THE RULE OF THREE

Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene and CJ Abrams are three of the prospects we’re most excited to see this season—and for good reason

- MATT EDDY

Three is a magical number in baseball.

Three strikes. Three outs. Three is a factor for the number of innings, lineup spots and total outs in a game.

Baseball fans also tend to think of great players in groups of three.

Tinker to Evers to Chance. Willie, Mickey and the Duke. Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz.

Each Hall of Fame trio is linked by a common element.

The same is true of the so-called holy trinity of American League shortstops of the 1990s: Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. Or the current young Latino superstars of the National League: Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr.

The next baseball power trio is set to emerge in the minor leagues. That’s where Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Padres shortstop CJ Abrams will begin—but not necessarily end—the 2021 season.