We’ve formally turned over the calendar to 2025 this week. After all in baseball, it seems like we started to flip the calendar the second Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler struck out Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo in Recreation 5 to finish the World Sequence on Oct. 30.
Right here at MLB Pipeline, we’re at all times fascinated with the long run. That’s the very nature of overlaying prospects, the Minor Leagues and the MLB Draft. So earlier than pitchers and catchers report back to Spring Coaching subsequent month, let’s take a while to consider what’s to return in prospectdom this yr. Listed below are 25 storylines we’ll comply with in 2025:
1. Roki Sasaki arrives: The 23-year-old right-hander will turn into probably the most heralded member of a global signing class since Shohei Ohtani joined the Angels in December 2017. As one govt informed Jonathan Mayo about signing Sasaki, “Why wouldn’t everybody be attempting?” His recruitment and signing course of will make for fascinating follows forward of the opening of the signing interval on Jan. 15, and oh, he will get to really pitch after that. Triple-digit fastballs, arguably the most effective splitters on the planet, above-average sliders — they’re all a part of the bundle that may make Sasaki’s MLB debut so enjoyable and probably dominant.
2. The Rookie of the 12 months races: We don’t know if Sasaki will be a part of an American League or Nationwide League staff, however he’ll be the moment favourite in both circuit, aiming to repeat Paul Skenes’ path as a ROY beginning pitcher. Outdoors of him, the races may very well be fairly open. Within the AL, Jackson Jobe, Coby Mayo, Kumar Rocker and Jacob Wilson have already got MLB expertise, whereas Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell ought to compete for spots with Boston out of the gate. Dylan Crews might need a half-step forward of the NL crowd with an Opening Day spot within the Washington outfield, however Matt Shaw, Rhett Lowder and Bubba Chandler ought to all have a say. The enlargement of the ROY poll from three gamers to 5 also needs to permit for extra gamers to be thought of, vetted and voted on in 2025.
3. Commerce packages: Some large blockbusters are already out of the way in which this offseason with High 100 abilities Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery and Cam Smith heading to new organizations. However there’s the likelihood that extra offers might come within the new yr and shake up farm methods, like ones involving Dylan Stop or Luis Robert. Trying again at August, just one present High 100 prospect (Agustin Ramirez) was moved at the newest Commerce Deadline. Will groups be equally much less prepared to commerce away big-time prospects in-season, or was that extra of a mirrored image of the 2024 commerce candidate class? We’ll discover out this summer season.
4. The Nationals’ Draft determination at No. 1 general: Talking of the summer season, Washington landed the 2025 Draft’s No. 1 general decide by the Draft Lottery on the Winter Conferences. Because it stands now, this gained’t be like 2009 and 2010, when the Nats had slam-dunk one-one picks in Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Ethan Holliday will get loads of consideration with the likelihood that he’ll comply with in his brother Jackson’s footsteps, each on the high of the Draft and by going to a corporation within the DMV space. However the Nationals might purpose for a university arm like Jamie Arnold or Tyler Bremner, who might assist out extra shortly, or add a university bat like Jace LaViolette to the outfield combine alongside Crews and James Wooden. The Draft begins July 13 in Atlanta.
5. Subsequent battle for No. 1 general prospect spot: Sasaki, a possible MLB ace, has the higher hand to say the highest spot on the 2025 preseason checklist, although nothing is official but as we proceed to undergo the High 100 rating course of. On the place participant facet, Crews is loaded with instruments on each side of the diamond, and fellow outfielders Roman Anthony and Walker Jenkins have their justifiable share of followers throughout the trade. If Sasaki does go to No. 1, he’ll probably graduate early, making his substitute on the high some extent of debate throughout prospectheads. (A private prediction: Leodalis De Vries or Sebastian Walcott will rank at No. 1 sooner or later in 2025.)
6. Is pitching again? The evolving function of the beginning pitcher (introduced on by lowered price of innings per begin resulting in decreased seasonal innings totals and due to this fact decreased general particular person influence) compelled us to take a tough take a look at how we rank pitching prospects in comparison with their hitting friends. However this present crop of pitching prospects could be too good to disregard. Sasaki is a star within the making. Jobe has a full set of MLB-ready pitches and spectacular command. Chandler and Noah Schultz have the stuff to guide rotations, and Andrew Painter (extra on him in a second) seemed to be again to his 2022 self within the Arizona Fall League. The standard of arsenals, aided by the fashionable work of pitch understanding and design, might push a number of arms into outstanding locations on the High 100 to start 2025 and past the beginning of the season.
7. Painter’s well being: Painter was the AFL’s Pitcher of the 12 months after flirting with triple-digits and displaying a well-rounded arsenal in his return from elbow points and Tommy John surgical procedure that had held him out since spring 2023. The Phillies have indicated he’s a candidate to pitch within the Main League rotation. However Painter’s innings limits — each in video games and over the season — will decide simply how large of a job he’ll have for the NL East contenders, particularly down the stretch.
8. Can Ethan Salas rebound? The Padres catcher skyrocketed as if he had been shot out of a cannon when he reached Double-A as a 17-year-old in 2023, however he hit simply .206/.288/311 in 111 video games for Excessive-A Fort Wayne final season. He regarded extra like his outdated self on the plate within the Arizona Fall League, the place he additionally strengthened his repute as a powerful defensive backstop. That has buoyed his inventory for now, and it’s at all times good to recollect growth isn’t at all times linear. However Salas as soon as regarded like a future No. 1 general candidate, and he’ll want a powerful bounce again to get into that dialogue once more.
9. First member of 2024 Draft to debut within the Majors: The Angels sometimes transfer their Draft picks faster than most anybody else, and first-rounder Christian Moore already has 23 video games of stable Double-A expertise. It could be the previous Tennessee star vs. the sphere, however don’t rule out A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz in the identical division, or different first-rounders Travis Bazzana, Chase Burns or Hagen Smith.
10. Had been Charlie Condon’s Excessive-A struggles blips or actual? The 2024 third general decide wasn’t listed above after hitting simply .180/.248/.270 with one homer and a 31.2 p.c strikeout price in 25 video games for Excessive-A Spokane after the Draft. That got here after Condon led Division I qualifiers in common (.433), slugging (1.009), OPS (1.565) and homers (37) over 60 video games in his closing season at Georgia. The Northwest League woes might have been the consequences of fatigue after a protracted spring and summer season, or they may have been indicative of a participant with points towards sharper pitching on the professional stage. Condon shall be refreshed and develop his Minor League pattern measurement this spring, giving us clearer solutions.
11. Can Jasson Domínguez lastly settle within the Bronx? Juan Soto is out of the Yankees outfield. Cody Bellinger is in through commerce (until he strikes to first base full-time). If the season began as we speak, Domínguez would probably slide into the beginning left-field function. However whereas the 21-year-old switch-hitter has proven promising energy and pace within the higher ranges of the Minors, he’s but to copy these outcomes on the plate over 26 video games in two Main League seasons, and his protection in left has regarded uncooked at finest. He wants ample MLB taking part in time to regulate to the extent, however the Yankees can’t afford to hold subpar manufacturing in a loaded AL East.
12. Subsequent steps for Boston’s Huge Three: The Purple Sox prospect quad misplaced its backstop with Teel going to the Pale Hose within the Garrett Crochet swap, however High 10 general prospects Anthony, Campbell and Marcelo Mayer stay. Anthony and Campbell ought to get pictures to make the MLB membership out of spring by persevering with to hit the ball onerous and within the air whereas displaying first rate pace. Mayer might want to reestablish constant well being as he’s nonetheless but to play greater than 91 video games in any of his 4 Minor League seasons.
13. Minor League ballparks take large stage: They don’t come beneath common circumstances (ongoing development/finish of a lease and hurricane harm), however for these of us who comply with the Minor Leagues day by day, it’ll be one thing to see West Sacramento’s Sutter Well being Park and Tampa’s George M. Steinbrenner Area turn into short-term Main League houses to the Athletics and Rays, respectively. Sutter Well being Park has traditionally been one of many extra pitcher-friendly ballparks within the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, whereas GMS Area has the identical dimensions (and quick porch) as Yankee Stadium. Put together accordingly.
14. New Minor League ballparks: 4 new stadiums will arrive in Minor League Baseball in 2025: Triple-A Salt Lake, Double-A Columbus, Double-A Knoxville and Excessive-A Hub Metropolis. Salt Lake and Knoxville are relocations throughout the similar area, whereas Columbus and Hub Metropolis deliver new environs in Georgia and South Carolina, respectively. We’ll be taught extra about how the parks play as soon as video games get underway in March and April.
15. Jesus Made heads stateside: Bear in mind Jackson Chourio’s breakout in 2022, when he left out the Arizona Complicated League and climbed three ranges? The hype is even increased round Made, a Brewers prospect on the similar stage of his profession now that Chourio was at earlier than ’22. The 17-year-old switch-hitting center infielder ranked among the many high 5 p.c within the Dominican Summer season League involved price and chase price whereas displaying spectacular hard-hit charges and exit velocities. Milwaukee likes to check its brightest younger stars, and Made may already be the most effective prospect within the system earlier than taking part in a single sport within the U.S.
16. How excessive can the steals chief go? Guidelines modifications involving pickoff limits and base sizes have allowed groups to get extra aggressive on the basepaths, and nobody has taken extra benefit than Chandler Simpson, the two-time Minor League chief in steals. The Rays’ No. 4 prospect was the Minors’ first participant to steal 100-plus baggage since 2012 when he nabbed 104 between Excessive-A and Double-A in 2024. He might conceivably go for 110-plus in 2025, but when that occurs, he’ll in all probability be within the Majors first, leaving one other speedster to choose up the mantle. Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. and fellow Ray Homer Bush Jr. are two candidates.
17. Trickle-down results of Soto in Mets system: The offseason’s greatest free agent performs within the outfield. 5 of the Mets’ high six prospects (Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, Carson Benge, Ronny Mauricio) have outfield expertise. Depth on the grass is an efficient factor to have, however Soto’s arrival might provoke some shifting and shaking amongst that group within the quick and long run. Perhaps Williams begins taking part in extra within the center infield, Gilbert will get extra seems in middle and Clifford turns into extra of a full-time first baseman (particularly if the Mets don’t re-sign Pete Alonso or add a similar-quality participant there). Benge, final yr’s first-rounder, could be too far-off to contemplate Soto results subsequent summer season, whereas Mauricio wants to indicate he’s wholesome after lacking 2024 with a torn proper ACL.
18. Shaw manning the new nook at Wrigley: The Cubs dealt away Isaac Paredes to the Astros within the Kyle Tucker deal, leaving third base open for now. It simply so occurs No. 22 general prospect Shaw might slide in completely after posting an .867 OPS with 21 homers and 31 steals at Double-A and Triple-A final yr. The 2023 first-rounder may very well be examined defensively there, however his above-average hit, energy and pace instruments might instantly assist Chicago in its bid for a primary postseason look since 2020.
19. Returns from harm: High D-backs prospect Jordan Lawlar was restricted to 23 Minor League video games by thumb and hamstring points and has been making up for the misplaced time within the Dominican Winter League. High Brewers prospect Jeferson Quero suffered a torn proper labrum in his first sport of the 2024 season. High Cubs pitching prospect Cade Horton managed solely 9 begins resulting from a proper lat pressure. All three ought to open at Triple-A in 2025 and reestablish their prospect statuses.
20. Jac Caglianone’s two-way standing: The Royals chosen final yr’s John Olerud Award winner sixth general within the Draft and appeared open to permitting him to hit and pitch, although they stored him as a place participant in early work at Excessive-A Quad Cities and the Arizona Fall League. Caglianone’s top-of-the-scale energy might make him a fast mover if he can reign in his excessive chase price, however there’s a temptation to see what his mid-90s fastball might do with pro-level pitching instruction. He’ll be some of the carefully adopted prospects in his first Spring Coaching and into the common season.
21. Subsequent Kristian Campbell/Quinn Mathews from 2024 Draft class: Mathews and Campbell had been chosen 122nd and 132nd general within the 2023 Draft respectively and went on to guide the Minors in strikeouts and wRC+, fueling their surges into the High 100 general prospect checklist. May anybody comply with of their footsteps with related breakouts in 2025? A private favourite candidate: No. 134 general decide and Padres No. 6 prospect Kavares Tears, who was a star for Tennessee’s School World Sequence-winning staff with above-average energy and pace.
22. What do the Rays do with all this depth? The Rays used final yr’s Commerce Deadline to bulk up their pipeline and as soon as once more ascended to the highest of our in-season Farm System Rankings. They’re notably loaded at first base (Xavier Isaac, Tre’ Morgan) and the outfield (Chandler Simpson, Theo Gillen, Brailer Guerrero, Aidan Smith) however have the center infield (Carson Wiliams, Brayden Taylor) and catching (Dominic Keegan) spots coated properly too. There are stable arms in Gary Gill Hill, Santiago Suarez, Brody Hopkins and Jackson Baumeister and the potential reclamation of former High 100 prospect Dylan Lesko. Having a high system and a high MLB staff are two various things, and it’ll be on Tampa Bay gamers, coaches and coordinators to show this group into the subsequent contender on the Gulf Coast.
23. Detroit’s up-and-coming catching duo: Anybody who adopted the Arizona Fall League this autumn is conscious of the hitting prowess of Fall Stars Recreation MVP Thayron Liranzo and Triple Crown winner/regular-season MVP Josue Briceño. The 2 shall be on totally different paths in 2025 — Liranzo spent all final season in Excessive-Some time Briceño missed a lot of the Single-A yr with a knee harm — however they may very well be on a collision course earlier than lengthy. Count on Briceño to be the one who strikes to first base if and when that occurs, however each boppers have the plus uncooked energy to characteristic in the midst of a Motown lineup faster than many catchers their age.
24. New Cardinals participant growth setup: Former Purple Sox exec Chaim Bloom will substitute outgoing president of baseball operations John Mozeliak after the 2025 season, and the membership has already added new assistant basic supervisor for participant growth and efficiency Rob Cerfolio and farm director Larry Day, each from the Guardians group, following Gary LaRocque’s retirement. Bloom had a hand in increase the Boston farm earlier than his departure, whereas Cerfolio and Day helped Cleveland develop 5 present High 100 prospects and extra candidates for that checklist simply behind them. The Playing cards have three High 100 gamers themselves now in JJ Wetherholt, Tink Therefore and Mathews, however they may use a deeper and extra sturdy system once they’re seeking to retool the MLB membership for a brand new period.
25. Spring Breakout, Half II: The primary version of Spring Breakout — a sequence of Spring Coaching exhibitions inserting prospects from all ranges within the highlight — gave us an epic Paul Skenes vs. Jackson Holliday matchup that grew to become the discuss of baseball for the day. What can 2025 present as an encore? Spring Breakout arrives in Arizona and Florida from March 13-16.
