By: Tobey Schulman
MLB Prospect Watch List
Chicago Cubs – Matt Shaw SS – ETA 2025
One of the more overlooked prospects in the 2023 draft was Matt Shaw. The Cubs selected Shaw with the 13th pick in the first round of the draft after Shaw won the Cape Cod batting title and was awarded MVP in the summer of 2022. Shaw impressed in his first short pro season, ending at the AA level. Shaw in 38 games hit .357 with 8 HR and 28 RBIs. Shaw also stole 15 bases in those 38 games as well (Shaw stole 18 in 62 games with Maryland in 2023). With a clogged middle infield at the big league level with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, it will be interesting to see where Shaw will land in the Cubs lineup and field.
Cincinnati Reds – Rhett Lowder RHP – ETA 2024
One of the most exciting teams to watch in 2023 was the Cincinnati Reds. The new young core built from the Cincinnati farm system continues to graduate and impress. Next up is 2023 7th overall pick Rhett Lowder. Lowder has only thrown 3.0 innings in spring training, but what scouts saw at Wake Forest is enough to assume Lowder can break the big league club in 2024. Lowder posted a 1.87 ERA last year for Wake Forest and went 15-0 over 19 starts. Lowder also struck out 143 batters over 120.1 innings pitched. Lowder looks poised to become the next flamethrower added to the Reds rotation, and it’ll be interesting to see how and where he starts his 2024.
Milwaukee Brewers – Jackson Chourio OF – ETA 2024
Jackson Chourio is currently the Brewers top prospect and ranked as the second best prospect on MLB Pipeline. Chourio broke news in the offseason, signing the largest pre-debut contract ever. The contract was signed for 8 years worth $82,000,000. In 2023 across AA and AAA, Chourio hit .283 with 22 HRs, and 44 stolen bases in 128 games played. Chourio seems locked in to be Milwaukee’s new franchise player and can be an immediate 20/20 threat in the NL Central.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Paul Skenes RHP – ETA 2024
It wouldn’t feel right to leave Paul Skenes off of this list. The 2023 first overall pick had a short first season in the minors this summer, eventually reaching the AA level. Skenes only pitched 6.2 innings in 2023, but impressed the Pirates organization enough to rise quickly through the system. Skenes possesses an 80 grade fastball and a 70 grade slider that will more than likely be utilized in Pittsburgh come 2024. While many were led to believe Skenes could go out and break the big league club out of Spring Training, Skenes will start the season in the minors.
St. Louis Cardinals – Chase Davis OF – ETA 2026
Cardinals sixth ranked prospect Chase Davis comes in as the prospect to watch in 2024 from this historic club after an impressive 2023 season at Arizona, where Davis hit .362 along with 21 HRs. This impressive hitting potential paired alongside his 60 grade arm shows upside to be a great everyday outfielder. Davis’ approach at the plate continues to improve year in year out, and his first full season in the minors should no doubt be a very productive one.
Honorable Mentions
Chicago Cubs – Kevin Alcantara OF – ETA 2025
Cincinnati Reds – Cam Collier 3B – ETA 2026
Milwaukee Brewers – Brock Wilken 3B – ETA 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates – Termarr Johnson 2B – ETA 2025
St. Louis Cardinals – Tink Hence RHP – ETA 2024