TEAM TO BEAT
ATLANTA BRAVES
The Braves are in position this season to win their six straight NL East crown. Atlanta returns the lineup core-Austin Riley, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson-that finished third in MLB in runs scored last season while adding 28-year-old catcher Sean Murphy. The offense also will benefit from returns to health from Acuña and Ozzie Albies as well as potential growth for sophomores Michael Harris II and Vaughn Grissom, who takes over shortstop from free agent departure Dansby Swanson. The pitching outlook is just as rosy in Atlanta, which ranked sixth in MLB in ERA and second in strikeouts last season. Max Fried, Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright anchor a rotation that could see steps forward from lan Anderson and Michael Soroka. Raisel Iglesias takes over at closer for Kenley Jansen, with newcomer Joe Jimenez and the returning A.J. Minter in setup roles.
TOP PLAYER
RONALD ACUÑA JR., RF, BRAVES
In a division loaded with stars, including Bryce Harper, Austin Riley, Trea Turner and Pete Alonso, it is Acuña who has the highest upside to reach. We haven't seen Acuña at his absolute best since the first half of 2021. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in July of that year and returned in 2022 to put up a 114 OPS+ in 119 games. Acuña hit just 15 homers in his return, but with his legs under him this season, he is poised for 35 or more with a plate approach that has matured with age.
TOP PITCHER
SANDY ALCANTARA, RHP, MARLINS
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THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. 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. 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.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
