Top MLB All-Star Futures Game Players
The next generation of baseball stars takes the stage as the MLB All-Star Futures Game is set for July 8, 2023. With the excitement packed into seven intense innings, this highly anticipated matchup will be exclusively broadcasted on Peacock and SiriusXM. Get to know 10 of the top prospects and start prospecting!
Shortstop: Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles
The first overall selection in the previous year’s draft, Holliday has been a standout performer in the minor leagues, showcasing his formidable power, defensive prowess, and exceptional ability to reach base. With impressive performances at both A-Ball levels, the 19-year-old phenom, and son of former seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, is even ranked higher as a prospect than the current Major League sensation Elly De La Cruz. The future looks bright in Baltimore.
Shortstop: Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox
The fourth pick and highest-drafted player by the Red Sox in 51 years, Mayer boasts comparisons to multi-time All-Star Corey Seager and Brandon Crawford. In his first full season in 2022, the two-way stalwart batted .280/.399/.489 with 45 extra-base hits and 17 steals. He’s currently rockin’ with the Portland Sea Dogs in AA and boasts the potential to reach the Bigs soon.
Outfield: Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers
Initially a shortstop, Chourio shifted to centerfield, allowing the Brewers’ organization to fully exploit his lightning-fast speed. A true menace on the base paths, Chourio showcased his skills by stealing an impressive 16 bases in just 99 games across three levels during his standout 2022 season at the age of 18. Not just a threat with his legs, Chourio also displayed promise with the bat, boasting a solid .288 batting average and slugging 20 home runs. He was the only player in the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game with a 2004 birthdate and is returning in this year’s showdown.
Outfield: James Wood, Washington Nationals
Wood enjoyed a dominant first season in Single-A with the Padres organization before being shipped to Washington as a part of the Juan Soto deal. At 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, the mammoth prospect possesses Aaron Judge-like measurables: long strides that make him a problem on the base paths, and a knack for knockin’ pitches out of the park. If he continues his trajectory, the Nationals should be ecstatic with their return for Soto.
Shortstop: Jordan Lawler, Arizona Diamondbacks
Lawler was named Texas’ 2021 Gatorade High School Player of the Year and committed to Vanderbilt before taking his talents to the professional level. The sixth pick of the Diamondbacks missed most of his inaugural season but enjoyed a phenomenal 2022 when he saw success in Single-A Visalia, High-A Hillsboro, Double-A Amarillo, and the Arizona Fall League. There’s hope Lawler reaches the Bigs in 2024. D-Backs fans are counting on it.
Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong
Crow-Armstrong currently sits at No. 9 on MLB.com’s 2023 Prospect Rankings and boasts elite two-way potential. The 2020 draft pick possesses elite range in centerfield, the speed to impact the game on the base paths, and a knack for putting the ball in play. He’s in AA with the Tennessee Smokies, but a Big League call-up is just around the corner.
Pitcher: Kyle Harrison, Giants
Harrison is the first pitcher to make this list and arguably the best pitching prospect in the Futures Game. The lefty reached Double-A at 20 and proved ready for the competition in 2022 when he topped the Minors in whiffs per nine (14.8) and whiff percentage (39.8). Harrison rocks the Sacramento Rivercats mound in Triple-A and could make his way to the Bigs later this season.
Shortstop: Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres
Merrill’s selection as the 27th overall pick by the Padres in the 2021 Draft marked a significant milestone, as he became the highest Maryland high-school position player chosen since 1986. That alone is cause for excitement.
Pitcher: Owen White, Texas Rangers
White could’ve slung passes for an FBS squad had he chosen the football route. Instead, the multi-sport athlete chose slinging pitches, starring in the Texas Rangers organization. The 2021 Arizona Fall League MVP made his MLB debut a few weeks ago. Rangers fans plan on seeing more.
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Second Base/Third Base: Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays
Caminero was only 19 when the 2023 season commenced. His age shouldn’t fool anybody. The baby baller dominated the Rookie-level FCL Rays – winning the organization’s team MVP – and Single-A Charleston, smashing 11 homers and batting .314 over 62 games. The primetime prospect resides in Double-A with the Montgomery Biscuits and could end up in the Bigs around his 21-year-old campaign.
