Red Sox: Roman Anthony, the 79th overall pick in 2022, was one of the breakout prospects of the year after showing plus power and impressive swing decisions while reaching Double-A as a 19-year-old. A new Roman empire, perhaps?
Yankees: Chase Hampton and Drew Thorpe jumped onto the Top 100 after stellar 2023 seasons -- the latter was named our Pitching Prospect of the Year -- and Will Warren should be in the Bronx in ’24. More arms are bound to take similar leaps next spring.
AL Central
Guardians: Acquired from the Rays at the Trade Deadline, Kyle Manzardo was still returning from a shoulder issue at the time but stood out for both his hit and power tools in the Arizona Fall League, solidifying his standing as a legit first-base option for Opening Day.
Royals: Seven of Kansas City’s current Top 30 prospects (Blake Mitchell, Blake Wolters, Carson Roccaforte, Hunter Owen, Jared Dickey, Spencer Nivens, Hiro Wyatt) came from this year’s Draft class, and the group will play a large role in influencing the future of the farm.
Tigers: After missing much of the first half with lumbar spine inflammation, Jackson Jobe got back to dominating with a fastball-slider-cutter-changeup mix that makes for one of the best and fullest arsenals in the Minors.
Twins: Minnesota had the 13th-best odds in the 2023 lottery and landed the fifth overall pick. The Twins took North Carolina prep outfielder Walker Jenkins, and with his five above-average tools, he could be a quick superstar in that system.
White Sox: Chicago is in a state of flux, but having a clear top prospect like Colson Montgomery (MLB No. 17) -- a shortstop with plus-plus raw power -- should bring some hope to the South Side.
AL West
Angels: The Halos took quick-moving Florida Atlantic first baseman Nolan Schanuel 11th overall, and they lived up to their reputation by bringing him to The Show ASAP, only to see him reach base in all 29 of his MLB games.
Astros: Top Houston prospect Jacob Melton -- who moved into that spot with Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford traded away -- was one of only five 20-40 Minor League performers last season.
Athletics: Jacob Wilson became Oakland’s top prospect after going sixth overall in July, and he hit .318 with only 10 strikeouts in 99 plate appearances for High-A Lansing after signing. His 5.3 swinging-strike rate was the fifth-lowest among 200 Midwest Leaguers with at least 90 PA.
Mariners: Harry Ford had one of the busiest 2023 years between international play, the Minors and the Arizona Fall League. With all that experience, he could be ready for a bigger jump with a calmer calendar next year.
Rangers: After his postseason performance, Evan Carter will be on Texas’ Opening Day roster, and 2023 No. 4 overall pick Wyatt Langford won’t be far behind him. With Adolis García and Leody Taveras also around, the World Series champs will have some good sorting to do on the grass.