The MLB prospect pool has tons to offer. One of the biggest names at the shortstop position to graduate from the minors last season was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Who is the next group of prospects at the shortstop position to potentially be called up to the big leagues?
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
The MLB.com Top 100 prospects list was updated yesterday and Gunnar Henderson moved up the list. He is mainly a shortstop, but the Baltimore Orioles organization is trying to get him some reps at third base also. Henderson is the second-best prospect in Baltimore’s farm system and is the fifth overall in baseball though. He is currently in Triple-A with the Norfolk Tides and was recently called up from the Bowie Baysox in Double-A.
His estimated time to be in the big leagues is next season. Gunnar Henderson could very well be the Opening Day shortstop in 2023 for the Baltimore Orioles. He is 21 years old and was a second-round pick (42nd overall) back in the 2019 MLB Draft. In 71 games in the minors so far this season, Henderson has a .300 batting average with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs, along with 15 stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .432.
Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees
The New York Yankees fanbase and organization has been praising this kid ever since he has been with them. He is currently in Double-A with the Somerset Patriots. Volpe is projected to reach the big leagues sometime next season and there was a reason why they didn’t sign a marquee shortstop during the offseason. He is 21 years old and was a first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2019 MLB Draft and is also the New York Yankees top prospect and eighth overall on MLB.com.
Anthony Volpe has played in 69 games so far this season in the minors. His batting average is .247 with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, along with 33 stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .341 though.
Marco Luciano, San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants have a ton of quality prospects down on the farm. Marco Luciano is no different from the rest of them. He was signed as an international free agent in July of 2018. Luciano is projected to reach the majors in 2023. He is currently in High-A with the Eugene Emeralds. Marco Luciano is only 20 years old and has a ton of potential. He is the top prospect in San Francisco’s farm system and is the ninth-best prospect on MLB.com.
Marco Luciano has only played in 40 games in the minors so far this season though. His batting average is .288 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs, along with zero stolen bases. Luciano’s on-base percentage is .360.
Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox got the steal of the draft in 2021. Marcelo Mayer was selected fourth overall and some people had him number one on draft boards. He is the best prospect by far in Boston’s farm system and is the 10th best prospect on MLB.com. His estimated time to the majors is until the year of 2024. Mayer is only 19 years old and has tons of potential though.
He is currently in Single-A with the Salem Red Sox. In 44 games in the minors so far this season, his batting average is .291 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, along with 11 stolen bases. Marcelo Mayer’s on-base percentage is .376.