RISING STARS SET TO SHINE
When it comes to the next generation of baseball stars, there are some intriguing players on the horizon. Here are some rookies hoping to have an impact this season:
2B Yoan Moncada Chicago White Sox
The Cuban slugger was acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent lefty ace Chris Sale to Boston. Could bring his powerful swing and athleticism to the starting lineup at some point this summer.
OF Andrew Benintendi Boston Red Sox
The 22-year-old, rocketed through Boston’s minor league system after he was grabbed as seventh overall pick in the 2015 draft. Made it to the majors last August and hit .295 with two HRs and 14 RBIs in 34 games.
RHP Jose De Leon Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays got the right-hander in a January trade with the Dodgers. Likely will begin the year with Triple-A Durham. Made his major league debut in September and was 2-0 with a 6.35 ERA in four starts.
SS Gleyber Torres New York Yankees
The speedster was youngest MVP in the history of the Arizona Fall League last year at age 19. He carried that success into spring training, drawing praise for his impressive skills and maturity. Could make it to New York soon.
RHP Jharel Cotton Oakland Athletics
Dazzled in his first stint in the majors last year, going 2-0 with a 2.15 ERA in five starts. He was acquired by the Athletics in the August trade that sent Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to the Dodgers.
OF Bradley Zimmer Cleveland Indians
The 6-foot-5 firstround pick in the 2014 draft drew praise from manager Terry Francona this spring for his bat and improvement in the outfield. Hit .250 with 15 HRs and 62 RBIs in two minor league stops last season.
RHP Tyler Glasnow Pittsburgh Pirates
The 23-year-old struggled a bit in his first stint in the majors last year, but the 6-foot-8 right-hander looked great this spring. He went 8-3 with a 1.87 ERA in 20 starts at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2016.
SS Dansby Swanson Atlanta Braves
Selected by Arizona with the first pick of the 2015 draft. The D-backs traded him to Atlanta six months later and he hit .302 with three HRs and 17 RBIs in 38 games with the Braves last year. Has the look of a budding star.