*Photo from Jays Journal*
With MLB currently locking out it's players, anyone on a team's 40 man roster is not allowed to play games or use team facilities until a new CBA is agreed to or the lockout is lifted, whichever comes first. One group of players this affects in particular is team's top prospects that are on 40 man rosters but not in the major leagues. Even though the minor league season is starting on time, these players still cannot play, as they are on a 40 man roster. So, let's look at one top prospect from each team who is most affected by this rule, starting with the AL East. Order will be based off standings from 2021.
\Tampa Bay Rays: Tommy Romero, RHP
If Romero were in any other system, he'd be higher up than number 18 in the Rays system, that's how good he is. Recently, Romero has been able to up the velocity on his fastball by a couple miles an hour, and his curveball and changeup have enough movement to compliment his fastball well, which he can place well at the top of the zone. It'll be disappointing that Romero's promising development curve is temporarily put on hold, because he does have a major league future ahead of him.
Boston Red Sox: Jeter Downs, SS/2B
Downs not being able to play is particularly disappointing. He did struggle immensely in his first season at Triple A, but he did end the season on a bit of a strong streak, and hit like a slugger in the Arizona Fall League. His defense didn't miss a beat, but it would've been nice for Downs to build off the momentum he had at the end of 2021.
New York Yankees: Everson Pereira, OF
The Yankees 13th overall prospect played at the High A level before being added to the 40 man roster. He has the hand eye coordination and quick swing to improve quickly, but he needs to build on his power and lower his strikeout rate to progress at a faster rate. The Yankees were hopeful he could do that this season, but that's on hold for a while.
Toronto Blue Jays: Gabriel Moreno, C
Moreno earned himself a late season promotion to Triple A, thanks to his .373 clip in 32 games at Double A New Hampshire. Moreno's strong suit is his contact, and, while at the team's alternate site in 2020, he was able to add to his power and start driving the ball. His quickness and athleticism behind the plate has attracted the Blue Jays, and he's looking to develop even farther, as the team's number one prospect.
Baltimore Orioles: DL Hall, LHP
The 3rd ranked prospect in the Orioles system, Hall had 7 starts with Double A Bowie before he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his pitching elbow, which cost him the season. Prior to the injury, Hall was consistently ranging between 96 and 99 miles an hour on his fastball, and his changeup had significantly developed as well. It would've been nice to have a full season for Hall for the first time since 2019 to see how he could rebound from his injury, but that will have to wait.
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