During the 2023 season, we saw numerous highly-ranked prospects that made their debuts such as Junior Caminero, Evan Carter, and Pete Crow Armstrong to name a few. With all these highly rated prospect promotions and the exciting push toward the playoffs, it can lead to valuable unheralded prospects falling through the cracks of discovery. Below is a list of five rookie debuts that you may have missed that were either helpful toward the end of 2023 or prospects who may contribute to a major league club in 2024.
2023 Rookie Debuts You May Have Missed
Joe Boyle – SP Oakland Athletics – Rookie Debut September 17, 2023
Joe Boyle was acquired by the A’s in the deal that sent Sam Moll to the Cincinnati Reds on July 31. Boyle has always possessed an electric three-pitch mix featuring a fastball that sits mid to upper nineties, an upper 80s slider, and a low 80s curveball. Before the trade he pitched at AA Charlotte for the Reds, Boyle had a 4.50 ERA with a 13.07 K/9 and 8.04 BB/9. After the trade he pitched for AA Midland, where he showed improvement to 2.08 ERA, 14.54 K/9, and 3.63 BB/9 in a 3-game span before advancing to AAA and eventually the MLB to finish the year.
After debuting September 17, Boyle pitched 15 scoreless innings across 3 starts until giving up 3 runs in the 7th inning against the Angels in which he had a no-hitter through the first 6 innings. If Boyle can continue to control his command and limit the walks, we might be looking at A’s next ace. If he cannot, he may be a high-leverage relief arm. Control issues are common for pitchers standing 6’7” often needing more time to refine this area, and Boyle may have just done that.
Prelander Berroa – RP Seattle Mariners – Rookie Debut July 21, 2023
Berroa’s debut was forgettable to say the least. He pitched 2/3 innings, giving up 3 walks while striking out one batter. He did not give up any runs but had issues with command leading to a quick demotion after one appearance. Berroa was promoted for the last game of the year and looked sharp in a scoreless inning of relief, striking out two and walking none.
He has a 2-pitch mix, using an upper 90s fastball that can touch 100 mph and a nasty slider. A starting pitcher turned reliever in 2023 because of a lack of command, the switch has allowed his stuff to play up in shorter stints. Berroa had a 13.91 K/9 and a 2.89 ERA at AA Arkansas this past year but again struggled with command walking 5.37 per 9 innings. He is another high-caliber arm for the Mariners who could see an extensive look in the bullpen this upcoming year if he can limit the walks.
Luke Litte – Chicago Cubs – Rookie Debut September 6, 2023
Luke Little was promoted on September 6 and pitched in seven games in September, totaling 6 2/3 innings. Little did not give up any runs over those innings and put up 12 strikeouts compared to 4 walks. Luke is not what his name may suggest, he is a big 6’8’’ left-hander with a low three-quarter arm slot that makes left-handed batters feel like the pitch is coming from behind them because he stands on the first base side of the mound.
Little uses a fastball that sits in the middle to upper 90s, touching 100 at times, and a sweeping slider that is his go-to pitch for a strikeout. Little was a fast riser, starting the season at high A before making stops at AA and AAA before making his debut in the MLB. Little’s command is still a concern, but he has made strides toward improvement. If Little can continue to improve his command, then we could be looking at a high-leverage relief arm and potentially the Cubs closer of the future.
Alexander Canario – OF Chicago Cubs – Rookie Debut September 6, 2023
Acquired in the 2021 trade of Kris Bryant to the Giants, Canario’s calling card is his power. In 2022, he finished with 37 home runs across three levels of the minors high A, AA, and AAA. He possesses quick hands translating to elite bat speed and has a pull approach with loft in his swing that should lead to plenty of home runs. Canario has also stolen more than 20 bases in back-to-back seasons, offering the upside of a 20/20 player but as he fills out the speed might take a step back.
He can get aggressive at the plate which can lead to a diminished average and high strikeout rate. After the call-up to the major leagues, Canario batted .294 with 8 strikeouts and no walks in 17 at-bats putting his swing and miss on full display. Being only 23 years old allows the chance for further refinement in his approach leaving the Cubs to dream of a 20/20 outfielder for years to come.
Forrest Wall – OF Atlanta Braves – Rookie Debut July 18, 2023
Forrest Wall made his long-awaited debut at the age of 27. Wall has spent parts of his career with four different organizations. Wall’s biggest attribute is his speed, stealing 52 bases in the last two seasons. With the rule changes and bigger bases, this should make it easier for Wall to use his speed to create havoc on the base paths. He will never be a big homerun threat as he has a slap-at-the-ball approach that will put pressure on the opposing team’s infield defense.
Wall was promoted and demoted two times by the Braves before being called up on September 11th due to injuries and trades. He did not disappoint in his 15 plate appearances, batting .462 with 1 home run and 5 stolen bases. Wall has a chance to be a fourth outfielder who can play some second to help a team in a pinch. Though I do not see Wall as an all-star, I believe he can get on base enough to utilize his speed for stolen bases.
Honorable mentions
Rookie debuts that just missed the cut are Emerson Hancock SP for the Seattle Mariners, debuting on August 9th, making 3 starts before heading to the IL with a shoulder strain. Hancock has the size and pitch ability to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter. John McMillon RP of the Kansas City Royals, debuted August 17th, went through three levels of the minors with a 15.95 K/9 in 2023. McMillon made 4 appearances displaying his strikeout ability with an 18 K/9 before being placed on the IL with a strained forearm. Tristan Gray 3B of the Tampa Rays debuted on September 16th and shows power potential after having 30-plus home runs in back-to-back seasons at Triple-A Durham.