invested greatly in him.”

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli: “He focused on his body and his explosiveness this offseason. Came in looking really good. His swing is on plane and in the zone for a very long time. He’s been hammering balls from the very start of camp.”

7. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B/3B, Reds

Age: 23
B: R T: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 224
Spring stats: AB: 26 AVG: .577 HR: 4 RBI: 13

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, the Twins’ fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, was traded to the Reds last year (along with infielder Spencer Steer and left-hander Steve Hajjar) for Tyler Mahle at the deadline. That trade is looking better and better for Cincinnati. Encarnacion-Strand is an offensive player who has a long way to go defensively at first and third base. But he has a track record of hitting, and last year slashed .304/.368/.587 with 31 doubles, 32 home runs and 114 RBIs in 538 combined plate appearances at High A and Double A. This spring he’s been putting on a show in batting practice and games. Scouts are convinced he’s going to hit and hit with power in the majors. They have been very impressed with what they’ve seen in spring training from Encarnacion-Strand, including against good pitching.

Reds GM Nick Krall: “Great kid and worker. Solid hitter with a chance to hit in the middle of the lineup. He has power to all fields. Continuing to work on (the quality of his at-bats). He has played mostly third base but some (first base) in camp. He needs to continue improving defensively at both spots. He has a chance to be a solid (major-league) player in the future.”

8. Zac Veen, OF, Rockies

Age: 21
B: L T: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 190
Spring stats: AB: 34 AVG: .265 HR: 1 RBI: 6 SB: 7

I ranked Zac Veen as the second-best prospect in the game last August and I stand by that now. He certainly has everyone in Arizona buzzing this spring. He lights up batting practice every day, hitting drives from foul pole to foul pole, and displaying ridiculous bat speed and lofting line-drive pull power. He has the potential to develop into a 30-home run, 50-stolen base type outfielder once he arrives at Coors Field, which should be sometime this year. Veen is electric. He’s the next Rockies superstar and he’s showing everyone glimpses of what it’s going to look like.

Rockies manager Bud Black: “Zac is a very exciting young player in many ways. I believe he’s a future all-around complete player. He will hit, defend, run and help the Rockies achieve our ultimate goal: win!”

Rockies GM Bill Schmidt: “(He’s) showed up well in camp so far. Playing with a lot of energy.”

9. Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals

Age: 20
B: R T: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 180
Spring stats: AB: 23 AVG: .389 HR: 2RBI: 5SB: 3

Masyn Winn has arguably the best shortstop arm in the game, reminiscent of the “gun” former Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston once displayed. In fact, Winn has been clocked at more than 100 mph throwing to first base. This spring evaluators have been raving about his quick feed, ability to change directions on a dime, and above-average range to both sides. They say his bat is coming around and believe that at some point at the end of this year or early next year, he’ll become the everyday shortstop in St. Louis, with Tommy Edman moving back to second base. Winn is also an elite base stealer, having swiped 43 bags last year in 48 attempts. His hit tool will determine his timeline to the big leagues, but there’s no doubt he’s the Cardinals’ long-term answer at shortstop.

Cardinals GM Mike Girsch: “We are seeing what we expected: a toolsy young shortstop who plays with confidence. With so many guys at the WBC, he’ll keep getting opportunities to show off his skills.”

10. Oscar Colas, OF, White Sox

Age: 24
B: L T: L
Height: 6-1 Weight: 209
Spring stats: AB: 30 AVG: .400 HR: 2RBI: 3

Oscar Colas has the tools to develop into a star, and those skills are attracting the attention of evaluators this spring. Hitting and power are his best tools, and they’ve been on full display. He’s consistently making solid contact and showing his power in batting practice and games. His bat looks close to major-league-ready. However, he’s also showing his defense and base running need to improve. He’s just not yet fundamentally sound. The good news is he’s working to improve all facets of his game. Last year, he slashed .314/.371/.524 with 23 home runs across three levels of the minors (High A, Double A, Triple A). One thing that stands out this spring: He’s not chasing out of the strike zone as much. A fascinating prospect who has a chance to make the Opening Day lineup for the White Sox.

White Sox GM Rick Hahn: “He’s a hard-working kid, who spent a good portion of his offseason working with our coaches on his swing decisions, which has shown in camp thus far. He’s also been diligent in working daily on the fundamentals of his defensive game. To his credit, he’s eager to learn and is using any mistakes he’s made as opportunities to get better.”

(Top photo of Jordan Walker: Kim Klement / USA Today)

Jim Bowden , a national writer for The Athletic MLB, was formerly the Sr. VP and general manager for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals for a combined 16 years, including being named the 1999 MLB Executive of the Year by Baseball America. He is the lead MLB Analyst and Insider for CBS Sports-HQ and a regular talk-show host on SiriusXM for the MLB Network and Fantasy channels. Follow him on twitter: @JimBowdenGM Follow Jim on Twitter @JimBowdenGM