Saturday afternoon, the annual Futures Game is held, where teams get the chance to show off some of their farm systems’ top prospects. It’s a moment to commemorate the success that prospect has had in the farm so far, or a chance to get them in the national spotlight, to market to other organizations around the league. Above everything, it’s an amazing opportunity for these young players to get to play on a big stage before making their inevitable big league debuts.
Here’s a breakdown of the prospects selected from the American League Central division.
Chicago White Sox – Colson Montgomery SS – MLB #16, Noah Schultz LHP – MLB #18
White Sox fans don’t have much to watch baseball for this season, but this is a chance for them to see some of the brighter spots of their future. They appointed their top two prospects Colson Montgomery and Noah Schultz to represent the franchise this weekend. Montgomery has been off to a slow start in 2024 at the AAA level in Charlotte. He’s currently hitting for a .215 average with a .710 OPS. With 11 homers and seven stolen bases in what’s an apparent down year, he’s still able to possibly put together a 20/20 season.
The second best prospect in the White Sox system will showcase his stuff on the mound this weekend. The 20-year old left hander will be able to show off his 60-grade fastball and 70-grade slider to the rest of the baseball world, and they’ll be sure to take note of the MLB’s 18th best prospect. It’s the biggest spot yet for a young lefty who’s received physical comparisons to the likes of Randy Johnson.
Cleveland Guardians – Jaison Chourio OF – MLB #85, Ralphy Velazquez 1B – MLB #87
The Guardians selected two of their top prospects for this year’s Futures Game, one being the younger brother of Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio. Jaison Chourio is a great switch hitting prospect earning a 60-grade hit tool on MLB Pipeline. Chourio in A-ball so far this season has hit for a .275 average and 69 hits in 70 games. His 55 run tool allows him to cover ground in the outfield as well as steal bases, as he’s swiped 26 bags so far this season.
#Guardians 19yr old switch hitting OF prospect Jaison Chourio collected his 2nd straight multi-hit game (2-5 R 2SB) tonight for Lynchburg against Delmarva. Chourio also stole a pair of bases in the contest.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 10, 2024
He now has 24 XBH and 26 SB over 69 games on the season.
Most… pic.twitter.com/eTfrySe4qH
At just 19-years old Ralphy Velazquez will be in the eyes of a lot of prospect watchers in this Futures Game. In 70 games Velazquez has hit for a .261 average and an .817 OPS. This weekend provides a chance for baseball fans to see Velazquez raw power, something that’ll hopefully continue to develop as he leads up to his expected 2027 call up.
Detroit Tigers – Max Clark OF – MLB #10, Hao-Yu Lee 2B
The Tigers have an intriguing duo of prospects going to this year’s Futures Game, one being a top 10 prospect in all of baseball. Having Max Clark play in this event is a dream come true for MLB media. Clark’s been known to be great on camera and combines that with his great play on the field. Clark made the transition from high school to the pros last summer after being drafted third overall, and in 2024 has been seeming to have adjusted well. Through 70 games in A-ball, Clark is hitting for a .285 average, with a near .800 OPS. He’s walking just about as much as he strikes out, and has stolen 25 bases as well. He’s at the top of many’s lists for who they’re watching closely on Saturday.
Hao-Yu Lee is another interesting prospect. The Tigers 13th ranked prospect is a solid overall prospect from Taiwan. In 72 games in AA Erie, Lee has hit for a .297 batting average, and has tallied an .871 OPS with 12 home runs. Lee can play multiple spots in the infield, and his glove will also be something to keep an eye on in Saturday’s game.
Kansas City Royals – Ben Kudrna RHP, Gavin Cross OF
Kansas City has gone with no prospects from the Top 100 and chose their number three and number seventh overall prospects to represent the franchise. Ben Kudrna is an interesting selection here. He has a 3.20 ERA in 64.2 IP this season in High-A. With a decent three pitch mix, and the possibility of Kansas City buying at the deadline, this could be another prospect to showcase to other organizations at his best on the mound on a big stage.
The Royals seventh overall prospect has been off to a great start this season. Gavin Cross has hit for a .295 average so far in 69 games at the AA level with 24 extra base hits (eight home runs). Cross has undoubtedly earned this nod, and the way he’s seemed to improve his offensive production, he’s worth keeping your eyes on this weekend.
Minnesota Twins – Luke Keaschall 2B/OF – MLB #94
Replacing Brooks Lee upon his big league call up, Luke Keaschall will get a chance to showcase his talents to the baseball world on a bigger stage. Minnesota’s second round pick in 2023 has been off to a strong start this season across High-A and AA. In 44 games in High-A, Keaschall hit for a .335 average with an 1.001 OPS. In 39 games in AA, he hit for a .307 average with 46 hits. MLB’s 94th best prospect has done great this season, and has absolutely earned his way to Globe Life this weekend.