In the world of baseball, the minor leagues are a hotbed of talent, with players pushing for promotions to higher levels. As the season progresses, organizations can recognize which prospects deserve new challenges, and transactions fly around all levels. Here is one prospect from each farm system who is pushing for a promotion, with a focus on the American League East and National League East.
American League East
Blue Jays: Sean Keys, INF
Keys, a lefty slugger, has mashed in his first 10 games at Triple-A Buffalo, going 11-for-31 with seven extra-base hits and eight walks. His powerful performance at Double-A New Hampshire, coupled with his high exit velocities, makes him a strong candidate for a corner infield spot in Toronto. Personally, I think Keys has a higher ceiling as an everyday option than fellow prospect Charles McAdoo, who is currently up with the big club.
Orioles: Joseph Dzierwa, LHP
Dzierwa, the ace of Michigan State's staff for three years, was the Orioles' second-round pick last year. He has already earned a bump from High-A to Double-A, and his performance in the Eastern League is impressive. With a 6-foot-8 frame, he leads the Minors with 83 strikeouts and a combined 2.41 ERA. A bump up to Triple-A would have him knocking on the door and in line to help the big league club out this year.
Rays: Theo Gillen, OF
Gillen, the 2024 18th overall pick, has taken his game to a new level by upping his power in his second full season. After going deep five times in 73 games with Single-A Charleston last year, he has already clubbed 10 homers in 52 games with High-A Bowling Green. At 20 years old, Gillen looks ready for the challenge of Double-A in the second half.
Red Sox: Franklin Arias, SS
Arias has boosted his stock more than most Top 100 Prospects this year, continuing to provide quality defense at shortstop while enjoying the best offensive production of his full-season career as a 20-year-old in Double-A. With a .313/.397/.571 line and 13 homers, he is ready to be tested in Triple-A.
Yankees: Carlos Lagrange, RHP
Lagrange, a long-term starter, has posted a 2.79 ERA with 15 strikeouts and just 10 baserunners in 9 2/3 Triple-A innings in his new reliever role. After ranking third in the Minors in strikeouts last year, he made headlines in Spring Training by fanning Aaron Judge with a 103-mph fastball. The Yankees view him as a long-term starter but have made him a reliever for now.
National League East
Braves: Eric Hartman, OF
Hartman, a 20-year-old from Alberta, Canada, has been putting it all together this year, with a .954 OPS over 59 games. His speed and power, including 17 homers, give him the chance to get to 20-20 before July. Who doesn't want to see how he works in Double-A Columbus?
Marlins: Brendan Jones, OF
Jones, part of a four-prospect package the Marlins received from the Yankees, stands out with his well above-average speed but can do a little bit of everything. At 24 years old, he is batting .230/.340/.448 with 19 extra-base hits and 22 steals in 44 Double-A games.
Mets: Jonathan Santucci, LHP
Santucci, a 23-year-old southpaw, has posted a 2.84 ERA with 32 strikeouts and only seven free passes over 31 2/3 innings in his previous five outings. With 106 2/3 innings of Double-A experience, he has struck out 30.1 percent of his batters faced. Santucci could join the Triple-A Syracuse rotation if he rebounds quickly from a recent hiccup.
Nationals: Yohandy Morales, 1B/3B
Morales is pushing to make his Major League debut with his best pro season yet. His 15 homers for Triple-A Rochester tie his career high, and since May 1, he has hit .336/.407/.642 with 11 homers and a 166 wRC+ over 33 games. He is mixing in time at both corner infield spots.
In my opinion, these prospects are pushing for promotions due to their exceptional performances and potential impact on their respective teams. The minor leagues are a crucial part of the baseball ecosystem, providing a platform for young talent to develop and showcase their skills. As the season progresses, we can expect to see more transactions and promotions as organizations recognize the potential of these prospects.
