Big Train Alumni Make Waves: Top MLB Prospects and Players on the Cusp

by Raquel Ordonez

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, several former Big Train players are making their presence known, both among the top MLB prospects and as part of 40-man rosters heading into Spring Training. These players, who developed their skills with the Bethesda Big Train, are continuing to showcase their abilities in the professional ranks. As they inch closer to their big-league dreams, some are already gearing up for a chance to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, others are at AAA or AA, still grinding toward their big-league dreams. 

Four Big Train Players Among TEAM Top 30 MLB Prospects

The Big Train organization has always been a stepping stone for rising stars, and the current crop of top prospects proves just that. Among the MLB's top 30 prospects, four former Big Train players have captured attention for their impressive performances.

  • Emilien Pitre, 2B (Tampa Bay Rays) Pitre’s stint with the Big Train in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular. The University of Kentucky product hit .405 with 49 hits in just 34 games, earning Manager Sal Colangelo’s Golden Spikes Award. A second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, Pitre signed for $1.5 million and quickly made an impact at the professional level. In 2023, he debuted with the Class A Charleston RiverDogs, where he batted .299 over 21 games. As a top-tier prospect in the Rays’ organization, Pitre is looking to build on his early success as he ascends toward a potential MLB debut.

  • Chase Lee, RHP (Detroit Tigers) Lee was a standout reliever for the Big Train in 2019, posting a 1.08 ERA and seven saves. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the sixth round, he advanced within the Rangers’ farm system to AAA Round Rock, where he went 3-4 with four saves and a 3.98 ERA in 47 games in 2023 and 0-0 with no saves and a 1.69 ERA. After a midseason trade to the Detroit Tigers, Lee continued to impress at the AAA level with a 3.27 ERA and a 1-3 record. Heading into 2025, he is part of the Tigers' spring training roster, hoping to earn a spot in the big-league bullpen.

  • Grayson Hitt, LHP (Arizona Diamondbacks) Hitt had a brief but dominant run with the Big Train in 2021, earning the Manager’s Outstanding Starting Pitcher Award with a 4-0 record and 1.63 ERA. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth round out of the University of Alabama, and signed for $1.2 million.  He made his professional debut last season at the rookie level and appeared in only six innings. After a challenging rookie season, the southpaw is looking to bounce back in 2025. His raw talent and potential remain a source of excitement for the Diamondbacks’ future pitching staff.

  • Grant Knipp, C/RHP (Seattle Mariners) Knipp showed off his two-way abilities with the Big Train in 2021, excelling as both a catcher and first baseman. In 23 games, he tallied 25 hits and drove in 22 runs.  He batted .294.  In 2024, at Campbell University, he made headlines by his display of batting prowess.  He batted .402 with 41 hits in 29 games, slamming 18 home runs and driving in 46 runs.  He also pitched in four games, earning two saves with a 1.59 ERA. Knipp was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round. His impressive performance as both a hitter and pitcher makes him a versatile asset for the Mariners.


Big Train Alumni on MLB 40-man Rosters headed to Spring Training 2025

Twelve Big Train alumni are heading into Spring Training 2025 with a place on the 40-man rosters of their MLB teams.

  • Hunter Brown, P (Astros) - With Big Train in 2018

  • Alec Burleson, OF (Cardinals) - With Big Train in 2018

  • Logan Driscoll, C (Rays) - With Big Train in 2017

  • J.P. France, P (Astros) - With Big Train in 2014

  • Logan Gilbert, P (Mariners) - With Big Train in 2016 

  • Chase Lee, P (Tigers) - With Big Train in 2019

  • Brandon Lowe, 2B (Rays) - With Big Train in 2014

  • Joe Mantiply, P (Diamondbacks) - WIth Big Train in 2010

  • James Outman, OF (Dodgers) - With Big Train in 2017

  • Hunter Renfroe, OF (Royals) - With Big Train 2011-2012

  • Nolan Schanuel, 1B (Angels) - With Big Train in 2021

  • Ken Waldichuk, P (Athletics) - With Big Train in 2017


Big Train Alumni Knocking on the Door

While the four players noted above are receiving attention as top prospects, several other Big Train alumni spent 2024 at the AAA or AA levels. These players are key figures in the minor leagues and continue to strive for an MLB opportunity.

  • Andrew Bechtold, RHP (Toronto Blue Jays) Bechtold’s journey has been one of versatility—playing multiple positions for the Big Train before transitioning to pitching. After being drafted by the Minnesota Twins, he climbed to AAA before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023. In 2024, Bechtold strictly pitched for the Blue Jays’ AA affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. His future in the big leagues remains uncertain, but his adaptability and pitching potential keep him on the radar.

  • Chris Clarke, RHP (Chicago Cubs) Clarke enjoyed a stellar 2018 season with the Big Train, posting a 4-0 record and 2.73 ERA. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round, Clarke made his way to AAA with the Iowa Cubs. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed his progress, and after an injury-plagued 2024 season, Clarke is working to recover. He spent time with the Seattle Mariners during spring training in 2023 as a Rule 5 draftee, and was on the Cubs’ spring training roster last year.

  • Ty France, 1B (Cincinnati Reds) France’s path to MLB stardom began with the Big Train in 2013, where he hit .331 and earned the Manager’s Most Outstanding Hitter Award. After debuting with the San Diego Padres and making an American League All-Star appearance with the Seattle Mariners in 2022, France found himself with the Cincinnati Reds in 2024. After finishing the season with the Reds, France was sent to their AAA affiliate, the Louisville Bats. His major-league experience keeps his future prospects alive.

  • Austin Gauthier, SS (Los Angeles Dodgers) Gauthier’s time with the Big Train in 2021 was marked by a solid .279 batting average. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed him, and he quickly made a name for himself at the High A level, batting .365 for the Great Lakes Loons in 2023. Gauthier finished 2024 at AAA with the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Despite his strong performance, he remains one step away from an MLB debut.

  • Kobe Kato, 2B (Atlanta Braves) Kato’s legendary season with the Big Train in 2019 included a .441 batting average, the second-highest in league history, and a .612 on-base percentage that still stands as a league record. After a few years in the Astros’ system, Kato’s release in 2024 led him to Independent ball before signing with the Seattle Mariners. He finished the 2024 season with the Tacoma Rainiers in AAA and later signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he’s been assigned to their AA affiliate, the Mississippi Braves.

  • Joe Nahas, RHP (Chicago Cubs) Nahas showed promise during his Big Train tenure in 2017, posting a 2.77 ERA in 15 games. In 2024, he made it to the AA level with the Tennessee Smokies, where he finished the season with a 6-2 record and 4.34 ERA. Nahas has been pitching for the Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rico Winter League, dominating with a 5-1 record and 1.85 ERA. His recent success could lead to an improved shot for advancement. 

  • Drew Strotman, RHP (San Francisco Giants) Strotman was a fixture in the Big Train’s rotation in 2015 and 2016, earning a 2.62 ERA in his first season. After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, Strotman played at the AAA level for several teams, including the Rays, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers. In 2024, he finished the season with the San Francisco Giants’ AAA affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats.

Looking Ahead

The journey from the Big Train to Major League Baseball is a long and winding one, but for these talented alumni, their time with the Bethesda Big Train was just the beginning. Whether they’re climbing the prospect ranks or fighting for a spot in the big leagues, these players are proof that the Big Train program continues to produce top-tier talent.