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 East division.
Atlanta Braves – Drake Baldwin C
The Braves will be sending their 11th ranked prospect Drake Baldwin to the Futures Game this year. In AAA Gwinnett this season, Baldwin’s excelled hitting for a .309 batting average, recording a .440 on base percentage, and six home runs in 24 games. Baldwin walked 22 times to 15 strikeouts and should put up great at bats in this game. While it’s not one of the flashier Braves prospects, it’s a well deserved nod.
Miami Marlins – Noble Meyer RHP – MLB #40 , Thomas White LHP – MLB #57
The Marlins are sending their two prized arms to this year’s game, right hander Noble Meyer, and left hander Thomas White. Miami’s top prospect coming out of his first round selection in the 2023 draft was off to a great start in A-ball this season with Jupiter. Meyer in eight starts and 34.0 innings pitched recorded a 2.65 ERA. Opponents have a .170 batting average against Meyer in his young pro career so far, and it’ll be a fun chance to see the 19-year old showcase his velocity on a big stage.
Thomas White has been solid across Low-A and High-A this season. The left hander has a 3.10 ERA in 2024, with 81 strikeouts and 29 walks through 61.0 innings pitched. Picked 35th overall in last year’s draft, White joins Meyer on the big stage to showcase Miami’s incredible 2023 draft haul.
New York Mets – Brandon Sproat RHP – MLB #97
The Mets will be sending their sixth ranked prospect to this year’s Futures Game. The former Florida gator has seriously impressed in High-A, totalling a 1.07 ERA in 25.1 innings pitched. Upon his move up to AA Binghamton, he recorded a 2.05 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in eight game starts. Through 48.1 innings pitched in AA, opponents have had a .182 average. One of the brighter spots in their system, Mets fans can expect a polished four pitch mix from the 23-year old right hander.
Philadelphia Phillies – Aidan Miller SS/3B – MLB #27, Justin Crawford OF – MLB #55
Phillies number two overall prospect Aidan Miller has been off to a decent start in his pro career since being taken in the first round of the 2023 draft. This year in A-ball, Miller has recorded a .275 average with an OPS of .884. Since his call up to High-A Miller’s struggled batting .188 with a .599 OPS. Miller has a chance to showcase his 60-grade power tool at Globe Life, to maybe get his confidence back.
Son of former major leaguer Carl Crawford, this seems like a no-brainer selection for the Phillies. Crawford earned the nod after hitting for a .301 average in 70 games in High-A. Crawford will showcase his 75 grade run tool in this year’s Futures Game, something he’s shown all throughout this season with 27 stolen bases.
Washington Nationals – Dylan Crews OF – MLB #4, Brady House 3B – MLB #44
The Nationals are sending their second and third overall prospects to Globe Life this weekend, with Crews to the Futures Game and House in the Skills Showcase. Crews has been off to a decent start in 2024, and is undoubtedly close to the big league call up. He’s hit .267 across AA and AAA this season, with 27 extra base hits. Fans marveled at his hit tool in the College World Series last year, and this year’s Futures Game will be a very familiar sight for baseball fans.
Brady House since being called to AAA Rochester has tallied four hits in the three games played. In AAA, House hit .234 with an OPS of .733. With a 60-grade power and arm tool, he’ll be a fun player to watch participate in the Skills Showcase.
Cover Photo: Rochester Red Wings: Joe Territo
