Every year, a fresh crop of young arms break onto the MLB scene and take the game by storm.
They are able to showcase themselves, and give a glimpse as to why they are big-time prospects.
Who are those prospects going to be this year?
Here is a look at two names to watch.
1.Grayson Rodriguez
The next installation of the Baltimore Orioles young core, Grayson Rodriguez has the potential to be an ace.
He has dominant stuff and has performed in the minors.
In 2022, he posted a 2.20 ERA in 14 starts at Triple-A.
It’s reportedly possible #Orioles Grayson Rodriguez could still make his major league debut this season…
He’s a look @ the #1 pitching prospect in Baseball’s stuff#Birdland pic.twitter.com/zVr7aeJxD8
— Palmetto Scouting (@PalmScouting) August 22, 2022
His four-pitch mix is legit, with all of them flashing above-average major league potential.
His fastball can run up to 101, with a devastating breaking ball to go along with it.
However, with this amazing stuff, Rodriguez features something even more impressive: command.
Throughout his baseball career, Rodriguez has limited walks and lived around the strike zone.
This is the recipe for a top-line starting pitcher.
Expect Rodriguez to make his name known this year.
2. Daniel Espino
The Cleveland Guardians have a special arm working its way up through their system right now.
Daniel Espino, a 21-year-old right hander, features an electric arm.
He runs a dominant fastball up to around 101, while also adding a slider, curveball, and changeup.
Daniel Espino, Wicked Breaking Balls. 🤢
Also hit 101mph. h/t @premier_sox
[Indians 1st round pick, 2019] pic.twitter.com/0CT0pNaXkc—Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 20, 2021
While his stuff projects as an ace, he still has some development to do.
Espino was limited to just four starts in 2022 because of shoulder tendinitis.
The team will likely want to see him make a handful of starts in the minors in April and May before considering bringing him up.
If he gets off to a strong start, expect to see him on a mound in Cleveland sooner rather than later.
This would add to an already deep Guardians pen, and could give them a player in the running for Rookie of the Year.
