As the final stretch of Major League Baseball's season unfolds, the spotlight shifts to a new wave of talent making their mark with notable late-season call-ups. This strategic move by teams provides invaluable opportunities for young players to acclimate to the big-league environment, all without significant service-time ramifications.
New Faces on the Scene
Among the recent prominent call-ups are Kumar Rocker of the Rangers, Luisangel Acuña of the Mets, Thomas Saggese of the Cardinals, and Seth Johnson of the Phillies. These young prospects are seizing the moment, showcasing their skills and proving why they were tapped for the big leagues.
Red Sox Rising Star
One standout is Roman Anthony, an outfielder for the Red Sox, who at just 20 years old, has already demonstrated remarkable prowess in Triple-A games. Over his first 29 games, Anthony hit an impressive .327/.431/.504 and showed a disciplined approach at the plate, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts. His raw power is also evident, with an exit velocity peaking at 112.5 mph.
Joining Anthony in their journey are promising players Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Kyle Teel, all making waves in Worcester. This infusion of young talent suggests a bright future for the Red Sox organization.
Chandler’s Command
Bubba Chandler, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Pirates, is another young talent drawing attention. Chandler has compiled a record that includes a 1.59 ERA and a 3.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first four Triple-A starts. His arsenal features a 97 mph fastball paired with a slider boasting a 33% whiff rate. Notably, Chandler has also set a new career high for innings pitched this season, highlighting his endurance and growth as a pitcher.
In the Triple-A ranks for the Pirates, second baseman Nick Yorke, obtained from the Red Sox, is making significant strides, further bolstering the Pirates' future lineup.
Brewers’ Towering Talent
Standing at 6-foot-7, right-handed pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is a towering presence for the Brewers. Misiorowski has posted a 2.87 ERA and an impressive 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings at the Triple-A level. His combination of a 98 mph fastball with an effective breaker has been pivotal in his success. This season, he has pitched over twenty more innings than his previous career high, demonstrating his stamina and durability on the mound.
Reds’ Promising Pitcher
On the Reds' roster, pitcher Chase Petty has been a workhorse, throwing 132 innings this season. Petty relies heavily on a mid-90s sinker and a slider, tools that have helped him maintain his pace over the long season. The Reds also promoted Rhett Lowder in late August, signaling their intent to build a strong pitching foundation for the future.
Cubs’ Matt Shaw
For the Cubs, first-round pick Matt Shaw has had an eventful year. After advancing to Double-A late last year, Shaw was promoted to Triple-A in August. Despite a setback due to a back issue, Shaw made a triumphant return in September, recording seven multi-hit games out of 11 since his return. Shaw’s resilience and productivity showcase his potential to be a key player for the Cubs moving forward.
As these new talents continue to make their presence felt in Major League Baseball, the future looks promising for their respective teams. The late-season call-ups have added a fresh dynamic to the game, and fans can look forward to watching these young stars develop and shine on the biggest stage.