One of the fun parts of spring training is when players come into camp and surprise even their manager, GM or team president with their early success. Spring “head turners” aren’t limited to unknown players — sometimes it’s an established star, a longtime veteran or a ballyhooed prospect who comes into camp with a new, impressive wrinkle to his game.
I reached out to all 30 teams in search of players who were turning heads this March, and here is one from each organization with a quote from one of their team leaders on each player.
AL EastBaltimore Orioles — Kyle Bradish, RHP
Bradish was one of the Orioles’ best starters in 2023 when he went 12-7 with a 2.83 ERA, a 3.77 FIP and nearly a strikeout per inning in 168 2/3 innings. Bradish continued to pitch well in 2024 and 2025, but elbow injuries limited him to just 14 starts combined in those two seasons. Now he’s finally healthy and is having a terrific spring in terms of stuff, command and control. If he can stay healthy, he could be the difference maker in the O’s rebuilt starting rotation.
Mike Elias, president of baseball operations: “Kyle Bradish looks terrific as he ramps up for his first full season coming off Tommy John surgery. He works tremendously hard, leads by example, and was sorely missed by our team when he was out in 2024-25. Having him back is huge for us.”
Boston Red Sox — Caleb Durbin, 3B
After the Red Sox lost third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, they pivoted and made a trade with the Brewers, acquiring Durbin in a six-player deal. Durbin was a 2025 NL Rookie of the Year finalist and the Red Sox like that he can play above-average defense at both second and third. Manager Alex Cora recently made the decision that Durbin would start the year at third and Marcelo Mayer would play second.
Caleb Durbin will get a crack at replacing Alex Bregman at third base. (Maddie Malhotra / Boston Red Sox / Getty Images)
Durbin has all the intangibles you look for in winning players, including a high baseball IQ. Offensively, he can get on base and has both power and speed. His offense should also benefit from playing half his games with the Green Monster at Fenway.
Craig Breslow, president of baseball operations: “Durbin has integrated seamlessly and shown very strong bat-to-ball skills, good baserunning and strong defense at both third and second.”
New York Yankees — Carlos Lagrange, RHP
Lagrange has put on a show in Yankees camp with his 102-mph fastball helping him live up to his billing as the Yankees’ best pitching prospect. The 22-year-old has been overpowering the hitters he’s faced with that fastball and a swing-and-miss sweeper. His delivery is free and easy and the movement on his pitches is explosive. He even uses a slide step to make it more difficult for hitters.
His floor is an impact closer, and his ceiling is a top-of-the-rotation starter. Lagrange should help the Yankees’ major-league staff this year at some point.
Brian Cashman, GM: “Carlos has as big an arm as you can find with velocity up to 102 mph. His performance has been spectacular. He acts like he belongs. Exciting talent.”
Tampa Bay Rays — Xavier Isaac, 1B
Isaac was the Rays’ 2022 first-round pick out of high school. He utilized his quick and powerful left-handed bat to post a .395 OBP with 18 homers as a 19-year-old in 2023. He reached Double A in 2024, continuing to get on base at a good clip and hitting for power.
In July of last year, a routine scan after he experienced what was thought to be dehydration revealed a brain tumor. He had successful surgery immediately to remove the tumor that put his career in jeopardy, and an outstanding medical team was able to help him make a full recovery. Incredibly, he’s back on the field this spring, with full medical clearance.
He won’t make the Rays’ roster out of camp because he’s blocked by first basemen Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Díaz, but with a solid year in the minors, he should be major-league ready by the end of 2026 or the start of 2027.
Erik Neander, president of baseball operations: “After everything he’s been through to have X back on the field doing what he loves, it’s a perspective changer. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Toronto Blue Jays — Brandon Valenzuela, C
The Blue Jays acquired Valenzuela from the Padres at last year’s trade deadline in a deal for infielder Will Wagner. San Diego originally signed him as an international free agent out of Mexico. He’s a strong defensive catcher with average power but a questionable “hit” tool. Last year, between Double A and Triple A, he hit .224 with 20 doubles and 15 homers.
With Toronto starting catcher Alejandro Kirk away for the World Baseball Classic, Valenzuela has been afforded playing time he normally wouldn’t have and has taken advantage of that, hitting well and giving competition to 34-year-old Tyler Heineman for the backup role.
Ross Atkins, GM: “Brandon has made the most of significant playing time while demonstrating progress offensively.”
AL CentralChicago White Sox — Sam Antonacci, INF
Antonacci was the White Sox’s 2024 fifth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina. A left-handed hitter, Antonacci slashed .291/.433/.409 at three minor-league levels and stole 48 bases last season. He can play everywhere in the dirt except first base, with second base probably his best position. He profiles as a future table setter as a hitter.
Chris Getz, GM: “Sam continues to impress in March albeit most of his production has come on the WBC national stage with Team Italy. He’s been an organizational favorite since being drafted in 2024. His offensive process is advanced with plus swing decisions, high contact and increasing power. He runs the bases with his hair on fire and an overall baseball IQ that’s as high as anyone’s in the organization. He’s a fun player to watch.”
Cleveland Guardians — Chase DeLauter, OF
The Guardians are counting on their young hitters to have breakout seasons, which is why they weren’t more aggressive this offseason to improve their offense. The one player who really stands out this spring for them is DeLauter, who looks like he’s going to be a star. He has plus bat speed, makes loud contact and knows the strike zone well for a young hitter. He has been productive so far this spring and has used the whole field. DeLauter has a chance to be the Guardians’ second-best hitter behind future Hall of Famer José Ramírez.
Mike Chernoff, GM: “Building on last year’s brief taste of the major leagues in our playoff appearances, Chase DeLauter has had a great camp. He continues to put up high-quality at-bats, combining a strong sense of the strike zone with the ability to impact the ball for damage.”
Detroit Tigers — Jace Jung, 3B
I wanted to write about rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle, who will be my preseason pick for AL Rookie of the Year, but there’s already been a lot written about him this spring, so instead I went with another player turning heads in Jace Jung.
Jace Jung has made adjustments at the plate and is fielding the ball well at third base this spring. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
Jung was the Tigers’ 2022 first-round pick out of Texas Tech. He’s the younger brother of Rangers third baseman Josh Jung. He’s having a terrific spring at the plate and is playing solid defense at the hot corner. Last year at Triple A, he hit .252 with 17 homers but struggled in his major-league debut, batting just .106 in 55 plate appearances. He’s made mechanical changes and scouts are buzzing about how hard he’s been hitting the ball and how he’s hit to all fields.
Scott Harris, president of baseball operations: “Jace committed to a significant swing change and his hard work is paying off. The contact and damage we’ve seen this spring is impressive.”
Kansas City Royals — Dennis Colleran, RHP
Colleran was the Royals’ 2024 seventh-round pick out of Northeastern and in his first year of professional ball in 2025, he went from Low A to High A and even pitched in one game at Double A, going a combined 9-0 with a 2.85 ERA in 66 1/3 innings with 72 strikeouts. He was so dominant that he represented the Royals in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted an impressive 1.17 ERA over seven relief appearances. He’s on a fast track to the majors and I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes his major-league debut sometime this year once his slider becomes more consistent and he throws more strikes.
Matt Quatraro, manager: “Dennis has been absolutely electric. He has an upper-90s fastball coming out of a low arm slot with an emerging slider. Hitters have really had uncomfortable at-bats against him.”
Minnesota Twins — Mick Abel, RHP
The Twins acquired Abel last year at the deadline in the deal that sent closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies. Abel was the Phillies’ 2020 first-round pick out of high school. He’s always had dominant stuff but his command and control have lagged behind. Last year in Triple A, he took a huge step forward in 18 starts, posting a 2.20 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 98 innings, but he also walked 40 batters. He struggled at the major-league level, with a 6.23 ERA over 39 innings. This spring, his command and control have improved on all of his pitches and he’s thrown strikes. If he can take that into the regular season, he could be ready to break out.
Jeremy Zoll, GM: “Mick built on a great final outing in Philadelphia to end the 2025 season with a very productive offseason. He came into camp looking sharp and has been filling up the zone with a ton of strikes and loud stuff. Mick has further sharpened and refined two of his breaking balls, which gives him a full mix and a lot of weapons to navigate lineups.”
AL WestAthletics — Gage Jump, LHP
Jump was the A’s 2024 second-round pick out of LSU. He split last season between High A and Double A, posting a 3.28 ERA in 112 2/3 innings, allowing just 90 hits with 131 strikeouts. He also pitched in the Futures Game. His fastball is 93-95 mph but gets to 97 mph when he needs to. He throws from a deceptive arm angle and has good four-seam life up in the zone. His curveball has good downward break, and his slider/cutter is effective. He also mixes in an occasional changeup. He profiles as a potential mid-rotation starter when fully developed.
David Forst, GM: “Gage has been very impressive in camp this year. His stuff has played well against big-league hitters, and it feels like it’s just a matter of him refining some things in Triple A before he’s ready to contribute in Sacramento.”
Houston Astros — Mike Burrows, RHP
The Astros made a three-way trade with the Rays and Pirates this offseason, landing Burrows from Pittsburgh. So far, the trade looks like a winner for the Astros. Houston GM Dana Brown personally witnessed Burrows beat his club last June 4, when he combined on a shutout, and that performance was a key reason why the Astros traded for him.
Burrows threw 96 innings for the Pirates in a swingman role last year, with a 3.94 ERA and 97 strikeouts. Opposing batters hit just .147 against his changeup and .203 against his slider. He also brings a positive edge and bulldog mentality to the clubhouse.
Dana Brown, GM: “Mike has thrown the ball very well with the pressure of big shoes to fill. He is up to 98 mph with quality secondary stuff. He’s very competitive and looking to make his presence known in Houston. He works extremely hard.”
Los Angeles Angels — Nelson Rada, OF
Rada is the Angels’ best hitting prospect and their long-term answer in center field. The 20-year-old was signed out of Venezuela in 2022 and last year made it to Triple A as a teenager. He stole 54 bases and posted a .398 OBP between Double A and Triple A.
Rada is a plus defender in center with elite range and an above-average arm. He can really fly and is aggressive at the plate. Once he dedicates himself and takes his work ethic to the highest level possible, he’ll make an impact in the majors. I won’t be surprised if he makes his MLB debut before the end of the season. He has a chance to develop into a perennial All-Star caliber center fielder.
Kurt Suzuki, manager: “Trust me, I’m a huge Nelson Rada fan, as is everyone else in this organization. For me, he’s already a great hitter. So, when the power comes, who knows? This guy could be unbelievable. It’s just a matter of putting in the work consistently.”
Seattle Mariners — Cole Young, 2B
The Mariners are hoping that Young is ready to take over second base as their long-term answer at the position. Last year at Triple A, he slashed .277/.392/.461 in 54 games before Seattle promoted him to the majors, where he hit .211/.302/.305 with seven doubles and four homers in 77 games. He’s had a really good spring and looks bigger, stronger and more confident than last year.
Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations: “Cole has really impressed. He very clearly took his offseason seriously. Came to camp leaner, stronger and more explosive. He’s been outstanding this spring.”
Justin Hollander, GM: “Cole has been pretty dynamic on both sides of the ball. He came into camp in great shape and it’s really paying dividends. He’s played excellent defense at second base and has really found a rhythm at the plate making hard contact to all fields while controlling the strike zone.”
Texas Rangers — Evan Carter, CF
Carter was the Rangers’ 2020 second-round pick. He made his major-league debut in September 2023 and quickly became a key bat for the Rangers on their way to winning the World Series. However, his past two seasons have been filled with injuries and underperformance. In 2024, he hit just .188 in only 56 MLB games and followed that up with a .247 average last year in just 63 games at the big-league level.
Injuries have really impacted Evan Carter over the past two years. (Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images)
He’s now finally healthy, in arguably the best physical shape of his career and is looking like the player who first arrived in the majors three years ago. He has a great blend of power and speed and can run the ball down in center field with strong jumps, good angles and range. This could be his breakout season — don’t sleep on him.
Chris Young, president of baseball operations: “Evan has been extremely impressive this spring. He is more physical, continues to demonstrate a great approach and a dynamic blend of speed and slug, while playing elite defense in center field.”
NL EastAtlanta Braves — Mike Yastrzemski, LF
The Braves signed Yastrzemski as a free agent in an effort to improve their outfield depth behind Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar. What they didn’t know at the time was that Profar would be suspended for the season due to another positive PED test, opening the lane for Yastrzemski to be their everyday left fielder. Yastrzemski started last year with the Giants before being traded to the Royals at the deadline. On the season, he hit .233/.333/.403 with 28 doubles and 17 home runs in 146 games. He looks ready to be an everyday player for the Braves this season, as he was for much of his Giants’ tenure.
Alex Anthopoulos, president of baseball operations: “Mike has had a fantastic spring training on both sides of the ball. He’s also fit seamlessly into our clubhouse.”
Miami Marlins — Eury Pérez, RHP
Pérez was one of the best pitching prospects in baseball when he arrived in the majors in 2023. That season, he made 19 starts with a 3.15 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings. Then he underwent Tommy John surgery, missing the rest of the 2023 season and all of 2024. He returned last year, making 20 starts, going 7-6 with a 3.68 FIP.
He’s been refining his secondary pitches this spring and continues to learn from Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara on how to carry himself on and off the field.
Peter Bendix, president of baseball operations: “Eury had a fantastic offseason and is ready to take a big step forward. His secondary pitches continue to improve, his fastball is otherworldly, and he’s just scratching the surface of how good he could be.”
New York Mets — A.J. Ewing — 2B/OF
Ewing was the Mets’ 2023 fourth-round selection out of high school. He played at three levels last season (Low A through Double A) and slashed an impressive .315/.401/.429 with 70 stolen bases. He was one of the reasons the Mets felt comfortable dealing Jett Williams in the Freddy Peralta swap. Ewing is a strong defender at multiple positions and can play all three outfield spots as well as second base. He’s an above-average hitter with burner speed.
David Stearns, president of baseball operations: “A.J. has done a very nice job in his first major-league camp. He’s competed well on both sides of the ball, showing he can impact a game and help a team win in a variety of ways.”
Philadelphia Phillies — Bryson Stott, 2B
Whenever I hear “AOK” by Tai Verdes, I immediately think about Stott because that’s been his walk-up song for most of his career. Last year, he hit 13 homers and stole 24 bases for the Phillies. What gets lost is how good he was in the final 61 games of the regular season. After making adjustments, he hit .294 with a .368 OBP while making more contact and reducing his strikeout rate. He’s also an elite baserunner.
Bryson Stott made adjustments at the plate midway through last season that have carried over into this spring. (Cliff Welch / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At age 28, he looks ready for his breakout season and this spring could be a preview, as he’s looked fantastic, reaching base frequently and hitting for power.
Preston Mattingly, GM: “Bryson has played a major role in our team’s success since breaking into the major leagues. Early in camp, he’s picked up right where he left off with the offensive adjustments he made in the second half. He continues to add value to our club with his defense and baserunning.”
Washington Nationals — Cade Cavalli, RHP
Cavalli was the Nationals’ 2020 first-round pick out of Oklahoma. During his minor-league career, he was known for his triple-digit fastball and overpowering stuff but also for his control and command issues. He had Tommy John surgery in March 2023 and finally returned to the majors in 2025, posting a 4.25 ERA in 10 starts.
He showed up this spring with a handlebar mustache, having made adjustments to his pitching plan and pitch sequencing, and the results have been so positive that he was named the team’s Opening Day starter. The once top pitching prospect is primed for his breakout year.
Paul Toboni, president of baseball operations: “Cade has made some adjustments to his pitch mix that we’re all very excited about. But most excited about the guy that he is, the leader that he is … he’s an extremely competitive, accountable player who can serve as a model for others on the team.”
NL CentralChicago Cubs — Moisés Ballesteros, C/DH/1B
Ballesteros was signed out of Venezuela in 2021 and he finally reached the majors last season, playing 20 games and hitting .298. He raked in Triple A, slashing an impressive .316/.385/.474 with 29 doubles and 13 homers.
This spring, he has held his own at the plate. At the very least, he looks like a strong platoon bat for the Cubs against right-handed pitching. The Cubs believe that he will be good enough defensively to be an everyday catcher in time, but for now his best role is as a platoon designated hitter against righties. He has above-average bat-to-ball skills and can hit all types of pitches, including high velocity, sharp breaking balls and off-speed offerings. He’ll use the entire field to hit line drives with elite exit velocity.
Carter Hawkins, Cubs GM: “Moisés is a natural hitter with a knack for finding barrels and a mature approach that is beyond his age.”
Cincinnati Reds — Matt McLain, 2B
McLain had a successful rookie season in 2023, slashing an impressive .290/.357/.507. He then missed the entire 2024 season following surgery to repair a left shoulder labrum tear and cartilage damage. He returned last year but was not able to get back to that 2023 form, instead slashing a disappointing .220/.300/.343. Now, another year removed from shoulder surgery, McLain appears to be 100 percent and is looking like the player he was in 2023, hitting for significant power.
Nick Krall, president of baseball operations: “Matt has been outstanding in camp. He has taken good at-bats and hit for power. He has also played great defense.”
Brad Meador, GM: “He’s fully healthy and looks like himself again. Staying on the ball better, using the whole field and really driving the ball well.”
Milwaukee Brewers — Brandon Sproat, RHP
Sproat was one of the prospects the Brewers received from the Mets in the Freddy Peralta deal. The Mets’ 2022 third-round pick had a 4.24 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 121 Triple-A innings. He made four starts for the Mets, putting up a 4.79 ERA over 20 2/3 innings.
After getting his feet wet in the majors with the Mets, Brandon Sproat is pitching for a larger role on the Brewers’ staff. (Katie Stratman / Imagn Images)
Sproat’s four-seam fastball is mostly 95-97 but can get to 99. He throws a lot of sinkers to right-handed hitters and has an effective hard sweeper that’s in the mid-80s. He has a hard slider and changeup, as well, and needs work on velocity variations with all his pitches. He profiles as a mid-rotation starter when fully developed.
Matt Arnold, president of baseball operations: “Sproat came in as part of a big trade for Freddy Peralta but has fit right into the group immediately. He’s been very impressive in a number of ways. Really good person and presence, very athletic and our coaches say he’s been a joy to work with. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Pittsburgh Pirates — Jared Triolo, 3B
Triolo was a competitive balance round B pick of the Pirates in 2019 and made it to the big leagues in 2023. He’s played regularly for Pittsburgh the past two seasons, and it looks like he’s finally making adjustments at the plate this spring. He’s a plus defender and last year played all four infield positions for Pittsburgh. His positional flexibility is a huge plus for their roster. He has all the intangibles and is an under-the-radar type impact player.
Ben Cherington, GM: “Everyone knows Jared can defend and he’s been equally as good at shortstop and third base this spring. The consistency of his at-bats has maintained since the second part of last season. He’s a ballplayer.”
St. Louis Cardinals — Joshua Báez, OF
Báez was the Cardinals’ 2021 second-round pick out of high school. He was slow to develop until last year, when he broke out and slashed .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 stolen bases between High A and Double A. He and Konnor Griffin of the Pirates were the only players in the minors to hit 20 homers and steal 50 bags.
Báez can play all three outfield positions but will end up at one of the corners and he has the arm to play right field. If he continues to make adjustments, he could be in the majors by summer.
Chaim Bloom, president of baseball operations: “Josh made such great strides in 2025 that we were hoping to see him carry into this spring, and he’s done that so far. Just as important, the way he carried himself in big-league camp was top-notch. He showed maturity and focus that has us very much looking forward to what he’ll do in Triple A once the season starts.”
NL WestArizona Diamondbacks — Jose Fernandez, INF
Fernandez is turning heads in spring training and although he’s blocked at the major-league level at shortstop by Geraldo Perdomo, his value is skyrocketing. He signed with Arizona as a 17-year-old in 2021 and last year reached Double A as a 21-year-old, slashing .272/.321/.454. He’s an above-average defender at second base, shortstop and third base. The “hit” and “power” tools have continued to improve, and he has scouts buzzing. He’s expected to start the year in Triple A.
Mike Hazen, GM: “Jose has steadily gotten better every year in the system and has the ability to stay at shortstop with emerging power.”
Colorado Rockies — Kyle Karros, 3B
Karros is the son of former Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros. He was the Rockies’ 2023 fifth-round pick out of UCLA. Last year in the minors, Karros slashed .301/.398/.476 before being promoted to the big leagues, where he hit .226 in 43 games. He has a strong middle-of-the-field approach, and his in-game power should come in time. Karros’ spring has been impressive on both sides of the ball and he is now in Colorado’s long-term plans.
Josh Byrnes, GM: “He’s been impressive in all phases. Swinging the bat well. Running the bases. Playing very good defense.”
Los Angeles Dodgers — Alex Freeland, INF
Freeland has taken advantage of the absence this spring of Tommy Edman (injury) and Hyeseong Kim (WBC), getting an extended chance to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. Freeland’s ability to play above-average defense at both second and third base and his switch-hitting ability enhance his chances of making the team. He’s grinded at-bats and drawn walks this spring, and scouts and front office executives have taken notice.
Brandon Gomes, GM: “Alex has been really impressive all spring. He’s worked really hard with our hitting group, and his swing looks great from both sides. He’s also displayed outstanding at-bat quality along with strong defense at multiple positions.”
San Diego Padres — Randy Vásquez, RHP
Vásquez was part of the Padres’ return from the Yankees in the Juan Soto trade before the 2024 season. He has been the Padres’ most impressive starting pitcher so far this spring, securing his spot in the back of San Diego’s rotation. Last year, he had a 3.84 ERA in 133 2/3 innings for San Diego. His fastball and sweeper were particularly effective.
Randy Vásquez had a strong 2025 season with the Padres and has looked even better this spring. (Matt Thomas / San Diego Padres / Getty Images)
This spring, his fastball has been sitting at 96-98 mph with movement. Besides the fastball, he’s been throwing every pitch and the kitchen sink at hitters, as the injured Yu Darvish has been one of his mentors. Only time will tell what his repertoire and pitch sequencing will look like this year, but the early returns in spring training have been promising.
Craig Stammen, manager: “Yu Darvish is trying to teach Randy how to be the Dominican Yu Darvish.”
San Francisco Giants — Bryce Eldridge, 1B/DH
The Giants opened the spring with the idea that Rafael Devers would play first base and Bryce Eldridge would DH, with the thought that Devers was the better defender. However, Eldridge has worked hard on defensive technique and has shown plus range to his right and a much-improved ability to scoop balls out of the dirt. He has two great teachers to assist him in Giants special assistant Will Clark and infield coach Ron Washington.
Devers is still expected to be the starting first baseman, but Eldridge could start the year as the DH and then spell Devers at first. He’s showing such improvement defensively that the Giants could also decide it would be best for his development to start the year in Triple A to get regular reps at first. They know the CBA says if he makes the team out of camp, they could get a first-round comp pick if he ends up the NL Rookie of the Year. His bat and power will undoubtedly make him a star in San Francisco eventually. In the meantime, the Giants face a fascinating decision over where he starts the season.
Zack Minasian, GM: “Bryce’s defensive progression has really turned heads this spring. His work ethic combined with the instruction and teaching of infield coach Ron Washington, who brings the knowledge and energy, has been great to observe.”