Latino prospects who could help their teams in the fight

Did you think the reinforcements were over with the trade deadline?

Teams can still look for reinforcements internally, to help them in the final stretch of the season. Some could be top prospects, like Venezuela’s Francisco Álvarez, but others with smaller bills could be the missing piece for a club in the fight.

Here, some of the Latin American promises that we could see in the Majors before the end of the season:

Blue Jays: Gabriel Moreno, C (No. 1/No. 5 in MLB)

Toronto has opted to alternate Danny Jansen and Mexican Alejandro Kirk at catcher, when both are healthy, which has made it difficult for the Venezuelan to stay with the big team despite proving to be ready for the highest level.

The 22-year-old masked man played 18 games with the Blue Jays this year and hit .276/.300/.293 in that span, before the club decided to send him to the minors for daily action. Despite his lack of power in 2022, his impressive contact rate and athleticism behind the plate could be important for the Blue Jays down the stretch if Jansen or Kirk are injured, or if the team simply leans toward having three receivers on the roster.

Twins: Ronny Henriquez, RHP (No. 10)

Although he does not have the best numbers (5.60 ERA and 1.45 WHIP), the Dominican has several weapons in his repertoire, including a fastball with which he reaches 100 miles per hour and a slider that generates a 37% swing failure rate in Triple A. He’s been coming out of the bullpen this month and might be attractive to a Twins who could try to beef up their relief corps down the stretch.

Marlins: Eury Pérez, RHP (No. 1/No. 14 in MLB)

The Marlins have already promoted several of their top prospects. And while it doesn’t look like they’re going to do this, it would be fun to see the electric Dominican pitcher in the Major Leagues at 19 years old. Pérez has a 4.19 ERA and a .228 batting average against, with a K/BB ratio of 102/21 in 73 innings at Double-A.

The quisqueyano signed for $200,000 in 2019 and has what it takes to survive in the Majors, thanks to a fastball that consistently hits the mid-90s, a curveball in the upper 70s and a changeup that’s in the mid-80s. .

Mets: Francisco Álvarez, C (No. 1/No. 1 in MLB)

It’s okay to dream, right? The Mets didn’t acquire a catcher at the trade deadline, and while the 20-year-old continues to have some glove issues, he’s closing in on Queens by hitting hard. Ignore Alvarez’s BABIP in Syracuse and look at the fact that nine of his 15 hits in Triple-A have been extra-base hits, including five home runs.

The Mets may look comfortable atop the NL East, but if they want to increase their pennant chances in the fall, they could give their top prospect a chance before the end of the season.

Phillies: Francisco Morales, RHP (No. 8)

The Venezuelan has definitely improved his control (7.4 BB/9 this year in the minors), but he hasn’t fared so well in the brief stints he’s had in the majors. However, the right flamethrower seems to be turning the tide. There’s no question about his ability to produce swings, thanks to an average of 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Brewers: Esteury Ruiz, OF (No. 9)

Milwaukee has an incredible group of prospects in Triple-A, but the only one with experience in the Majors is the Dominican. The 23-year-old outfielder showed great improvement in his plate discipline at San Diego farms before coming to the Brewers in the Josh Hader trade. His grade 80 speed could be of great use to the big team right away, even at a pinch-runner spot.

Parents: Luis Campusano, C (No. 1/No. 51 in MLB)

San Diego has been alternating catcher between Austin Nola and Colombian Jorge Alfaro. However, the Dominican Campusano could be an alternative in case of injury. The right-hander has had a solid season in El Paso, batting 308/.373/.491 and hitting 11 homers in 70 games in his second season at Triple-A.