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

St. Louis Cardinals — outfielder Alec Burleson

Uber prospect Jordan Walker is the sexy pick for this, but at this moment, it’s Burleson who is widely projected to make the Opening Day roster.

Burleson, the No. 91 prospect in the league per MLB, is projected by Roster Resource to break camp as the fourth outfielder/occasional designated hitter. He has light-tower-power and figures to get a decent amount of playing time in both of the outfield corners and as the DH.

The 24-year-old hit 20 home runs and drove in 87 in 109 games last year for Triple-A Memphis. His .331 batting average is what really jumps off the page. While he is certainly a power hitter, he does a great job of hitting balls in the gaps for doubles as well.

Chicago Cubs — pitcher Hayden Wesneski

Wesneski, acquired in a trade from the Yankees for reliever Scott Effross, made his big league debut for the Cubs down the stretch last season and looked great.

In six appearances (four starts), the No. 8 Cubs prospect per Baseball America struck out 33 and walked just seven batters. His 2.18 ERA and 3.20 FIP are highly encouraging.

Wesneski, 25, has a path to the majors whether it’s in the starting rotation or the bullpen. Adrian Sampson could easily be shifted to a long relief/sixth starter role to allow Wesneski to be the club’s No. 5 starter.

Milwaukee Brewers — infielder/outfielder Brice Turang

Turang, the No. 4 prospect in the Brewers system per Baseball America, is unranked on MLB’s top 100 but probably deserved a spot on that list.

The 23-year-old is an infielder by trade but added center field to his defensive repertoire last year, a move he took to well. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 78 across 131 games for Triple-A Nashville, stealing 34 bases along the way and putting up a .286 batting average.

Roster Resource says Turang will be the starting second baseman against righties and that is absolutely a possibility. Keston Hiura, Owen Miller, Mike Brosseau and Abraham Toro are also on the 40-man but there doesn’t seem to be a better fit for this spot than Turang.

Pittsburgh Pirates — catcher/utilityman Endy Rodriguez

While many believe the signing of Kevin Plawecki forces Rodriguez off of the big league roster, odds are that will not be the case at all.

Rodriguez, 22, is the No. 55 prospect in the game per MLB and has proven to be quite the discovery for this Pirates organization.

Last season alone, he played in three different levels in the minors and performed exceptionally well. In 125 games, he hit a whopping 39 doubles with 25 home runs, drove in 95 runs and had a .323 batting average. He may be young, but his bat looks ready for the bigs.

On defense, he’s been a super athlete as well. Catcher is his position by trade but he spent considerable time at both second base and left field last year, too. This versatility only increases his chances at beginning the season on the big league roster.

Cincinnati Reds — infielder Spencer Steer

Steer, one of the bigger pieces acquired in the Tyler Mahle trade with the Twins, made his major league debut with the Reds last year, playing 28 games and hitting two home runs.

Roster Resource has him as the club’s everyday third baseman in 2023, a spot that is pretty much guaranteed to be his for the year. He has the versatility to bounce around the infield, but third base seems to be his long-term home.

Baseball America has Steer at No. 7 in the Reds organization. While fellow infielder Elly De La Cruz is not far from the bigs himself, he’s still only 21 and will likely need at least another half-season or so before his promotion.