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So many rookies, so little time. Newly promoted minor leaguers are making impressions on their teams and fans this week. The league's talented stars made their marks with hits, steals, and strikeouts.
The 2023 MLB season had many young players headlining a deep rookie class, Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson among them. The players we are looking at below should be considered for your rosters as the season rolls on and we inch closer and closer to the All-Star break.
Who made an impression this week? Let's dig in and look at the group below, which is already making its respective impacts.
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Gavin Williams, SP, Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians' first-round, 23rd pick in the 2021 MLB draft made his impressive big-league debut on June 21, 2023, versus the Oakland A's. He didn't get the win but struck out four batters in 5.2 innings pitched. To say the response was positive would be an understatement.
Before last year, his curveball lacked the desired shape and power, but it has since improved and now reaches the upper 70s. His slider has also progressed and is now a mid-80s pitch that has the potential to become even better. His progression with his pitches has propelled him to his new starting role on the Guardians' pitching staff.
The 6-foot-6, hard-throwing kid from East Carolina is one of the top prospects in the sport and has brought excitement to the future of the Guardians' organization. In his second outing versus the Royals, in seven innings, he struck out seven batters, showcasing his potential to become Cleveland's next ace.
Henry Davis, C/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Henry Davis made his major league debut on the evening of June 20 against the Chicago Cubs. The former minor-league catcher started in right field and doubled down the left-field line in his first at-bat, finishing the game 1-for-3. The Pirates' formula for quickly getting Davis into the majors was to have him play right field or occasionally DH.
Local beat writers in Pittsburgh have opinions regarding Davis' being in the outfield instead of behind the plate. The consensus is that, given his need to improve defensively behind the plate, he and his canon arm are well-used in the outfield. That said, more than one writer is itching to see Davis get more opportunities behind the plate, where his bat is well ahead of the catchers in front of him.
The 2021 draft's most notable selection by Pittsburgh has been leaving a mark. Now that he's on the field for the Pirates, Davis is making an impression with his arm and feet, stealing his first bag as a big-leaguer on June 23 against the Marlins in PNC Park.
I look forward to witnessing his progress this season and have no doubt that he will make a substantial impact in future seasons.
David Hamilton, SS, Boston Red Sox
David Hamilton is already off to a fast start in the majors. He recorded a hit and a walk in his first three games, stealing two bags and scoring two runs. The Red Sox have a major need at shortstop, giving the 5-foot-10, 188-pound, 25-year-old an opportunity to fill that need.
In 119 games with Double-A Portland last year, Hamilton stole 70 bases, and through 52 games this season with Triple-A Worcester, he stole 27. He is a threat to steal every time he gets on base.
The biggest issue recently with the shortstop position in Boston has been availability. Hamilton has a prime opportunity to make his mark with the Sox in the infield and running the bases.
Jordan Westburg, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
Jordan Westburg debuted for Baltimore on Monday, June 26, and in four games, is slashing .385/.467/.462 with a .929 OPS. He played second base in his first two games; in the next against the Big Red Machine, he played third. The right-handed Westburg hit better in the minor leagues against right-handers than left-handers. It remains to be seen if that will translate in the Majors.
Manager Brandon Hyde has noticed a difference since he first saw him after he was drafted number 30 overall in 2020. “He’s a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, a little bit better defender,” Hyde said.
Left-fielder Austin Hays said of Westburg, "He's got good plate discipline, he's got some power, he hits the ball to all fields, and he's got a pretty good glove, too. I think he brings a lot to the table for us." The O's are pushing hard toward their first postseason berth in seven years. Westburg will be crucial in Baltimore as they surge toward the playoffs.
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