MLB Futures Game primer: The top 20 hitters Jim Bowden can’t wait to watch

Front offices from all 30 teams will be watching the young talent at the Futures Game on Saturday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and so will I, as many of the game’s top prospects will represent their organizations in an American League versus National League format.

I love the Futures Game because I get to evaluate and compare some of the top hitting prospects against each other — in batting practice and in the game. It gives me an up-close look at their mechanics, bat path and bat speed, how they start their swings, how balanced they are, how much sweet-spot contact they consistently get, and how they finish their individual process. I also can talk with them and get a read on their makeup, character, passion, competitiveness, instincts and intellect.

Last year’s game was loaded with many of this year’s top rookies, such as Jackson Merrill of the Padres, Jackson Chourio of the Brewers and the recently promoted James Wood of the Nationals. This year’s event will provide an early snapshot of some of the standouts for the next couple of rookie classes. The festivities will also include three rounds of hitting challenges for the first time.

From top catching prospects like the Orioles’ Samuel Basallo to talented infielders such as Marcelo Mayer of the Red Sox and Termarr Johnson of the Pirates to standout outfielders like the Diamondbacks’ Druw Jones, the Nationals’ Dylan Crews and the Tigers’ Max Clark, there will be an abundance of skilled position players on hand. And, of course, we’ll get to see them face off against some of the top young pitching prospects in the sport.

Here are the 20 hitters, listed in alphabetical order, I’m most looking forward to scouting on Saturday. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the top 20 position player prospects in baseball, but rather the best hitters who are expected* to perform at this year’s Futures Game.

*Note: The latest rosters have Brady House and Moises Ballesteros listed as inactive selections, but they will be participating in the skills contest. Owen Caissie, who was originally selected to participate, is now listed as inactive due to an injury, but we have kept him in our list below. 

(Jim Bowden’s scouting grades are based on the 20-80 scale, in which 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. All statistics are for the 2024 season unless otherwise noted.)

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Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 200

Stats (Double A): .241/.349/.441
2B: 15 HR: 10 RBI: 27 SB: 8 CS: 5

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Anthony has special bat speed and above-average line drive and loft power. He knows how to work a count. He has really shortened his swing and improved his strike zone awareness. Although he’s recognized as a top prospect, I still think he’s underrated.

2. Moises Ballesteros, C/1B, Cubs

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 5-7 Weight: 195

Stats (Double A, Triple A): .300/.363/.483
2B: 14 HR: 11 RBI: 49 SB: 1 CS: 0

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 30 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Ballesteros reminds me a lot of Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays with his short and stocky frame. He has a short, compact swing and does a good job of working the count. He profiles as a .280, 20-home run hitter in the big leagues.

3. Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles

Age: 19
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 180

Stats (Double A): .274/.338/.449
2B: 14 HR: 12 RBI: 38 SB: 7 CS: 4

Scouting grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 65 RUN: 35 ARM: 65 FLD: 45

The Orioles are NOT going to trade Basallo despite the rumors circulating around baseball, and I don’t blame them. The teenage phenom can flat-out rake and he possesses legitimate 30-home run power. He has a strong arm behind the dish but needs to improve defensively.

4. Owen Caissie, OF, Cubs (inactive)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 190

Stats (Triple A): .279/.387/.443
2B: 18 HR: 8 RBI: 46 SB: 6 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 65 RUN: 40 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

Caissie’s batting practice power far exceeds his game power, but the latter will catch up in time. He leads the Cubs system in exit velocity and upper-deck raw power and his hit tool continues to improve. He’s an adequate outfield defender with an arm that prevents runners from taking an extra base. He should be ready for the majors in 2025 if not sooner.

5. Max Clark, OF, Tigers

Age: 19
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-0 Weight: 205

Stats (Low A): .279/.381/.404
2B: 10 HR: 6 RBI: 57 SB: 25 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 75 ARM: 60 FLD: 60

The Tigers surprised a lot of teams last year when they drafted Clark at No. 3 over Wyatt Langford, who went on the next pick to the Rangers. Clark is a better defensive player than Langford as he’s a true center fielder with special range and game-changing speed. However, passing on the power bat of Langford had to be a difficult decision for the Tigers front office. Only time will tell who got the better player.

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 188

Stats (High A): .301/.349/.433
2B: 14 HR: 6 RBI: 35 SB: 27 CS: 8

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 40 RUN: 65 ARM: 55 FLD: 60

Crawford is the son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford and has well-above-average speed like his father but not yet the baseball instincts to dominate the basepaths. However, his bat continues to improve and he still profiles as the Phillies’ long-term center fielder.

7. Dylan Crews, CF, Nationals

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 203

Stats (Double A, Triple A): .267/.331/.429
2B: 16 HR: 8 RBI: 49 SB: 20 CS: 4

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 60 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

The Nationals selected Crews over both Langford and Clark with the second overall pick in the 2023 draft. Crews is a legitimate five-tool player who will be successful at the major-league level. The Nationals probably should wait to promote him until 2025, as he could benefit from more development time at Triple A after being bumped up from Double A in mid-June. Although he’s had his ups and downs this season, you only have to watch him in a few games to see he’s a future All-Star-caliber player.

Age: 19
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-7 Weight: 223

Stats (Low A, High A): .273/.348/.478
2B: 17 HR: 11 RBI: 55 SB: 2 CS: 0

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 40 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

Eldridge, the Giants’ first-round pick in last year’s draft, was considered the best two-player in the class. His best spot is first base and despite his 6-foot-7 frame, he can really hit and cover the strike zone, with game-changing raw power. I’ve never seen him live and can’t wait to see his swing in person.

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 200

Stats (Double A): .253/.376/.381
2B: 17 HR: 5 RBI: 30 SB: 21 CS: 6

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

In last year’s Futures Game, Ford really impressed me with his work ethic and how he studies the game. However, there were some holes in his swing that needed to be addressed, so I’m looking forward to seeing how much progress he’s made in a year.

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 208

Stats (Double A, Triple A): .238/.311/.427
2B: 13 HR: 13 RBI: 35 SB: 5 CS: 3

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

House put on a show in batting practice at last year’s Futures Game, reminding me of former Braves third baseman Bob Horner. He went on to finish last season with a .312 average and 12 dingers. This year he already has 13 homers but is hitting only .238. The uptick in power isn’t surprising but the downtick in average shocks me and I’m curious about what’s behind it.

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-4 Weight: 240

Stats (High A): .286/.375/.543
2B: 16 HR: 14 RBI: 58 SB: 13 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 70 RUN: 50 ARM: 50 FLD: 45

Most evaluators are comparing Issac to David Ortiz as he has a similar body to Big Papi and can flat-out rake with ridiculous power. He also runs extremely well for his size, especially when going first to third or scoring from first on a double. He has an electric bat and is the kind of hitter who gives you goosebumps in batting practice.

12. Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pirates

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 5-8 Weight: 175

Stats (High A): .244/.394/.394
2B: 13 HR: 9 RBI: 38 SB: 14 CS: 3

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 50 ARM: 50 FLD: 55

Don’t worry about his batting average and pay more attention to his .394 on-base percentage, because that’s a key part of what Johnson brings to the table. He looks a lot like a left-handed-hitting Jose Altuve with a bat that will hit at the highest level and huge power from his small frame. He’s a smart base runner and it won’t be too long until he’s the long-term leadoff hitter for the Pirates.

Age: 20
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 180

Stats (Low A): .275/.391/.414
2B: 12 HR: 5 RBI: 41 SB: 9 CS: 3

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 50 RUN: 65 ARM: 65 FLD: 70

Jones is an elite defender in center field like his dad, Andruw Jones, with an arm to match. The hit tool has always been Druw Jones’ biggest question mark, but he’s making progress this year. Jones, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, won’t take a fast path to the big leagues, but when he arrives, Gold Glove awards will eventually follow.

“A no-doubter for Druw Jones!”

The @Dbacks‘ No. 3 prospect hits his fifth homer of the year for the Single-A @VisaliaRawhide. pic.twitter.com/llbAYa1NP4

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 10, 2024

Age: 23
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-6 Weight: 235

Stats (Double A): .237/.317/.403
2B: 13 HR: 10 RBI: 46 SB: 18 CS: 4

Scouting grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Jones is an impressive specimen with a frame that reminds you more of a superhero than a baseball player. He’s done a good job of adjusting his barring (bringing his arm straight back stiffly) at the plate and has shown off his athleticism and power, hitting 10 home runs and stealing 18 bases this season at Double A. I can’t wait to see in person how much he’s improved since last year. His presence reminds me of Paul O’Neill … special.

15. Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 188

Stats (Double A): .301/.367/.470
2B: 26 HR: 7 RBI: 36 SB: 13 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 55

At last year’s Futures Game, Mayer looked like he needed to improve his hit tool, and it seems he has this season: He’s locked in with a solid approach, is chasing less and he’s had his batting average over .300 for most of the first half. I’ve always viewed him as Mayer the Mayor because of how he comes across on the field and in the dugout with his special leadership skills. It won’t be long until he’s major-league-ready if he keeps hitting like this because he could play shortstop in the majors right here.

Age: 20
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 205

Stats (Low A, High A): .245/.363/.424
2B: 18 HR: 7 RBI: 36 SB: 13 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

The Phillies’ player development department has raved about Miller, labeling him as one of the club’s best prospects since Mike Schmidt. Miller has strong bat-to-ball skills with consistent above-average exit velocity. He knows how to work a count and has strong baseball acumen.

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-0 Weight: 215

Stats (Low A, High A): .359/.438/.507
2B: 16 HR: 4 RBI: 37 SB: 16 CS: 5

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 50 ARM: 45 FLD: 60

Morgan has the best slash line of any player participating in the Futures Game and arguably could be the best overall hitter among this group. He helped LSU win the 2023 College World Series and then was drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round. He batted .396 in Rookie ball and Low A last year and has hit .359 in Low A and High A this year. I can’t wait to watch him hit.

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-9 Weight: 185

Stats (Double A): .247/.352/.416
2B: 9 HR: 10 RBI: 38 SB: 20 CS: 5

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 45 FLD: 50

Shaw has one of the best short, compact swings in the game and makes loud sweet-spot contact. He’s the type of hitter that is so mechanically sound he shouldn’t have many hitting slumps in his career. His favorite player growing up was Dustin Pedroia, and the way he plays is reminiscent of the Red Sox great. He’s hard-nosed and gutsy — just a gamer.

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 190

Stats (Double A): .298/.384/.455
2B: 16 HR: 8 RBI: 49 SB: 6 CS: 2

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 45 ARM: 60 FLD: 55

Teel is the future long-term catcher of the Red Sox. He’s a solid hitter who uses the whole field and projects to be a 20- to 25-home run bat. He’s an athletic catcher with a strong arm that opposing teams must respect on the basepaths. He’s solid at framing pitches and blocking balls as well.

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 180

Stats (Double A): .262/.352/.399
2B: 17 HR: 7 RBI: 35 SB: 14 CS: 6

Scouting grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 45 RUN: 55 ARM: 55 FLD: 50

Young is considered the Mariners’ best overall prospect and some of his top traits are his ability to make contact, put the ball in play, work a count and draw walks — which his major-league club is sorely missing. He’s a smart base runner and an average defender up the middle with a plus arm. He’s the next star in the Mariners’ pipeline.

(Top photo of Marcelo Mayer: Maddie Malhotra / Boston Red Sox / Getty Images)