2022 American League Futures Game Roster, Player-By-Player Analysis — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Image credit: Anthony Volpe (Photo by Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images)

Major League Baseball announced the 2022 Futures Game rosters on Thursday. Below you can find the complete American League roster with player-by-player analysis and stats through June 30.

The American League will be managed by former shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The coaching staff includes long-time former big leaguers Adrian Beltre (hitting coach), Edwin Jackson (pitching coach) and Gary Matthews Jr. (first base coach). Former White Sox and Mets manager Jerry Manuel will serve as bench coach.

Position player capsules are written by Kyle Glaser. Pitcher capsules are written by Geoff Pontes.

PITCHERS

Brayan Bello, Red Sox
Taj Bradley, Rays
Hunter Brown, Astros
Ky Bush, Angels
Wilmer Flores, Tigers
Emerson Hancock, Mariners
Jack Leiter, Rangers
Ricky Tiedemann, Blue Jays
Ken Waldichuk, Yankees
Yosver Zulueta , Blue Jays

CATCHERS

Yainer Diaz, Astros
Dillon Dingler, Tigers
Shea Langeliers, Athletics

INFIELDERS

Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
Curtis Mead, Rays
Jhonkensy Noel, Guardians
Nick Pratto, Royals
Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox
Spencer Steer, Twins
Anthony Volpe, Yankees

OUTFIELDERS

Denzel Clarke, Athletics
Oscar Colas, White Sox
Jasson Dominguez, Yankees
George Valera, Guardians
Matt Wallner, Twins

PITCHERS

Brayan Bello, RHP, Red Sox (Triple-A Worcester)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170.

SOURCE: Dominican Republic.

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Red Sox, July 2, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Signed for just $28,000, Bello has made significant progress over the last two seasons by adding velocity and honing his three-pitch mix.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bello keeps hitters off balance with a fastball that sits 95-98 mph and touches 100 with sink. He pairs his heater with a hard mid-80s slider with tight spin and a dynamic changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Brayan Bello	BOS	9	4	2.49	14	13	0	80	53	6	30	106

Taj Bradley, RHP, Rays (Double-A Montgomery)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190.

SOURCE: Redan HS, Stone Mountain, Ga.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Rays in fifth round of 2018 draft.

BACKGROUND: Primarily an outfielder in high school, Bradley shifted to the mound in pro ball. He led the minor leagues with a 1.83 ERA in 2021.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bradley sits 95-97 mph on a fastball with late life and relies on an upper-80s slider as his primary secondary pitch. He’ll mix in an upper-70s curveball and a high-80s changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Taj Bradley	TBR	2	1	1.82	13	13	0	59	40	4	14	71

Hunter Brown , RHP, Astros (Triple-A Sugar Land)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 212.

SOURCE: Wayne State (Mich.).

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Astros in fifth round of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: A Detroit native who starred for Division II Wayne State in his hometown, Brown now shares an organization with his idol Justin Verlander.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Brown pairs a fastball that touches 100 mph with a low-90s slider, low-80s curveball and a rarely-used changeup. His powerful arsenal drives eye-popping strikeout rates.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Hunter Brown	HOU	5	3	2.42	15	10	1	67	44	3	30	92

Ky Bush, LHP, Angels (Double-A Rocket City)
Age: 22. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-6. WT: 240.

SOURCE: St. Mary’s.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Angels in second round of 2021 draft.

BACKGROUND: Bush pitched for Washington State and Central Arizona JC before landing at St. Mary’s, where he was one of the top West Coast arms.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Bush uses his four-pitch-mix to drive ground balls and weak contact. His fastball sits 92-94 mph and touches 96. He throws a low-80s slider, mid-70s curveball and mid-80s changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Ky Bush	LAA	5	2	3.36	12	12	0	62	53	7	17	58

Wilmer Flores, RHP, Tigers (Double-A Erie)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 225.

SOURCE: Arizona Western JC.

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as nondrafted free agent by Tigers, July 10, 2020.

BACKGROUND: The younger brother of the MLB player of the same name, Flores signed with Detroit after going unselected in the five-round 2020 draft.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Flores mixes a fastball that sits 92-94 mph and touches 98 with a mid-80s slider with substantial sweep and a high-70s curveball with heavy break.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Wilmer Flores	DET	4	2	2.47	14	13	0	55	49	6	10	79

Emerson Hancock, RHP, Mariners (Double-A Arkansas)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 213.

SOURCE: Georgia.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Mariners in first round (sixth overall) of 2020 draft.

BACKGROUND: A Georgia prep who made it to campus in Athens, Hancock spent three years in the Bulldogs’ rotation, notching a 1.95 ERA in 2019.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Hancock has a three-pitch mix led by a fastball that sits 93-94 mph and tops out at 96. He features two primary secondaries in a bat-missing, low-80s slider and a changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Emerson Hancock	SEA	1	2	3.03	8	8	0	30	21	5	8	28

Jack Leiter, RHP, Rangers (Double-A Frisco)
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 205.

SOURCE: Vanderbilt.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Rangers in first round (second overall) of 2021 draft.

BACKGROUND: The son of former MLB lefthander Al Leiter, Jack has been a high-profile prospect dating back to his high school days in New Jersey.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Leiter’s mid-90s fastball is a standout offering because of its late life and ride. His secondaries consist of a mid-80s slider, a high-70s curveball and a mid-80s changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Jack Leiter	TEX	2	6	5.36	13	12	0	49	44	4	28	60

Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Blue Jays (High-A Vancouver)
Age: 19. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-4. WT: 220.

SOURCE: Golden West (Calif.) JC.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Blue Jays in third round of the 2021 draft.

BACKGROUND: Tiedemann went unselected in the five-round 2020 draft. He enrolled in junior college and pitched his way into the third round last year.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Tiedemann’s velocity has increased substantially in pro ball. He now sits 94-95 mph and touches 98. He also throws a sweepy low-80s slider and a knee-buckling changeup.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Ricky Tiedemann	TOR	5	1	1.40	12	12	0	58	27	1	19	90

Ken Waldichuk, LHP, Yankees (Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre)
Age: 24. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-4. WT: 220.

SOURCE: St. Mary’s.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Yankees in fifth round of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: Waldichuk made changes to his mechanics after the 2020 minor league season was canceled and saw a dramatic increase in velocity.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Waldichuk has a strong pitch mix, led by a mid-90s fastball and sweepy slider with jaw-dropping horizontal break. He mixes in a knee-buckling changeup and a high-70s curveball.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Ken Waldichuk	NYY	6	2	2.00	13	13	0	63	40	4	26	95

Yosver Zulueta , RHP, Blue Jays (Double-A New Hampshire)
Age: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 190.

SOURCE: Cuba

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Blue Jays, June 11, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Zulueta’s pro career was delayed by injuries in 2019 and 2021. He began this season at Low-A before rocketing to Double-A in late June.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Zulueta’s electric fastball sits 96-97 mph and touches triple digits. His four-pitch mix includes a changeup as well as a slider and curveball that both have dynamic movement.

Player Name	ORG	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO
Yosver Zulueta	TOR	1	4	3.86	10	10	0	37	29	1	16	55

CATCHERS

Yainer Diaz, C, Astros (Triple-A Sugar Land)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 195.

SOURCE: Dominican Republic.

HOW ACQUIRED: Traded by Guardians with RHP Phil Maton to Astros for OF Myles Straw, July 30, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Diaz has shown elite contact skills since he signed as a 16-year-old and owns a career .322 batting average in the minors.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Diaz can square up any pitch and drive it on a line to all fields. Few prospects are better pure contact hitters.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Yainer Diaz	HOU	.301	276	83	13	4	11	25	44	1	.355	.496

Dillon Dingler, C, Tigers (Double-A Erie)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 210.

SOURCE: Ohio State.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Tigers in second round of the 2020 draft.

BACKGROUND: Dingler began his college career as a center fielder before moving behind the plate and becoming one of baseball’s most athletic catchers.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Dingler’s cat-like reflexes make him a prolific blocker behind the plate, and he had thrown out 34% of basestealers this season with plus-plus arm strength.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Dillon Dingler	DET	.242	236	57	15	1	7	23	87	0	.327	.403

Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics (Triple-A Las Vegas)
Age: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 205.

SOURCE: Baylor.

HOW ACQUIRED: Traded by Braves with OF Cristian Pache, RHP Ryan Cusick and RHP Joey Estes to Athletics for 1B Matt Olson, March 14, 2022.

BACKGROUND: Langeliers was the nation’s top defensive catcher at Baylor and was drafted ninth overall by the Braves in 2019.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Langeliers has one of the strongest arms of any catcher as well as big power that results in monster home runs to his pull side.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Shea Langeliers	OAK	.269	234	63	11	1	13	34	63	4	.368	.491

INFIELDERS

Gunnar Henderson, 3B/SS, Orioles (Triple-A Norfolk)
Age: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 210.

SOURCE: Morgan Academy, Selma, Ala.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Orioles in second round of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: Henderson won Alabama’s Mr. Baseball award as a high school senior and averaged a double-double in basketball.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: One of baseball’s best all-around prospects, Henderson is equally capable of hitting long home runs, stealing bases and making standout plays at shortstop.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Gunnar Henderson	BAL	.316	231	73	15	4	13	57	56	15	.450	.584

Curtis Mead, 3B/2B, Rays (Triple-A Durham)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 171.

SOURCE: Australia.

HOW ACQUIRED: Traded by Phillies to Rays for LHP Cristopher Sanchez, Nov. 20, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Mead was a promising Australian Rules Football player before he focused on baseball at age 16. He made his Triple-A debut at age 20.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Mead makes tons of contact, hits balls extremely hard and has the strength to drive balls out to any part of the ballpark. He is a career .305 hitter with growing power.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Curtis Mead	TBR	.306	222	68	22	0	11	27	47	6	.396	.554

Jhonkensy Noel, 3B/1B, Guardians (Double-A Akron)
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 180.

SOURCE: Dominican Republic

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Guardians, July 15, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Noel was part of the same Cleveland international signing class as Futures Game teammate George Valera.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Noel possesses gargantuan power and destroys fastballs, but he is also a free-swinger susceptible to breaking stuff. He totaled 43 home runs in his first 132 games of full-season ball.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Jhonkensy Noel	CLE	.226	248	56	10	0	22	22	85	1	.300	.532

Nick Pratto, 1B, Royals (Triple-A Omaha)
Age: 23. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-1. WT: 215.

SOURCE: Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Royals in first round (14th overall) of 2017 draft.

BACKGROUND: Pratto’s hard work during the 2020 shutdown to retool his approach and bat path paid off when he launched 36 home runs in 2021.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Pratto is a slick-fielding first baseman capable of making a highlight-reel play at any time, and he also has massive home run power from the left side and a discerning batting eye.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Nick Pratto	KC	.234	239	56	10	3	13	42	92	6	.366	.464

Ceddanne Rafaela, SS/OF, Red Sox (Double-A Portland)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-8. WT: 152.

SOURCE: Curacao

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Red Sox, July 2, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Rafaela played for Curacao in the 2012 Little League World Series as its diminutive second baseman.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Rafaela’s speed and athleticism allow him to play almost anywhere on the diamond, and his high-energy style is electrifying. He has progressively played more center field as a pro.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Ceddanne Rafaela	BOS	.318	277	88	22	6	14	15	70	17	.358	.592

Spencer Steer, 3B/2B, Twins (Triple-A St. Paul)
Age: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 185.

SOURCE: Oregon.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Twins in third round of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: Steer set Oregon’s school record for RBIs (129) and became the highest Ducks position player drafted in the modern era.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Steer consistently makes hard contact and is a versatile defender who can handle multiple positions. His on-base skills remain strong as he has added power to his game.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Spencer Steer	MIN	.283	269	76	21	2	19	28	53	2	.363	.587

Anthony Volpe, SS, Yankees (Double-A Somerset)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 180.

SOURCE: Delbarton HS, Morristown, N.J.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Yankees in first round (30th overall) of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: Volpe played on the same high school team as Futures Game teammate Jack Leiter. He broke out in 2021 with 27 homers and 33 steals.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Volpe has a mature approach at the plate and stays balanced and on time to consistently drive balls hard. Strong fundamental play extends to his fielding and baserunning.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Anthony Volpe	NYY	.241	257	62	19	1	10	28	60	30	.330	.440

OUTFIELDERS

Denzel Clarke, OF, Athletics (High-A Lansing)
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220.

SOURCE: Cal State Northridge

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Athletics in fourth round of 2021 draft.

BACKGROUND: Clarke’s mother Donna Clarke competed in the heptathlon in the 1984 Summer Olympics. His cousins are Josh and Bo Naylor.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Clarke, who is a native of Canada, like the Naylors, is a freakish athlete with enormous power, game-changing speed and the ability to climb outfield walls like Spider-Man.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Denzel Clarke	OAK	.279	204	57	16	2	9	33	79	17	.393	.510

Oscar Colas, OF, White Sox (High-A Winston-Salem)
Age: 23. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-1. WT: 209.

SOURCE: Cuba.

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by White Sox, Jan. 25, 2022.

BACKGROUND: Colas played professionally in both Cuba and Japan as a teenager and was a two-way standout. He now focuses exclusively on hitting.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Colas has big power from the left side and a cannon for an arm that helped him throw 95 mph off the mound. He was making good on his lofty potential in his first U.S. action.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Oscar Colas	CWS	.313	217	68	12	3	7	19	48	0	.367	.493

Jasson Dominguez, OF, Yankees (Low-A Tampa)
Age: 19. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 190.

SOURCE: Dominican Republic.

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Yankees, July 2, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Dominguez was the top prospect in the 2019 international class and was nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly physical ability.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The switch-hitting Dominguez flashes huge power from the left side and has the athleticism to play center field despite a bulky frame. His disciplined approach belies his youth.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Jasson Dominguez	NYY	.261	245	64	15	2	8	39	82	15	.366	.437

George Valera, OF, Guardians (Double-A Akron)
Age: 21. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 195.

SOURCE: Dominican Republic.

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as international free agent by Guardians, July 2, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Valera was born and raised in New York but moved to the Dominican Republic when he was 13 and blossomed into a standout pure hitter.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Valera is a patient hitter with elite strike-zone control and has the strength to hit balls hard when he connects. His raw power from the left side grades as above-average.

Player Name	ORG	AVG	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
George Valera	CLE	.286	248	71	14	2	13	41	72	2	.390	.516

Matt Wallner, OF, Twins (Double-A Wichita)
Age: 24. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220.

SOURCE: Southern Mississippi.

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Twins in supplemental first round (39th overall) of 2019 draft.

BACKGROUND: Wallner set Southern Mississippi’s program record with 54 career home runs and became the program’s highest draft pick ever.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Wallner stands out with his physical, 6-foot-5 frame and has the huge power expected from a player his size. He played both ways in college and is a deceptive athlete.