By: Tobey Schulman
NL East
Atlanta Braves – Hurston Waldrep RHP – ETA 2024
One thing the Braves can do is develop prospects and Hurston Waldrep is no exception. Considered one of the steals of the draft in 2023, Waldrep flashed great potential with a three pitch mix and a fastball sitting in the mid to high 90s. Although Waldrep originally posed concerns for his command, that can undoubtedly be improved upon during his time in the minor league system. Waldrep, despite these concerns, rose through the Braves system quickly, ending his season at the AAA level. Waldrep in eight starts across four levels put up a 1.53 ERA, striking out 41 batters in 29 innings pitched. Waldrep looks to be someone the Braves could have in the rotation this season. If that’s the case, he’d boost an already stacked rotation in Atlanta.
Miami Marlins – Noble Meyer RHP – ETA 2026
Another member from the 2023 draft class, Noble Meyer impressed many scouts, ultimately being taken as the first high school arm in the draft. Meyer in his senior season reached 100 mph on his fastball, but that doesn’t even seem to be his best pitch. Meyer’s slider currently sits in the mid 80s and pairs with his fastball nicely to get a lot of swing-and-misses at the plate. Meyer’s 2024 campaign will no doubt see major developments, as he aims to be a frontline starter for this Miami club in the future. At just 19 years old, Meyer is set to join a young blossoming rotation in Miami, and help make them division contenders for years to come.
New York Mets – Luisangel Acuña INF – ETA 2024
To many’s surprise last season, the Mets abandoned spending big, dumping Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and other players for a prospect haul to rebuild their core for the future. Eyes turned to a couple prospects in this haul, Drew Gilbert and Luisangel Acuña. Acuña has been graded as the Mets best prospect coming into 2024, and with Ronny Mauricio suffering an ACL tear this offseason, there’s more space for Acuña to come up into the big league infield. Younger brother of NL MVP Ronald Acuña, Luisangel possesses solid tools like his brother across the board. In four seasons in the minors, Acuña hit nearly .300 with a .289 batting average. With some more time in the minors this season, Acuña can polish his hitting skills slightly more and that combined with his speed can make him a legitimate 20/20 threat for the Mets.
Philadelphia Phillies – Andrew Painter RHP – ETA 2025
Andrew Painter has impressed many in his minor league career so far. Through two seasons in the minors and 26 games started, Painter has posted a 1.48 ERA, with 167 strikeouts in 109.2 innings pitched. The numbers speak for themselves, Painter has the ceiling to be a Cy Young caliber ace. Rising up the system all the way to AA Reading, Painter has since battled injuries in 2023, but looks to continue to build off of his impressive first two seasons in the minors. While injuries may have raised his big league ETA by a year or two, there’s no doubt that when the time comes, Painter will be a huge addition to the Philadelphia rotation that looks to compete for a championship for the foreseeable future.
Washington Nationals – Dylan Crews OF – ETA 2024
The Nationals hope to bring some reinforcements up to the big league level in 2024. Their second overall pick in 2023 is one of those reinforcements. Dylan Crews was must-watch TV at LSU this past season, hitting .426 with 70 RBIs in 71 games. Crews would go on to win the national championship with LSU and months later saw himself ending his first pro season in AA. Across three levels in his first pro season, Crews hit .292, recording 29 RBIs in 35 games. Crews has an elite hit tool, and possesses great speed in the outfield as well. Crews is expected to break the big league club this season, whether he’s able to do that out of spring training is still up in the air. Regardless of the decision, Crews will undoubtedly be making an impact in Washington this season, as many of the farm’s top prospects look to graduate.
Honorable Mentions: MLB Prospect Watch List
Atlanta – AJ Smith-Shawver RHP – ETA 2024
Miami – Max Meyer RHP – ETA 2024
New York – Drew Gilbert OF – ETA 2024
Philadelphia – Mick Abel RHP – ETA 2024
Washington – James Wood OF – ETA 2024
