The 2023 MLB Futures Game rosters are loaded with premium prospect talent, as several of the game’s best will head to Seattle for All-Star weekend. But which hitting prospects are the most interesting? We have our picks.
Related: Five Pitching Prospects to Watch in the 2023 MLB Futures Game
Jackson Chourio
Milwaukee’s outfield for the future already looked promising thanks to the likes of Garrett Mitchell, Joey Wiemer, and Sal Frelick. None of those names, though, have received as much attention as Jackson Chourio. In his first full season as a pro in 2022, Chourio belted 20 home runs and stole 16 bases in what was an incredible opening act. His numbers have dipped a bit in Biloxi (AA), but Chourio has continued to make solid contact.
A potential five-tool player, the Brewers have quite the talent in Chourio.
Harry Ford
Baseball fans got a long look at Harry Ford during the 2023 World Baseball Classic and why the Mariners took the Georgia native in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft. MLB.com’s second-ranked catcher, Ford cranked eight home runs — just three less than his 2022 total — and a .407 OBP through his first 64 games of the 2023 campaign.
It’s hard not to compare Ford to J.T. Realmuto. Ford possesses an impressive blend of power and speed for a catcher and has shown a good feel behind the plate per scouting reports.
Jackson Holliday
It wouldn’t be much of a list if it didn’t include Jackson Holliday. The top pick from the 2022 MLB Draft hit .396 across 14 games in Delmarva (A) before a quick promotion to A+. Holliday has continued to hit for both contact and power, and MLB.com recently named the son of Matt Holliday the top prospect in all of Major League Baseball.
The O’s superstar prospect is currently in Aberdeen (A+), but Holliday is much closer to the Majors than some fans might think. It’s not out of the question that the 19-year-old forces his way up to Bowie (AA) by the end of this season and to Baltimore by the end of 2024.
Jordan Lawlar
The Diamondbacks have built a strong farm system over the past five years, and Corbin Carroll and Jake McCarthy are among the fruits of that labor. But the D-Backs have plenty more prospects in their farm system, and one such name is Jordan Lawlar. The sixth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Lawlar ripped through the A ball ranks and finished his 2022 campaign with Amarillo (AA).
The 20-year-old remained in AA to start to 2023, and he’s done fine (ten home runs and 56 hits over 58 games) despite a dip in batting average. Reports have lauded Lawlar’s ability to recognize pitches and pure raw power.
Marcelo Mayer
Shortstop Marcelo Mayer was one of the names rumored to be the top pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but the 20-year-old managed to slip to Boston at #4. Mayer was lauded for his hitting and defensive abilities and he’s been quite good at the plate in the Minors. Mayer hit .280 with 13 home runs and 45 extra base hits in 2022, then followed it up with a strong .290/.366/.524 slash line with Greenville (A+).
Mayer has struggled thus far in Portland (AA), as he’s only hit .177 and posted a .676 OPS through his first 21 games. But so far, Mayer has looked much like the player many thought he could become two years ago.
