As Major League Baseball's season heads into its final stretch, fresh talent is emerging from the ranks, with a series of remarkable late-season call-ups. These young players are seizing invaluable opportunities to acclimate to the big-league environment, all without significant service-time ramifications for their respective teams.
Rising Stars in Triple-A
Kumar Rocker of the Rangers, Luisangel Acuña of the Mets, Thomas Saggese of the Cardinals, and Seth Johnson of the Phillies headline the latest wave of notable call-ups. Each brings a unique flair and skill set, ready to make an indelible mark on their clubs and the league.
Among the call-ups, one name that stands out is Roman Anthony, an outfielder for the Red Sox. At just 20 years old, Anthony has demonstrated an exceptional level of performance in Triple-A games, boasting a slash line of .327/.431/.504 over his first 29 games. His impressive plate discipline is evident as well, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts in that span. Anthony's power potential is further highlighted by his peak exit velocity, which has reached an impressive 112.5 mph.
Anthony isn’t alone in showcasing promise at Worcester; Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Kyle Teel are also making significant progress, suggesting a bright future for the Red Sox organization.
Pitching Prospects on the Rise
On the mound, Bubba Chandler of the Pirates is making a significant impact. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher boasts a sterling 1.59 ERA and an impressive 3.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first four Triple-A starts. Chandler’s arsenal includes a 97 mph fastball complemented by a slider with a noteworthy 33% whiff rate. Additionally, he has set a new career high for innings pitched this season, demonstrating his durability and endurance.
Nick Yorke, a second baseman recently obtained from the Red Sox, is another player making strides at the Triple-A level for the Pirates, adding depth and potential to their lineup.
The Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski stands tall—literally and figuratively—among these emerging stars. The 6-foot-7 right-hander has compiled a 2.87 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of 11.5 per nine innings in Triple-A. Misiorowski’s power fastball, which reaches 98 mph, paired with an effective breaking ball, makes him a formidable presence on the mound. This season, he has pitched over his previous career high in innings by more than 20, showcasing his growth and stamina.
For the Reds, Chase Petty has also been a standout performer. Logging 132 innings this season, Petty relies on a mid-90s sinker and a sharp slider, making him a key component of the Reds' pitching staff. The late August promotion of Rhett Lowder further strengthens their rotation, adding another layer of depth and talent.
Position Players Making Their Mark
Matt Shaw, a first-round pick for the Cubs, advanced to Double-A late last year and was promoted to Triple-A in August. Despite facing a setback due to a back issue, Shaw made a triumphant return in September, recording seven multi-hit games out of 11 since his comeback. His resilience and ability to bounce back strongly speak volumes about his potential and determination.
As this new wave of talent continues to rise, teams across the league are witnessing the potential that lies in these young athletes. Their performances not only bring excitement to the closing chapter of the season but also provide a glimpse into the future of baseball. With a blend of power, precision, and poise, these players are poised to leave a lasting impact on the sport, signaling a bright and competitive era ahead.