It’s out! ESPN MLB draft and prospect expert Kiley McDaniel ranked his top 100 MLB prospects for 2023 this week, and now, it’s time to have some fun with it.

We asked our MLB experts to give us one bold 2023 prediction for the top-100 prospect they are most excited about going into the upcoming season — and there were plenty of electrifying options to choose from.

From which players will win Rookie of the Year honors to who will be a breakout star this season, here’s what our experts had to say about this year’s top prospects.

Which future star is No. 1? Kiley’s top 100 prospects »


Gunnar Henderson (3B): Will win American League Rookie of the Year

2023 MLB top prospect rankings

How bright is your favorite team’s future? Kiley McDaniel ranks the best prospects and farm systems in baseball.

Top 100 prospects » | Bold predictions »

It might not be out of spring training, but Walker could do that, too. Obviously it’s harder for a prospect to crack the roster of a good team and the St. Louis Cardinals have one of MLB’s best lineups.

When you see the power that Walker’s bat generates and the consistency of his professional record to date, he’ll be too good to keep in Springfield. And if he’s in the majors, he’s not going to languish on the bench, so we could see the Cardinals hit the trade market to free up a slot for him and add depth elsewhere, probably the bullpen. However it shakes out, the Cardinals will be dealing from a position of strength. So too, for that matter, will be Walker. — Bradford Doolittle


Kyle Harrison (LHP): Will be the Giants’ No. 2 starter by August

Bradford Doolittle »

Last year, I chose a pitcher who was the third right-hander from his own team on Kiley’s list and said he’d be the best pitching prospect in baseball. Eury Perez made me look very smart. I’m not suggesting Bibee — who’s behind Daniel Espino and Gavin Williams — will be the best pitching prospect in baseball, or even on his own team.

But, maybe Shane Bieber potential? Someone with exquisite fastball command (and high-90s velocity), three other good pitches (his slider and changeup, particularly) and a high floor and ceiling? That’s Bibee. Another low-round pick (fifth round, 2021), another success story and another year in which the Cleveland Guardians remind the league that nobody develops pitchers better. — Jeff Passan