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 West division.
Houston Astros – AJ Blubaugh RHP
The Astros #6 ranked prospect gets the nod to the Futures Game. Blubaugh has spent most of 2024 in AAA with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, where he’s recorded a 3.66 ERA across 71.1 innings pitched. Hitters currently have a .257 average against Blubaugh in AAA, and the Astros will most likely keep him at that level to develop further before an expected 2025 callup. Blubaugh has a solid four pitch mix, a mid-90s fastball, a curveball, slider, and a changeup as well.
Los Angeles Angels – Caden Dana RHP – MLB #90
Angels new top prospect, and Warwick, New York native Caden Dana gets the selection from the franchise for this year’s Futures Game and for very good reason. Dana has been great this season for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, recording a 2.99 ERA in 16 starts and 90.1 innings pitched. Opponents have a .194 average against Dana this season, and he’s improved in nearly every way, and looks to be developing exactly how the Angels have it planned.
Oakland Athletics – Luis Morales RHP
Athletics #2 overall prospect Luis Morales is the only selection from the ball club for this year’s game. At this point in the season, he’s almost matched his innings pitched mark from 2023 at 43.2 currently, but his ERA has gone up this season in High-A Lansing. Opponents have a .235 average against Morales, who has tallied 42 strikeouts to 18 walks. Morales can showcase his upper 90’s fastball with a slider, changeup, and curveball to go along with it. With no Jacob Wilson in this year’s game, A’s fans’ eyes should all be on Morales.
Seattle Mariners – Harry Ford C – MLB #23, Cole Young SS/2B – MLB #22
Seattle gives the nod to both their first and second ranked prospects in their farm system, Cole Young and Harry Ford. In 76 games in AA Arkansas this season, Ford’s hit for an average of .253 with a .376 on base percentage. Ford’s stolen 21 bases this season as well, but the strikeouts have been on the high end. Ford will be able to showcase his arm behind the plate in this year’s games, and is on the biggest stage since playing for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
In his first 76 games at the AA level, Cole Young’s hit for a .262 batting average, with a .352 on base percentage. He’s managed to steal 14 stolen bases and hit seven home runs, making him a potential 20/20 guy in the big leagues. It’ll be fun for Mariners fans to have a chance to watch their well rounded top prospect play on a big stage.
Texas Rangers – Sebastian Walcott SS – MLB #72, Winston Santos RHP, Emiliano Teodo RHP
The Texas Rangers are bringing in a pitching prospect in Winston Santos, and their generational Bahamian prospect in Sebastian Walcott. While Walcott’s hit tool isn’t the most praised part of his game, he has high power upside and a great arm at the shortstop position. Walcott’s currently hitting .235 in High-A Hickory but at only 18 years old, has all the time to develop. With a big league ETA of 2027, this will be a fun opportunity for Rangers fans to see their top prospect at their own stadium.
Winston Santos has a great opportunity to get some reps in at Globe Life two years before his expected arrival to the majors. Santos excelled in High-A Hickory in 64.1 innings pitched recording a 2.80 ERA. Since moving up to AA Frisco, he’s struggled slightly with a 5.87 ERA in two starts and 7.2 innings pitched. Opponents have a .281 average against Santos in AA, and it’ll be interesting to see how he pitches some of the best prospects across the game.
Teodo earns the final nod from the Rangers as he’s been lights out in the minor leagues. In AA Frisco, Teodo has recorded a 1.71 ERA in 14 starts. Opponents have .183 average against Teodo, and it will no doubt be a tough at-bat for anyone facing him in this year’s Futures Game.
Cover Photo: Dallas Morning News (Shafkat Anowar)