The final stretch of Major League Baseball's season often brings a wave of excitement, not just for fans but for young talent making their mark in the big leagues. This year is no different, as several notable late-season call-ups are making headlines and are poised to impact their teams' futures significantly.
Emerging Stars in the Majors
For teams looking to infuse young blood without triggering significant service-time issues, these call-ups are golden opportunities. Names like Kumar Rocker of the Rangers, Luisangel Acuña of the Mets, Thomas Saggese of the Cardinals, and Seth Johnson of the Phillies are already making waves.
Spotlight: Roman Anthony
One player who stands out in this new class of talent is Roman Anthony, the 20-year-old outfielder for the Red Sox. Anthony's performance in Triple-A has been nothing short of spectacular. Over his first 29 games, he has slashed an impressive .327/.431/.504. Equally noteworthy is his plate discipline; he has nearly as many walks as strikeouts, an unusual feat for a player of his age. His power also demands attention, with his exit velocity peaking at 112.5 mph.
Anthony is not the only promising player in Worcester, where he is joined by Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Kyle Teel. Together, they form a core of talent that offers a glimpse into a potentially bright future for the Red Sox.
Pitchers on the Rise
The Pirates have reasons to be optimistic about their own young talent. Bubba Chandler, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has put together an impressive resume in his first four Triple-A starts, featuring a 1.59 ERA and a 3.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Chandler's arsenal is headlined by a 97 mph fastball and a slider with a 33% whiff rate. This season, Chandler has also set a new career high for innings pitched, showcasing his durability and endurance.
Nick Yorke, another promising name, has transitioned well to the Triple-A level for the Pirates after being obtained from the Red Sox, adding depth and skill to their lineup.
Similarly, the Brewers' 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has been a standout. With a 2.87 ERA and 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings at the Triple-A level, Misiorowski combines a 98 mph fastball with an effective breaker. His performance has been exceptional, pitching over his previous career high in innings by more than 20. This signifies not just his talent but his readiness for a bigger role.
The Reds' Up-and-Coming Arms
In Cincinnati, Chase Petty has been a workhorse, throwing 132 innings this season and relying heavily on his mid-90s sinker and slider. Notably, the Reds also promoted Rhett Lowder in late August, adding another layer of young talent to their roster.
Cubs' High Hopes with Matt Shaw
The Cubs have their eyes on Matt Shaw, a first-round pick who has made significant strides despite some setbacks. After advancing to Double-A late last year, Shaw was promoted to Triple-A in August. Although a back issue briefly sidelined him, Shaw returned in September and has since recorded seven multi-hit games out of 11. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure bode well for his future in the majors.
As these young players begin to establish themselves, their respective teams must be thrilled with the promise they bring. Whether it's the hitting prowess of Roman Anthony, the pitching mastery of Bubba Chandler, or the all-around potential of Matt Shaw, MLB's future looks incredibly bright.