Top 10 MLB Prospects Making Waves This June

Every year, the MLB talent pipeline brims with promise. Baseball’s top prospects surge through the minor leagues, catching eyes with a mix of raw talent and sharpened skills.

Baseball America’s June organization reports spotlight 10 dynamic young players making waves in 2023. From five-tool players to flame-throwing relievers, these rising stars are shaping the sport’s future.

Their stories of growth are as varied as they are compelling. Let’s dig into their performances, standout traits, and what makes them worth watching.

The Bright Stars Emerging in the Outfield

Outfielders often show their value with a blend of strength, speed, and adaptability. This year’s prospects don’t disappoint.

Mariners outfielder Jared Sundstrom has attacked Double-A Arkansas with real energy. He’s showing strides with both his power at the plate and his speed on the bases, looking like someone ready to impact every part of the game.

Teen Phenomenon: Hayden Alvarez

Don’t overlook 18-year-old Hayden Alvarez of the Angels, who’s turning heads in the Arizona Complex League. He’s hitting a remarkable .381 with 15 steals, hinting at growing power to go with his already sharp hit tool.

Alvarez is just getting started in his pro career. He brings an exciting mix of plate discipline and athleticism every time he steps on the field.

Base Paths Blitz: The Art of the Steal

Speedsters who can shake up a game are always valuable. Twins prospect Kyle DeBarge is showing just how much havoc one player can cause on the bases.

At High-A Cedar Rapids, DeBarge has swiped 37 bags in 38 tries—almost flawless. His bat’s still developing, but his baserunning instincts give him a unique edge.

High Expectations for High Schoolers

Two 2024 high school first-rounders have already moved up to High-A. Slade Caldwell of the Diamondbacks and Konnor Griffin of the Pirates are making smooth transitions from prep stardom to pro competition.

Caldwell’s early promotion after a strong Low-A showing proves he’s ready for the next step. Griffin’s presence at the same level hints at his potential as a future franchise anchor.

Mound Magic: Pitchers Rising to the Occasion

There’s something special about players who reinvent themselves to succeed. Mets reliever Anthony Nunez switched from third base to pitching and has rocketed up to Double-A.

His athleticism and arm talent are obvious, and he’s seeing real results on the mound. Marlins reliever Josh Ekness has also found his groove in Double-A, turning up the heat and tightening his control after moving from starter to reliever.

Future Aces in the Making

The Astros’ Bryce Mayer and the Rays’ Theo Gillen are putting minor league hitters to the test. Mayer’s growth as a righty suggests he’s moving steadily up the ladder.

Gillen’s polished approach stands out for a first-year player and shows why he went in the first round. Both could become key arms for their organizations.

Batting Brilliance: Hitters Who Deliver

Few hitters are as consistent as the Giants’ Carlos Gutierrez, who leads the California League in batting average. He makes contact, controls the strike zone, and uses his speed—he just keeps finding ways to stand out.

Red Sox outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia, meanwhile, has put in the work off the field and it’s paying off. He’s thrived across three levels and now rakes in Triple-A, a testament to his physical and mental growth.

Breaking Through the Noise

From raw athletic relievers to polished hitting machines, these prospects show a stubborn drive to get better. Teams keep pouring energy into their development, always tweaking skills and hoping for that leap to the majors.

Players like Jhostynxon Garcia and Anthony Nunez prove that resilience and adaptability matter just as much as raw talent. Honestly, it’s tough not to root for that kind of grit.

June’s reports point to a bright future for the game, both on offense and defense. Fans might want to keep an eye on rising stars like Alvarez, DeBarge, and Sundstrom.

They’re the kind of players who could light up the biggest stages soon enough. Every one of them mixes talent with hard work, and it’s hard not to get a little excited about what’s coming in Minor League Baseball.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 10 MLB Prospects Who Caught Our Attention In June