MLB Spring Training: 1 prospect from every team that should make the Opening Day roster
By Eric Treuden
Arizona Diamondbacks — outfielder Corbin Carroll
Carroll, 22, is the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball per MLB and is in line to be the Diamondbacks’ everyday left fielder in 2023.
He made his way into 32 games last season in the bigs and performed well, posting a 133 OPS+ in 104 at-bats.
Carroll has such a smooth swing that he pairs with well-above-average speed on the bases and superb defense in the outfield. He is all-around one of the best young players in the game and will be making his way to the All-Star Game in no time.
Los Angeles Dodgers — infielder Miguel Vargas
Vargas, 23, is the No. 37 prospect in the game per MLB. He struggled in 18 games and 47 at-bats last season, hitting just one home run with a .170 average 25 OPS+.
However, Dave Roberts has already confirmed that Vargas will be handed the starting second base gig to open the season. This decision is somewhat surprising seeing as how he only has 229 innings at the position in his professional career and is a corner infielder by trade.
Vargas is an exceptional offensive player who should shine now that he’s gotten his big-league debut jitters out of the way. Last year, he hit 17 home runs and drew 71 walks in 113 games, posting a .304 batting average in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
San Francisco Giants — pitcher Randy Rodriguez
This was a difficult one because top prospect Kyle Harrison will absolutely make his big league debut later this season. However, he likely will not be a part of the Opening Day roster.
Rodriguez, the No. 30 prospect in the Giants system per Baseball America, functioned as a swingman last year in three different levels. The year prior, he functioned exclusively as a reliever and was dominant.
His ability to fill multiple different roles will make him more attractive on the big league roster, especially since the starting rotation is mostly spoken for and the only real opportunities could be in the bullpen.
Last year, he struck out 97 batters in just 66+ innings of work. His control was a bit suspect but if he can show in spring that he can correct that, he’s big league-bound.
San Diego Padres — catcher Luis Campusano
All signs are pointing to Campusano getting yet another chance to make something of himself on the big league roster. He is still labeled as a “prospect” (No. 3 in the system per Baseball America) but has appeared in the majors in each of the past three seasons.
As of right now, Roster Resource has him in line to be the team’s backup catcher. He’s shown over the years in the minors that he has one heck of a bat and is a strong defender behind the plate as well. He just has not been able to take major league opportunities and run with them – yet.
Colorado Rockies — infielder Ezequiel Tovar
Tovar, the No. 25 prospect in baseball per MLB, is slated to be the Rockies’ everyday shortstop in 2023.
He made his big league debut last year in the form of a nine-game cameo but didn’t perform well at the plate or in the field.
This year, he’s going to be handed the reins and forced to prove how well he’ll be able to contribute at the major league level.
In the minors, he’s hit at every stop along the way. Last year in 71 games between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque, he hit 15 doubles and 14 home runs with 49 runs batted in. His .319 batting average was also the highest of his professional career.