I'm continuing my sleeper prospect series with the AL East today.
Blue Jays - Hagen Danner
A legitimate two-way prospect coming out of high school, Hagen Danner didn't pan out as a catcher, but started moving rapidly though the system as a reliever. He posted a 12.8 K/9 across three Minors levels, with most of that production coming at AAA. Injuries have been a concern, but he's got a MLB calibre arsenal and could see action for the Blue Jays this season.
Baltimore Orioles - Keagan Gillies
The Orioles system is deep in position players and is now developing a good starter group, but overlooked in the system are the relievers. Keagan Gillies is a name worth watching. He posted a minuscule WHIP just over .8 last season between the A+ and AA levels with a 13.5 K/9 mark as well. With some pitching staff injuries plaguing the O's, Gillies is a guy who could play a role for them this season.
Tampa Bay Rays - Logan Driscoll
The Rays have a seriously woeful catching situation that already caused them to make one move this season, sending down projected starter René Pinto for Alex Jackson. Late-March pickup Ben Rortvedt has emerged as a surprising starter, but there's no guarantee he lasts with the club. Now more than ever, with Blake Hunt out of the system, expect another former Padres 2nd rounder to fill the void as Tampa's next man up - Logan Driscoll. Driscoll had a strong offensive season between the AA and AAA levels last season after a tough 2022, and overall has a good track record of production in the Minors. I'd bet he sees time with the Rays this season.
Boston Red Sox - Jamie Westbrook
I rushed this post today because I wanted to make sure it didn't look like hindsight bias when I posted my Red Sox pick, the journeyman Jamie Westbrook, 28. I've obviously been pounding the drum for this guy for some time, but it doesn't come as a shock to me that the Sox, with serious infield uncertainty, were the team to need him. If his production can translate, I could see him being an excellent super-utility guy for the team at the very worst.
New York Yankees - Jack Neely
The Yankees are off to a great start this season, but that doesn't mean they might not need reinforcements at some point this season. I could see Jack Neely being one of them. Neely has an arsenal that saw him post a 13.6 K/9 last season between the A+ and AA levels, while finishing with a WHIP under .9. That's a fantastic combination that could see him on a Major League mound in due order.
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