The 2024 Futures Game listings were made public on Tuesday, so I’d like to highlight some key items that may be relevant to people with midweek deals planned.
For purposes of pedigree, the Futures Game has always been an escalator for fantasy values. Most people don’t watch minor league baseball very often, so their first chance to see some of these prospects with their own eyes happens during this seven-inning exhibition game.
My take today is that prices will change more than ever this season due to the new Futures Skill Show that will follow the game itself.
Here’s a link to Jonathan Mayo breaking down the show in depth, but his version of Too Long Didn’t Read goes like this: a video game mode for seven hitters who will accumulate points by hitting targets, calling their shots, and hitting home runs.
During the final event, the opposite field run and back-to-back home runs are highly encouraged, which is an easy game to like. I even have a little hope of watching the practice session with my daughter, who turns six tomorrow. I hope the field is lit up with lots of colors and numbers to show how many points each place is worth. I’m pretty sure it’s the show, as that happens in various video games that emulate it.
Most importantly for our purposes, this post-game action will provide a new spotlight for the players involved. Through three different rounds, we will have three different winners and an overall champion. If the glory is spread around, each player will get a small increase in the virtual value. If someone goes nuts and wins all three events, they’ll be on the trading blocks for royalty for weeks and months to come.
Cubs C Moises Ballesteros (20, AAA) is almost an overall favorite of mine. He won’t play in the game itself, which I think is kind of cool, and he has amazing bat control and communication skills. I think he will be able to hit the ball where he likes during the Hit It Here event and the Call Your Shot event. The home run derby sounds like a crapshoot, but I have a favorite in mind for that event, too.
I would like to see Rangers SS Sebastian Walcott (18, A+) out during the derby. He’s probably more of a favorite than he might be, if I check my bias, but he’s as incredibly talented as anyone in the competition and can raise his profile more than anyone, because fewer people will have seen him than others. older players. His line for the season isn’t great, but he’s been better all year and is slashing .303/.361/.514 with a 26.2 percent slugging percentage and 138 wRC+ over his last 28 games. Nonsense results for a kid with questionable hot tools coming into the season and an early season slump that would have sent many prospects packing.
I’m always a bit interested in new players during events like this. Given his experience, quality and stats, Twins 2B Brooks Lee (23, AAA) will probably be the consensus favorite, assuming people will bet on this thing because of course people will be betting on this thing. He certainly has the talent to win all three events. But I don’t know. Something about switch-hitters. . . have we ever seen a major league home derby win? My Google search says No. How does that relate to the Call Your Shot event? Let’s find out.
If I just let my brain wander, Roman Anthony’s Red Sox (20, AA) is the clear winner of the home run contest. I think targeting the opposite field bonus points is a trap, but if someone is that hot, it’s going to be hard to catch. I would love to see someone spend all day and night trying to get into the rhythm of the opposite field. I think Anthony can do it, and so can Termarr.
Pirates 2B Termar Johnson (20, A+) had a tough season. He is hitting .230/.383/.363 with seven home runs and 13 steals in 73 games. On the plus side, that’s a 119 wRC+, which is good for a guy his age and level. On the other hand, it’s hard to become a major player by hitting .230 in High-A. The solution is probably confidence and aggressiveness. Ideally, he gets new areas to attack, rather than just expanding all the edges of his focus. Maybe a show like this can help him. I mean, there’s no point in taking the stands.
Rays 1B Tre’ Morgan (21, A+) is living his best life this year. A third-round defensive pick in 2023 out of LSU, Morgan has made some adjustments and is pacing the program with a .365/.452/.563 slash line in 25 games at High-A. I think the SEC can get pretty close to Double-A on a given night and wouldn’t be surprised if Tampa sent him there after the break.
Nations 3B Brady House (21, AA) started the season hot but has faded and is slashing .232/.312/.426 in 72 games. He has 13 home runs, and if he plays well on the big stage, I might suggest seeing the trade block come back, especially if you’re a contender.
Reds 3B Cam Collier (19, A+) has had a hot start and has faded like a House in hot weather. He’s .232/.310/..419 with 13 home runs in 71 games. And a clear trading chip if he gets attention that night. Not because I don’t like the player but because you never know what a bright future can bring at some point.
You can catch the Futures Game along with Hit It Here, Call Your Shot, and the Home Run Derby on July 13.
Thanks for reading!
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