A brand new season brings new alternatives for each participant in a workforce’s system. That is very true for a workforce’s Minor League prospects, who look to construct on the earlier season’s accomplishments and proceed to make a reputation for themselves as they forge a path to the Majors.
Right here’s a take a look at one prospect to look at for every workforce in 2025, with assist from MLB.com’s 30 beat writers.
Get used to listening to Alan Roden’s title. The 25-year-old outfielder is an on-base machine, beloved by coaches within the Minors and may have a legit alternative to earn MLB reps by the center of 2025, if not sooner. Roden (Toronto’s No. 12 prospect) carried out properly in 71 video games at Triple-A after his promotion final summer time, hitting .314 with a .406 OBP, and whereas he’s not a slugger by any definition, he’s slowly rising into sufficient energy to make pitchers take that a part of his sport significantly. There’s a motive Roden’s title comes up so typically when talking with members of the entrance workplace or Blue Jays coaches. — Keegan Matheson
Like Jackson Holliday, Mayo’s first style of the large leagues didn’t go almost in addition to anticipated in 2024. As a 22-year-old, the nook infielder performed 17 video games over two stints for the Orioles and went 4-for-41 (.098) with no extra-base hits. Due to that, he isn’t assured a spot on the Opening Day roster in ‘25, and he might start at Triple-A Norfolk due to a crowded infield combine. However Mayo (the O’s No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 total) ought to get again to the large leagues sooner or later subsequent season, and his potent right-handed bat will possible begin to produce because the 2020 fourth-round Draft choose will get extra snug within the Majors. It ought to solely assist him that the left-field wall at Camden Yards is being introduced again in nearer to the ballpark’s authentic dimensions. — Jake Rill
The Rays have a large group of position-player prospects who will begin the season with Triple-A Durham. It’ll be exhausting to maintain your eyes off Tre’ Morgan when he’s hitting or Chandler Simpson when he’s operating the bases, and the checklist goes on. However Williams is the Rays’ high prospect (and MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 total) for a motive. The 21-year-old has elite abilities throughout the board: plus energy and velocity, a cannon of a throwing arm and no-doubt defensive skill at shortstop. There are nonetheless some questions on his strikeouts, however he’s continued to enhance on that entrance. Given the Rays’ questions at shortstop and want for extra offense total, Williams is the one to look at. — Adam Berry
It’s exhausting to recollect the final time a Boston prospect made as vital a leap from one season to the subsequent as Campbell did final 12 months. With some swing changes, Campbell (Boston’s No. 3 total prospect) added energy to the combo of the various different issues he was already doing. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Campbell can win a job on the Opening Day roster. If that’s the case, he could possibly be a main candidate to win the American League Rookie of the 12 months Award. Campbell is ranked No. 10 in MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 prospects. — Ian Browne
Hampton (New York’s No. 6 prospect) was one of many prospects who managing common accomplice Hal Steinbrenner expressed reluctance to debate in trades this previous spring, together with outfielder Spencer Jones and right-hander Will Warren. Hampton’s season by no means actually acquired off the bottom, as he sustained a proper elbow damage throughout Spring Coaching that delayed his season debut till July, then was sidelined by a decrease physique damage in August. Through the Winter Conferences in December, common supervisor Brian Cashman introduced up Hampton unprompted, saying, “One of many guys nobody talks about anymore is Hampton, who was harm final 12 months. He’s wholesome once more.” — Bryan Hoch
As a lot as everybody would love for this 12 months’s No. 1 total choose, Travis Bazzana, to be prepared for a 2025 debut, that’s removed from sure. It’d be stunning if DeLauter didn’t get his first name to the Majors this upcoming season. He dazzled in Spring Coaching in ‘24, hitting 4 homers in 13 Cactus League video games and knocking in probably the most runs of anybody in camp (10). However as soon as once more, accidents derailed his path to the Majors. The Guardians want outfield depth and this former high prospect (now No. 2, as ranked by MLB Pipeline) could possibly be the reply if he can keep wholesome. — Mandy Bell
Cameron, the Royals’ No. 12 prospect, might need made his MLB debut final 12 months if the Royals weren’t making a postseason push and needed to get a take a look at certainly one of their high pitching prospects, however that debut will possible be coming in 2025. The Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster in November to guard him from the Rule 5 Draft, and he’ll be competing for a spot on the Royals’ Opening Day pitching workers within the spring. The Royals’ seventh-round choose within the 2021 Draft, Cameron has handled some accidents in his profession however has been remarkably constant when he’s wholesome, particularly throwing strikes. The 25-year-old posted a 3.08 ERA between two ranges in 2024 and completed the season notably robust in Triple-A Omaha, the place he had a 2.32 ERA throughout 9 begins, with 62 strikeouts and simply 11 walks in 54 1/3 innings. — Anne Rogers
Whereas fellow Tigers catching prospect Josue Briceño dominated the Arizona Fall League, Liranzo (Detroit’s No. 6 prospect) put collectively a sneaky good season behind him, backing up his breakout stretch run at Excessive-A West Michigan and reinforcing hopes that the switch-hitting backstop can fill a task because the Tigers’ catcher of the long run with influence each on the plate and behind it. Catchers can take longer to develop than different place gamers, however Liranzo has an opportunity to make some noise at Double-A Erie sooner or later subsequent season and be a part of Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle within the subsequent wave of younger expertise headed towards Detroit. — Jason Beck
Is it a cop-out to choose the highest prospect within the group and the man who could possibly be on the cusp of turning into the highest total prospect in baseball? Maybe. However that’s precisely why all eyes must be on him in what could possibly be an enormous ‘25. He ascended all the way in which to a Double-A cameo as a 19-year-old regardless of lacking vital time with an Opening Day hamstring damage, and alongside the way in which he confirmed each little bit of the great strike zone management and bat-to-ball skill (extra walks than strikeouts) which have the Twins dreaming huge. — Do-Hyoung Park
Schultz and Smith are ranked as the highest two left-handed pitching prospects within the sport by MLB Pipeline, so let’s cheat a bit of right here and embody each on this class. Their mixture view is sensible, contemplating their significance on the core of the White Sox rebuild. Schultz, 21, Chicago’s No. 1 prospect, was on a set pitch and innings rely final season when beginning as soon as per week however ought to get elevated extra into the common every-fifth-day rotation work in ‘25 and see an innings leap from his 88 1/3 whole of ‘24. Smith, 21, the workforce’s No. 3 prospect and its fifth total choice in final 12 months’s Draft, threw 7 2/3 innings for Excessive-A Winston-Salem after arriving from three years at Arkansas. Each pitchers might attain the Majors later in ‘25 however extra possible out of the bullpen for a primary look. — Scott Merkin
The Angels have had success in getting their first-round picks to the Majors in a rush, similar to first baseman Nolan Schanuel and shortstop Zach Neto, and Moore is the subsequent one who is predicted to suit that mould. Moore, ranked because the membership’s No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, excelled in his first style of the Minor Leagues after being the No. 8 choice within the 2024 Draft. He’ll come to Spring Coaching competing for the membership’s beginning spot at second base, though the Angels are anticipated so as to add not less than yet one more veteran infielder to their combine earlier than they head to camp. Moore, although, is taken into account near being Main League prepared and may make an influence sooner or later in ’25. — Rhett Bollinger
Smith, acquired from the Cubs within the Kyle Tucker commerce and now Houston’s No. 1 prospect, put up terrific offensive numbers in his professional debut with the Cubs final season. Taken with the No. 14 total select of Florida State in July, he slashed .313/.396/.609 in 32 video games mixed between Single-A Myrtle Seaside, Excessive-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee. Smith performed third base within the Cubs’ system, however Astros common supervisor Dana Brown mentioned he’ll play some proper discipline and first base, as properly. If Smith hits properly in his first full season in professional ball, he might attain the Majors sooner reasonably than later. — Brian McTaggart
The thrill of the speedy rise of Wilson, who reached the Majors in July simply 376 days after the A’s chosen him sixth total within the 2023 MLB Draft, was marred after a hamstring damage restricted his huge league publicity to twenty-eight video games. Getting into 2025 with expectations to be the membership’s on a regular basis shortstop, Wilson (the workforce’s No. 1 prospect and MLB’s No. 24 total) is seen by many as an early Rookie of the 12 months candidate after exhibiting off his elite hitting abilities by hitting over .400 at every Minor League degree. — Martín Gallegos
An under-the-radar Draft choose in 2023 who signed beneath slot worth to account for a bevy of Seattle’s first-round alternatives, the previous Faculty of William & Mary standout is quickly on the rise inside a farm system at present ranked No. 9 by MLB Pipeline. Getting into his age-24 season, Williamson is older than most of his prospect friends, however as such, extra seasoned, and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto even hinted on the Winter Conferences that Williamson could possibly be in play for an enormous league function sooner or later this season. Final 12 months, Williamson climbed from Excessive-A Everett to Double-A Arkansas, the place he slashed .273/.365/.374 (.739 OPS) in 95 video games. His largest calling card, nevertheless, is his elite protection at third base. — Daniel Kramer
Rocker, who made three huge league begins in September, will virtually positively be competing for a spot within the Opening Day rotation this spring. The Rangers’ 2022 first-round choose and present No. 2 prospect missed many of the previous two seasons after present process Tommy John surgical procedure in Might 2023, however when he’s on the mound, it’s been electrical at each degree. He breezed by way of each degree of the Minors with relative ease earlier than making his MLB debut on Sept. 12. Not solely is he a prospect to look at, he could possibly be an AL Rookie of the 12 months favourite if he continues trending in the correct route. — Kennedi Landry
Almost two years faraway from Tommy John surgical procedure, Burkhalter could have an opportunity to indicate why his former Auburn pitching coach and former Braves pitcher believed the hurler was near being an enormous league-ready reliever when he was drafted in 2022. The proper-hander, who ranks because the Braves’ No. 19 prospect, posted a 2.14 ERA over his first 9 begins for Excessive-A Rome this 12 months after which appeared to fatigue over his remaining 5 begins. Drue Hackenberg (No. 9), Jhancarlos Lara (No. 14) and Luis De Avila (No. 15) are different pitching prospects to regulate, particularly if the Braves don’t discover exterior choices to fill bullpen voids. However for now, Burkhalter is the one member of this group who hasn’t produced a regarding stroll charge. — Mark Bowman
The Marlins have lacked stability and offensive manufacturing on the catching place for years, however they could have discovered it within the return for Jazz Chisholm Jr. Ramirez, who ranks as Miami’s No. 4 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 96 total prospect, will probably be at huge league camp and may make his MLB debut sooner reasonably than later. After preliminary struggles on the Triple-A degree, he confirmed enchancment (.262/.358/.447) with a change of surroundings and nonetheless showcased bat velocity, energy and constant contact. Whereas there are questions on Ramirez’s protection behind the dish, he has spent the offseason working with workers in Jupiter, Fla. — Christina De Nicola
Loads of questions stay relating to Sproat’s skill to become a real frontline starter, but he additionally has the very best likelihood of anybody in New York’s system to make a big midsummer influence. Only a step away from the large leagues, Sproat, New York’s high prospect, should first grasp the Triple-A degree. But when he will get off to a pleasant begin, it wouldn’t be stunning to see him debut early within the season, as fellow prospect Christian Scott did final 12 months. With a triple-digit fastball, Sproat boasts an excellent larger ceiling than Scott, as evidenced by his No. 40 rating on MLB Pipeline’s Prime Prospects checklist. On the highest degree, he’ll have to be a pitcher not a thrower, which makes Sproat’s early-season growth essential to his probabilities. — Anthony DiComo
Hassell, 23, the Nationals’ No. 13 prospect, has handled accidents in his early professional profession. Now, the previous 2020 eighth total choose is waiting for a wholesome season. Hassell completed final 12 months in Triple-A, and he went on to earn an All-Star choice within the Arizona Fall League. He posted an .877 OPS with 4 house runs and 19 RBIs in 22 video games for the AFL champion Salt River Rafters. The Nats protected Hassell from the Rule 5 Draft and added him to the 40-man roster, incomes a return to huge league camp for the second spring in a row. — Jessica Camerato
How might it’s anyone else? The Phillies have talked fairly a bit concerning the rotation for the reason that finish of the 2024 season. First, they already believed they’d 4 top-tier starters in Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez. Then, they acquired Jesús Luzardo in a commerce with Miami. Now, the Phillies consider they’ve 5 All-Star-caliber starters to open the season. However that doesn’t imply Painter’s time received’t are available 2025. Accidents occur, pitchers battle. If both occurs, you possibly can wager Painter, the workforce’s No. 2 prospect, will probably be in pink pinstripes by midsummer. — Todd Zolecki
Made — pronounced mod-AY — already broke out inside the Brewers’ system in 2024, incomes co-Minor League Participant of the 12 months honors in his first skilled season after signing for $950,000 in January. A switch-hitter who’s nonetheless simply 17 and regarded the workforce’s No. 4 prospect, Made slashed .331/.458/.554 and stole 28 bases in 51 video games within the Dominican Summer time League whereas strolling extra occasions (39) than he struck out (28). It’s tempting to match his present prospect warmth to Brewers phenom Jackson Chourio, who rocketed up prospect lists all the way in which to No. 2 on MLB Pipeline’s total Prime 100 earlier than his sensational MLB debut as a 20-year-old final season. Might Made be subsequent to crack that checklist subsequent spring? — Adam McCalvy
Contemplating the variety of huge video games Mathews pitched in whereas starring at Stanford — together with a 156-pitch, 16-strikeout gem within the 2023 NCAA Event — it’s no shock how he simply carved up Minor League competitors in 2024. Mathews, 24, the workforce’s No. 3 prospect, swiftly zipped by way of 4 ranges of Minor League baseball whereas putting out an MiLB-best 202 hitters in 143 1/3 innings. He’s simply the tenth prospect in Cardinals historical past to compile 200 strikeouts in a Minor League season. Now, he’ll get a shot to make the Opening Day roster if he pitches properly in Spring Coaching. — John Denton
There will probably be plenty of consideration on the pile of Prime 100 prospects within the Cubs’ palms, however this will probably be a vital 12 months for Horton’s climb to Wrigley Discipline. Horton (Pipeline’s No. 3 Cubs prospect and No. 42 on the Prime 100 checklist) was chosen with the seventh total choose within the 2022 Draft and loved a powerful professional debut in ‘23 (2.65 ERA with 117 strikeouts and 27 walks in 88 1/3 innings) as he reached Double-A. Final 12 months, damage setbacks restricted the righty to 34 1/3 innings. Horton made it to Triple-A Iowa, however his marketing campaign stalled in late Might. If wholesome, Horton might influence the Cubs’ workers sooner or later this summer time. — Jordan Bastian
Some might have questioned about 18 months in the past whether or not Chandler was ever going to click on as a professional. Now he’s the No. 2 pitching prospect within the sport and the No. 15 total prospect, in response to MLB Pipeline. Chandler can pump upper-90s warmth and uncork high-spin breaking balls, however it’s his total growth that’s actually been spectacular over the previous 12 months and a half. He tore up Triple-A after a midseason promotion in 2024, so he’s on the Main League radar this season. The one query is when he’ll get the decision. — Alex Stumpf
One of many key prospects acquired from the Mariners within the 2022 commerce of ace Luis Castillo, Arroyo is ranked as Cincinnati’s No. 3 prospect and ranked No. 67 total by MLB Pipeline. He missed all of 2024 recovering from left shoulder surgical procedure after being injured throughout Spring Coaching. Now 21, and after exhibiting he was absolutely recovered on the Arizona Fall League, Arroyo will possible start 2025 at Double-A Chattanooga and will transfer up rapidly along with his already very good protection and an enhancing switch-hitting bat. He batted .252 with a .757 OPS, 13 house runs, 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases over 123 video games at Excessive-A Dayton and Double-A. — Mark Sheldon
The D-backs’ confidence in Lawlar was mirrored of their resolution to DFA shortstop Nick Ahmed in September 2023 rather than Lawlar, who made his huge league debut within the midst of a heated pennant race. Ranked because the No. 9 prospect in baseball, Lawlar performed winter ball to make up for the at-bats that he misplaced after accidents restricted him to only 85 in 2024. Arizona nonetheless believes in Lawlar, and if he’s wholesome you possibly can count on to see him within the huge leagues. It may not be at shortstop — Lawlar additionally performed second and third within the Dominican Republic this winter — however they may need him within the lineup. — Steve Gilbert
We’ve heard about Dashing’s skill to hit for a few years, and now it is perhaps time to see it on the huge league degree. It’s a matter of when, not if, Dashing — the workforce’s No. 1 prospect — makes his debut this season, giving the Dodgers one other superior bat. Now, the query will probably be whether or not Dashing is able to taking part in the outfield after selecting up the place late final season. Dashing, an authentic catcher, is clearly blocked by Will Smith behind the plate, however the Dodgers need to discover methods to get his bat within the lineup. — Sonja Chen
No Giants prospect loved a much bigger rise this 12 months than Eldridge, the workforce’s high prospect, who zoomed from Single-A San Jose to Triple-A Sacramento in his first full season in professional ball. Eldridge, 20, batted .291 with an .890 OPS and 23 house runs over 116 video games in the course of the Minor League season and continued to get extra seasoning by taking part in within the Arizona Fall League. The sixteenth total choose of the 2023 Draft, Eldridge generates big uncooked energy from his 6-foot-7 body, however the Giants consider he’ll must shore up his protection at first base earlier than he’s prepared to interrupt into the Majors. — Maria Guardado
Sorry, dishonest a bit right here. However the Padres’ “prospect to look at” is extra an idea than a particular participant. They should reboot their system after making a flurry of trades in-season final 12 months. This trio of pitchers — getting into their first full seasons in professional ball — could possibly be the ticket to doing so. They at present comprise the Padres’ Nos. 3-4-5 prospects, per MLB Pipeline (Mayfield, Bateman and Cruz, in that order), and it is potential all of them open the season in a rotation collectively at Single-A. As issues stand, the Padres’ system is centered round two premier prospects — catcher Ethan Salas and shortstop Leo De Vries. Few doubt the potential of that duo. However the Padres want a fuller pipeline, and these three younger pitchers maintain the important thing. — AJ Cassavell
Dollander’s step-by-step growth has labored. After the Rockies drafted him ninth total in 2023, Dollander, the workforce’s No. 2 prospect, didn’t pitch in video games however labored on bodily energy and supply refinements. Final 12 months, his first professional season, Dollander went a mixed 6-2 with a 2.59 ERA at Excessive-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford, and his 1.195 WHIP and 12.9 strikeouts per 9 innings confirmed that he’s near the Majors. How shut? The Rockies will deliver him to camp and provides him an opportunity to interrupt with the large squad. — Thomas Harding
