Top 8 MLB Prospects to Watch in Winter Leagues 2023

Top 8 MLB Prospects to Watch in Winter Leagues 2023

November 26, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

The Arizona Fall League has ended, and MLB’s awards season is almost over. The focus now shifts to the Hot Stove season. Baseball continues in winter leagues in countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Fans can stream LIDOM games on MLB.TV.

Last winter, prospects Jackson Chourio and Junior Caminero performed well, impacting their Major League teams. This winter’s performances could also influence next spring’s MLB outcomes.

Here are eight notable prospects to watch in winter leagues:

  1. Hyungchan Um, C, Brisbane Bandits (Australia)

    • Team: KC No. 25
    • Um, 20, aims to be the first MLB catcher from South Korea. He is hitting .423/.483/.731 with two homers and six RBIs in seven games.

  2. Luisangel Acuña, SS/OF/2B, Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela)

    • Team: NYM No. 12
    • Acuña, 22, is hitting .364/.421/.576 with one homer and four steals in 11 games after a solid stretch in the Majors.

  3. Zach Dezenzo, 3B, Senadores de San Juan (Puerto Rico)

    • Team: HOU No. 5
    • Dezenzo, 24, is slashing .379/.472/.414 with five walks in eight games after spending limited time in the Minors due to injury.

  4. César Prieto, INF, Aguilas Cibaenas (LIDOM)

    • Team: STL No. 14
    • Prieto, 25, is a contact hitter batting .318 in 11 games this winter, continuing his strong performance from last season.

  5. Tirso Ornelas, OF, Charros de Jalisco (Mexico)

    • Team: SD No. 17
    • Ornelas, 24, has a .309/.429/.531 line with four homers and 17 RBIs in 24 games, showcasing his hitting ability.

  6. Hector Rodriguez, OF, Leones del Escogido (LIDOM)

    • Team: CIN No. 12
    • Rodriguez, 20, is hitting .361/.375/.472 in 10 games after winning Rookie of the Year last winter.

  7. Luis Gastelum, RHP, Caneros de Los Mochis (Mexico)

    • Team: STL No. 30
    • Gastelum, 21, has a 1.37 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 19 ⅔ innings in 19 games, showing promise as a pitcher.
  8. Braden Nett, RHP, Senadores de San Juan (Puerto Rico)
    • Team: SD No. 19
    • Nett, 22, has a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings with a strong 13-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio, building his innings in winter ball.

These players are making significant strides in winter leagues and may play key roles for their MLB teams in the future.

, ,