At this time last year, Evan Carter was waiting for a chance to be a difference maker before ultimately making an impact on the Texas Rangers’ run to a World Series title. Carter didn’t make his major league debut until Sept. 8 of last season and was a starter in the postseason less than one month later. He ended up collecting two hits and driving in a run in Game 1 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and had six hits in five World Series games.
Rookies have a history of making an impact on the playoffs and the list of those who did includes many who went on to have fruitful careers. From Derek Jeter in 1996 to Livan Hernandez in 1997 and Orlando Hernandez in 1998, the pre-2000 playoffs created some monsters of the game. Later it was John Lackey and Francisco Rodriguez for the Angels in 2002, Miguel Cabrera (Marlins) in 2003 and Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox) in 2007. Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey made an impact for the 2010 Giants and Kyle Schwarber stepped up for the 2015 Cubs. In more recent seasons, Randy Arozarena crushed it for the 2020 Rays as did Jeremy Pena for the 2022 Astros and Corbin Carroll for the Diamondbacks last season.
So with apologies to Paul Skenes, here are 10 prospects who could make an impact in this year’s playoffs, acknowledging only players still listed by MLB Pipeline as of Sunday.
Jackson Holliday, 2B-SS, Orioles
The No. 1 ranked player at MLB Pipeline made his major league debut earlier this season with numbers that did not show his true potential. If the need arises, Holliday already has the first-game jitters out of his system and young teammates could help make him feel comfortable.
AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP, Braves
Another player with brief MLB experience, Smith-Shawver’s time to shine is expected to arrive soon. He has one outing for the Braves this year, going 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs. A former HS teammate of Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr.
Kyle Manzardo, 1B-DH, Guardians
There is no denying Manzardo can hit, even if he had a rather pedestrian .571 OPS in a 30-game stint with the Guardians earlier this season. There are questions about his power, but Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor provide the pop in Cleveland. He does have 13 Triple-A homers.
River Ryan, RHP, Dodgers
A former infielder, River Ryan transitioned to become a starting pitcher full time. He’s expected to get his first chance for the Dodgers on Monday. Los Angeles has run out of options in recent playoffs, and Ryan is the fresh arm in an athletic body that has the ability to make a difference.
A.J. Blubaugh, RHP, Astros
A 3.93 ERA in 16 outings (14 starts) at Triple-A this season has shown that the 24-year old is close if the Astros decide they have the need. Not in the top-100 of the MLB Pipeline list, Blubaugh might be one of the best AAA pitching options for Houston.
Brooks Lee, 2B-3B-SS, Twins
Lee’s ability to play multiple positions will get him on the field, and the switch hitter’s bat will end up doing all the talking. He made his MLB debut earlier this month and hit a pair of home runs in his first eight games. Contact hitters with a high walk rate are gold.
Tyler Black, 1B, Brewers
Already with 12 games of MLB experience this season, Black could get the call to return to Milwaukee as a left-handed bat off the bench. Black was hitting .296 through 13 July games after collecting eight hits for the Brewers earlier this season.
Jasson Dominguez, OF, Yankees
First Tommy John surgery and now an oblique injury have Dominguez on the shelf at Triple-A. Dominguez is expected to be out for an extended time, but here’s the thing: the second he is ready to get back on the field, he’s worth bringing back to New York. “The Martian” is that good.
Drew Gilbert, OF, Mets
Close to returning from a hamstring tear, Gilbert does not have a lot of time remaining to show the Mets he is worth a look. Small but mighty at 5-foot-9 Gilbert’s play is dynamic, and his energy is infectious. If the need arises, Gilbert could run with it.
Dalton Rushing, C-1B, Dodgers
L.A.’s roster is jam-packed, but the Dodgers are expected to make moves, and Rushing would be a prized acquisition that could contribute to a contender. A leap from Double-A to the MLB playoffs is a tall task, but Rushing is 23 and has college experience at Louisville.
Baseball fans can look forward to the potential impact these young prospects could have in the upcoming playoffs. With a mix of talent, experience, and potential, these players could be the X-factors that teams need to make a deep postseason run. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on these rising stars to see if they can deliver when it matters most.
