Top 10 prospects in the National League East right now

6) Best National League East prospect: Nationals, Elijah Green, OF

The fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, Elijah Green is a Nationals minor league outfielder the team will look to develop over the next few seasons. At only 18 and with an ETA to the big leagues of 2026, he’s someone whose prospect stock will be far more about potential than what he’s actually doing on the field.

Green is one of several outfield prospects the Nationals are hoping will patrol the grounds in D.C. in the coming years. Already in the top 30 of all prospects before he even played a game, the expectations are exponential already.

Known for being able to do a lot of things well—including his speed—he could turn into one of those leadoff hitters with power. The Mets will have to deal with him one day. Take your time, Washington. We can wait.

5) Best National League East prospect: Phillies, Andrew Painter, RHP

The only member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization to make this list is pitcher Andrew Painter. Philadelphia will hope to have much better luck with him than they have with many of their other high-profile pitching prospects over the last hundred years.

Painter was the 13th overall selection in 2021. Thus far, he has lived up to the hype. He has been impressive throughout the 2022 season at all levels he has taken the mound. It doesn’t hurt that he has pretty good name for a pitcher. He might not paint the corners like Greg Maddux. Hopefully, for the sake of the Mets, he’s nothing like him.

The next influx of young Phillies players will be led by Painter. Their best prospect at the moment, they’ll hold out hope that by the time he reaches the majors he’s as effective as he has been on the farm.