Triantos hit .300/.345/.437 with seven home runs and 38 stolen bases in 89 games for Double-A Tennessee. 

James Triantos drives in Matt Shaw to tie the game! pic.twitter.com/g2w0ggsAS5

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) August 17, 2024

“You look at the run environment at Double-A this year, what he was doing is really impressive,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.

“At his age to be hitting .300 at that level and not striking out, when you factor in the hitting environment, it’s really impressive numbers.”

The Cubs plan to continue exposing Triantos to different positions defensively. Drafted as a shortstop, he now claims second base as his primary position, while also seeing time in center field. Hoyer noted that it makes sense to move him around, citing Triantos’ athleticism.

Triantos’ bat has fueled his climb. He built off a strong performance in the Arizona Fall League last year, when he was named the league’s offensive player of the year.

A great understanding of the strike zone and a disciplined approach helps set up Triantos for success, highlighted by his 9.7% strikeout rate with the Smokies. He is still learning to tap into his power.

“I think the power often comes late,” Hoyer said. “A lot of that’s learning where to take your chances and when to do that. He hits the ball plenty hard.

“I do think he’s got really unique bat-to-ball skills and, eventually, I do think that will come with some power.”

“Obviously we have a very strong catching situation right now,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said, referring to all-star Will Smith, who signed a 10-year extension earlier this year.

Top #Dodgers prospect Dalton Rushing crushed his first two Pacific Coast League homers during last week's series against Las Vegas.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/N62eQxVKfH

— Oklahoma City Baseball Club (@okc_baseball) August 20, 2024

“(Rushing) is a really good athlete. He actually has really good foot speed for a catcher,” Gomes said. “Talking to our player development group, our scouting group: He’s played a little bit of first base. Do you think he can kick out to left field? Yeah, I actually do. I think he’d be okay there.

“So let’s see and keep it as an option. And maybe in the future he catches and plays left field, because the bat is special special.”

The move is “absolutely not” a sign that the Dodgers are giving up on Rushing as a catcher, Gomes said. Rushing was late to the position after playing behind Henry Davis at Louisville. But Gomes said he has developed his catching skills quickly since the Dodgers drafted him in the second round in 2022.

“It’s a great arm. He has the leadership quality of a catcher,” Gomes said. “He’s actually improved as a framer and a blocker. He’s a decent framer.”

More telling for Rushing’s future is not his position but how quickly the Dodgers determine he is ready to hit major league pitching.

“That was part of the reason for getting him to Triple-A and letting him continue to progress,” Gomes said. “He’s handled velocity. He’s handled lefthanded pitching. He’s kind of checked all the boxes at Double-A that we needed him to.”

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL

— Shortstop Alex Freeland also earned a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City in early August. The Dodgers’ 2022 third-rounder has progressed from High-A this season, hitting a combined 14 home runs in 109 games with an .833 OPS at three levels.

— The Dodgers reacquired outfielder Donovan Casey, signing him to a minor league contract after he batted .348 in 79 games for York of the independent Atlantic League. Casey, 28, was drafted by the Dodgers in 2017 and was one of four players—including Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz—sent to the Nationals in the July 2021 trade for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Casey was called up by Washington in April 2022 but didn’t appear in a game and spent the season at Triple-A.

He was on pace to set new career highs for home runs and walks. His 165 strikeouts already were a new career high.

SPENCER JONES IS LOCKED IN

The second double of the day for the #Yankees No. 2 prospect is a two-run knock to extend the lead! pic.twitter.com/WMQ9FgMDJ7

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 4, 2024

“To Spencer’s credit, he has done a ton of work behind the scenes which the average person never sees or hears about,” Yankees hitting coordinator Joe Migliaccio said.

“With that being said, we’ve seen positive trends in his ability to control the strike zone month over month. Every hitter starts to learn over time that not all strikes are created equal, given their location, the hitter’s approach and difference in counts.”

With a focus on improved swing decisions, Jones was seeing more pitches per at-bat (4.2) than in previous years. He has worked through multiple, well-documented adjustments to his swing over the past 12 months, including lowering and then re-raising his hands in his stance.

“The ultimate goal is to get Spencer to a spot where he’s as consistent as he can be as often as he can be, which is true for all players as well,” Migliaccio said. 

“Certain objectives are more difficult than others, but what continues to be true about Spencer is the work that he’s doing behind the scenes to put himself in a position to be as consistent and repeatable as possible and that work is starting to show on a more consistent basis.”

Jones has been highly productive in spurts. He has won two Eastern League player of the week awards. His OPS since June 1 was .825; it was .641 before.

Jones remains largely mum on the mechanics of his swing, but he said he’s satisfied with once again turning his season around as he strives to become more consistent.

“I feel good this month,” Jones said. “There’s been a lot of conversation with coaches and teammates, just trying to get me back to hitting the ball hard and to recognize pitches as well as possible. 

“Just trying to keep things simple and play baseball.”

Tony Blanco Jr., OF, Pirates

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 112.3 mph (100th Percentile)

Blanco’s name is likely to be met with a steady dose of “Who?” But there’s no one 21 or under in the minor leagues who hits the ball as hard as Blanco. The son of former MLB player and four-time Nippon Professional Baseball all-star Tony Blanco, Jr. hit .305/.385/.505 in his stateside debut in the Florida Complex League in 2024. Raw power is Blanco’s calling card, as he reached a max exit velocity of 117.5 mph this season. The downside is Blanco’s contact rates sit in the bottom 15 percentile to go with just average swing decisions. With plus power, bat speed and ball flight, any improvements to Blanco’s contact could yield serious results. 

Benny Montgomery, OF, Rockies 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 110.4 mph (100th Percentile)

It’s been a rough entry into pro ball for Montgomery, who has struggled to find consistency and health over the last three seasons. Earlier this year Montgomery, looked like he might be hitting his stride until suffering a left shoulder injury that required surgery. While Montgomery’s plate skills are still poor—he ranks in the bottom 10% in both miss and chase rates—his exit velocity data is outstanding. We’re playing with very small samples sizes here, as Montgomery only played in 11 games this season. That said, few players in the game are as tooled up and athletic as Montgomery. When your athletic testing and raw power metrics break the scale, it gets easier to dismiss really concerning bat-to-ball and swing decisions. Montgomery possesses a big power and speed upside, but his plate skills and injury history leave many weary. 

Jac Caglianone, 1B, Royals

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 110.3 mph (100th Percentile)

This should come as no surprise to anyone who follows college baseball or the draft, as Caglianone’s power exploits at Florida were well documented. While Jac’s bottom 10th percentile swing decisions still plague him, his early returns in pro ball show his power isn’t slowing down with the switch to a wood bat. In just 13 games as a professional, Caglianone has already hit a ball 114 mph while displaying 75th percentile zone contact rates. His angles have been less outstanding, as his line drive+flyball rate is in the bottom 15% of players 21 or younger. This offseason, Caglianone must focus on improving his swing decisions and optimizing his batted ball angles on hard contact. Lord knows he makes plenty of it. 

Robert Calaz, OF, Rockies

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 109.5 mph (100th Percentile) 

The Rockies have scouted the international market as well as anyone in recent years, and Calaz is their most recent IFA product. The slugger made his stateside debut in the Arizona Complex League this season hitting .349/.462/.651 with 10 home runs. Calaz led the ACL in home runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Despite contact and chase rates that rank in the bottom 30th percentile, Calaz was productive due to outstanding power and the ability to elevate on his best struck drives. Calaz’s .415 xwOBAcon ranks in the 97th percentile, pointing to his elite power and angles on contact. If Calaz can improve his bat-to-ball skills and swing decisions, it’s not hyperbole to state there is 40 home run power lurking. 

Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 109.4 mph (100th Percentile) 

Our second 2024 draftee featured in this article after Caglianone, Kurtz has had arguably the best debut in pro ball of any 2024 first rounder. Kurtz went 10-for-25 over seven games with Low-A Stockton before earning promotion to Double-A Midland where’s he reached base four times over his first two games with the RockHounds. Kurtz has one of the better combination of advanced plate skills and power in minor leagues and could move to the major leagues quickly. His contact rates are in the top 80% while his chase rate isn’t far off, either, ranking in the top 76th percentile. Kurtz, however, isn’t here due to his plate skills—it’s his outstanding power. In a small professional sample, Kurtz’s xwOBAcon, 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV and hard-hit rate all rank on the top five percent of hitters. In a season where excitement is in short supply in Oakland, Kurtz brings hope. 

Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF, Twins 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 109.3 mph (100th Percentile)

Unfortunately, injuries robbed us of another full season of Rodriguez, as he’s been limited to just 39 games. He remains on the injured list due to a right thumb strain, but when Rodrigues in the lineup it’s hard to argue with the production, as he hit .298/.479/.621 over 37 games with Double-A Wichita. He’s one of the most well rounded prospects in the game, making an impact on both sides of the ball. While you could argue Rodriguez elite on-base ability is his most outstanding tool, his power metrics rate just as highly. Rodriguez’s 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV, xwOBAcon and hard-hit rate all rank in the 98th percentile or higher. With great power, plate discipline and batted ball angles, Rodriguez is a picture-perfect modern archetype hitter. 

Elijah Green, OF, Nationals 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 109 mph (100th Percentile) 

Let’s just get this out of the way: The bat-to-ball ability is bad. Green has run a 40%+ strikeout rate over his first two full seasons of full season play, and his contact rates are in the bottom five percent despite fringe-average swing decisions. This is a limiting factor for Green’s power, which on its face is elite. Green’s max EV of 116 mph and 45.8% hard-hit rate rank among the top five percent, but it’s a real question if he gets to it consistently due to his penchant for whiffs. 

Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B, Marlins

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.9 mph (99th Percentile)

The least shocking name as far as inclusion on this list has to be De Los Santos, who’s currently leading all of MiLB in home runs with 35. Acquired by the Marlins at the deadline from the Diamondbacks, De Los Santos also spent some time this spring with the Guardians organization after being selected in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. Now settled with the Marlins, De Los Santos is one of the best young power hitters in the minors. Despite a bottom 2% chase rate and contact that rates in the bottom third of the minors, De Los Santos has only struck out at a rate of 23.8% in 2024 across all levels. His power metrics are outstanding, as De Los Santos ranks in the top 1% in 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV and xwOBAcon. Plate skills questions will likely make for a rough entry into the major leagues, but incremental improvements in that area could lead to loud results one day. 

Christian Moore, SS, Angels

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.5 mph (99th Percentile)

Duking it out with Nick Kurtz for the best professional debut among first rounders, Moore is off to an early lead. The Angels’ first rounder has hit .357/.410/.661 with five home runs over his first 14 Double-A games. While there’s been some concerning swing-and-miss early, Moore has shown a knack for finding the barrel and doing damage, as his xwOBAcon, 90th percentile exit velocity and hard hit rate all rank in the top 1%. His ability to find the barrel puts him in elite company for barrel rate, and it has led to elite production early. Moore’s power is major league-ready, but his swing-and-miss at Double-A, particularly in-zone, will perhaps delay his ETA. 

Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.5 mph (99th percentile)

Recently promoted to Triple-A Worcester, Anthony is the best power prospect among the Red Sox’s top four position prospects, as his raw power output exceeds anything Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel or Kristian Campbell can rival. Anthony is the most well-rounded hitter on this list, too, as his contact and chase numbers all rate in the top 60th percentile or better. Still, Anthony’s power is his calling card, with his 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV, hard hit rate and bat speed all ranking within the top 1%. The biggest limiting factor to Anthony developing into a plus power hitting corner outfielder is fringe-average ball flight metrics. Small tweaks to his swing path could unlock even more power from Anthony. 

Zyhir Hope, OF, Dodgers

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.5 mph (99th Percentile)

Acquired by the Dodgers this past offseason in the trade that sent Michael Busch to the Cubs, Hope is one of the highest-upside power bats in the minor leagues. He got off to a hot start to begin the season before missing time with a shoulder injury. Since returning to the Rancho Cucamonga lineup on July 27th, Hope has hit .276/.415/.461 with six extra base hits. While Hope’s numbers are strong for a 19-year-old at a full-season level, his power numbers are outstanding. Hope’s xwOBAcon, 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV, hard-hit rate and xwOBA all rate within the top 10% among hitters 21 years of age or younger. When you factor in Hope’s 88th percentile chase rate and 79th percentile zone contact, you have a really exciting young player. The shoulder injury likely depressed some of Hope’s helium, but he’s an exciting player to dream on in the coming years. 

Thayron Liranzo, C, Tigers 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.2 mph (99th percentile)

A switch-hitting catcher with elite power is like a unicorn, but the Tigers may have acquired just that in Liranzo at this year’s trade deadline. While Liranzo failed to meet expectations early this season with High-A Great Lakes, the move across the Midwest League to West Michigan has seen him flourish, hitting .396/.547/.771 with four home runs over his first 15 games post-trade. Liranzo has excellent swing decisions. He ranks in the top 20% in chase rate and fringe-average contact, and it’s enough to get to his easy plus raw power. Liranzo rates within the the top 10th percentile in xwOBAcon, 90th percentile exit velocity, max EV, hard-hit rate and barrel rate for players 21 or younger. Some present swing-and=miss is a concern, and the track record of switch-hitters taking longer to develop may worry some, but it’s tough to find another young switch-hitter with this type of power. 

Xavier Isaac, 1B, Rays 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.1 mph (99th Percentile)

Like many on this list, Issac is a contact quality standout with production to match. He has hit .272/.372/.510 with 17 home runs across High-A and Double-A in 2024 as a 20-year-old. Though Isaac has shown bottom 10th percentile contact this season, his swing decisions grade as average and have allowed him to consistently attack the right pitches to do damage. His 90th percentile exit velocity, max exit velocity, xwOBAcon, line drive+flyball rate, hard-hit rate and barrel rate all rank within the top five percent of players 21 years of age or younger. The hulking Isaac’s ability to consistently get to his raw power in games makes him a potential 40-home run threat in the future. 

George Wolkow, OF, White Sox 

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 108.1 mph (99th Percentile) 

The gargantuan Wolkow stands 6-foot-7, 239 pound and is one of the more fascinating prospects in the lower minors at present. Despite substantial swing-and-miss issues—Wolkow ranks in the bottom five percent in miss and zone-miss—the outfielder has managed to stay productive. Across two levels, Wolkow has slashed .265/.370/.480 with 29 extra base hits despite a 40.7% strikeout rate. The reason Wolkow has managed to stay productive despite bottom of the barrel contact is his power. Wolkow’s 90th percentile and maximum exit velocity both rank in the top three percent, while his xwOBAcon, hard-hit rate and barrel rate all rank within the top 10%. Whether or not Wolkow can ultimately make enough contact at the higher levels will determine his ultimate role. 

Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles

90th Percentile Exit Velocity: 106.7 mph (98th Percentile) 

There were about a dozen hitters I skipped over in 90th percentile exit velocity rankings to discuss Basallo, but for good reason: None of the players between Wolkow and Basallo have the same kind of outstanding production as a professional that Basallo does. After dealing with injuries throughout the season, Basallo has still managed to hit .283/.348/.452 with 15 home runs this season. Despite being only 19 years olf for a majority of the season, Basallo has been 26% better than the average Eastern League hitter, and his power metrics rank even higher. Basallo rates within the 98th percentile for 90% and max exit velocity, hard-hit rate and bat speed, while his xwOBAcon and barrel rate rank within the top 15% of players 21 years of age or younger. Though the hype may have died down slightly, it’s all systems go on Basallo.

Whitcomb was the final pick of the five-round 2020 draft. The UC San Diego product signed for just $56,000, one of the lowest bonuses that year.

He has hit for steady power in the minor leagues, including a 35-bomb barrage last season at Double-A and Triple-A. But that outburst came paired with a 30% strikeout rate.  

What’s better than 24?

2️⃣5️⃣!

Shay Whitcomb’s 25th home run gives him the single-season franchise record with 91 RBI in 2024! #SetTheCourse pic.twitter.com/FUfhm4sIFN

— Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) August 13, 2024

This year, Whitcomb has reined in his aggression while hanging on to his hard-hit rate. His strikeout rate shrunk to just under 20%, while his isolated slugging and OPS far outpaced his work at Triple-A last year.

In addition to shortstop, Whitcomb has started at least 10 games at third base, second base and left field. So while power is his carrying tool, his versatility will help him get his foot in the door.

The 24-year-old started the season with a 2.84 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 104.2 innings for Double-A Midland. The Athletics then promoted him to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he performed solidly in a hostile pitching environment. 

Gunnar Hoglund has been an absolute workhorse his last 6 starts

Last night he had himself a scoreless outing in 5.2 innings, striking out 8 batters!!

In his last six starts, he has totaled 30 strikeouts with an ERA of 1.32 pic.twitter.com/c9ghnRrJVd

— Midland RockHounds (@RockHounds) June 22, 2024

“You’d want this kid in a foxhole with you,” A’s pitching coordinator Gil Patterson said. “An ERA under three in the Texas League? That’s pretty darned good.” 

The Pirates drafted Hoglund 36th overall in 2018, but he chose Ole Miss instead. He put up impressive numbers in the Southeastern Conference until Covid ended his sophomore season after four starts. As a junior, he put up a 2.87 ERA before TJ ended his season.

Hoglund was lined up as a potential top 10 overall pick in 2021 before surgery. The Blue Jays drafted him 19th overall, then dealt him to Oakland a year later in the Matt Chapman trade. 

He made just three appearances in 2022, then had a tough season in 2023, when he ran up a 6.20 ERA. 

“The arm strength wasn’t there,” Patterson said. “He was throwing 89-90 (mph).”

Hoglund concentrated on improving his control and learned to hit corners. 

He continued the hard work, then changed his delivery slightly during the offseason. When he reported to camp this year, his fastball had started to return. He now averages 93 mph and has hit 95.

That complements a gyro slider, sweeper and changeup that Patterson said is above-average at times. His command makes his pitch mix effective.  

“I think the biggest thing for me was just being able to get healthy last season and getting back into game action again,” Hoglund said. “That allowed me to go into the offseason healthy and work on things that I knew I could improve on and get better at.

“This year it has all kind of come together for me, so I’m glad all the hard work has paid off.”

A’s ACORNS

— Perhaps the Athletics’ most-improved pitcher this year is 26-year-old righthander Blake Beers, a 19th-round pick in 2021 out of Michigan. He averages 94-95 mph and has a dive-bombing sinker, plus a changeup and improved sweeper. 

— Double-A Midland outfielder Denzel Clarke was named Texas League player of the month for July. He batted .371/.436/.671 with three home runs in 19 games for the month. 

He also shined on the mound in limited action early in the season.

In four relief appearances, Knipp struck out six and allowed one earned run in 5.2 innings.

B1 | Is there a hotter hitter in the world than Grant Knipp right now??? He's gone yard in the last 4⃣ games!@grantknipp | #RollHumps pic.twitter.com/YBjUmfvFvZ

— Campbell Baseball (@GoCamelsBSB) May 9, 2023

Knipp impressed Mariners scouting director Scott Hunter at the MLB Draft Combine. Hunter knew he wanted Knipp badly, so when he was still available in round six, the Mariners pounced on the two-way player.

“When we met with him, we just walked out of there thinking, ‘This is a guy we’ve got to get and will be a fun one to have,’ ” Hunter said. “I mean, this is so unique. What he can do—the presence, the personality, the makeup.” 

For now, the Mariners will continue to let Knipp and his impressive fastball and plus power play both ways. He eventually might be destined for first base or DH, but Seattle also wants to see how he handles himself behind the plate.

“Everything’s on the table right now, because we want to see where the pitching takes him, but we don’t want to lose sight of what he does with the bat,” Hunter said.

“And I think first base has been mentioned. DH has been mentioned, (but) the catching is very workable, which is even more exciting if he can do that.”

If the Mariners end up assigning Knipp to an affiliate, it would likely be for a short stint at Low-A Modesto, “just for a taste,” Hunter said. 

MARINADE

— The Mariners traded emerging righthander Brody Hopkins, outfielder Aidan Smith and a player to be named to the Rays for outfielder Randy Arozarena. 

Smith and Hopkins played for Low-A Modesto. They were Seattle’s fourth- and sixth-round picks last year.

Hopkins had a 1.22 WHIP and 95 strikeouts in 83.2 innings in the California League. Smith hit .284/.402/.470 with nine home runs.

— Seattle traded Triple-A outfielder Jonatan Clase and Low-A catcher Jacob Sharp to the Blue Jays for reliever Yimi Garcia. Clase made his MLB debut on April 15 and hit .195 with eight hits and a .453 OPS in 41 big league at-bats.  

— Seattle acquired Triple-A outfielder Rhylan Thomas from the Mets on July 26 for big league reliever Ryne Stanek. Stanek, who is a pending free agent owed more than $1 million for the rest of 2024, had pitched his way out of a leverage role in Seattle.

— Double-A Arkansas outfielder RJ Schreck was traded to the Blue Jays for veteran first baseman Justin Turner. Schreck spent most of the season with High-A Everett, where he hit .261 with 12 home runs in 78 games before his promotion to Arkansas.

— The Mariners traded Low-A Modesto righthander Will Schomberg to the Marlins for big league reliever J.T. Chargois. Schomberg had a 2.69 ERA and 97 strikeout in 70.1 innings for Modesto and was recently promoted to High-A Everett, where he struck out 19 in 22 innings. 

“And his batting average is still up there, too. That’s what’s so impressive with this kid.”

Charlie Condon scorches a single to left for his first hit at Avista Stadium. #GoSpo pic.twitter.com/Ibu7kBmzow

— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) August 14, 2024

Condon started his pro career at High-A Spokane after leading all Division I hitters with a .433 batting average, 1.009 slugging percentage, 37 home runs and 233 total bases this year at Georgia.

As he anticipates reaching the majors, Condon now has the enticing prospect of hitting at Coors Field.

“It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to,” Condon said. “I was extremely excited and happy to hear my name called and to be tied to the Rockies’ organization. It’s been an organization that does really well developing hitters.

“They know what they’re doing and how to teach power hitting. I’m really excited and really honored to be a part of the Rockies.”

The 6-foot-6, 216-pound Condon started at five different positions his final year at Georgia and will likely end up as a corner outfielder with the Rockies. He will play left and right field as well as third base.

Condon signed for $9.25 million, matching Burns for the largest signing bonus in draft history. His amateur pedigree, draft status and bonus record translate to extremely lofty expectations as he begins his pro career.

“I can promise you,” he said, “that what I expect out of myself is much higher than what anyone expects out of me.”

ROCKY ROADS

— Lefthander Carson Palmquist and righthanded relievers Jaden Hill and Seth Halvorsen were promoted from Double-A Hartford to Triple-A Albuquerque. At Hartford, Palmquist, 23, went 6-4, 3.20 in 17 starts with 33 walks and 111 strikeouts in 81.2 innings. Hill, 24, went 5-2, 3.52 with six saves in 34 games with 11 walks and 56 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. Halvorsen, 24, went 4-2, 4.84 with eight saves in 33 games with 19 walks and 41 strikeouts in 35.1 innings.

— Righthander Chase Dollander and lefthander Sean Sullivan were promoted from High-A Spokane to Double-A Hartford, and righthander Jack Mahoney was promoted from Low-A Fresno to Spokane. Dollander, 22, went 4-1, 2.83 in 14 starts with 28 walks and 111 strikeouts in 70 innings at Spokane, where Sullivan, 22, went 7-2, 2.16 in 14 starts with eight walks and 101 strikeouts in 83.1 innings. Mahoney, 23, went 5-6, 3.52 with 22 walks and 91 strikeouts in 94.2 innings at Fresno. The Rockies drafted Dollander, Sullivan and Mahoney in the first, second and third rounds last year.

— Outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez, 21, was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque from Hartford where he hit .283/.339/.439 in 88 games with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs. Outfielder Robert Calaz, 18, was promoted to Low-A Fresno from the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, where he won the triple crown. Calaz hit .349/.462/.651 in 49 games with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. He led the ACL in on-base percentage (.462), slugging (.651), OPS  (1.113) and total bases (112), in addition to batting average, home runs and RBIs.

— Lefthanders Sam Weatherly, 25, and Bryson Hammer, 22, were promoted from Low-A Fresno to High-A Spokane. Weatherly went 3-1, 2.85 with eight saves in 30 games with 19 walks and 51 strikeouts in 41 innings. Hammer went 5-3, 1.25 with five saves in 33 games with 24 walks and 52 strikeouts in 50.1 innings.

— Righthander Brayan Castillo, 23, and outfielder Juan Guerrero, 22, were promoted from High-A Spokane to Double-A Hartford. Castillo went 2-3, 3.66 with five saves in 28 games and 18 walks and 39 strikeouts in 32 innings. Guerrero hit .302/.341/.399 with four home runs and 49 RBIs in 92 games.

Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention.

Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers for Best Tools.

Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.

James Wood did the thing pic.twitter.com/AQ27NG0FcL

— Rochester Red Wings (@RocRedWings) May 23, 2024

He hit a ball as hard as 115.3 mph with Rochester. Just eight Triple-A hitters struck a ball harder this season. Five of the eight are Jhonkensy Noel, Junior Caminero, Rece Hinds, Agustin Ramirez and Owen Caissie, who like Wood are up-and-coming power hitters.

The Nationals challenged Wood to clean up his pitch selection and reduce his whiff rate this season. Mission accomplished on both counts.

Wood shrunk his in-zone miss rate from 23% last season to 15% this year. His chase rate remained static as he climbed from Double-A to Triple-A, but he declined to swing at pitchers’ pitches with greater frequency in 2024.  

It all added up to a dramatically reduced strikeout rate of 18% at Triple-A this season, compared with nearly 34% at Double-A last year.

Wood has the type of ceiling to match his height, and he continues to make the Nationals’ Juan Soto trade with the Padres in August 2022 look like a franchise-maker.

When he reached Washington, Wood joined fellow young big leaguers CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore as bounty from the Soto trade.

Righthander Grayson Rodriguez ran up a 7.35 ERA in his first 10 big league starts in 2023. Following a tweak to his repertoire at Triple-A, he emerged as a steady rotation arm.

Outfielder Colton Cowser hit .115 in 26 games during an extended trial in Baltimore in 2023. Returning to Triple-A, he honed his selective aggression. This year, Cowser is a key Orioles regular and an American League Rookie of the Year favorite.

Even MVP candidate Gunnar Henderson got off to a slow start in his 2023 Rookie of the Year season, hitting .201 with a 31% strikeout rate through his first 50 games.

Holliday is trying to follow the same road to redemption.

In the big leagues back in April, Holliday struggled to hit high-velocity, elevated fastballs. So all of his side work in the International League was geared toward addressing that weakness.

The results indicate success. Holliday hit .316 in Triple-A at-bats ending with a fastball thrown 94 mph or harder. His OPS was .964.

#Orioles No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has a homer, six doubles and 12 walks during his 10-game on-base streak.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/byWOGIrqDx

— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) July 16, 2024

Overall, his isolated slugging at Triple-A this season was higher than it had been since Low-A. A lot higher.

IL managers took note, voting Holliday the Best Batting Prospect and Best Strike-Zone Judgment in league Best Tools surveys.

After 63 games on optional assignment to Norfolk, Holliday was ready to assume a regular role in Baltimore. And when Jordan Westburg fractured his hand on July 31, Holliday was ready for prime time.

He hit a home run in his first game back in the big leagues, a sign that he is ready to hold down the keystone for the foreseeable future.