American League prospects who could shine in 2023

Hunter Brown, RHP, Houston Astros

MLB Pipeline ranking: 43

Don't be deceived by Brown's prospect ranking; the 24-year-old will play a crucial role for the defending World Series champions. Having lost Justin Verlander to free agency and Lance McCullers Jr. likely being out to begin the season, Brown expects to be an integral component of Houston's rotation. 

Brown debuted in September last season, appearing in seven regular season games, including two starts. In 20.1 innings pitched, he had a 0.89 ERA, and a 1.08 WHIP, striking out 22 batters and walking seven. Additionally, Brown threw 3.2 scoreless innings in the postseason. 

There's no shortage of velocity in Brown's pitch mix, which includes an upper-90s four-seam fastball, and a low-80s curveball. He also has a low-90s slider/cutter with a good break, but the shape lacks consistency and an improving changeup.

Anthony Volpe, shortstop, New York Yankees

MLB Pipeline ranking: five

The New Jersey native starred at Delbarton School (alongside Rangers prospect Jack Leiter) before being drafted by the Yankees in the first round in 2019. 

Volpe was MLB Pipeline's 2021 Hitting Prospect of the Year, following that with an even more impressive performance last season. He became the first minor leaguer to hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases since outfielder Andruw Jones. The 21-year-old hit .249 with 21 homers, 65 RBI, and a .802 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A overall. 

In his spring training debut, Volpe went 2-for-4 and stole second and third right after picking up his second hit. No matter what position Volpe plays, he'll be a valuable addition to the Yankees in 2023. 

Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

MLB Pipeline ranking: seven

Baltimore's top pitching prospect is already penciled into its rotation and might be its ace by the season's end. Rodriguez, standing 6-foot-5, possess an even more intimidating pitch mix than his commanding presence on the mound. 

His fastball peaks at 100 mph, and he has an elite changeup that MLB Pipeline believes was the best in the minor leagues. Rodriguez is still developing his mid-80s slider, which continues to improve, and he throws a serviceable curveball. 

Rodriguez could have made his MLB debut in 2022, but a lat strain forced him to miss time, though he returned at the end of the season. When he was on the mound, he was exceptional, posting a 2.62 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, striking out 109 batters over 75.2 innings.