It's that time of year in which you see teams have prospects move up around various MLB organizations, and it's no different for our FanSided 15, our Top 15 MLB prospect rankings list.
Since this is the time of the year in which you see various college and high school graduations taking place, our list is no different as we look at how MLB Pipeline and Baseball America have adjusted their lists with several players who have "graduated" to major league regulars.
We will continue to add our own observations as we get back on a regular schedule on updating this Top 15. So let's start with prospect number 15.
MLB Prospect Rankings: The FanSided 15 in June
15. LHP Kyle Harrison: San Francisco Giants
Baseball America 32 | MLB Pipeline 15
In 2022, Harrison swiftly advanced from High-A Eugene to Richmond, significantly contributing to Richmond's post-season appearance. I saw him strike out nine in his debut post-season appearance in Erie, an impressive performance for a 20-year-old that influenced my decision to rank him 15th.
His strikeout prowess is notable, with 127 strikeouts in 84 innings at Double-A, and a 39.8% whiff percentage — the highest in the minor leagues. His effective slider, changeup, and fastball have propelled him to Triple-A Sacramento this season, where he has maintained his striking form with 66 strikeouts in 38 innings.
Given his current performance, it would not be surprising to see him wearing a Giants uniform soon.
14.SS Jackson Merrill: San Diego Padres
Baseball America 17 | MLB Pipeline 14
Padres' fans got a good look at Merrill during spring training, while many regulars were absent because of the World Baseball Classic. Merrill made a strong impression against major league regulars, a performance he's carried into his first season with High-A Fort Wayne. In May, he hit .329, posted an on-base percentage of .341 and a slugging percentage of .482. Recently, he's had 11 hits in 22 at-bats.
According to MLB Pipeline, all the Padres' top five prospects are under 21, with Merrill ranked first. A boon for San Diego indeed.
13. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong: Chicago Cubs
Baseball America 16 | MLB Pipeline 14
The growth of Crow-Armstrong's offensive profile is paying off well for the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong, who was already known for his glove, continues to hit for power, with ISO numbers over .200 since his swing change last season.
After a slow start, Armstrong has been hitting the ball as of late, with three home runs over the last week to go along with an OPS of 1.000. (7-for-20) with most of the power coming off righties.
12: Catcher Diego Cartaya: LA Dodgers
Baseball America: 14 | MLB Pipeline: 12
Cartaya was ranked 12th on our initial list and felt did not need to change much as he went up two spots on Baseball America's list. The hitting for average still has not showed up for Cartaya but, that power has been present, hitting in four straight games to end the month of May. He also finished May strong, posting a wRC of 110+.
11: SS Jordan Lawlar: Diamondbacks
Baseball America:11 | MLB Pipeline: 8
Lawlar ended May on a high note, posting a .341 batting average since May 23 with a nine-game hitting streak. His ranking in our Top 15 hasn't changed, but with a continued strong performance in June, he could climb higher.
This section of the Top 15 has witnessed a single promotion to the majors and some upward movement. Right-hander Eury Perez, who was ranked 9th in our first list, has lived up to expectations for Miami, achieving a 2.25 ERA in five starts. So who are some new faces, ranked 10 through 7?
10. OF Evan Carter: Texas Rangers
Baseball America:10 | MLB Pipeline: 9
Carter is new to the list, but for those who have been following his steady rise through the Rangers system, this should come to no surprise. He shows a good hit tool as MLB Pipeline graded him with a "60" with a good command of the strike zone and speed on the basepaths.
This second round surprise continues to impress scouts for his advance skills at Double-A Frisco, where he is currently hitting .276.
9: RHP Andrew Painter: Phillies
Baseball America: 8 | MLB Pipeline: 10
Painter, as discussed before, is still out as he continues to rehab a sprained UCL.
8:Noelvi Marte: Cincinnati Reds
Baseball America: 78 | MLB Pipeline: 21
Consider Marte for a moment. He was recently named the Southern League Double-A Player of the Month, during which he put forth a remarkable performance. Marte hit .343, posted an on-base percentage of .409 and a slugging percentage of .626, striking out only 15 times over 110 plate appearances.
Although the Southern League favors hitters, Marte's future may lie at third base, with Elly De La Cruz potentially filling the shortstop role. Standing at 6-foot-4, Marte has a commanding presence and can hit to all fields. Originally drafted by Seattle, he has delivered at every level and continues to excel in his first full season in Double-A. The Reds have a deep system and with the call-up of De La Cruz, Marte is the next name to watch.
7: RHP Gavin Williams: Cleveland Guardians
Baseball America:13 | MLB Pipeline: 17
Watching Williams carve up Double-A Erie, the Detroit Tigers affiliate, in the first game of the season, quickly proved he had no business being in Akron. Cleveland agreed and continues to dominate since his promotion to Columbus, posting a K per 9 of 12.41 in 37 innings of work. Plus fastball to pair up with a slider and curve. He should be in Cleveland sometime soon.
6: OF James Wood: Washington Nationals
Baseball America: 9 | MLB Pipeline: 7
Wood was recently promoted to Double-A Harrisburg on May 28 and has had a nice start during his promotion, going 7-for-26 with a pair of home runs. A pretty good debut by the left-handed hitting Wood, who was one of the prize prospects the Nats picked up in the Juan Soto deal.
5: SS Marcelo Mayer: Boston Red Sox
Baseball America: 12 | MLB Pipeline: 5
Like Wood, Mayer was also recently promoted to Double-A Portland and made his debut on the final day of May. After starting 0-for-19, Mayer went 3-for-4 on Sunday. He moves up from eight to five on the list because he continues to produce and shows good bat to ball skills.
4: SS Jackson Holliday: Baltimore Orioles
Baseball America: 6 | MLB Pipeline: 3
I thought Holliday would be in the Top 5 by the end of July. I was wrong. It has come sooner than that as he continues to hit High-A pitching without too many problems. He hit .330/.458/.565 with an OPS of 1.023. What has been the most impressive stat is the power numbers, with an ISO over .200. Remember, he just turned 19 in December.
3: SS Elly De La Cruz: Cincinnati Reds
Baseball America: 3 | MLB Pipeline: 4
Elly De La Cruz made his major league debut for the Reds on Tuesday against the Dodgers and received a standing ovation.
After recording a .297 batting average, .398 on-base percentage, and .633 slugging percentage at Triple-A, coupled with an impressive weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 152, De La Cruz joins Matt McLain, who was called up earlier this season, to form one of the most potent offenses from the left side of the infield.
Standing at 6-foot-5, De La Cruz is among the fastest players you'll see, taking long strides on the base path. His power is also evident, demonstrated by his batting cleanup in his professional debut and playing third base.
2: OF Jackson Chourio: Milwaukee Brewers
Baseball America: 1 | MLB Pipeline: 2
Chourio remains secure in his second spot on the list, continuing to adjust well as the youngest player in Double-A. He was recently highlighted in the fourth episode of "The Freshman," a professionally produced and visually appealing video by MLB.com.
Based on the recent activity on our number one prospect, it will not be too long before Chourio takes over the top spot.
1. OF Jordan Walker: Cardinals
Baseball America: 2 | MLB Pipeline: 1
Walker has returned to the Cardinals following Lars Nootbaar's placement on the injured list. The primary challenge for Walker? He needs to increase his fly ball rate, currently at a 59% groundball rate.
He got some advice from his teammate down in Memphis, Taylor Motter that may help him achieve more lift. Per Forbes.com, Motter told Walker he needed to catch more ball out front, so essentially, he needs to swing earlier.
