2 The Bigs

By Sal Corso: Mar 12, 2024

Week 3 of spring training! Let’s look at some prospects who stood out and some big headlines from the last week:

Your Favorite Prospect Sent Down?

Hey, it’s alright. Don’t sweat it. Many of these guys will see the majors at some point this year. Also, most will be playing in the first Spring Breakout this weekend (3/15).

Here are some prospects that were sent down with 2024 debut ETA’s from 2TB:  

Orioles Youth Success, Have You Heard That Before?

[spring-to-date stats]

Will the Orioles lineup be the first in a long time to include only internally developed players? There’s no question that these three have slotted themselves in by mid-April, but sooner the better for the Orioles. Other teams should be hounding that scouting department for new employees, including the interns.

Jackson Merrill, Starting CF?

.344 1 HR 4 RBI .931 OPS (32 AB) [spring-to-date stats]

Merrill is getting some reps in CF. That’s a new one, but makes perfect sense. He’s done everything the Padres could’ve asked for this spring. Do they feel comfortable slotting him in to control the OF on Opening Day?

The @Padres Are Set To Field a Lineup Of Shortstops

Yes, you read that correctly.

IF Jackson Merrill makes the team as a regular center fielder, the Padres could regularly field a lineup with a converted shortstop at every position other than catcher.https://t.co/7zBX700AOH

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) March 11, 2024

Rose Busch Blossoming in a New Garden

4-13 2 HR 3 RBI [last week]

Christopher Morel better stop making those errors. I have a feeling Michael Busch is going to give him a run for his money in the starting 3B competition for the Cubs. Worst case, Busch is up as an infield utility man to start the year.  

Langford Solidifies His Opening Day Spot

.379 4 HR 10 RBI – Leads league in OPS (1.300) [spring-to-date]

I admit it. I thought the hype was too high. The 1-11 start this spring was just him getting warmed up. He has officially secured himself in the top of that deadly Rangers lineup. Big year ahead. Bold take, I still like Crews slightly more long term.

Austin Wells Adding Lefty Depth for the Yankees

.286 2 HR 8 RBI 1.042 OPS [spring-to-date]

Trevino may be an elite defender, but it’s going to be very hard for Aaron Boone to take Wells out of that lineup any day of the week if he can hit like he can. Wells adds more lefty depth to a lineup already consisting of Juan Soto and Anthony Rizzo.

Remember these Famous Bowman Names?