The Washington Nationals are set to call up outfield prospect James Wood to the major leagues on Monday, setting the stage for the highly anticipated debut of the key player acquired in the Juan Soto trade. Wood joins a wave of top prospects making their MLB debuts this season, including Jackson Holliday, Wyatt Langford, Jackson Chourio, and Paul Skenes, all of whom were ranked in the top 10 by CBS Sports this spring.
As Wood prepares to make his mark in the big leagues, it’s worth considering who might be the next top prospect to make their debut. Below, we’ve highlighted four candidates who we believe have a strong chance of being the next to break into the majors.
Before we dive into the prospects, it’s important to note that we are focusing solely on players who have yet to make their MLB debut, excluding those with previous major league experience. The players are listed in the order we expect them to arrive, although predicting debut dates is more of an art than a science.
Now, let’s take a look at the top prospects on the cusp of making their mark in the majors.
1. Brooks Lee, 3B/SS, Twins (Preseason: No. 15)
Lee was sidelined earlier this season due to a herniated disc in his back, but he has since returned to Triple-A and is putting up impressive numbers at the plate. A versatile switch-hitter with experience at multiple infield positions, Lee’s path to the Twins’ lineup remains uncertain given the strong performances of other players. However, a timely opportunity could see him making his MLB debut sooner rather than later.
2. Coby Mayo, 3B/1B, Orioles (Preseason: No. 22)
Mayo is a power-hitting corner infielder who has been tearing up Triple-A pitching with his impressive offensive production. While questions remain about his defense and fit in the Orioles’ lineup, Mayo has earned a shot at facing major league pitching. An injury or roster move could open the door for Mayo to showcase his talents at the highest level.
3. Jake Montgomery, SS, White Sox (Preseason: No. 18)
Montgomery was on track to debut last season before injuries derailed his progress. Despite a subpar season in Triple-A, the White Sox are likely to give him a chance once they part ways with shortstop Paul DeJong. Montgomery will need to step up his performance to solidify his spot in the lineup and prove he belongs in the majors.
4. Dylan Crews, OF, Nationals (Preseason: No. 5)
Crews, a former top draft pick, has been making strides in Triple-A and is expected to debut later this summer. While he has shown flashes of his potential, Crews will need to work on his consistency and performance against left-handed pitchers. With continued development, Crews could soon join Wood in the Nationals’ outfield.
sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten sentence: “The fast brown fox leaped over the lethargic dog.”