During last year’s offseason, we started a series where we looked at professional ball players with ties to the Sooner State and how they are doing. We went through each organizations affiliate’s teams and their players. All the way from AAA down to A and Rookie Ball.
On top of that, we post one player each day and their pertinent information about them on each of our socials.
Here is the first one that we posted on Monday, October 21.
For the first installment, we will take a look at the National League East. (Let us know if we forgot anyone.)
Atlanta Braves
Affiliates
- AAA – Gwinnett Stripers
- AA – Mississippi Braves
- A+ – Rome Emperors
- A – Augusta GreenJackets
Players
- Ramon Laureano, Atlanta Braves (OF), NEO ’14
2024 Stats: (ATL) G 67, .296/.327/.505, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 13 2B, 8 BB, 64 SO
Laureano has had an eventful couple of years. After five productive seasons in Oakland, Laureano started to fade in 2023 before the A’s DFA’d him. Laureano landed in Cleveland for the remainder of 2023.
After a dismal start to this season, Laureano was DFA’d by the Guardians just 31 games into the season. Laureano was signed by the Braves just 4 days later. After a couple of weeks in AAA, Laureano’s contract was selected by Atlanta and Laureano was an integral part of the Brave the 2nd part of the season.
On October 16, Laureano signed with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.
- Brian Anderson, Gwinnett Stripers (OF), Deer Creek High School, ’11
2024 Stats: (Tacoma/Gwinnett) G 84, .237/.326/.365, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 11 2B, 38 BB, 93 SO
Anderson had a tough year in 2024. After one year in Milwaukee in 2023 (his 7th year in the Majors), Anderson was released by the Brewers.
Anderson was signed in late March by the Mariners and was assigned to their AAA affiliate, Tacoma. He was released on June 1.
The Braves signed Anderson on June 4 and had a very brief cup of coffee with Atlanta and only had 5 ABs with the big league team. Anderson spent the rest of the season at AAA, Gwinnett after mid July.
- Cody Milligan, Mississippi Braves (OF), Binger-Oney ’17/Oklahoma St ’18
2024 Stats: G 105, .242/.306/.358, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 18 2B, 6 3B, 33 BB, 104 SO, 38 SB
Milligan spent the entire season at Mississippi and was “ok.” Unfortunately for Milligan, his stats really didn’t warrant any type of promotion beyond AA.
Hopefully Milligan can find it for 2025 and make an impression enough to move past the AA level.
- Jacob Godman, Rome Emperors (C), Oral Roberts ’23
2024 Stats: G 63, .205/.380/.298, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 6 2B, 2 3B, 46 BB, 52 SO
The Golden Eagles alum had his first full season in professional ball in 2024. Unfortunately for Godman he spent a little time on the injured list.
Godman must’ve done something right because on August 3rd, he was promoted to A+ Rome.
Miami Marlins
Affiliates
- AAA – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- AA – Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- A+ – Beloit Sky Carp
- A – Jupiter Hammerheads
Players
- Jonah Bride, Miami Marlins (C), Owasso High School, ’14
2024 Stats: G 71, .276/.357/.461, 11 HR, 39, 10 2B, 30 BB, 55 SO
The Ram alum found a new home with the Marlins this year after spending 9 years in the A’s organization.
After a couple of stints in AAA, Bride was called up for good on July 4 of this past season and put up really good numbers. Although he didn’t qualify with enough ABs, Bride’s OPS of .818 would’ve beend 2nd only behind William Contreras of Milwaukee if he had kept that pace to qualify.
- Dax Fulton, Pensacola Blue Wahoos (LHP), Mustang High School, ’20
Fulton did not see action in a game this past season due to injury. In fact, Fulton has missed the last year and a half. In June, 2023, Fulton had his 2nd Tommy John surgery (1st was in high school) and has been out since then.
The good news is Fulton began throwing off a mound in July of this year and should be back in the fold in 2025.
Despite the injury, Fulton is ranked #26 of Marlins’ prospects by MLB Pipeline.
- Jake Thompson, Pensacola Blue Wahoos (3B), Oklahoma State, ’20-’22
2024 Stats: G 46, .278/.359/.393, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 10 2B, 2 3B, 15 BB, 49 SO
Thompson started the year at AA, Pensacola but was put on the IL on April 5. After being reactivated, he was sent to A+, Beloit where he was there for about a month and a half.
Thompson was promoted back to Pensacola on June 4 and was having a good go of it slashing .324/.375/.432 (.807 OPS) in 10 games (40 AB) before going down with injury. Thompson last appearance was June 14 as he injured his elbow.
- Michael Snyder, Jupiter Hammerheads (3B), Oklahoma, ’24
2024 Stats: G 19, .150/.261/.167, 6 RBI, 2B, 7 BB, 23 SO
Snyder was picked in the 10th round of the 2024 MLB Draft and was a late season addition to the Hammerheads. He saw action in 19 games and got his feet was in pro ball.
New York Mets
Affiliates
- AAA – Syracuse Mets
- AA – Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- A+ – Brooklyn Cyclones
- A – St Lucie Mets
Players
- Nolan McLean, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (RHP), Oklahoma State ’21-’23
2024 Stats: G 25, GS 25, 4-10, 3.78 ERA, 109.2 IP, 96 H, 46 ER, 10 HR, 42 BB, 116 K
G 60, .192/.266/.446, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 9 2B, 12 BB, 74 SO
Said it last year that McLean was the most interesting prospect with Sooner State ties due to his two-way player status. It seams that the Mets and McLean decided he’ll be a pitcher only as McLean’s last game to hit was on June 20.
Pitching wise, McLean looks like a legit top prospect for the Mets. He started in all of his 25 appearances this season which is different from when he was at OSU as he came out of the bullpen. McLean was really good in A+ as he had a 2.57 ERA in his 7 games with 36 K to 10 BB.
McLean struggled a little after getting to Binghamton, but over his last 13 starts, McLean gave up 2+ runs only 3 times.
McLean is listed as the #9 Mets prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
- Jace Beck, Brooklyn Cyclones (RHP), Blanchard High School ’19
Unfortunately, Jace Beck did not see any action this season as he was put on the full season injured list on March 20. That is tough for Beck as he had a strikeout rate of 38.5% in 2023.
- Ryan Lambert, Brooklyn Cyclones (RHP), Oklahoma ’24
2024 Stats: G 2, SV, 0.00 ERA, 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 SO
Lambert was an 8th round pick for the Mets in this year’s draft. He got in only 2 games in Brooklyn, but the stats look impressive in the short sample size.
A fastball in the 100’s doesn’t hurt either.
- Brendan Girton, St Lucie Mets (RHP), Shattuck HS ’20/Oklahoma ’24
2024 Stats: G 3, GS 1, 12.00 ERA, 3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Another Sooner, Girton was selected in the 10th round by the Mets in this year’s draft. He saw action in only 3 games this season.
- Hoss Brewer, St Lucie Mets (RHP), Seminole State ’22
2024 Stats: G 1, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, 1 K
Brewer was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Mets after the 2024 MLB Draft. He spent the last 2 seasons at UALR after his time in Seminole.
Brewer saw action in only 1 game this season.
- Carson Benge, St Lucie Mets (CF), Yukon HS ’21/Oklahoma State ’22-’24
2024 Stats: G 15, .273/.420/.436 (.836 OPS), 2 HR, 3 2B, 8 RBI, 11 BB, 14 SO
Benge was the Mets’ number 1 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and he showed why in his short sample size of 15 games in 2024.
There is not much to say about the Miller/Cowboy product that hasn’t already been said. He has the all around tools that teams love. Expect him to start the season next year no lower than A+ Brooklyn with promotions during the season.
Philadelphia Phillies
Affiliates
- AAA – Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- AA – Reading Fightin Phils
- A+ – Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- A – Clearwater Threshers
Players
- JT Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies (C), Carl Albert High School ’10
2024 Stats: G 99, .266/.322/.429, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 18 2B, 3B, 27 BB, 102 SO
Realmuto may not have had the type of season we’ve come accustom to him having, but make not mistake about it, he’s still one of the top catchers in the game both at the plate and behind it. Because of injury, Realmuto’s 380 plate appearances did not qualify him for individual stat leaders, but if it had his .751 OPS would’ve put him at the 6th highest for catchers.
As stated above, Realmuto battled injury in 2024. Issues with his right knee kept him on the IL from June 10 to July 20. Next season will be a big season for Realmuto as he is in the last year of his current contract and he’ll turn 34 before the season starts.
- Matt Kroon, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (OF), Oklahoma State ’18
2024 Stats: G 82, .248/.322/.433, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 14 2B, 23 BB, 73 SO
Kroon has had a steady climb up the minors since being drafted in 2018 and spent the season at AAA this year. However, Kroon battled injuries this season while being placed on the IL 3 separate times since June 1 of this year.
- Christian McGowan, Reading Fightin Phils (RHP), Rock Creek HS ’18/Eastern OK State College ’19-’21
2024 Stats: G 14, GS 11, 0-4, 5.36 ERA, 40.1 IP, 41 H, 27 R, 24 ER, 23 BB, 47 K
If it wasn’t for bad luck, McGowan may not have had any luck in 2024. McGowan hit the IL 3 separate times this past season as well as a sting on the Developmental List (used for load management, limit innings, etc). The stint on the Development List was most likely trying to limit his work load after missing most of 2023 as he was still working his way back from Tommy John surgery in 2022.
Despite the injuries and bad luck this year, the Mustangs alum is listed as the Phillies #22 prospect per MLB Pipeline.
McGowan was selected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League this offseason for the 2nd season in row.
- Titan Hayes, Clearwater Threshers (RHP), Enid High School ’20
2024 Stats: G 6, 0-1, 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, .190 BAA
The Plainsmen alum was drafted in the 11th round by the Phillies in this year’s MLB Draft. It was a small sample size of just 7 innings pitched in 6 games for Hayes, but there are some good numbers in there: only 4 hits in 7 innings and a Batting Average Against below .200 (.190).
- John Spikerman, Clearwater Threshers (OF), Oklahoma ’22-’24
2024 Stats: G 17, .226/.360/.323, 4 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 9 BB, 20 SO, 7 SB, CS 1
After 3 seasons at OU and being one of the fan favorites, Spikerman was drafted in the 3rd round of this year’s MLB Draft. He also had the distinction of being the 100th player taken this year.
He got in 17 games for the Threshers and showed some of his overall skills including swiping 7 bags in 8 attempts.
Washington Nationals
Affiliates
- AAA – Rochester Red Wings
- AA – Harrisburg Senators
- A+ – Wilmington Blue Rocks
- A – Fredericksburg Nationals
Players
- Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals (RHP), Bixby HS ’17/Oklahoma ’18-’20
2024 Stats: Did Not Pitch
After missing the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery in March of that year, Cavalli missed the 2024 season as well. Cavalli’s recovery took about 18 months which is not out of the norm even though we hear pitchers come back in 12-15 months at times.
Cavalli did make three rehab starts in June of this year, but he was “shut down because of ‘dead arm’ after throwing three innings with A+ Wilmington on June 21.”
After a battle with the flu, Cavalli got back to his rehab program late in the season, but with little time left in 2024, it was decided he wouldn’t pitch in anymore games and continue with bullpen sessions and other workouts.
Cavalli is still the 8th rated prospect for the Nats per MLB Pipeline and is expected to pitch in 2025.
- Jake Irvin, Washington Nationals (RHP), Oklahoma ’16-’18
2024 Stats: G 33, GS 33, 10-14, 4.41 ERA, 187.2 IP, 173 H, 97 R, 92 ER, 52 BB, 156 K
After debuting in 2023, Irvin became a bonified starter for the Nats in 2024. Irvin led the team in starts and innings pitched.
While is ERA finished over 4 for the season, Irvin had an outstanding 1st half of the season and had a sub 3.00 ERA as of July 4.
- Brady Lindsly, Rochester Red Wings (C), Oklahoma ’17-’20
2024 Stats: G 88, .231/.295/.330, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 12 2B, 19 BB, 65 SO
Lindsly had a mixed bag in 2024. After a promotion to AAA late in 2023, Lindsly was invited to National’s Spring Training as a non roster invite in 2024. A long shot to break with the team, Lindsly was at AAA the whole season.
In spite of Washington not being in contention for almost the entire year, Lindsly wasn’t able to get the Nats to call him up to the big league club while other prospects made the jump this season. Hopefully Lindsly will make enough of an impression going forward to get that call up.
- Jake Bennett, Wilmington Blue Rocks (LHP), Bixby HS ’19/Oklahoma ’20-’22
2024 Stats: Did Not Pitch
The 2nd Bixby/OU connection with the Nationals, Bennett did not pitch in 2024 as he went Tommy John surgery early in the season.
Bennett is still highly thought of as he is still the 18th rated prospect for the Nats per MLB Pipeline.
- Marcus Brown, Wilmington Blue Rocks (SS), Oklahoma State ’21-’23
2024 Stats: G 106, .195/.257/.284, 3 HR, 19 2B, 3 3B, 41 RBI, 23 BB, 79 SO
Brown spent his first full season in pro ball in 2024 as he was the Nats’ 5th round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
The good news is Brown got promoted to A+ on July 23. The bad news is he struggled once he got there. In roughly the same amount of games at A+ compared to A, Brown’s batting average was 80 points lower and his slugging percentage was almost 200 points lower.
Brown’s glove was outstanding in 2024, however. Primarily playing SS, Brown did have a lot of time at 2B and some at 3B. Out of 351 total chances, Brown had a fielding percentage of .972.
- Robert Cranz, Fredericksburg Nationals (RHP), Oklahoma State ’24
2024 Stats: G 2, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K
Cranz was the 200th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft as he was drafted in the 7th round by the Nationals. He was impressive in his 6 innings of work only giving up 2 hits and 1 walk against 7 strikeouts (no runs).
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