Ten Latino prospects we already want to see in 2023

The 2022 campaign provided us with exciting Major League debuts. Twelve prospects on the Top 100 list began the season on Opening Day rosters, including three of the top five: Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez and Spencer Torkelson. Others followed in his footsteps with action soon after — including Michael Harris II, the National League Rookie of the Year, and Adley Rutchsman, who finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The constant stream of big hitters in the Big Top is something most will remember from last year.

If we’re lucky, 2023 would be no different.

Now with a new year coming up, let’s take a look at the top Latin American prospects we want to see debut as soon as possible next season.

Blue Jays: Yosver Zulueta, RHP (No. 5)

With a fastball in excess of 90 mph and an impressive slider, the Cuban likely would have earned a spot on Toronto’s squad last year had it not been for shoulder and knee issues that kept him out of action. in August and some control issues after his return to Double-A/Triple-A in September. He has a long shot of earning a big-team spot in Spring Training. But if he doesn’t make it, chances are his game will have him up soon after.

Red Sox: Ceddane Rafaela, OF/SS (No. 3/MLB No. 96)

The Curaçao might have the best defense in the minors — he sticks out all over the diamond — and could fill a vacancy in the infield or outfield depending on how the Red Sox fill the hole left by the departure of Aruban Xander Bogaerts. In 2022, between Class-A High and Double-A, he had a .299/.342/.538 offensive line with 21 home runs and 28 steals in 116 games.

Guardians: Daniel Espino, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 15)

Although the Panamanian made just four appearances at Double-A in 2022 while dealing with tendinitis in his right knee and a sore right shoulder, there’s no question he can headline a rotation when healthy. He can dominate hitters with a fastball over 90 mph that has hit 101, two versions of a slider and a curveball, plus a changeup with potential.

Tigers: Wilmer Flores, RHP (No. 3/MLB No. 100)

If 2022 was the year of rookie hitters in Detroit, the Venezuelan could help keep 2023 focused on the arms as he tries to squeeze in among the alternatives for the starting group. He should see action in Triple-A for the first time next year, but there’s a chance his stay in Toledo will be short.

White Sox: Oscar Colas, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 95)

After signing for $2.7 million in January of last year, the outfielder lived up to expectations in his minor league debut, hitting .314/.371/.524 with 23 home runs from High-A to Triple-A, a move up that outlines him as the next Cuban star in the Patipálidos. With his raw power and above-average arm strength, he figures very well as a right fielder — and that’s precisely one of Chicago’s needs right now.

Astros: Pedro Leon, OF/2B (No. 4)

The Cuban has above-average power and speed to go along with his impressive arm strength. To earn a spot on the reigning champs, he’ll need to be more consistent with his contact after hitting .228/.365/.431 with 17 home runs, 38 stolen bases and a 29% strikeout rate in Triple-A.

Mets: Ronny Mauricio, SS (No. 6)

It remains to be seen where the Dominican will play with Puerto Ricans Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa (perhaps) defending the left side of the field for quite some time. But Mauricio, 22, has enough thunder at bat to make an impact — even if it’s to add depth to New York’s roster.

Marlins: Eury Perez, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 9)

The Dominican will turn just 20 on April 15, but he no longer has anything to prove in the minors after posting a 4.08 ERA, a .223 average against and a 106/25 strikeout/walk ratio in 75 innings in Double-A.

Pirates: Endy Rodriguez, C/2B/OF (No. 6/MLB No. 97)

Even though the Buccaneers signed Austin Hedges, the Dominican’s bat would be good enough to earn him a spot in the majors — as evidenced by his .323/.407/.590 offensive line with 25 home runs in Triple-A — – and in the lineup either as a catcher, second baseman or ranger.

Reds: Elly de la Cruz, SS/3B (No. 1/MLB No. 14)

The Dominican will be just 21 years old in 2023 and is coming off a season in which he reached Double-A and hit .304/.359/.586 with 28 home runs and 47 steals overall as one of the most electric prospects in the entire world. baseball.