rewrite this title Top prospect on every American League team

You may know the veteran stars on every team, but not every fan has a handle on top prospects.

With spring training under way, Yardbarker MLB writers identify the top prospect on every American League team. (2024 regular-season records are in parentheses.)

AL East

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (91-71) | Catcher/1B Samuel Basallo |
MLB.com’s No. 13 prospect is already making waves at spring training. The 20-year-old catcher and first baseman has big power at the plate and a big arm behind it, both of which could fuel his meteoric rise.

BOSTON RED SOX (81-81) | Utilityman Kristian Campbell | How do we even pick one among this deep prospect group? The Red Sox have one of the best farm systems in MLB, but we’ll settle on MLB’s seventh-ranked prospect, a utility player and strong hitter who can man second base, shortstop and outfield.

NEW YORK YANKEES (94-68) | Pitcher Will Warren | The Yankees don’t have many exciting prospects, but Warren could be one of the first men up in the event of a pitching injury. He had a brief stint in the Bronx last year, striking out 29 in 22.2 innings.

TAMPA BAY RAYS (80-82) | Shortstop Carson Williams | He is MLB’s ninth-ranked prospect and the top-ranked shortstop prospect in MLB. That’s high praise for the farmhand who should have a chance to flash his above-average throwing arm and glove at spring training.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (74-88) | Outfielder Alan Roden | The Blue Jays have made it clear how much they love Roden, 25, who will get many opportunities in spring training. He is an on-base machine and a power threat at the plate, posting a .391 on-base percentage and 16 home runs in the minor leagues last season. — Seth Carlson

AL West

ATHLETICS ( (69-93) | Shortstop Jacob Wilson | He used an impressive ability to make contact to rocket through the A’s system after being the sixth overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft. Wilson added 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and has the potential to be the A’s best shortstop since Miguel Tejada. 

HOUSTON ASTROS (88-73) | Outfielder Jacob Melton | He has an intriguing blend of power, speed and excellent defense in center. With the light-hitting Jake Meyers currently atop the depth chart in center, Melton has a chance to take over with a strong showing this spring.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (63-99) | Infielder Christian Moore | He would have made his MLB debut in 2024 had he not been injured. The eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft is getting time at third base and has made a positive impression already in spring training.

SEATTLE MARINERS (85-77) | Third baseman Ben Williamson | He is moving quickly through the team’s  system. Because of questions around the infield, Williamson could solidify his place as part of the future with a strong spring.

TEXAS RANGERS (78-84) | Pitcher Kumar Rocker | He has had a roller coaster of a professional career because of injuries, but Rocker showed promise in brief MLB action last season (14 K’s in 11.2 innings) and could make a case for the Opening Day roster. — David Hill

AL Central  

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (41-121) | Catcher Kyle Teel | He has a clear path to a major league role with only Matt Thaiss and Corey Lee ahead of him on the depth chart. Teel is still developing defensively, but his offensive skills could boost a team in desperate need of major league talent.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (92-69) | OF Chase DeLauter | Injuries have held the outfielder to just 96 games in two professional seasons. If healthy, his all-around offensive ability and athleticism could finally give third baseman Jose Ramirez protection in the lineup.

DETROIT TIGERS (86-76) | Pitcher  Jackson Jobe | He made his major league debut for the Tigers in 2024 (four innings, two K’s) and played in the postseason. Armed with a four pitches that are all considered plus offerings, Jobe is ready to fulfill his top-of-the-rotation potential for the resurgent Tigers.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (86-76) | 1B Jac Caglianone |
A Statcast darling during the Arizona Fall League, the first baseman is a long shot to crack the roster. However, home runs such as the one he hit Sunday show his immense power potential, something sorely needed in Kansas City.

MINNESOTA TWINS (82-80) | Pitcher Eiberson Castellano | Most Rule V Draft selections do not make an impact, but Castellano may be an exception. Armed with a solid three-pitch mix and an ability to generate whiffs, he has excited the Twins.