Braves, Rockies, Mariners Elevate Top MLB Prospects
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Tyler Locklear, 1B, SEA
Tyler Locklear has impressed this year, starting strong at Double-A with a 156 wRC+ over 41 games and maintaining his performance at Triple-A with a 128 wRC+ in ten games.
The young first baseman may be called up to replace Ty France, who is dealing with a heel injury after being hit by a pitch. It’s uncertain if France will need to go on the injured list, but the Mariners could benefit from Locklear’s bat regardless.
Seattle currently ranks 16th in MLB in isolated power and 25th in on-base percentage. If Locklear can transition smoothly to the majors, his power and plate discipline could significantly boost the Mariners' lineup.
Unlike Waldrep and Amador, Locklear is not on the 40-man roster, so the Mariners will need to make a corresponding move before officially selecting his contract.
The Rising Stars: MLB Prospects Set to Make Their Debuts
For those who thrill at the sight of emerging talent making its way to the big leagues, Sunday, June 9, promises to be a remarkable day in baseball.
The Atlanta Braves are set to bring up Hurston Waldrep, Just Baseball’s No. 80 overall prospect, for his much-anticipated MLB debut. The young right-hander will take the mound in Washington as the Braves strive to fend off a series loss at Nationals Park.
On the same day, the Colorado Rockies are calling up their top organizational prospect, Adael Amador, who also ranks No. 47 overall according to Just Baseball. Amador might make his first appearance in the majors this afternoon as the Rockies face the Cardinals, though manager Bud Black has yet to disclose his starting lineup.
Adding to the excitement, the Seattle Mariners are preparing to promote Tyler Locklear from Triple-A. Although Locklear isn’t among Just Baseball’s Top 100 Prospects, he holds the No. 8 spot in a talent-rich Mariners system.
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Hurston Waldrep, SP, ATL
The Braves selected Hurston Waldrep from the University of Florida in the first round of the 2023 draft. Following a strong start in the minors, Waldrep is set to make his MLB debut less than a year later.
https://twitter.com/AramLeighton8/status/1799499224372924647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Waldrep has posted a 3.09 ERA and a 3.01 FIP over 55.1 innings in ten starts this year between Double-A and Triple-A.
Chris Sale, Max Fried, Reynaldo López, and Charlie Morton have been stellar for the Braves, but filling Spencer Strider's rotation spot has been challenging. Bryce Elder struggled in five starts with a 6.46 ERA before being demoted, and AJ Smith-Shawver made one start before an oblique strain sidelined him for two months.
Spencer Schwellenbach, who joined the rotation at the end of May, has allowed nine earned runs over 9.2 innings in his first two starts.
The Braves hope Waldrep, a Georgia native and lifelong Braves fan, can bring stability to the back of their rotation.
Adael Amador, 2B, COL
Adael Amador swiftly advanced through the lower minors in the Rockies system over his first three seasons, showcasing excellent contact skills, strong plate discipline, and emerging power.
https://twitter.com/The_CallUpPod/status/1798164964982563096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
However, Amador faced challenges upon his promotion to Double-A, posting an 87 wRC+ over 56 games. Recently, he's shown improvement, achieving a 168 wRC+ over his last 18 games. Despite these late-season gains, it's surprising to see the 21-year-old, who just turned 21 in April, move up to the majors with limited success at Double-A and no experience at Triple-A.
The Rockies appear to have exhausted their options. Second baseman Brendan Rodgers suffered a hamstring injury on Friday, and Amador is the last infielder on Colorado's 40-man roster. Although Amador may not be fully ready for this leap, circumstances have forced the Rockies to turn to their young prospect.
Tyler Locklear, 1B, SEA
Tyler Locklear has impressed this year, starting strong at Double-A with a 156 wRC+ over 41 games and maintaining his performance at Triple-A with a 128 wRC+ in ten games.
The young first baseman may be called up to replace Ty France, who is dealing with a heel injury after being hit by a pitch. It’s uncertain if France will need to go on the injured list, but the Mariners could benefit from Locklear’s bat regardless.
Seattle currently ranks 16th in MLB in isolated power and 25th in on-base percentage. If Locklear can transition smoothly to the majors, his power and plate discipline could significantly boost the Mariners' lineup.
Unlike Waldrep and Amador, Locklear is not on the 40-man roster, so the Mariners will need to make a corresponding move before officially selecting his contract.
The Rising Stars: MLB Prospects Set to Make Their Debuts
For those who thrill at the sight of emerging talent making its way to the big leagues, Sunday, June 9, promises to be a remarkable day in baseball.
The Atlanta Braves are set to bring up Hurston Waldrep, Just Baseball’s No. 80 overall prospect, for his much-anticipated MLB debut. The young right-hander will take the mound in Washington as the Braves strive to fend off a series loss at Nationals Park.
On the same day, the Colorado Rockies are calling up their top organizational prospect, Adael Amador, who also ranks No. 47 overall according to Just Baseball. Amador might make his first appearance in the majors this afternoon as the Rockies face the Cardinals, though manager Bud Black has yet to disclose his starting lineup.
Adding to the excitement, the Seattle Mariners are preparing to promote Tyler Locklear from Triple-A. Although Locklear isn’t among Just Baseball’s Top 100 Prospects, he holds the No. 8 spot in a talent-rich Mariners system.
