At this time last year, Evan Carter was waiting for his chance to be a difference maker before finally making an impact on the Texas Rangers’ run to a World Series title.
Carter didn’t make his major league debut until Sept. 8 last season and became a starter in the postseason less than a month later. He ended up collecting two hits and driving in a drive in game 1 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and six hits in five World Series games.
Rookies have a history of making an impact in the playoffs and the list of those who do includes many who have great careers. From Derek Jeter in 1996 to Livan Hernandez in 1997 and Orlando Hernandez in 1998, the pre-2000 playoffs created some monsters from the game.
Then 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 Giants in 2010 and Kyle Schwarber went up for the 2015 Giants. In more recent seasons, Randy Arozarena was down for the Rays in 2020 as was Jeremy Pena for the Astros in 2022 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, admittedly the only players still listed on MLB Pipeline as of Sunday.
Jackson Holliday, 2B-SS, Orioles
Player ranked No. If necessary, Holliday has the first game jitters out of the system and young teammates can help make him feel comfortable.
AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP, Braves
Another player with brief MLB experience, Smith-Shawver’s time to shine is coming. He has one outing for the Braves this year, going 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs. Former Kansas City HS teammate Bobby Witt Jr.
Kyle Manzardo, 1B-DH, Guardian
There’s no denying Manzardo can hit, even though he had a pedestrian .571 OPS in 30-games with the Guardians earlier this season. There are questions about his strength, but Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor provide pop in Cleveland. He had 13 Triple-A homers.
River Ryan, RHP, Dodgers
A former infielder, Ryan transitioned into a full time starting pitcher. He expects to get his first opportunity for the Dodgers on Monday. Los Angeles has run out of picks in the recent playoffs, and Ryan is a fresh arm in an athletic body that has the ability to make a difference.
AJ 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 around if the Astros decide they need him. Not in the top 100 of MLB Pipeline’s list, Bluebaugh could 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 bat switch hitter 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 high walk rates 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 is hitting .296 through 13 July games after collecting eight hits for the Brewers earlier this season.
Jason Dominguez, OF, Yankees
First Tommy John surgery and now an oblique injury have Dominguez on the shelf in Triple-A. Dominguez is expected to be out for a full time, but here’s the thing: the second he’s ready to return to the field, it’s worth bringing back to New York. “The Martian” is good.
Drew Gilbert, OF, Mets
Nearing his return from a hamstring tear, Gilbert doesn’t have much time left to show the Mets that he’s one to watch. Small but strong at 5-foot-9, Gilbert’s play is dynamic, and his energy is infectious. If necessary, Gilbert can walk.
Dalton Rushing, C-1B, Dodgers
The LA roster is jam-packed, but the Dodgers are expected to make moves, and Rushing will be a prized acquisition that can 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.