Yes, I do like taking victory laps sometimes. Some of these guys may or may not be prospects for much longer. It’s my birthday this week and happy birthday to me.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
The Weekly Irish Prospect Report: Opening Day Edition
Some of my favorite prospects made teams or are on the verge of making teams. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the latest news on the prospects we’ve been watching all spring.
- Dylan Dodd mentioned in week two has made the Braves rotation.
- Oscar Colas has made the White Sox squad and they expect big things.
- Grayson Rodriguez will be sent back to the minors for some adjustments.
- Jordan Walker has made the Cardinals squad. Good luck man.
- Mark Vientos couldn’t crack the Mets squad and will start the season in AAA.
- Zeke Duran has had a killer spring and is still battling to make the Rangers roster at this time.
Jhony Brito, Yankees
One of my favorite sleepers over the past year is getting his chance and will make the Yankees Opening Day rotation. A winner of 11 games at AA and AAA last year, the just-turned 25-year-old rookie is like the Raiders, “Just win baby.” There are some control issues that Brito will need to get under control, but the makings are there of a solid pitcher. Despite a 3:1 K/BB, the WHIP still is staying below 1.2 which is where we want to see it. With Rodon, Montas, and Severino all out, this could really be a time to shine and establish himself in the rotation for years to come.
R.J Dabovich, Giants
Another bit of an older prospect that will likely be up this year but you still haven’t heard of him, R.J. Dabovich is really good, ladies and gents. The Arizona State product has been almost unhittable in the minors through 83 innings, holding hitters to an average of .166. He matched that with 131 strikeouts in that time. He is carving out a name as a bit of a specialist and will likely make his first appearance this year for the Giants.
Andres Chaparro, Yankees
Red Sox fans look away because I have another Yankee here. Not even on the vaunted top 30 of MLB Pipeline, Chaparro is making a name for himself as a power hitter that’s getting close to the majors. He has had a killer spring leading the Yankees with five home runs. This isn’t new as he posted 20 total home runs to go along with a .296 batting average last year in the Yankees system. With Donaldson getting older and the Yankees’ continuous injury issues, we may see Chaparro this year though 2024 is more likely.
Brice Turang, Brewers
Much like Xavier Edwards who was mentioned in week one, Turang has been around a bit. A solid but certainly not flashy prospect, Turang brings an above-average glove to pair with being a plus hitter and a good athlete. The hitting has always been there along with steals, but the power never really developed. You’re looking at an old school type 2nd Baseman from the mid 90’s. 10-15 Home runs to pair with 15-20 stolen bases and hitting .280. He should be a late-round flier or someone you look at toward the end of week one’s waiver wire period.