After Jackson Holliday, these hot MLB prospects could be next for a call-up

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Paul Skenes

After a sizzling performance in spring training, infielder Jackson Holliday’s surprising demotion to Triple-A lasted only 10 games before the Baltimore Orioles called the much-hyped prospect up to the majors.

With Holliday now in the big leagues, here are five top prospects who could soon earn promotions to the majors:

Dylan Crews | Washington Nationals, outfielder

Drafted: 2023, second overall pick | Current level: Double-A Harrisburg Senators

Crews never threatened to make the majors out of spring training as he scuffled at the plate, hitting .156 over 32 at-bats. He seems to have figured what went wrong in the spring and has been on fire at Double-A, hitting two HRs with 10 RBI over his first nine games.

If this pace keeps up, look for him to at least earn a promotion to Triple-A, if not directly to the majors.

Pete Crow-Armstrong | Chicago Cubs, outfielder

Drafted: 2020, 19th overall pick (by New York Mets) | Current level: Triple-A Iowa Cubs

Crow-Armstrong was the centerpiece of the Mets’ deadline-day trade for Javier Baez in 2021. Despite going hitless in 14 at-bats during a September call-up at the end of last season, Crow-Armstrong entered spring training with a legitimate shot to make the roster out of camp.

But after the signing of Cody Bellinger removed the club’s need for an everyday center fielder – coupled with a dismal spring training at the plate (.138 average) – Crow-Armstrong was sent back to Triple-A. His defense is major league-ready, but his call-up may have to wait a little longer in order for him to prove he can also offer something at the plate.

Colson Montgomery | Chicago White Sox, shortstop

Drafted: 2021, 22nd overall pick | Current level: Triple-A Charlotte Knights

Montgomery – the White Sox’ top prospect and shortstop of the future – is in a similar boat to Crow-Armstrong. He boasts MLB-caliber defense with a minor league-caliber bat. The best thing working in Montgomery’s favor for a call-up in the near future is the awful play of his big league team (2-14 through Tuesday).

With the White Sox off to their worst start in club history and incumbent shortstop Paul DeJong playing on a one-year deal, there is little reason not to bring Montgomery up soon to let him work out issues against major league pitching.

Paul Skenes | Pittsburgh Pirates, RHP 

Drafted: 2023, first overall pick | Current level: Triple-A Indianapolis Indians

Skenes is the most MLB-ready prospect in this group. The only issue holding him back from making it to the majors is the Pirates plan to protect his arm and slowly build him up. He has yet to throw more than 55 pitches in an outing.

Despite his clear dominance over Triple-A batters – allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out 19 over 9 1/3 innings (three starts) this season – he is unlikely to get called up until he is ready to start every 5-6 games.

James Wood | Washington Nationals, outfielder

Drafted: 2021, 62nd overall pick (by San Diego Padres) | Current level: Triple-A  Rochester Red Wings

Wood was part of the haul the Nationals received from trading Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022. While Crews is the more well-known of the Nationals prospects, the hulking Wood (6-foot-7 and 234 pounds) might be the first to earn a call-up.

After a monster spring at the plate, Wood has continued to rake at Triple-A, boasting a .340/.476/.580 slash line over his first 50 at-bats. His ability to slot into a corner outfield spot will allow him and Crews to man two-thirds of Washington’s outfield for the rest of this decade.

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