Spring Scouting: NL Central Non-Roster Invitees
Who is going to make a splash this Spring?
Welcome to my fifth installment of “Spring Scouting” which aims to highlight any intriguing Spring Training players or storylines. This article will cover NL 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!
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Brandon Birdsell - RHP
Brandon Birdsell seems to be a prototypical Cubs pitcher with his cut-fastball being a damage neutralizing option. His stuff isn’t standout, but he elevates his production with fantastic command and consistency. He has the tools which could allow his to readily slot into the Cubs rotation on Opening Day, nonetheless a taste of his upside in Spring is a good appetizer. He was recently placed on the Cubs injury report with a shoulder issue.
Cade Horton - RHP
Horton was poised to make his MLB debut last season before a shoulder injury derailed his season. He made drastic changes to his arsenal, most notably his fastball transforming into a similar offering as Birdsell’s fastball. It was clear that Horton’s production was hampered due to his injury, and hopefully we get a clear picture of his health during the Spring.
Read my Cade Horton scouting report here.
Matt Shaw - 2B
Shaw is Chicago’s 3B of the future and Cubs fans should be excited! He is a power-speed threat that was extremely productive in his AAA stint last season. He displayed above average power metrics and good ability to barrel the ball. He will be fighting for his spot on the Cubs Opening Day roster this Spring.
Cincinnati Reds
Chase Burns - RHP
Burns dominated college and was rewarded with a 2nd overall selection in the 2024 draft by Cincinatti. His stuff is outstanding and we will have out first look at it in pro-ball this Spring. The Reds will likely keep Burns in the minors for a good chunk of the year, but don’t be shocked if he forces their hand.
Read my Chase Burns scouting report here.
Zach Maxwell - RHP
On a pure stuff basis, it is difficult to find a more disgusting pitcher than Maxwell in MiLB. His high riding fastball sits 98-100 MPH and he pairs with a laughably hard cutter/slider. If he can keep his command issues under control, watch for Maxwell to be a high leverage monster for the Reds as soon as this season.
Cam Collier - 3B
Collier was highly touted prospect in the 2022 Draft and had a power breakout in 2024 after he launched 20 HR at 19 years old. His hit tool is still a big question mark, but the bat has the pop to be an impact bat for the Reds in the future.
Sal Stewart - 3B
Stewart has done nothing but rake since making his pro-debut as he’s exhibited solid power and an excellent approach. He is one of the more underrated prospects in baseball and he will have his time to shine during the Spring this season.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jacob Misiorowski - RHP
Not many pitchers in baseball wield 70 Grade offerings, and Jacob Misiorowski has two! His stuff is nutty thanks to his blistering arm speed and massive frame which helps him achieve elite extension on his release. One of Misiorowski’s biggest strengths is also his biggest flaws as his explosive delivery has consistently caused control issues. His upside as a starter is tantalizing and the Brewers will give us a glimpse at Misiorowski’s future this Spring.
Read my Jacob Misiorowski scouting report here.
Craig Yoho - RHP
Yoho is one of the funkiest pitchers in baseball. His primary offering is a high-70s changeup which gets an incredible amount of depth with a ton of arm-side run. He complements this offering with a damage suppressing sinker and an equally wonky, yet oppositely moving, curveball. There really is no pitcher like Yoho, and he leverages his uniqueness to be one of the most dominant relievers in the minors.
Read my Craig Yoho scouting report here.
Cooper Pratt - SS
Pratt’s pro-debut got off to a blazing start after he posted a 136 wRC+ in Lo-A before getting a well deserved promotion to Hi-A. After making the jump, his raw hit tool was exposed a bit against higher level pitching but his raw power was able to shine through.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Bubba Chandler - RHP
Chandler is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, and he has an argument as #1. I currently have him ranked 3rd after he surged up the rankings last season thanks to a much better feel for his changeup. His profile is eerily similar to fellow Pirate Jared Jones, and I would not be surprised if Chandler dominates in Spring and forces Pittsburgh’s hand for an opening day spot.
Read my Bubba Chandler scouting report here.
Thomas Harrington - RHP
Harrington is a command artist with a wide array of pitches. No single offering really stands outs, but with such a stable profile he projects to be a backend starter. I will be interested to see if Harrington makes any tweaks to his arsenal this Spring that may expedite his MLB debut.
Termarr Johnson - 2B
The 2022 4th overall pick supplanted himself as a big power threat in the minors last season as he cruised through Hi-A batters. He was rewarded with a promotion to AA at just 20-years-old where he held his own. He exhibited much better contact rates in the 2024 which bodes well for his development as the Pirates 2B of the future.
St. Louis Cardinals
Cooper Hjerpe - LHP
Hjerpe’s biggest asset is his crossbody whippy delivery from the left side that has always stumped MiLB batters. Injuries have hindered his development, but when he is healthy, he is a treat to watch. This Spring will give us a glimpse at Hjpere’s stuff as the Cardinals play most of their games in Statcast parks.
Read my Cooper Hjerpe scouting report here.
Quinn Mathews - LHP
Mathews cemented himself as a top pitching prospect after he stormed through all 4 levels of MiLB last season before showing signs of fatigue in AAA. His workhorse stature gives him as an innings eating monster, while his deep arsenal and strong secondaries raise his ceiling. It was clear that the workload of a full pro-season caught up to Mathews. I am interested to see how his velocity looks out of the gate this Spring.
Read my Quinn Mathews scouting report here.
Jimmy Crooks - C
While Crooks has always been lauded for his glove, he had an incredible 2024 season which proved that his bat could be a key part of his profile. He has a good eye which pairs well with his ability to make consistent contact. If he can tap into more power, Crooks could easily propel himself up Top 100 Prospect lists.
JJ Wetherholt - SS
We got a glimpse of Wetherholt’s Statcast metrics in Lo-A this season after he was drafted, and boy, were they magnificent. It’s clear that lower minors pitching is no match for his bat which will likely mean he will soar through the Cardinals pipeline this season with Spring Training being his first test.
