🚀 Discover the Breakout Stars: Unveiling the Most Skyrocketing Prospects of 2023 for Every Team! 🔥

In 2023, numerous prospects delivered exceptional performances, with some exceeding expectations and firmly establishing themselves on the prospect radar. Jim Callis recognized standout players in his All-Breakout Prospect Team, but several others showcased significant improvements throughout the season.

For a comprehensive look at prospects who elevated their stock, one notable player from each organization is highlighted below. Remarkably, all 17 members of the Top 100 listed had not been on the initial list at the beginning of the season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Blue Jays: Alan Roden, OF (No. 7)
Alan Roden, a third-round pick in the previous year, initially fell outside Toronto’s Top 30 but surged in rankings during the midseason update. His disciplined approach at High-A and Double-A, where he walked more times than he struck out, propelled him to an impressive .430 OBP. While power development is the next focus, Roden’s batting skills and discipline position him for a potential MLB debut next summer.

Orioles: Samuel Basallo, C (No. 5/MLB No. 46)
Despite the recognition of Coby Mayo on Callis’ team, Basallo made substantial strides in 2023, rising from the Orioles’ No. 12 prospect to the Top 100. Making his full-season ball debut, the teenager concluded with a .953 OPS, ranking third in Minor League wRC+. His impressive performance in Double-A underscores his rapid ascent.

Rays: Junior Caminero, 3B/SS (No. 1/MLB No. 6)
Caminero gained Top 100 consideration in the spring and continued to climb rapidly. Finishing the Minor League season with 31 homers and a .324/.384/.591 line, he showcased raw and in-game power. Caminero’s exceptional exit velocities and early MLB debut on Sept. 23 marked him as a rising star with immense potential.

Red Sox: Roman Anthony, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 35)
Amidst notable Top 100 players, Anthony, last year’s 79th overall pick, initially faced competition from other prospects. However, a promotion to High-A Greenville proved pivotal as he posted impressive numbers, projecting as an above-average hitter with plus power. Anthony’s strong showing shifted the spotlight onto him in the Red Sox system.

Yankees: Chase Hampton, RHP (No. 4/MLB No. 95)
New York’s knack for transforming mid-round picks into notable arms continued with Hampton. The sixth-rounder out of Texas Tech displayed three above-average pitches, amassing 145 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings between High-A and Double-A. Hampton’s rapid rise, completing his first full season with a strong strikeout rate, elevated him 22 spots in the prospect rankings.

 AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Guardians: Juan Brito, INF (No. 6)
Acquired from the Rockies, Brito emerged as a success story, ascending three levels and 12 spots in the rankings. With a plus hit tool and low swing-and-miss rates, the 21-year-old switch-hitter solidified his standing within the Guardians’ organization.

Royals: Javier Vaz, 2B/OF (No. 13)
A 15th-rounder from Vanderbilt, Vaz turned heads with a remarkably low swing-and-miss rate of 3.3 percent. His contact-heavy approach at High-A and Double-A, coupled with plus speed and 30 steals, positioned him as a potential leadoff hitter.

Tigers: Colt Keith, 3B/2B (No. 2/MLB No. 25)
Returning from a shoulder injury, Keith’s full season showcased his prowess at Double-A and Triple-A. With impressive slugging, an OPS above .900, and 27 homers, he swiftly climbed from being unranked to securing a spot in the Top 100.

Twins: Cory Lewis, RHP (No. 13)
The Twins’ ninth-rounder in 2022, Lewis, initially absent from the Top 30, leaped to No. 13 after an outstanding first full year. Armed with a four-pitch mix, including a legit knuckleball, Lewis posted a 2.49 ERA with 10.5 strikeouts per nine across two levels of A ball.

White Sox: Noah Schultz, LHP (No. 2/MLB No. 61)
Despite limited innings due to injuries, Schultz’s dominant pitches, including a mid-90s fastball and near-plus-plus slider, propelled him onto the Top 100. In a challenging year for top prospects, Schultz’s standout qualities drew industry intrigue.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Astros: Zach Dezenzo, 3B/2B (No. 5)
A 12th-round pick in 2022, Dezenzo quickly gained attention by hitting .407 with an OPS of 1.102 at High-A Asheville. His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A, finishing the season just two homers shy of a 20-20 mark with a combined .914 OPS and 141 wRC+.

Angels: Nelson Rada, OF (No. 3)
Rada, an international prospect, surpassed expectations by skipping the rookie-level league and heading straight to Single-A. Leading the California League with 55 steals and a .276/.395/.351 line at age 17, he impressed throughout the season.

A’s: Luis Morales, RHP (No. 5)
Regarded as the best pitching prospect in the 2023 international market, Morales seamlessly navigated four levels, concluding in High-A. With a combined 2.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, and .202 BAA, the 20-year-old Cuban showcased his talent.

Mariners: Gabriel Gonzalez, OF (No. 3/MLB No. 66)
Gonzalez, aged 19, transitioned from Single-A Modesto to High-A Everett, accumulating a .298/.361/.476 line and 18 homers. His notable contributions propelled him to No. 3 in the Mariners’ system and a spot on the Top 100 list.

Rangers: Sebastian Walcott, SS (No. 3/MLB No. 62)
Ranked as the No. 8 international prospect, Walcott’s $3.2 million signing from the Bahamas proved beneficial. Displaying power-speed potential, his versatility positions him for success at short, third, or right field.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Braves: AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 53)
Smith-Shawver, a former two-sport high school star, rebounded from an uneven first full season. Despite limited total innings (87 1/3 combined), his impressive Minor League numbers at age 20 propelled him to the top prospect in the organization.

Marlins: Xavier Edwards, 2B/OF (Graduated)
Acquired in an offseason trade, Edwards revitalized his prospect status, climbing from No. 12 to make significant contributions in Triple-A and the big leagues.

His .351 average, .429 OBP, and 32 steals underscored his impact.

Mets: Jett Williams, SS/OF (No. 3/MLB No. 78)
Williams, selected 14th overall in the previous year’s draft, exceeded expectations by climbing three levels in his age-19 season. A walk-heavy approach and plus speed resulted in a .420 OBP, 45 stolen bases, and successful play at short and center.

Nationals: Daylen Lile, OF (No. 6)
The 2021 second-rounder, recovering from Tommy John surgery, showcased his above-average hit tool at Single-A Fredericksburg. Hitting .291/.381/.510 with 34 extra-base hits and 21 steals, Lile positioned himself among the Nationals’ deep outfield prospects.

Phillies: Orion Kerkering, RHP (No. 7)
A fifth-round college reliever, Kerkering defied expectations, pitching across four levels and finishing his first full year in the big league playoff bullpen. With a 1.51 ERA, .186 BAA, 0.894 WHIP, and 13.2 K/9, he emerged as one of the top relief prospects.

 NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Brewers: Jacob Misiorowski, RHP (No. 3/MLB No. 36)
A second-round pick last year, Misiorowski distinguished himself as one of the Minors’ most dominant hurlers. His plus-plus fastball, wicked slider, and impressive curveball led to 110 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings. Despite control concerns, the Brewers are excited about his starting potential.

Cardinals: Victor Scott II, OF (No. 4)
Scott showcased his incredible speed by leading the Minors with 94 stolen bases over 132 games. The 80-grade runner’s offensive prowess, particularly at Springfield, solidified his spot in the Cardinals’ Top 30.

Cubs: Owen Caissie, OF (No. 3/MLB No. 64)
Drafted as the highest Canadian outfielder, Caissie, at 21, demonstrated impressive power. With elite-level exit velocities and 22 homers in Double-A, he climbed from No. 13 to No. 3 in the Cubs’ preseason rankings.

Pirates: Anthony Solometo, LHP (No. 4/MLB No. 84)
Solometo’s 2023 season saw him excel with increased innings, earning promotions from Greensboro to Double-A at age 20. Drawing comparisons to Madison Bumgarner, he finished with a combined 3.26 ERA, .227 BAA, and an impressive 17.5 K-BB%.

Reds: Connor Phillips, RHP (No. 4/MLB No. 68)
Part of the Reds’ youth movement, Phillips arrived via the Jesse Winker trade, showcasing electric stuff with a 13.2 K/9 rate. Despite command issues, he transitioned from No. 12 on the Reds’ list to the middle of the Top 100.

 NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

D-backs: Jansel Luis, SS/2B (No. 12)
Signed from the Dominican Republic, Luis impressed in his stateside debut, moving from the Arizona Complex League to Single-A Visalia. The 18-year-old switch-hitter’s power potential positions him as a versatile infielder.

Dodgers: Nick Frasso, RHP (No. 4/MLB No. 65)
Acquired from the Blue Jays, Frasso flourished in his first full year of health, reaching Triple-A. His explosive fastball touching triple digits, along with a legit three-pitch mix, makes him a potential rotation candidate.

Giants: Patrick Bailey, C (Graduated)
Bailey’s offensive improvement between Double-A and Triple-A, coupled with his significant contributions behind the plate, solidified the catching position for the Giants. His presence was crucial as the team contended for a Wild Card spot.

Padres: Ethan Salas, C (No. 1/MLB No. 5)
Salas’ remarkable rise marked the Minor League story of the year. Skipping the complex levels, the age-17 catcher opened at Single-A Lake Elsinore, showcasing defensive skills and a .267/.350/.487 line. His all-around profile places him as the game’s top catching prospect.

Rockies: Yanquiel Fernandez, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 49)
A lower-fanfare signing in 2019, Fernandez’s impressive U.S. debut in 2022 carried over to Double-A at age 20. With 25 homers, he established himself as an exciting run-producing prospect for the Rockies.