In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB), the pursuit of hidden gems among prospects is an art that seasoned general managers like myself relish. The Baseball America Prospect Handbook is my trusted companion, offering a treasure trove of insights into the next generation of baseball stars. This year's edition, with its fresh crop of talent, has me enthralled, and I'm eager to share my findings with the world. Here's a deep dive into 30 underrated MLB prospects who could be trade targets for teams seeking to bolster their rosters.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Druw Jones
Druw Jones, a 22-year-old outfielder, stands out as a potential steal. With plus speed and power, he's a defensive standout and a walk-and-steal threat. His current position in the Diamondbacks' system, behind established players, makes him an intriguing trade target for teams seeking a young, dynamic talent.
Athletics: Zane Taylor
Zane Taylor, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher, is a hidden gem with a 98 mph fastball and a 1.98 ERA. His 73% strike rate is impressive, and his ability to touch 98 mph makes him a fast mover. The Athletics, seeking to bolster their pitching, could find value in acquiring Taylor.
Atlanta Braves: Landon Beidelschies
Landon Beidelschies, a 6-foot-3 left-handed pitcher, is a potential deadline deal for teams. With two above-average offerings, he performed well in the SEC. The Braves' high payroll and recent struggles make them open to deals, and Beidelschies could be a key piece for a contending team.
Baltimore Orioles: Wilfri De La Cruz
Wilfri De La Cruz, a switch-hitting shortstop, reminds me of Johan Camargo with more speed. His advanced plate discipline and young age make him an attractive trade target. The Orioles' recent trade of De La Cruz for Andrew Kittredge highlights his value.
Boston Red Sox: John Holobetz
John Holobetz, a bigger version of Zane Taylor, has a funkier delivery and professional success. With a 6.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he's an intriguing trade target for the Red Sox, who are loaded with starting pitching. His offspeed stuff could be the key to unlocking his upside.
Chicago Cubs: Jostin Florentino
Jostin Florentino, a 6-foot right-handed pitcher, has a 88-92 mph fastball and average offspeed stuff. His low release point and sweeper pitch make him a unique prospect. With a 2.61 ERA and 176 strikeouts, he's a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented arm.
Chicago White Sox: Blake Larson
Blake Larson, a left-handed pitcher, is a lottery ticket for the White Sox. With four of their top 13 prospects being lefties, Larson's potential makes him an intriguing trade target. His Tommy John surgery in August 2014 adds an element of risk, but his talent is undeniable.
Cincinnati Reds: Liberts Aponte
Liberts Aponte, a plus defender who posted an .829 OPS as a 17-year-old, is a trade target for the Reds. With all-star Eury De La Cruz and Matt McLain in the majors, Aponte's defensive skills and offensive potential make him a valuable addition.
Cleveland Guardians: Jacob Cozart
Jacob Cozart, an advanced defender with offensive upside, is a trade target for the Guardians. With baseball bloodlines and a strong performance in the second half of the season, he's a young talent worth pursuing. His father, Craig, and brother, Sam, add to his intrigue.
Colorado Rockies: Zac Veen
Zac Veen, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, is a perennial member of BA's Top 100 Prospects. With a .819 OPS last season, he's a buy-low target for teams seeking a young, talented hitter. Veen's time in Triple-A, a hitter's paradise, makes him an intriguing prospect.
Detroit Tigers: Thayron Liranzo
Thayron Liranzo, a switch-hitting catcher, is a buy-low target for the Tigers. With a 31.7% strikeout rate in Double-A, his stock has dropped. However, his great exit velocities and young age make him an attractive trade target.
Houston Astros: Alonzo Tredwell
Alonzo Tredwell, a 6-foot-8 pitcher, is an intriguing lottery ticket for the Astros. With impressive leverage and deception, he struck out 40 batters over 23 Double-A innings. His control issues and injury history add risk, but his talent is undeniable.
Kansas City Royals: Ramcell Medina
Ramcell Medina, a 17-year-old shortstop, had 31 walks vs. 26 strikeouts and an .802 OPS in the Dominican Summer League. The Royals, seeking to bolster their shortstop prospects, could consider trading for Medina.
Los Angeles Angels: C.J. Gray
C.J. Gray, an intriguing athlete with Division I offers to play quarterback, is a sleeper prospect for the Angels. With a 94-96 mph fastball and developing offspeed, he's a potential trade target for teams seeking a young, talented pitcher.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Adam Serwinowski
Adam Serwinowski, a 6-foot-5 left-handed pitcher, has a funky delivery and a plus fastball. With a 30.6% strikeout rate, he's a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented lefty. His control and command could be improved, but his upside is undeniable.
Miami Marlins: Noble Meyer
Noble Meyer, a 21-year-old prospect, is a buy-low target for teams. With 72 strikeouts over 65 High-A innings, he's a young, talented hitter. The Marlins' new regime, watching Meyer go backward for two years, could be open to trades.
Milwaukee Brewers: Josh Knoth
Josh Knoth, a young pitcher with good stuff, is an intriguing prospect for the Brewers. With an impressive pro debut and Tommy John surgery in 2025, he's a trade target for teams seeking a fresh arm. The risk is high, but the reward could be significant.
Minnesota Twins: James Ellwanger
James Ellwanger, a pitcher from Texas, has big league stuff and a knack for missing bats. With a strong performance at Dallas Baptist and the Cape Cod League, he's a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented pitcher.
New York Mets: Elian Peña
Elian Peña, a switch-hitting third baseman, is a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented bat. With a .292/.421/.528 line and 21 steals, he's a valuable addition. The Mets' quest for a World Series title makes him an intriguing prospect.
New York Yankees: Mac Heuer
Mac Heuer, a 6-foot-5 power arm, has the power build and stuff to make a similar leap to Cam Schlitter. With a strong performance at Texas Tech, he's a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented pitcher.
Philadelphia Phillies: Gabe Craig
Gabe Craig, a fifth-round pick with a 60-grade fastball and a 70-grade slider, is a trade target for the Phillies. With a 50% strikeout rate in three innings, he's a valuable part of an MLB bullpen. His age and lack of pro experience add risk, but his talent is undeniable.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Reinold Navarro
Reinold Navarro, a 5-foot-11 left-handed pitcher, has a 70-grade fastball and 60-grade slider. With a 40.9% strikeout rate and .098 average allowed, he's a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented arm. The variance of outcomes makes him an intriguing prospect.
St. Louis Cardinals: Cooper Hjerpe
Cooper Hjerpe, a pitcher drafted by the pre-Chaim Bloom administration, is a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented arm. With Tommy John surgery in spring 2025, he's a buy-low target. If he comes back stronger, there could be real upside.
San Diego Padres: Garrett Hawkins
Garrett Hawkins, a 26-year-old pitcher, is a safe bet to reach the majors. With a power build, good stuff, and a performer, he's a trade target for teams seeking a reliable bullpen piece. His Tommy John surgery and late-bloomer status add intrigue.
San Francisco Giants: Yulian Barreto
Yulian Barreto, a plus defender with a plus arm, is a trade target for the Giants. With a higher batting average and on-base percentage than Josuar Gonzalez, he's an intriguing prospect. Barreto's presence could increase Gonzalez's availability.
Seattle Mariners: Grant Knipp
Grant Knipp, a two-way player with Tommy John surgery, is a trade target for the Mariners. With a strong performance as a pitcher and a plus-plus arm as a catcher, he's a buy-low target. His two-way potential adds value.
Tampa Bay Rays: Homer Bush Jr.
Homer Bush Jr., a center fielder with plus-plus speed and defense, is a trade target for the Rays. With a Southern League batting title and a plus-plus arm, he's a valuable addition. His lack of power adds risk, but his speed and defense make him an intriguing prospect.
Texas Rangers: Leandro Lopez
Leandro Lopez, a lefthanded pitcher with three above-average pitches, is a trade target for the Rangers. With a 2.40 ERA and a 32.1% strikeout rate, he's a valuable addition. His control has improved, and his lefthanded status adds intrigue.
Toronto Blue Jays: Brandon Barriera
Brandon Barriera, a 22-year-old left-handed pitcher, is a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented arm. With top-shelf stuff when he's on the mound, he's an intriguing prospect. His riskiness adds an element of value.
Washington Nationals: Caleb Lomavita
Caleb Lomavita, a switch-hitting catcher, is a trade target for teams seeking a young, talented bat. With a .302 average at California and a .323 average in the Cape Cod League, he's a valuable addition. The Nationals' new regime adds an element of intrigue.
