It’s time for teams to embrace high-upside young talent in order to elevate their chances of making a playoff run, unless they find themselves competing with equally formidable opponents. Many teams are banking on their youthful prospects to bolster their rosters by promoting players from their minor league systems. However, the reigning World Series champion Dodgers and the runner-up Yankees have some of the most promising prospects poised for breakthroughs in 2025.
Roki Sasaki, a right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, may have already proven himself in Japan, but at just 23 years old and signing a minor league contract, he still falls under the category of an up-and-coming prospect. Sasaki has impressed with his fastball hitting speeds as high as 102.5 mph in Japan, coupled with a devastating splitter. He joins a talented pitching staff, which should alleviate some of the pressure on him to perform.
Jasson Dominguez, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, was touted as the next great talent in the Bronx after hitting four home runs in eight games in 2023 before undergoing elbow surgery. His performance was less stellar in the following season, but the 22-year-old has an opportunity to secure a starting spot and made strides during spring training.
Roman Anthony, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, emerged as a standout minor league hitter after being drafted in the second round in 2022. At just 20 years old, Anthony still has room to develop and build on his impressive stats from the previous season. With a strong on-base percentage and power numbers, Anthony is poised to make an impact at the major league level soon.
Kristian Campbell, an infielder/outfielder for the Red Sox, showcased his talents by excelling at every level from Single-A to Triple-A last season. With a high batting average, on-base percentage, and a combination of power and speed, Campbell is primed for an early opportunity in the 2024 season.
Travis Bazzana, a second baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, was the top overall draft pick in 2024 and quickly gained attention with his performance in the minor leagues despite limited experience. With a strong hitting prowess reminiscent of his college days at Oregon State, Bazzana could make his major league debut this season if he continues to show promise.
Quinn Matthews, a left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, impressed with his stellar performance across multiple levels in his first professional season. With a high strikeout rate and a solid ERA, the 24-year-old Stanford alum is on track for an MLB debut in the near future.
Samuel Basallo, a catcher/first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, possesses raw power that could bring monumental changes to the team’s playing field. While he needs improvement in his catching skills, Basallo’s potential at first base and DH positions makes him a valuable asset for the Orioles.
Chase Dollander, a right-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies
The team’s 31-player travel squad is all set for their upcoming journey to Japan. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, the first-round selection from 2023 has showcased his skills across four minor league tiers within two seasons, with a notable performance at the Triple-A level. The anticipation for his next move is building. – Doug Padilla, Field Level Media
