Even though Spring Training results may not matter in the overall picture, positive results can put some prospects on the precipice of breaking through to the Majors. Now that we’re a few weeks into the spring, let’s take a look at five position players that have had strong runs thus far.
Related: 2023 MLB Fantasy: Ranking the Top 100 Players
Brett Baty
We’ll start off with Mets infield prospect Brett Baty. Baty — one of our ten fantasy hitters to watch in 2023 — is the only player on this list with experience in the Majors. The 23-year-old put up mixed results in a small sample size in Queens last year, but showed off good power and poise at the plate. Those attributes have shown up this spring, as Baty owned the sixth-highest OPS (1.071) in Spring Training as of March 10.
It’s fair to expect Baty crack through at some point in 2023, particularly if an injury to one of the Mets’ infielders occurs. But with Eduardo Escobar set to start at third on Opening Day, the Mets do have the luxury to be patient.
Jasson Dominguez
“The Martian” Jasson Dominguez has been talked about for years, and he’s getting close to the Majors. Just a few months after his first game in AA, Dominguez has been off to a raging start this spring. Through his first eight games, Dominguez has hit .438/.526/1.000 with three home runs and seven RBIs.
Dominguez will most likely start the year at Somerset (AA), but he’s not that far away from The Bronx. If all goes well for the five-tool player, he may get his first taste of the Majors in 2023.
Justin Foscue
After a .288/.367/.483 season from 2B Justin Foscue in 2022, the former first-round pick is off to a good start in Cactus League action. The Rangers prospect hit .400/.364/1.000 in his first seven games of the spring, with two home runs and three RBIs. Foscue’s always been known for good power, and he has shown that ability to drive the ball in 2023.
With Corey Seager and Marcus Semien entrenched in the middle infield, there’s not an immediate opening for Foscue at his primary position on the Rangers barring an injury. The 24-year-old could, however, be an option at third base moving forward. Foscue has amassed 12 games at third in his Minor League career, but the presence of Josh Jung could also prove to a blockade.
Curtis Mead
Acquired from the Phillies in a trade that sent LHP Cristopher Sanchez to Philadelphia, infielder Curtis Mead could prove to be a steal for the Rays. The Aussie turned heads in 2021 after he hit .321/.378/.533 over 104 games in 2021, before a strong, yet abbreviated 2022 season. So far this spring, the 2B/3B owned a 1.074 OPS after seven games and notched two home runs.
There’s already chatter about the Rays locking up Mead to a long-term deal, before he’s even stepped on a MLB field for the real thing. That should give baseball fans a good idea as to how much the Rays value the third baseman.
Jordan Walker
We’ve already written about Cardinals 3B/OF prospect Jordan Walker this month, but it’s hard not to when talking about the best performers of the spring. Walker hit three home runs in his first ten games of the spring, and he’s showcased a good feel for squaring up baseballs.
Walker won’t be a third baseman while Nolan Arenado is around in St. Louis. But, the 20-year-old could easily slot into a corner outfield spot soon for the Cardinals.
