MLB Prospect Watch List
Arizona Diamondbacks – Druw Jones OF – ETA 2026
What was set to be a big developmental year for the son of former big leaguer Andruw Jones, was derailed by injury. Jones looks to be another 5 tool outfielder to add to this young Diamondbacks roster. Despite being 180 pounds, Jones has impressive power and bat speed. He also possesses great skills in the outfield and combined with the fielding of Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll, getting a hit against this future Diamondbacks outfield could be a pain for this NL West division for years to come. Now healthy, Jones looks to get back on track and have a productive 2024, and showcase his ability in the field even more.
Colorado Rockies – Drew Romo C – ETA 2024
Despite being ranked as the ninth best prospect in the Rockies system, Romo enters an interesting year for his career with Colorado. Given an estimated time of arrival to the majors in 2024, Romo currently sits behind last year’s All Star Game MVP: Elias Diaz. Romo’s shown upside to be a great switch hitting catcher, something that could be valuable to the Rockies playing at the elevation Coors Field sits at. However, with an All Star catcher behind the plate, it’ll be interesting to see if the Rockies move Romo to another position in the field. If they decide not to go this route it’ll be interesting to see if Romo is used as a trade chip for pitching, or more hitting reinforcements, but the switch hitting catcher is set to have an exciting year in 2024.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Diego Cartaya C – ETA 2025
With a 6 foot 3 219 pound frame, Diego Cartaya possesses every physical attribute needed to be a big league catcher. With an impressive arm behind the plate, Cartaya has potential in the next couple seasons to be part of a great catching tandem with Will Smith. Cartaya will have to develop his defense more this season, and will also be looking to throw out more runners on the basepaths as well. If Cartaya can continue to develop, there’s no reason he shouldn’t see time at Dodger Stadium behind the plate.
San Diego Padres – Ethan Salas C – ETA 2025
One of the biggest names on this watchlist, Salas looks to have another big year in the San Diego organization. The 17 year old catcher has perplexed scouts and coaches throughout his entire career, proving age may really just be a number. Salas looks to be a rare five tool potential catcher, but it’ll be interesting to see how all these tools develop as he continues to grow. Salas recorded good numbers this season in 66 games, reaching as far as the AA level. Safe to say all eyes are on Ethan Salas this season, as the young phenom looks to reach the highest level.
San Francisco Giants – Bryce Eldridge OF/RHP – ETA 2026
Bryce Eldridge came out of the 2023 draft being taken 13th overall by San Francisco. The top two-way prospect in the draft, Eldridge made it known that he would like to continue to do both at the highest level. The 6 foot 7, 223 pound outfielder would not make a pitching appearance in his first pro season, but had a good season at the plate. In 31 games, Eldridge hit a solid .294 batting average with a .400 on base percentage and a .505 slugging percentage for an OPS of .905. It’ll be interesting to see if Eldridge will make a pitching debut in 2024, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see San Francisco have him stick to one instead of doing both.
Honorable Mentions
Arizona: Tommy Troy SS – ETA 2025
Colorado: Chase Dollander RHP – ETA 2026
Los Angeles: Dalton Rushing 1B/C – ETA 2025
San Diego: Dillon Head OF – ETA 2027
San Francisco: Reggie Crawford LHP – ETA 2025