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MLB Spring Training: 1 prospect from every team that should make the Opening Day roster

By Eric Treuden

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 21, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 21, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 21: Logan O’Hoppe #14 of the Los Angeles Angels poses during Photo Day at Tempe Diablo Stadium on February 21, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 21: Logan O’Hoppe #14 of the Los Angeles Angels poses during Photo Day at Tempe Diablo Stadium on February 21, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Angels — catcher Logan O’Hoppe

This is a bit of a cheap answer, but O’Hoppe, the No. 53 prospect in the league per MLB, did enough last season in the Angels organization to essentially lock him in to the starting catcher role moving forward.

Acquired at the trade deadline for Brandon Marsh, O’Hoppe immediately lit up the opposition in Double-A Rocket City, hitting 11 home runs and drawing more walks (29) than strikeouts (22) in just 29 games.

This performance warranted a brief promotion to the big leagues for the 23-year-old. He made five appearances on the big league squad and went four-for-14. Roster Resource has him penciled into the starting catcher role in 2023.

Texas Rangers — third baseman Josh Jung

Jung, 25, received his first look in the big leagues last year, hitting five home runs and driving in 14 in 26 games and 98 at-bats. His 83 OPS+ needs work, but he gets a break since it was his first big-league action.

Jung, the 34th-best prospect in the league per MLB, has shown impressive bat-to-ball skills in his minor league career and is certainly going to be 20-25 home run guy every single year. He strikes out quite a bit and doesn’t draw too many walks, but he provides value in other ways.

Houston Astros — pitcher Hunter Brown

Brown, the No. 43 prospect in the league per MLB, broke into the majors last year in a big way, putting together one of the more impressive pitching debuts in recent memory.

In seven games (two starts), Brown, 24, posted a minuscule 0.89 ERA and an equally as impressive 1.89 FIP and 443 ERA+. He struck out 22 batters in 20 innings, walking seven and allowing zero home runs along the way.

As of right now, he is firmly penciled into the No. 5 spot in the Astros rotation over other 40-man options like Brandon Bielak or the recently-injured Lance McCullers Jr.

Oakland Athletics — pitcher Ken Waldichuk

Waldichuk, one of the premier pieces acquired by the A’s in the Frankie Montas deal, made seven starts for Oakland down the stretch last year and looked sharp. In 34+ innings, the No. 76 prospect in the league had a 4.93 ERA and 4.29 FIP, striking out 33 batters and walking 10.

The rebuilding A’s have an opening in the No. 5 spot of their rotation and Waldichuk seems to be the best fit as of right now. FanGraphs agrees, predicting he will start the year in the rotation.

Seattle Mariners — pitcher Isaiah Campbell

Campbell, 25, didn’t make MLB’s top 100 rankings but is listed in the No. 20 spot per Baseball America.

2022 was his second professional season and he began a transition to the bullpen, a move that proved to be successful for him. In 33 appearances and 46 innings, Campbell posted a 1.57 ERA with 59 strikeouts and just 12 walks split between High-A and Double-A.

The fact that he is already a part of the Mariners’ 40-man roster helps his case. A strong showing from him in Spring Training would work wonders.

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