Breaking Down The 2024 Futures Game Rosters: NL Central

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 National League Central division.

Chicago Cubs – Matt Shaw 3B – MLB #29, James Triantos 2B – MLB #53, Moises Ballesteros C/1B – MLB #60

The Cubs are sending three top 100 prospects to this year’s game, one being their top fielding prospect in Matt Shaw. Shaw is a polished infielder but has regressed slightly since his first brief pro stint. In 71 games in AA this season Shaw is hitting .247 with an OPS of .768. While the average has been lower, Shaw shows 20/20 potential at the big league level, and currently holds 20 stolen bases and 10 home runs. James Triantos has been solid at the plate this season and on the basepaths as well in 75 games at AA Tennessee. Triantos has hit .301 with 30 stolen bases. If he can get the number of strikeouts down, he can be a very polished player, and could possibly help Chicago in the outfield as well. 

Ballesteros will be a participant in the Skills Showcase this year. The Cubs fifth overall prospect has been consistent across AA and AAA this season. He’s hit .300 across both levels with an OPS of .846. A solid player at the plate and in the field, this will be a fun moment for Ballesteros in his young pro career. 

Cincinnati Reds – Rhett Lowder RHP – MLB #20, Cam Collier 3B – MLB #84

One of the most intriguing pitching prospects in all of baseball, Wake Forest alum Rhett Lowder gets the nod from Cincinnati. The Reds top prospect across 5 starts in High-A was great, totalling a 2.49 ERA. Since entering AA Chattanooga, he’s struggled. He currently has a 6.52 ERA in AA, but has a chance to reset at the Futures Game and showcase his nasty stuff.

Cam Collier had a great 2022 stint but has regressed since. Hitting .231 right now with 13 home runs, the hope here could be that the Futures Game gets his confidence back at the plate, as well as show the rest of the league why he’s a top prospect in the Reds system. Regardless, Collier has more than enough time to develop into a polished hitter, with an expected arrival to the majors being 2026.

Milwaukee Brewers – Cooper Pratt SS – MLB #95

Cooper Pratt is the lone selection from the Milwaukee Brewers and for good reason. Pratt’s been great as a 19-year old taken out of the sixth round in the draft last year. In A-ball Carolina this season, Pratt’s hit .291 in 64 games with 20 stolen bases. With a more matured approach, Pratt can be a great big league infielder, and should be a fun watch for Brewers fans in the Futures Game.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Bubba Chandler RHP – MLB #51, Termarr Johnson 2B/SS – MLB #76

The Pirates are sending an exciting duo of prospects to the Futures Game this year. Pirates top prospect Bubba Chandler headlines the duo. Chandler is expected to join a rotation with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones in 2025 but until now, no doubt needs more time in the minor leagues. In AA Altoona this season, Chandler’s recorded a 3.53 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP. Chandler’s opponents have a .185 average against him, and with a fastball that touches upper-90’s will be a fun watch for Pirates fans.

Termarr Johnson has been another one of the most intriguing prospects to follow throughout his short pro career. The 20-year old since being selected fourth overall by the Pirates in 2022, has hit .242 with an .820 OPS across three levels. While the average is on the lower end, Johnson’s power from second base is what intrigues scouts, and it’ll be something to watch for in the Futures Game.

St. Louis Cardinals – Tink Hence RHP – MLB #42, Quinn Mathews LHP – MLB #99

The Cardinals are sending their two top prospects to this year’s Futures Game. Right hander Tink Hence has seemed to improve from his 2023 season so far in AA Springfield. Hence has recorded a 3.29 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. Opponents have a lower average against Hence this season in AA, and it’ll be fun to watch his four pitch mix on display.

Mathews slid into MLB Pipelines Top 100 prospects and got the other nod to the Futures Game. The 23-year old in his first pro season has been great across three levels, with a 2.22 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 15 starts. Across 85.0 innings pitched, Mathews has tallied 120 strikeouts to 25 walks. His stuff is nasty from the left side, and all prospect watchers should keep their eye on Quinn Mathews.

Cover Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports