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LaMonte Wade Jr. has become a fixture in the Giants lineup. Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images.

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By Taylor Bretl

Cal Ripken Sr. League alumni are taking the major leagues by storm this year. Whenever you go to an MLB game, chances are there is a CRSCBL alum on one of the rosters. Check out all of our guys who have been on major league rosters this season.

 

Hunter Brown
RHP | Big Train 2018 | Houston Astros

Debuting in 2022, earning a 0.89 ERA over 7 games pitched, Hunter Brown got off to a rather strong start in the big leagues. Not only was his first year strong, but he also came away with a World Series Ring. Jumping to 2024, Brown has moved from the bullpen into the starting rotation. Through 41 starts, the 25-year-old has earned a 12-18 record, averaging 5.41 strikeouts per outing.

 

Alec Burleson
1B/OF | Big Train 2018 | St. Louis Cardinals

Photo by Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

After getting called up to the majors in 2022 for 16 games, Burleson’s first full season came in 2023, when he played in 107 contests. In ‘23, the left-hander slashed .244/.300/.390 with 8 home runs and 36 runs batted in. Kicking off the 2024 season, Burleson has taken his game to the next level. Through 43 games played so far, the 25-year-old is slashing .304/.333/.459 with 5 home runs and 17 runs batted in. St. Louis has enjoyed having him on the team, and he is already becoming a fan favorite.

 

 

Jose Cuas
RHP | Giants 2014 | Chicago Cubs

After a successful career in both college and the CRSCBL, Cuas was drafted in the 11th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally an infielder, Cuas reinvented himself as a pitcher with an unconventional sidearm delivery. His impressive performance in the minor leagues caught the attention of the Kansas City Royals, who officially signed him in 2022. Since his debut in Kansas City, Cuas has moved to the Chicago Cubs where he plays today.

 

Stuart Fairchild
OF | Redbirds 2015 | Cincinnati Reds

After three years at Wake Forest and the 2015 summer in the CRSCBL, Fairchild was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He progressed through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2021. Since his debut, the 25-year-old has bounced around the league, playing for Mariners and Giants in 2022, and finding his current home with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. The flashy mix of speed, defensive prowess, and solid hitting makes Fairchild the valuable player he is today in the Reds' lineup.

 

Nick Fortes
C | Redbirds 2016 | Miami Marlins

A native of DeLand, Florida, Fortes has stayed in his home state since being drafted in the 4th round by the Miami Marlins in 2018. After spending three years in the Minor Leagues, Fortes made his major league debut on September 18, 2021, and quickly established himself as a valuable defender behind the plate, having a strong ability to handle pitchers effectively. 

 

JP France
RHP | Big Train 2014 | Houston Astros

Known for his versatile pitching arsenal, France has demonstrated exceptional skill in both starting and relief roles. With a fastball that can reach the mid-90s, complemented by an effective slider and changeup, France brings a competitive edge to Houston’s starting rotation. In his rookie year in 2023, the right-hander earned a 11-6 record with a 3.83 ERA.

 

Ty France
1B | Big Train 2013 | Seattle Mariners

Since debuting with the San Diego Padres in 2019, France quickly established himself as a reliable infielder with a strong batting average and on-base percentage. In 2020, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he still plays today. In 2022, the power  earned his first all-star appearance in a season where he batted .274/.338/.436 while mashing 20 home runs and 83 runs batted in. France's ability to play multiple infield positions, combined with his disciplined approach at the plate, has made him a valuable asset in the Mariners lineup.

 

Logan Gilbert
RHP | Big Train 2016 | Seattle Mariners

Photo via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Gilbert has had a strong start to his MLB career. The talented right-hander is making his name big due to his impressive six pitch mix. After being drafted 14th overall by the in the 2018 MLB Draft, Gilbert quickly rose through the minor league ranks, showcasing his strong command and strikeout ability. He made his MLB debut on May 13, 2021, and has since established himself as a cornerstone of the Mariners' pitching rotation. Through 11 starts this season, Gilbert has a 3.06 earned run average with 66 strikeouts. In a year where expectations are high for Seattle, Gilbert is poised to be a key component in the hopeful run to the postseason.

Photo via Baseball Savant

 

Kevin Kelly
RHP | Aces 2017 | Tampa Bay Rays

In his rookie year in 2023, Kevin Kelly carved out a reputation as a reliable reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays. As seen in his time with the Alexandria Aces back in 2017, the funky pitch release, mixed with as well as his sweeper with nearly 40 inches of drop makes him a tough pitcher to face. In the majors, Kelly's ability to adapt and perform under pressure has made him a valuable asset in the Rays’ dominant bullpen.

 

Brandon Lowe
2B | Big Train 2014 | Tampa Bay Rays

A Virginia native and University of Maryland product, Brandon Lowe has established himself as a powerful left-handed hitter with significant impact on both offense and defense. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and quickly gained recognition for his versatile playing style and ability to hit the long ball. Lowe's performance has earned him accolades, including an All-Star selection in 2019 and MVP votes in 2020 and 2021. His contributions have been vital to the Rays' competitive presence in the league, showcasing his skills in key moments, particularly in postseason play. While the Rays fell short to the Dodgers in the 2020 World Series, Lowe’s contributions helped them take the series to 6 games. The left-handed slugger tacked on 3 home runs and 6 RBIs.

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Nathaniel Lowe
1B | River Dogs 2015 | Texas Rangers

Photo via AP Photo/David J Phillip

Nathaniel Lowe began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, after making his debut in 2019, he was traded the next year to the Texas Rangers. Lowe quickly established himself in Texas as a reliable hitter with a strong on-base percentage and solid defensive skills . His offensive prowess includes a combination of power and contact hitting, making him a key player in the Rangers' lineup. In 2022, Lowe earned his first Silver Slugger award after slashing.308/.358/.492 with 27 home runs and 76 runs batted in. The next year he was rewarded with his first Gold Glove where he ended the season with a .9977 fielding percentage, as well as 5 outs above average, and 3 runs saved. In 2024, Lowe helped secure the first World Series championship in Rangers history. Safe to say Nathaniel Lowe has had quite the start to his career.

 

Joe Mantiply
LHP | Big Train 2010 | Arizona Diamondbacks

Through his seven year career, Joe Mantiply has become a staple reliever in the majors. He started his career with the Tigers in 2016, and has since gone to the Yankees and now the Diamondbacks where he has been for the past five seasons. During his time in Arizona, Mantiply has had a lot of success, earning an all star appearance in 2022, while consistently neutralizing left-handed hitters. In the World Series run last year, the 33-year-old struck out six batters in his nine appearances out of the bullpen.

 

Joey Ortiz
SS/3B | Dodgers 2017 | Milwaukee Brewers

Photo via AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Two years after playing in the CRSCBL, Joey Ortiz got selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 4th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. After spending nearly five years in the Baltimore organization, a change of scenery was up ahead for the California native. In an offseason trade between the Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers this year, the 25-year-old packed his bags and traveled north. To start off the season, Ortiz was ranked No.63 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list. As of late May, Ortiz leads qualified rookies in many offensive stats: .293 AVG (2nd), .391 OBP (1st), .503 SLG (1st), .894 OPS (1st).

 

James Outman
OF | Big Train 2017 | Los Angeles Dodgers

James Outman is an emerging talent for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made a notable entrance into the majors, showcasing a potent combination of power and speed. After playing 4 games in 2022, his first official rookie season came in 2023. He hit 23 homers, stole 16 bags, and slashed .248/.353/.437, ultimately  placing third in the NL Rookie of the Year standings. 

 

Hunter Renfroe
OF | Big Train 2011-12 | Kansas City Royals

Hunter Renfroe has boasted a powerful bat and throwing arm ever since playing for the Bethesda Big Train from 2011-2012. Renfroe was drafted in the first round in 2013 by the San Diego Padres, and debuted three years later in September 2016. His known trademark for power hitting still stays true with every team he has been a part of. After his time in San Diego, Renfroe has since played for the Rays, Red Sox, Brewers, Angels, and Reds, before landing in Kansas City this season. His big bat, defensive prowess in the outfield, and ability to make difficult catches and deliver accurate throws, makes Renfroe a versatile, well-respected player.

 

Nolan Schanuel
1B | Big Train 2021 | Los Angeles Angels

Nolan Schanuel is an up and coming first base talent for the Los Angeles Angels. The Florida native has quickly made a name for himself with his potent bat and solid defensive abilities. His Minor League journey was very short – last year, the Angels drafted him in the first round in July, and called him up to the big leagues in August. While he may not hit for much power, Schanuel has made his mark as being one of the best contact hitters on the team.

 

Max Schuemann
INF | Aces 2017 | Oakland Athletics

Max Schuemann is an emerging talent, known for his impressive speed and defensive skills. After being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 20th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Schuemann quickly demonstrated his potential in the minor leagues. His standout ability to steal bases and versatility in the infield have made him a valuable asset to his teams. Another factor that stands out in his defense is his ability to succeed in multiple positions. Through his 40 games played this season, Schuemann has played shortstop, second base, and every position in the outfield. In a year where the Athletics are trying to find who has the most promise out of their young talent, Scheumann is making a great case. 

 

Gavin Sheets
1B/OF | Redbirds 2014-15 | Chicago White Sox

A Maryland native, Sheets is the son of former CRSCBL coach Larry Sheets, who himself had an 8-year MLB career. The younger Sheets was drafted by the White Sox in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest University, where he had an impressive college career. Sheets made his MLB debut on June 29, 2021 and quickly established himself as a power hitter, slugging over .500 in his rookie year. The power hitter has shown potential to be a significant contributor to the White Sox lineup, both as a starter and off the bench. This year he leads qualified White Sox with a .778 OPS.

 

Chris Taylor
SS/OF | Braves 2009 | Los Angeles Dodgers

Chris Taylor is one of the most versatile players in the MLB today. Over his long career, the 33-year-old has played every position in the field except pitcher, catcher, and first base. After being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 2012 MLB Draft, his career took off after he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. With the Dodgers, he became a key contributor, helping the team secure several playoff appearances, a World Series title in 2020, and he even earned himself the NLCS MVP in 2017. 

 

 

LaMonte Wade Jr.
1B/OF | Redbirds 2012-13 | San Francisco Giants

After spending four years in the minors, Wade debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. However, it was his move to the San Francisco Giants in 2021 that marked a turning point in his career. With the Giants, Wade earned the nickname "Late Night LaMonte" due to his propensity for delivering key hits in high-pressure, late-game situations. His left-handed bat and solid on-base skills have made him a valuable piece in San Francisco. 

 

Jordan Westburg
INF | Giants 2017 | Baltimore Orioles

Jordan Westburg has made big noise early on in his MLB career, getting recognition for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to bat for average. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2020, Westburg quickly rose through the ranks in just three years before debuting in 2023. So far this season, he has split time at second base and third base while slashing .291/.351/.508 with 34 RBIs. 

 

Ken Waldichuk
LHP | Big Train 2017 | Oakland Athletics

Drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Saint Mary's College, Waldichuk quickly made a name for himself with his dominant performances and high strikeout rates while in the Minor Leagues. His arsenal includes a lively fastball, a sharp slider, and a deceptive changeup, which have proven effective against both right- and left-handed batters. In August 2022, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, and shortly after made his MLB Debut that September. In his time with the Athletics, he has pitched in 42 games, collecting 165 strikeouts over 175.2 innings pitched.