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Iowa Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong. Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Three minor league batters who should still make their MLB debut in 2023

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 8/17/23

The 2023 MLB season is winding down and with teams pushing for the playoffs, it's not uncommon for a few prospects to burst onto the scene and make an impact in the postseason race.

Using MLB.com's recently updated Top 100 prospect list, these three hitters have had standout seasons and have nothing left to prove in the minors.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, outfielder, Chicago Cubs: Acquired from the New York Mets in a trade for shortstop Javier Baez in 2021, Crow-Armstrong looks like a Gold Glove candidate in the outfield with a bat that has developed solid power.

The 21-year-old has appeared in 85 games in 2023 with a .291/.379/.539 slash line to go with 45 XBH and 69 RBI across two minor league levels.

With a career-high 18 home runs this season, his mix of power and speed paired with his outstanding defense give the Cubs an option in the minors who could unlock another level to their offense.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is amazing. Since being promoted to AAA-Iowa:

11 G
13 R
4 HR
7 RBI
3 SB
151 wRC+

.289 AVG | .407 OBP | .622 SLG

Last nights walk-off winner was special.
pic.twitter.com/sYzC8wWTN9
— Chief Cub (@ChiefCub) August 16, 2023

Fighting to claw their way into the playoffs, Crow-Armstrong would instantly give the Cubs one of the better pinch runners and late-game defensive replacements in the National League.

Masyn Winn, shortstop, St. Louis Cardinals: In the middle of a disastrous 2023 season, the Cardinals have to be impressed by the improvements made by Winn.

Known for his defensive ability, including a rocket arm that allows him to make throws that most can't, Winn has shown he has power in his bat and has taken the next step in looking like the future shortstop of the Cardinals.

With only 17 home runs in 217 minor league games entering 2023, Winn has already matched that total this season.

Since the All-Star break, Masyn Winn is making contact on 85% of pitches overall and 95% of pitches in-zone. His exit velocities have also improved throughout the year. Can’t wait to see him in the Majors.#STLCards
pic.twitter.com/jZfYAO5SyM
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) August 14, 2023

With the Cardinals season virtually over, it's time to give Winn a taste of the big leagues to prepare him for the role he will look to capture full-time in 2024.

Heston Kjerstad, outfielder, Baltimore Orioles: The second overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Kjerstad had an injury-riddled start to his career and didn't make his minor league debut until the 2022 season.

All Kjerstad has done is hit the baseball all over the field. The No. 25 prospect in the MLB has slashed .311/.387/.517 with 75 XBH and 83 RBI in 165 games played since his debut while proving he is more than capable of handling his own in the outfield.

Heston Kjerstad Triple-A stats in 53 games

.320 AVG
.387 OBP
.547 SLG
.934 OPS
65 Hits
8 HR
23 RBIs
19 XBH

Would not be shocked if he's a September Call-Up pic.twitter.com/YjuyrNNVJj
— (@kazknowsball) August 16, 2023

In the middle of a battle for the best record in the American League, Kjerstad could offer the Orioles another productive bat to help counter the other powerful offenses in the AL and cement himself as an everyday player in 2024.

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