Although it is early, a hot start in Spring Training is crucial to earn the trust of the manager and front office. Many players are fighting for roster spots or trying to show potential to move up the minors quickly. These players below are the Spring Training Standouts of Week 1.
Hitters:
Pete Alonso (New York Mets): 3 Games (4 for 6), 2 Doubles, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1.667 SLG, 2.381 OPS
Fresh off his first homer in front of Daryl Strawberry, Alonso is on the brink of a large extension and is red hot to start Spring Training. In 2023, Alonso had a career-worst .318 OBP and .217 AVG. This season, look for Pete to be less reliant on the long ball and a better all-around hitter. His defense took a step back last season and has been an emphasis of Spring Training. Look for Alonso to be amongst the leaders in home runs and doubles this season.
Spencer Jones (New York Yankees): 3 Games (5 for 7), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1.286 SLG, 2.064 OPS
The lengthy 6’6”, 235 lbs. lefty has been crushing the ball both in-game and in batting practice. He is currently the No. 4 prospect in the Yankees system, according to Keith Law, and will most likely start this year in Double-A for Somerset. Veteran Yankee Nick Swisher watched Jones take batting practice and was blown away by the sound off the bat. Cashman has stated many teams call about him and aren’t willing to give him up. If the Yankees wanted Corbin Burnes, it was made clear that Jones would have to be in the deal. It won’t be long till Jones is in the majors and an everyday starting outfielder.
Colton Cowser (Baltimore Orioles): 4 Games (3 for 6), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1.500 SLG, 2.200 OPS
The former 2021 first-round pick from Sam Houston State has shown off his power and hype so far this offseason. He is in a battle for a roster spot with Ryan McKenna and Heston Kjerstad. This hot start needs to continue throughout Spring Training if he wants a spot on the opening-day roster. Last year, he had a very good Triple-A season and could be a decent trade option for teams looking for a 4th outfielder if Cowser doesn’t make the roster.
Robert Hassell (Washington Nationals): 5 Games (5 for 9), 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1.222 SLG, 1.767 OPS
James Wood (Washington Nationals): 5 Games (5 for 11), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1.000 SLG, 1.571 OPS
Both former first-round picks and key pieces of the Juan Soto trade are off to a blazing start.
Hassell and Wood will most likely start the year in Triple-A. In 2023, Wood was the National’s No. 1 prospect, and Hassell was No. 10, according to Fan Graphs. The Nationals’ rebuild has been ongoing for many seasons, and these two rising stars are reasons to be optimistic.
Termarr Johnson (Pittsburgh Pirates): 4 Games (3 for 7), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 1.429 SLG, 1.929 OPS
Another former first-round pick has shown off his power despite a small 5’8”, 175 lbs. frame. At 19 years old, he has shown MLB pitching is no adjustment so far. He will start most likely in Double-A, and will probably stay there all year with a slight chance to get to Triple-A. Similar to the Nationals, the tanking should be over soon with prospects like Johnson coming through their minor league system.
