Spring Scouting: AL Central Non-Roster Invitees
Who is going to make a splash this Spring?
Introduction
Welcome to my second installment of “Spring Scouting” which aims to highlight any intriguing Spring Training players or storylines. This article will cover AL Central Non-Roster Invitees (NRI) ranging from Top Prospects to potential breakout candidates heading into the 2025 season.
To help with my research, I created a Shiny App that generates the Spring Training Roster (including NRI) for each team
Let’s get started!
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Noah Schultz - LHP
Noah Schultz is arguably the best LHP prospect in baseball. His arsenal is headlined by a ridiculous slider which grades out as one of the best pitches in MiLB. He pairs it with a trio of solid offerings and has returned incredible results at such a young age. He may make his MLB debut later in 2025, and we will get a first look at the budding star in the Spring.
Grant Taylor - RHP
Grant Taylor struggled with injuries in his draft year (2023), which caused him to slip down draft boards. He was eventually selected in the 2nd round by the White Sox, but didn’t make his pro debut until more than a year later after Tommy John Surgery. He finally got his time to shine this season and it was wonderful. Taylor gets a ton of extension on his delivery and his arsenal is filled to brim with interesting offerings. The most notable pitch is his new kick changeup which flashes plus-plus shape. Taylor already garnered a lot of praise for his AFL showing, and he will look to build upon this this Spring.
Hagen Smith - LHP
It is always fun when a recent top draft pick gets a NRI to Spring Training. Hagen Smith was my favourite pitching prospect in the draft thanks to his ability to generate swing and miss in the zone with his devastating fastball and slider combo. His Spring appearances will hopefully be the first time we see his Statcast data since he made his pro debut.
Kyle Teel - C
Kyle Teel seemed to be a key piece of the Red Sox future, but he changed the colour of his socks this winter as he was shipped to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet deal. Teel still needs to time to iron out his bat in AAA whereas his arm and blocking skills will make him an entertaining prospect to watch this Spring.
Braden Montgomery - OF
Braden Montgomery was the other major piece that went to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet deal. Montgomery’s tools scream star, but a major injury put a damper on his draft stock in addition to some ugly strikeout problems. He is a high risk. high reward prospect that could light the world on fire if he cleans up his issues. He will be one of the most fun prospects to watch this Spring.
Cleveland Guardians
Ryan Webb - LHP
Ryan Webb was an intriguing option available in the Rule 5 draft, but he went unselected and remained in the Guardians system. Webb is a soft throwing lefty who had a very strong MiLB season in 2024, posting a 2.80 ERA and 3.25 FIP across 141.1 innings. One of Webb’s strongest aspects is his ability to conceal the baseball during his delivery. This added deception helped his changeup return excellent results with a great 49.4 O-Swing% and 38.8 Whiff% in AAA. The biggest knock on him is his weak fastball which sits in the low 90s with poor shape. The Guardian’s rotation is not very deep, so Webb could make a case for himself this Spring to be the next in line once a spot opens up.
Chase DeLauter - RF
Chase DeLauter has been one of my favourite prospects since being drafted in the 2022 draft but a myriad of injuries has limited him to about 1 season worth of pro games. Despite the missed time, DeLauter has raked at every level he has played at and was very effective during his time as a NRI last Spring. We got a glimpse of some of his Statcast data in his short time at AAA and AFL last season, and we should be getting a lot more soon!
Detroit Tigers
Thayron Liranzo - C
The Tigers do not have too many intriguing NRI, but Thayron Liranzo definitely does not fall into that category. Liranzo was a key part of the trade that sent Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers at the deadline. Liranzo possesses plus power with a strong eye which gives him the foundation to be an everyday slugger in the Majors. With a more polished defensive profile Liranzo will continue to climb Top Prospects lists.
Kansas City Royals
Carter Jensen - C
Carter Jensen thrust himself into the conversation as one of the Royals Top Prospects after a strong 2024 season which saw him post a 129 wRC+ across 546 PA. He paired solid power metrics with above average contact metrics and great plate discipline to be one of the more productive catchers in MiLB. He likely won’t make his MLB debut this season, but a glimpse at exciting talent is always fun!
Jac Caglianone - 1B
Jac Caglianone was selected 6th overall in the 2024 draft thanks to his elite raw power. He was a two-way player in the College, but the Royals opted to utilize him as a 1B moving forward, where he should remain effective. He contacts and plate discipline skills need some ironing and he should get a tough challenge against some higher-level competition this Spring.
Minnesota Twins
Cory Lewis - RHP
Not only is Cory Lewis a knuckleballer, he has been a very effective pitcher throughout his MiLB career. Walks will likely always be an issue for Lewis, but he wields a deep arsenal with a hard knuckleball that should give him the edge in plenty of matchups. We got to see how his stuff graded out in AAA last season, and hopefully he impresses the Twins staff enough that he makes his MLB later this season.
Luke Keaschall - 2B
Luke Keaschall was a breakout prospect for the Twins last season as he cruised through Hi-A and AA pitching well. He did all this while dealing with an elbow issue which required Tommy John Surgery. Twins timed his procedure so he would be healthy for 2025 and they welcomed him back with an invitation to Spring Training. Keaschall has an incredible eye and a knack for making contact. He made impressive strides in the power department last season and his on-base skills paired well with his solid speed.
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Hao-Yu Lee feels like he deserves a mention on the Tigers list! He had a 141 wRC+ in 386 PA at AA last year as a 21 year old. Curious to see how it plays against a higher level of competition.