Home

10%

Batter Up

The big leaguers we're watching this season.

By Franklin Sports

April 2^nd, 2024

We’ve finally made it. The snow is melted, the birds are chirping, and the days are growing longer which can only mean one thing: MLB baseball is back again. Opening Day is more than just the start of the season, it’s a new beginning that brings a sense of endless possibility, inspiring hope in the hearts of every baseball fan who dares to believe that maybe this could be the year.

After a long winter of trades, signings, acquisitions, additions, and subtractions, our favorite teams return to the diamond often with a brand-new look to debut. Just like every other season, we here at Franklin Sports are beyond excited to see what stories will be told and how the drama of the summer will play out before our eyes. Here are some of our favorite storylines and players we’re looking forward to keeping an eye on as the hunt for October begins anew!

The Contenders

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves continue to be the kind of team that you can just set your watch to. Their depth of talent from top to bottom, has enabled them to reach a level of yearly consistency that many franchises can only dream of. Getting production from every spot in their lineup, the Braves are so much more than just their biggest names. Key contributions from young upstarts like 2022 Rookie of the Year OF Michael Harris II (CFX Pro) and 2023 All-Star SS Orlando Arcia (CFX Pro) have helped the Braves create a dynasty as they look to capture their 7th (!!) consecutive NL East division title.

Batter Up

Arizona Diamondbacks

After a surprising 2023, that saw the Arizona Diamondbacks hoist their first National League pennant since 2001, many baseball fans are looking forward to seeing how the Diamondbacks will follow up on last year’s success. With a lineup powered by their 30HR slugger 1B Christian Walker (CFX Pro) and 2023 All-Star OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (CFX Pro), the Snakes have some serious potential for pop in their lineup. Plus, the addition of perennial power hitter 3B/DH Eugenio Suarez and his custom Powerstrap batting gloves, adds some serious length to the lineup as the Diamondbacks hunt for a second consecutive October run!

Batter Up

Houston Astros

Don't let the opening series fool you... winning 4 AL Pennants and 2 World Series titles in the last 7 seasons cements the Houston Astros as a bona-fide dynasty. And while many players have come and gone through Houston, the face of the organization and the catalyst of their success continues to be future Hall of Famer 2B Jose Altuve (Pro Classic). Very few players in the game's history have ever led their franchise to the level of success that the Astros have attained during his tenure, and as long as Altuve is an Astro, this is a team that can win. But he is far from the only contributor! Joined by Gold Glove winners SS Jeremy Pena (CFX Pro) and utility man Mauricio Dubon (CFX Pro), as well as big-bat OF Chas McCormick (CFX Pro), the Astros have a well-rounded team that is built for October!

Batter Up

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles leapt to the top of the AL East last season giving us all the plucky underdog success story that everyone loves to see. But the 2024 Orioles are a different story. No longer under the radar, this team has a target on its back and visions of a World Series trophy on its mind. With a starting outfield featuring Silver Slugger OF Cedric Mullins (CFX Pro), power hitter OF Anthony Santander (CFX Pro) and upstart OF Colton Cowser (CFX Pro) to complement an already star-studded roster, this team is the real deal and will be looking to keep their crown.

Batter Up

Brightest Stars

Beyond just the odds-on-favorite contenders, we are looking forward to being dazzled by some of the biggest players in the game. We have our eye on some of these All-Star roster stalwarts and budding superstars to see who will leave the biggest impact on 2024:

SS Francisco Lindor (Mets | Pro Classic) – Looking to lead the New York Mets back to the postseason, defensive whiz and 2023 Silver Slugger winner Francisco Lindor is always at the top of our must-watch list

3B Jose Ramirez (Guardians | CFX Pro)

SS Elly De La Cruz (Reds | CFX Pro) – Some guys just make this game sizzle. Elly De La Cruz is excitement embodied and will be looking to build off a solid rookie campaign. Word of warning to pitchers: don’t fall asleep with this guy on 3rd base…

SS Carlos Correa (Twins | CFX Pro)

1B Spencer Torkelson (Tigers | CFX Pro)

Batter Up

Batter Up

Batter Up

Batter Up

SS Oneil Cruz (Pirates | CFX Pro) – There are very few men ever who could hit a baseball as hard as Oneil Cruz can. And if his Spring Training-leading 7 home runs this spring are any indication, Cruz is looking to take the next step to superstar status.

C Elias Diaz (Rockies | CFX Pro)

1B Nathaniel Lowe (Rangers | CFX Pro)

SS JP Crawford (Mariners | CFX Pro) – After missing the postseason by one skinny game in 2023, JP Crawford will be chomping at the bit to help get his Mariners back into the October action.

3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pirates | CFX Pro)

DH Brent Rooker (A’s | Powerstrap Infinite)

Batter Up

Batter Up

Batter Up

Batter Up

Familiar Faces, New Places

We always look forward to seeing some of our favorite familiar faces every new season. But this year, these guys will have a whole new look and we’re excited to see what they’ll bring to the table in their new homes!

2B Whit Merrifield (Phillies | Powerstrap Infinite) – After a one-season, All-Star campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays, Whit Merrifield is taking his talents to Philadelphia to try and help the Phillies get over the top and take home a ring.

Batter Up

OF Manuel Margot (Twins | CFX Pro)

OF Alex Verdugo (Yankees | CFX Pro) – Following in others’ footsteps, Verdugo is shaving the beard and defecting from Boston to join the New York Yankees down in the Bronx. Old friends always make great rivals!

DH J.D. Martinez (Mets | Powerstrap)

OF Jorge Soler (Giants | CFX Pro) – One of the biggest bats in the game is moving from South Beach to San Francisco Bay as the former Marlin brings a much-needed power infusion to the Giants lineup.

C Martin Maldonado (White Sox | Pro Classic)

1B Joey Votto (Blue Jays | Powerstrap) – This one’s going to take some getting used to. After 17 years, Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto makes his homecoming back north of the border with the Toronto Blue Jays.

3B Gio Urshela (Tigers | CFX Pro)

OF Hunter Renfroe (Royals | CFX Pro) – Making his 7th stop in 6 seasons, the journeyman slugger was brought in to help a young Kansas City Royals team start realizing their potential.

The Up and Comers

It’s always fun to watch the biggest names in the game. But before they were stars, every big name was an up-and-comer with expectations and a name to prove. The players below look ready to start carving their path in this league, and we’re ready for it!

1B Nolan Schanuel (Angels | CFX Pro) – After being drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels, Schanuel made his debut just 40 days later. As the fastest call-up in 45 years, Schanuel has a lot of eyes peeled for his first full season in the big leagues.

Batter Up

OF Colton Cowser (Orioles | CFX Pro) – Cowser had a cup of coffee with the Baltimore Orioles at the end of last season and comported himself well enough to rank #34 on Baseball America’s top prospect list.

1B Tristan Casas (Red Sox | Powerstrap) – If you find yourself in the right field bleachers at Fenway Park this season, you may want to look alive because the Red Sox lefty first-baseman is strong as an ox, and will be looking to eclipse his 29 HR season from a year ago.

OF Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox | CFX Pro)

OF Sal Frelick (Brewers | CFX Pro) – No rookie made a bigger splash in their debut than Sal Frelick. He robbed home a run, stroked 3 hits, and produced the game-winning RBI in his first-ever game before becoming a regular contributor down the stretch for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Future

Greatness takes time to develop. The future of baseball is as bright as ever, and we’re watching the guys below to see who might become the stars of the future:

OF James Wood (Nationals | Powerstrap) – The #11 prospect in all of baseball according to Baseball America, the Washington Nationals are hoping that James Wood can become their star of the future.

C Jefferson Quero (Brewers | CFX Pro)

1B Kyle Manzardo (Guardians | Powerstrap)

OF Cade Marlowe (Mariners | CFX Pro) – After an impressive stint to start his MLB career, the Seattle Mariners are hoping that Cade Marlowe may be able to help produce an AL West title.

OF Owen Caissie (Cubs | Powerstrap)

OF Jonatan Clase (Mariners | CFX Pro)

2B Jace Jung (Tigers | CFX Pro) – As the younger brother of a fellow Major Leaguer, a lot of Detroit Tigers fans are hoping he might be able to recreate his brother’s penchant for power.

Batter Up

Batter Up

Batter Up

With so many players and teams to keep an eye on this season, we can’t wait to see how each story will unfold. No two seasons are alike, and every single player is unique, which is why we make sure every athlete on the Franklin roster is always supplied with their own personally designed custom batting gloves tailored exactly to their specifications. But you don’t need a pro to get the full MLB treatment. Design your custom batting gloves to match your favorite MLB players or make your own design to get yourself geared up for a year of baseball ahead. We know we’ll be watching, and we hope to see you there!

Footnotes

Written by: Brian Maloney | Franklin Sports

FootNotes

Written by: Brian Maloney | Franklin Sports

© 2026 Franklin Sports

Anna Leigh Waters Franklin Era Begins

Franklin Sports Signs the World’s No. 1 Pickleball Player Anna Leigh Waters to a Long-Term Partnership

Franklin Sports and Wow Factor Baseball Hit a Home Run with Exclusive Partnership for Batting Gloves, Protective Equipment

Playing with Passion, Competing with Confidence.

Franklin Sports Earns NFHS Seal of Approval for Volleyballs

Certification Expands Reach into the Rapidly Growing Volleyball Market

Elevate Your Every Move

Franklin Sports Launches New Flex Apparel Collection

Dr. Vikram Ravoory

Dental Implant Surgeon. Entrepreneur. Pickleball Athlete.

Loading, please hold on.