2024 midseason top 100 MLB prospects update - ESPN
With the MLB draft behind us and the minor league season wrapping up next month, it's time for an updated look at my top 100 prospects in baseball.
This edition is actually a top 105 (as separating the players around No. 100 was where it became difficult) with an additional 19 arrow-up names who have gained a lot of value this year since my preseason top 100.
This is my ranking of these players for the long term, taking into account their upside, risk and proximity to the big leagues, in consultation with scouts and execs around the league. Here's more on the grading tiers and lingo I use. Players in the big leagues are eligible for this update (MLB rookie eligibility rules apply here — 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days on the active roster) so you will see some recently called up major leaguers. The listed level for each player is either where they're active or where they were last if they're now hurt or rehabbing an injury.
Now let's get on to my final 2024 ranking of the top young prospects in baseball.
1. Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles/MLB, Age: 20.7
You could put the four players in this top tier in any order you want. I'm leaning to Holliday, who was only temporarily unseated as my top prospect for Paul Skenes just before the Pirates' ace graduated. Holliday went on a heater in his return to the majors, posting a 1.072 OPS with five homers in his first 10 games back.
2. James Wood, LF, Washington Nationals/MLB, Age: 21.9
Wood is about to graduate from the list and is hitting well in Washington, but he is a corner outfielder with a good-not-great contact rate due to his 6-foot-7 frame.
3. Carson Williams, SS, Tampa Bay Rays/AA, Age: 21.1
Williams is easily a plus defensive shortstop with 25-homer