Introduction

As we approach the final stretch of the MLB season, it’s time to peer into the future and speculate on who the face of each franchise will be in three years. With the tides shifting in teams like the Mets and Yankees, now is the perfect moment to discuss players who could become the catalysts for their teams' successes by 2028.

Franchise Predictions

In this article, we’ll explore the anticipated stars for each team based on their current age, contract status, performance potential, and more. We will also highlight a "Don't Sleep On" player for each franchise, someone who could rise to prominence unexpectedly.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Face of the Franchise: Corbin Carroll (28 years old in 2028) - If he can stabilize his production, Carroll could be a cornerstone player.

Don't Sleep On: Jordan Lawlar (22 years old, under team control through 2030)

Atlanta Braves

Face of the Franchise: Ronald Acuña Jr. (31 years old in 2028) - If he remains healthy and performs well, Acuña could still shine.

Don't Sleep On: Michael Harris II (24 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2028)

Baltimore Orioles

Face of the Franchise: Gunnar Henderson (28 years old in 2028) - Depending on the team's fiscal approach, he may not be retained.

Don't Sleep On: Samuel Basallo (21 years old, signed through 2033)

Boston Red Sox

Face of the Franchise: Roman Anthony (27 years old in 2028) - After a stellar start, he has potential for impact.

Don't Sleep On: Ceddanne Rafaela (23 years old, under team control through 2030)

Chicago Cubs

Face of the Franchise: Pete Crow-Armstrong (25 years old in 2028) - Has the potential to be a five-tool star.

Don't Sleep On: Moisés Ballesteros (23 years old, under team control through 2030)

Chicago White Sox

Face of the Franchise: Colson Montgomery (23 years old in 2028) - Has shown promise in his early career.

Don't Sleep On: Edgar Quero (23 years old, under team control through 2029)

Cincinnati Reds

Face of the Franchise: Elly De La Cruz (26 years old in 2028) - Could solidify his stardom.

Don't Sleep On: Chase Burns (23 years old, under team control through 2031)

Cleveland Guardians

Face of the Franchise: Kyle Manzardo (23 years old in 2028) - May become a key player if he remains with the team.

Don't Sleep On: Travis Bazzana (24 years old, under team control through 2030)

Colorado Rockies

Face of the Franchise: Ezequiel Tovar (24 years old in 2028) - His extension gives him a secure spot for the future.

Don't Sleep On: Ethan Holliday (24 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2028)

Detroit Tigers

Face of the Franchise: Riley Greene (28 years old in 2028) - Key player who might be essential to their future success.

Don't Sleep On: Kevin McGonigle (28 years old, signed through 2028)

Houston Astros

Face of the Franchise: Yordan Alvarez (31 years old in 2028) - Needs to return to form after injuries.

Don't Sleep On: Cam Smith (25 years old, signed through at least 2030)

Kansas City Royals

Face of the Franchise: Bobby Witt Jr. (24 years old in 2028) - A fantastic prospect expected to thrive.

Don't Sleep On: Jac Caglianone (24 years old, under team control through 2029)

Los Angeles Angels

Face of the Franchise: Zach Neto (28 years old in 2028) - Younger than Trout but still a major asset.

Don't Sleep On: Christian Moore (31 years old, signed through 2023)

Los Angeles Dodgers

Face of the Franchise: Shohei Ohtani (29 years old in 2028) - Continues to be a standout player for the team.

Don't Sleep On: Andy Pages (27 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2029)

Miami Marlins

Face of the Franchise: Kyle Stowers (25 years old in 2028) - Emerging star who could dominate.

Don't Sleep On: Eury Pérez (21 years old, signed through at least 2031)

Milwaukee Brewers

Face of the Franchise: Jackson Chourio (22 years old in 2028) - His contract shows the faith the team has in him.

Don't Sleep On: Jacob Misiorowski (22 years old, under team control through at least 2030)

Minnesota Twins

Face of the Franchise: Luke Keaschall (26 years old in 2028) - Showed promise early in his career.

Don't Sleep On: Walker Jenkins (26 years old, signed through at least 2029)

New York Mets

Face of the Franchise: Juan Soto (25 years old in 2028) - Important for the Mets' face moving forward.

Don't Sleep On: Francisco Lindor (33 years old, signed through 2031)

New York Yankees

Face of the Franchise: Aaron Judge (36 years old in 2028) - If he maintains his performance, he will remain pivotal.

Don't Sleep On: Spencer Jones (32 years old, signed through 2031)

Oakland Athletics

Face of the Franchise: Despite struggles, prospects like Ezequiel Tovar have bright futures.

Don't Sleep On: Ethan Holliday (24 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2028)

Philadelphia Phillies

Face of the Franchise: Bryce Harper (36 years old in 2028) - Has the potential to remain influential in the league.

Don't Sleep On: Justin Crawford (23 years old, under team control through 2029)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Face of the Franchise: Paul Skenes (22 years old in 2028) - Could become a star if he stays with the team.

Don't Sleep On: Konnor Griffin (22 years old, signed through 2034)

San Diego Padres

Face of the Franchise: Jackson Merrill (23 years old in 2028) - Impressive rookie season sets high expectations.

Don't Sleep On: Fernando Tatis Jr. (28 years old, signed through 2033)

San Francisco Giants

Face of the Franchise: Rafael Devers (30 years old in 2028) - Has a hefty contract, signifying potential reliance.

Don't Sleep On: Bryce Eldridge (24 years old, signed through at least 2029)

Seattle Mariners

Face of the Franchise: Julio Rodríguez (23 years old in 2028) - Expected to continue being a key player.

Don't Sleep On: Cal Raleigh (23 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2029)

St. Louis Cardinals

Face of the Franchise: Masyn Winn (25 years old in 2028) - Has shown talent throughout his early career.

Don't Sleep On: JJ Wetherholt (22 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2030)

Tampa Bay Rays

Face of the Franchise: Junior Caminero (23 years old in 2028) - Could emerge as the new star player.

Don't Sleep On: Jonathan Aranda (23 years old, under team control through 2029)

Texas Rangers

Face of the Franchise: Wyatt Langford (26 years old in 2028) - Gaining momentum in his early MLB career.

Don't Sleep On: Sebastian Walcott (26 years old, signed through 2039)

Toronto Blue Jays

Face of the Franchise: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (29 years old in 2028) - A powerful presence expected to continue excelling.

Don't Sleep On: Alejandro Kirk (22 years old, arbitration-eligible through 2030)

Washington Nationals

Face of the Franchise: James Wood (25 years old in 2028) - Aiming to lead the team back to prominence.

Don't Sleep On: Dylan Crews (unknown age, under team control)