The NL East has been known for seeing big impact from rookies over the past several years, many from Atlanta. Expect some of the big names to play active roles again, but what about some more under the radar names? Here's one from each team.
Atlanta Braves - Brooks Wilson
Besides prospects of acclaim in Hurston Waldrep and maybe Drake Baldwin, it's hard to see the loaded Braves to see too much action from rookies this year. One other name that could sneak onto the roster at some point is Brooks Wilson, 28. Wilson's a name I've looked at in the past as a sleeper for Atlanta. He missed most of the past two seasons with injury, which makes him even more of a sleeper. He returned late with the same K stuff that he had before injury, including in the AFL.
Miami Marlins - Dane Myers
Dane Myers, 28, was a name I was looking at last year for a mention, but he ultimately missed the cut. While he's no longer the same level of sleeper, having some MLB action under his belt, his monster numbers last year saw him get some prospect love in spite of his advanced age. Myers, a former pitcher, obliterated AA, AAA, and eventually MLB pitching, with a .339/.417/.516 slash line at AAA standing out in particular. Myers narrowly missed the Marlins' OD roster after a monster spring - expect this demotion won't last long.
New York Mets - Nate Lavender
In the midst of a transitional year, the Mets will likely see several prospects play for them this season. Expect Nate Lavender to be one of the first. The 24 year old lefty is a bit of a crafty type, but he owns a 2.32 ERA as a pro and a 13.7 K/9, so that craft clearly works.
Washington Nationals - Tyler Schoff
The Nationals are another team that should see plenty of rookies play for them this year. Would anyone be shocked if all of Dylan Crews, Brady House, James Wood, Yohandy Morales, Trey Lipscomb, DJ Herz, and Darren Baker play for them this year. Here's another name worth keeping an eye on - 25 year old reliever Tyler Schoff. He's got an arsenal of 4-5 pitches with different break action and added velocity from last year. The former UDFA from Bryant should start at AAA, but his arsenal could see him as a big name in Washington's bullpen soon enough. You can read more on Schoff from the following article, where I pulled a lot of this info from.
https://www.romesentinel.com/sports/national/tyler-schoff-talks-about-spring-training/article_20fe0bdc-eae1-11ee-b8df-4b7c27df9264.html
Philadelphia Phillies - Wes Wilson
The irony of knowing a system well is it's hard to tell who is a sleeper anymore. The key I've determined is opportunity. Well, Wes Wilson, 29, may be the man who gets an opportunity. The Phillies have but one spot likely to be held by a rookie this season - Orion Kerkering's BP spot, and he's no sleeper anymore. But Wilson has played well enough in the past ~13 months to where he's a guy who could be the first (or at least one of the first) to take a spot if a position player goes down for the Phillies. He had a monster season at Lehigh that saw him go 30-30, as well as a short loom late in the regular season and a postseason roster spot for a time. The Phillies are no strangers to grizzled rookies (looking at you Chris Coste). Wilson could be the next 30-ish Phillies rookie to play a big role for the team.
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