Cubs and Red Sox Dominate MLB’s Top 100 Prospects

MLB Pipeline has unveiled its final update of the top 100 Prospects, and the latest rankings bring some fresh faces to the forefront. Five new members have been added to the esteemed list, shaking up the landscape of baseball’s most promising young talent.

Cubs and Red Sox Top MLB Prospect List

With the 2024 MLB regular season in the books, fans can now dive into the final update of the top 100 Prospects list. The Chicago Cubs dominate the rankings with an impressive eight players, while the Houston Astros have just one representative. Dylan Crews retains his spot as the No. 1 prospect in baseball.

The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers also boast strong showings, with two players from each team cracking the top 10. Notably, the 2024 MLB Draft class has made a significant impact, with several newcomers breaking into the top 25.

Charlie Condon, 3B/OF, (1st Round, Pick No. 3 by the Rockies): No. 11

Travis Bazzana, 2B, (1st Round, Pick No. 1 by the Guardians): No. 12

Jac Caglianone, LHP/1B, (1st Round, Pick No. 6 by the Royals): No. 17

JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, (1st Round, Pick No. 7 by the Cardinals): No. 18

Chase Burns, RHP, (1st Round, Pick No. 2 by the Reds): No. 21

The latest top 100 Prospects update saw significant movement, with 10 prospects leapfrogging 12 or more spots. Leading the charge was Boston Red Sox’s Kristian Campbell, who skyrocketed 64 spots to claim the No. 10 ranking. Other notable risers included Kumar Rocker of the Texas Rangers, who jumped 36 spots, Cam Smith of the Chicago Cubs, who ascended 26 spots, Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who went up 23 spots, and Sebastian Walcott, who defied his 18-year-old status to rise to No. 23.

The Five Fresh Faces

Five newcomers join the top 100 rankings:

Franklin Arias (Red Sox), Agustin Ramirez (Marlins), A.J. Smith-Shawver (Braves), Carson Benge (Mets), and Jefferson Rojas (Cubs).

This diverse group consists of three international signings (Arias, Ramirez, and Rojas), a 2024 first-round pick (Benge), and Smith-Shawver, a 7th-round draft pick in 2021 who has developed into a promising project for the Braves.

Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox

MLB Ranking: No. 95

Organization Ranking: No. 6

International Signing Bonus: $525,000

Marcelo Arias, 18, signed with the Red Sox for the second-largest international bonus in team history. The shortstop thrived in Rookie ball (163 WRC+) and has held his own in Single-A Salem (111 WRC+). With a 5’11”, 170-pound frame, Arias has significant growth potential.

Watching Arias on tape, his fielding and arm strength are far and away his best attributes. His quick feet and ability to stop and set his feet on a dime is an important asset for having range at any position. He quickly gets to the ball, sets his feet perfectly, and fires a strike to first having an amazing arm for an 18 year old. Even in times where he lacks a quick pursuit to balls, his arm will still manage to beat runners to first.

His swing is mechanically sound, but the swing speed will need to improve as he grows. The slower swing path he presents could see the shortstop struggle against higher velocities and movement. He could easily add more pop as he is already a solid contact hitter with decent plate discipline. However, a concern moving forward could be the struggle with having more efficient at bats. He drew significantly less walks since being promoted while his strikeout rate stayed stagnant. His speed on the base paths started to prove to be another strength of his after swiping 35 bags in 87 games this season.

Agustin Ramirez, C/1B, Miami Marlins

MLB Ranking: No. 96

Organization Ranking: No. 3

International Signing Bonus: $400,000

Acquired from the Yankees in Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade

Catcher/first baseman Ramirez signed for a record $400,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2018-19, headlined the Jazz Chisholm trade at the 2024 deadline. After COVID-19 delayed his full-season debut, Ramirez broke out in 2023 with 18 home runs and a 128 WRC+ in 114 games across three levels.

In 2024, Ramirez excelled at Double-A Somerset, refining his approach with increased walks and reduced strikeouts. He dominated with a 164 WRC+ in Double-A and sustained success in Triple-A with a 112 WRC+. The 6’0″, 210-pound prospect has established himself as a rising talent.

Power-hitting catcher/first baseman Ramirez, drawing comparisons to Salvador Perez, boasts impressive bat strength but needs defensive improvement. His large swing generates high exit velocity but risks overswinging. Projected to make the Opening Day roster at 23, Ramirez’s development focus includes refining his approach and strikeout rate.

A.J. Smith-Shaver, RHP, Braves

MLB Ranking: #97

Organization Ranking: #2

Draft: 2021, Round 7 (217)

Draft Bonus: $1 million

Braves’ 6’3″ right-hander Smith-Shaver, a 7th-round pick in 2021, has evolved from a project pitcher to a promising prospect. Originally committed to play quarterback at Texas Tech, he shifted focus to baseball after being drafted. Following a rocky debut (6.88 ERA, 26% walk rate in 21 starts at 18), Smith-Shaver broke out in 2023 with a 2.76 ERA across three levels. This season, he overcame an early injury to make 20 Triple-A starts, though his ERA ballooned to 4.86 with a 4.14 BB/9.

Athletic right-hander Smith-Shaver, a multi-sport talent with three college football offers, was highly touted in baseball, ranking 17th in Texas and 1st among third basemen. He features a 95+ MPH fastball, touching triple digits, and a swing-and-miss slider, though consistency is a work in progress. Smith-Shaver has posted impressive minor league strikeout rates, but walk rates and home run susceptibility remain concerns. He may debut in the bullpen, but if he refines his control, he could become a viable rotation option for the Braves within a year or two.

Carson Benge, OF, New York Mets

MLB Ranking: No. 99

Organization Ranking: No. 5

Draft: 2024, Round 1, Pick No. 19

Draft Bonus: $3.97 million

Oklahoma State product Benge, a 2024 draftee, has quickly impressed. After overcoming an elbow injury, he posted remarkable collegiate numbers (.609 SLG, .450 OBP). In his Single-A debut with St. Lucie, Benge slashed .273/.420/.436 with a 152 WRC+, showcasing his exceptional plate vision and all-field hitting ability.

Initially considered a potential two-way player due to his 3.16 ERA in his final collegiate season, the Mets have committed to developing Benge as an outfielder. His arm strength stands out as a premium tool, suiting him for right field, with potential flexibility to play center if his speed develops.

At the plate, Benge excels with elite contact skills, strong exit velocity, and one of the fastest bat speeds among later first-round picks. While lacking present power, his profile suggests 20-25 home run potential. With above-average defense, Benge projects as a valuable asset in a few seasons.

Jefferson Rojas, SS, Cubs

MLB Ranking: No. 100

Organization Ranking: No. 8

International Signing Bonus: $1 million

The Cubs boast eight top 100 Prospects, including Rojas, who signed for $1 million in 2022. Now 19, Rojas debuted in Rookie ball at 17 and has progressed to High-A South Bend. In 96 games, he posted a .646 OPS and 88 WRC+. While his strikeout-to-walk ratio remains a concern (15%+ K rate, sub-10% BB rate), Rojas has improved on the basepaths, swiping 24 bags in 2024.

The Cubs have high expectations for the 19-year-old, boasting advanced power and mechanics. He showcases impressive exit velocities and above-average defensive skills, with a smooth swing and quick hands suitable for an everyday shortstop. However, his aggressive plate approach remains a concern. Despite his youth, refining pitch selection will be crucial to unlock his full potential.

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