While some of the available data reveals significant insights, distinguishing meaningful performance from background noise can be tricky. The simple approach is to confirm our biases: if a player I favor is excelling, it validates my judgment; if he’s faltering, it’s merely a case of a small sample size.
This method of player evaluation might not be ideal. At this time of year, it’s particularly easy to favor information that supports our preconceived notions and ignore anything that contradicts them.
However, we may observe a pitcher consistently throwing harder fastballs than he did in previous years or a batter hitting with greater power, as evidenced by an increase in exit velocity. These signs could include observable adjustments in a batter’s swing or a pitcher demonstrating improved capabilities, suggesting a potential increase in their genuine talent levels.
Low-A is particularly fascinating to examine during this period. This is where many 2024 high school draftees are making their initial appearances, various international prospects are debuting in full-season leagues, and we typically see the youngest players participating before the complex leagues commence.
In this article, we will explore 10 prospects in Low-A who are off to impressive starts and are promising additions to watch moving forward. Notably, we’ll exclude any players already ranked in the Top 50 (you already know that the Brewers’ top prospect, Jesus Made, is a solid player). Instead, we will focus on prospects in the latter half of the Top 100 Prospects list, those who have the potential to ascend into the Top 100, and some sleeper prospects to keep an eye on.
Current Top 100 Prospects
Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox
Ranked No. 72 in baseball, Arias might soon be recognized as the top prospect within the Red Sox farm system once their “big three” players graduate. A genuine shortstop, Arias has already delivered several standout defensive plays this season. Recently, he made a notable play fielding a ground ball deep in the hole and threw accurately to first base. His impressive hand-eye coordination is reflected both in his fielding and batting, where he’s achieved a .412/.487/.500 start in 39 plate appearances, including four walks and five strikeouts. Nevertheless, while he possesses a solid swing and good bat control, some of his numbers benefiting from luck, as many hits are grounders and shallow line drives.
Eduardo Tait, C, Phillies
Ranked as the No. 88 prospect, Tait will turn 19 at the end of August and will likely finish the season playing in High-A, despite being just three months older than MLB’s top-ranked high school catcher for 2025. Currently, he’s hitting .281/.378/.656 in 37 plate appearances, having already hit three home runs in eight games, including a recent impressive homer off a 96 mph fastball. His forceful at-bats do come with a hint of aggressiveness, needing to refine his approach for better results. Still, with significant raw power, he stands out as one of the best catching prospects in the lower levels.
Potential Top 100 Prospects
Brandon Clarke, LHP, Red Sox
The Red Sox selected Clarke in the fifth round last year, and his initial professional start showcased first-round talent. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Clarke consistently hit 95-99 mph with his fastball during his perfect four-inning debut, fanning five batters. His slider proved impactful, eliciting swings and misses at an impressive rate. Despite a history of injury and control issues, a 75% strike rate during his first appearance raises hopes about his future hold in the league.
Braylon Doughty, RHP, Guardians
In a farm system known more for hitters, Doughty stands out as one of Cleveland’s top pitching prospects and may gain wider recognition over the year. Selected as a supplemental first-round pick in 2024, the 19-year-old has struck out 10 batters with only one walk across 31 faced in seven innings, showcasing traits of a capable starter. His low-to-mid 90s fastball paired with an exceptional curveball highlights his potential as he advances through the minors.
