Sometimes, a new product may require additional preparation before it is ready to be introduced to the market. This is evident in the case of USA TODAY Sports’ annual list of 100 Names to Know in Major League Baseball this year. Several of the top 10 players have already gained significant experience at the highest level of the game, only to return to the minor leagues for further development. However, this year, they appear poised to shine on the field.
Leading the list is Junior Caminero, an infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, who has received opportunities in the major leagues over the past two seasons but still meets the criteria for inclusion on the list. The ranking is not solely based on prospects but also considers the current role within the organization and the potential impact on the game in the future.
Junior Caminero boasts an impressive career minor league OPS of .921 and is set to make a significant impact for the Rays this season. Following him on the list are players like Jackson Holliday of the Orioles, Rōki Sasaki of the Dodgers, Kristian Campbell of the Red Sox, and Dylan Crews of the Nationals, all of whom have shown promise and potential for success in the major leagues.
These players represent a mix of young talent and experienced prospects who are expected to make waves in the upcoming season. With their skills and determination, they are poised to contribute significantly to their respective teams and make a name for themselves in the world of Major League Baseball.
7. Heston Kjerstad, OF, Orioles
With outfielder Anthony Santander departing in free agency, Kjerstad has a prime opportunity to showcase his skills this season. He will be vying for playing time in the outfield and at DH, boasting a solid .351 OBP in his 147 major league plate appearances. Throughout his minor league career spanning four levels, Kjerstad maintained a .304 batting average with 42 home runs and 153 RBI.
8. Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox
At just 20 years old, Anthony is on the cusp of breaking into the majors and could potentially start the season in Boston if the starting right fielder is unavailable. He wrapped up the previous season at Class AAA Worcester, impressing with a .344/.463/.519 slash line in 35 games, making a strong case for his readiness for the next level.
9. Matt Shaw, 3B, Cubs
Following the departure of Isaac Paredes via trade, Shaw, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has the opportunity to claim the Cubs’ starting third baseman position on opening day. Showing steady improvement as he ascended through the minors, Shaw recorded a .395 on-base percentage and .534 slugging in his 35 games last season after his promotion to Class AAA.
10. Jacob Wilson, SS, Athletics
Selected as the sixth overall pick in 2023, 22-year-old Wilson swiftly rose through the minors, batting an impressive .433 in 208 at-bats last season. He has secured the opening day shortstop role for the Athletics in their inaugural season in Sacramento.
11. Drake Baldwin, C, Braves
With incumbent catcher Sean Murphy sidelined due to injury, Baldwin, a highly-regarded prospect, is poised to take over as Atlanta’s starting catcher on opening day. Coming off a stellar 2024 season where he hit .298 with 12 home runs and an .891 OPS in Class AAA, the 23-year-old Baldwin is expected to make a significant impact.
12. Rhett Lowder, RHP, Reds
Drafted as the seventh overall pick in 2023, Lowder, a 22-year-old right-hander, swiftly ascended to the major leagues last season after showcasing his talent at various levels. Despite experiencing some elbow soreness in the offseason, Lowder posted an impressive 1.17 ERA over 30 ⅔ innings with the Reds and is a strong contender for a spot in the opening day rotation.
13. Connor Norby, INF, Marlins
Acquired from the Orioles in exchange for Trevor Rogers, Norby demonstrated his power by hitting seven homers with 17 RBI in 36 games for the Marlins. With an impressive track record of 70 minor league home runs and an .860 OPS, Norby is set to start as the team’s third baseman on opening day.
14. Tomoyuki Sugano,
Ronald’s brother had been competing for a bench role, but the Mets were pleasantly surprised by his offensive performance. Acuña, a 5-foot-8 infielder, hit .308 with three home runs and a .966 OPS in 39 at-bats last season at age 22. Victor Scott, an outfielder for the Cardinals, struggled at the plate in his MLB debut last season but has shown improvement this spring, positioning himself as a strong contender for the starting job in center field.
Sean Burke, a right-handed pitcher with the White Sox, is set to be the opening-day starter after impressing in a brief stint at the end of 2024. Bubba Chandler, a right-handed pitcher for the Pirates, is competing for a rotation spot this spring after a strong showing in the minor leagues last season.
Jhonkensy Noel, a versatile player for the Guardians, has shown promise with his power hitting and strong arm, earning himself playing time at first base and in the outfield. Caleb Durbin, a speedy third baseman acquired from the Yankees, is a top candidate to start for the Brewers.
Christian Moore, an infielder for the Angels, has been performing well in the minors and is on the cusp of a major league call-up. Carson Williams, a shortstop in the Rays’ organization, is a promising young player with the potential to be a 20-20 contributor in the major leagues. Emmanuel Rodriguez, an outfielder for the Twins, has shown potential but has been plagued by injuries, limiting his playing time.
Colson Montgomery, a shortstop for the White Sox, is expected to have a significant role on the team after struggling in the minors last year. Tyler Black, a versatile player for the Brewers, was a high draft pick in 2021 and is looking to make his mark in the majors.
Player 24 made 18 appearances for the Brewers last season, batting just .204 with a .561 OPS. Despite this, he has demonstrated strong plate discipline in the minor leagues and stole an impressive 47 bases in 2023 at Class AA.
Player 27, INF Hyeseong Kim of the Dodgers, signed a $12.5 million deal but will begin the season in the minors. The left-handed hitter, aged 26, received playing time in center field before being sent down and is primed for a call-up to the majors if he performs well in Class AAA.
Player 28, RHP Zebby Matthews of the Twins, is known for his precise control, only walking 22 batters in over 200 minor league innings. Despite a rough stint in the Twins’ rotation with a 6.69 ERA, Matthews has showcased improved velocity and is set to contribute as the team’s sixth starting option.
Player 29, SS Trey Sweeney of the Tigers, emerged as the team’s starting shortstop following a notable trade. At 24, Sweeney is expected to excel defensively and possesses speed on the basepaths, although he struggled offensively in his initial MLB debut.
Player 30, LHP Quinn Matthews of the Cardinals, is a top pitching prospect who advanced through multiple minor league levels last season. Likely in need of more development time, Matthews will require a spot on the 40-man roster before a potential call-up to St. Louis.
Player 31, 3B Jace Jung of the Tigers, began as a frontrunner for the opening day third baseman role but was reassigned after a lackluster performance in spring training. With room for improvement, the 24-year-old will aim for a swift return to the majors.
Player 32, OF Tirso Ornelas of the Padres, aims to secure a spot on the 26-man roster after a solid season in Class AAA. With impressive hitting numbers, the outfielder is a strong candidate for an early-season promotion.
Player 33, 2B Nick Yorke of the Pirates, transitioned from the Red Sox and saw limited action at different positions last season. While his starting chances were impacted by a veteran signing, Yorke remains a promising young talent.
Player 34, SS Marcelo Mayer of the Red Sox, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, faces injury setbacks but remains a prospect to watch. Expected to start the season at Class AAA, Mayer is poised for an MLB debut if the opportunity arises.
Player 35, INF Thomas Saggese of the Cardinals, showcased versatility in the infield and impressive power numbers last season. Despite his strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, Saggese will begin the regular season in Class AAA.
Player 36, OF Jordan Beck of the Rockies, aged 23, eyes a starting role in the outfield at Coors Field. With potential alongside a young team,
37. Right-handed pitcher Michael McGreevy, selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2021 draft (18th overall), had an impressive start with the team. In 23 innings in the majors, he maintained a stellar 1.96 ERA with an 18:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. At 24 years old, McGreevy’s strong performance in spring training has likely earned him a call-up from Class AAA to join the Cardinals’ rotation.
38. First baseman Kyle Manzardo made his debut with the Guardians on May 6 but struggled to make an impact in 156 plate appearances, batting .234/.282/.421 with five home runs. With Josh Naylor’s trade to Arizona creating a vacancy, the 24-year-old Manzardo now has the opportunity to claim a part-time role and must make the most of it.
39. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 230 pounds, third baseman Coby Mayo is considered one of the top power-hitting prospects in baseball. Despite excelling in Class AAA at the start of the 2024 season, Mayo struggled in his major league call-up, going 0-for-15 with 10 strikeouts. With limited playing time and sporadic chances, Mayo faces the challenge of adjusting to the major league level. While his impressive 54 minor-league homers over the past two seasons speak for themselves, the crowded Orioles infield may restrict his opportunities to shine in Baltimore.
40. Second baseman Orelvis Martinez, aged 23, made headlines when he was suspended for 80 games in June for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, shortly after his major league debut. Known for his power-hitting prowess, Martinez showcased his abilities by hitting 16 home runs in just 63 games in Class AAA. With a total of 86 home runs over the past three seasons, Martinez’s talent is undeniable, but he faces challenges in earning back trust and proving himself after the suspension.
41. Right-handed pitcher Caden Dana made his major league debut in 2024, having been selected in the 11th round of the 2022 draft. After an impressive performance in Class AAA with a 2.52 ERA in 23 starts, the 21-year-old displayed a strong fastball and a developing slider. Despite facing difficulties during his brief stint in the majors in 2025, Dana is expected to start the upcoming season in the minors with the potential to compete for a roster spot against fellow pitcher Sam Aldegheri.
42. Catcher Kyle Teel, previously part of Boston’s top prospects, was traded in the Garrett Crochet deal to the White Sox. As a Top 50 prospect, Teel has consistently performed well across minor league levels, boasting a career .301/.404/.444 batting line. With limited experience in Class AAA, Teel is poised for a call-up after midseason, offering him the opportunity to showcase his
Here are rewritten summaries of the baseball prospects:
46. RHP Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers
Standing tall at 6-foot-7 with an impressive fastball, Misiorowski has the potential to rise in the Brewers’ bullpen ranks. While he can strike out batters effectively, his control issues might hinder his transition to a starting role in the majors. Moving up to Class AAA last season saw him excel in the bullpen, using his fastball and slider to great effect.
47. C Samuel Basallo, Orioles
Considered a top 15 prospect, Basallo’s powerful bat could soon see him in Baltimore. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of manager Brandon Hyde with his strong hitting and attitude. His standout performance in the 2024 season showcased his power, hitting 19 homers and 25 doubles across Class AA and AAA.
48. RHP Kumar Rocker, Rangers
A highly anticipated debut for this Vanderbilt alum, Rocker is in line to start for the Rangers following injuries to key pitchers. Despite past arm surgeries, his dominant pitching in the minors last season displayed his potential with a mix of high-speed pitches. At 25, he aims to prove his talent on the major league stage.
49. RHP Andrew Painter, Phillies
After a setback due to elbow surgery, Painter showed promise in his return in the Arizona Fall League. Despite limited innings since 2021, his impressive velocity and pitching style hint at a potential call-up to strengthen the Phillies’ pitching staff later in the season.
50. C Adrian Del Castillo, D’backs
Known for his hitting prowess, Del Castillo faces challenges in his defensive skills. While excelling in hitting at various levels, his defensive game needs improvement, especially in throwing out runners. With work in progress on his defensive techniques, he aims to secure a spot in the major league while starting in Class AAA.
51. OF Johnathan Rodriguez, Guardians
With a strong record of home runs at Class AAA, Rodriguez awaits his opportunity in Cleveland. Despite a brief stint in the majors last season, he currently lacks a defined role with the Guardians. However, he remains poised to step in and contribute if needed.
52. RHP AJ Smith-Shawver, Braves
Having received brief call-ups in recent seasons, Smith-Shawver faces a favorable opportunity now. With pitching challenges within the Braves, his performance in the Grapefruit League keeps him in contention for a rotation spot. His impressive strikeout rate in the minors highlights his potential.
53. OF Kevin Alcántara, Cubs
Dubbed “The Jaguar,” Alcántara showcased his potential in the majors last year. While his power is still developing, his versatility could make him a valuable asset for the Cubs in the upcoming season, despite current roster dynamics.
54. C/OF Dalton Rushing, Dodgers
Impressive in the lower leagues, Rushing demonstrated his hitting abilities with notable home run and RBI figures.
and AAA last season, spending time in left field as his path to Los Angeles behind the plate was blocked by Will Smith. The Dodgers’ outfield alignment may be flexible this year, and his ability to play catcher and first base could benefit the 24-year-old.
55. OF Justyn-Henry Malloy, Tigers
Injuries to Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling may not push Malloy, 25, to Detroit for Opening Day. However, he is currently the sole minor league outfielder on the 40-man roster and had a 230-plate appearance stint last year, hitting eight homers but striking out 37% of the time.
56. Jordan Lawlar, INF, D’backs
As the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, Lawlar could secure a future spot with the team if he proves himself in Class AAA. The question remains on his position this season with incumbents at shortstop, second base, and third base. If Lawlar continues to perform well, he could earn playing time.
57. RHP Thomas Harrington, Pirates
A promising young pitcher, Harrington, 23, reached Class AAA last season with a 3.33 ERA in eight starts. He is likely to start the 2025 season in Class AAA as he is not yet on the 40-man roster.
58. LHP Doug Nikhazy, Guardians
Nikhazy, 24, showcased his talent with a strong performance in Class AA and AAA last season. Although he missed out on a bullpen spot, his future lies in starting. After further development in Columbus, he could be ready for a major league opportunity.
59. RHP Cade Horton, Cubs
Despite missing time due to injury last season, Horton, 23, has shown promise in spring training. Not on the 40-man roster, he is eager to reach the majors and could make his debut in 2025.
60. OF Rece Hinds, Reds
A power hitter, Hinds, 24, made a splash in his MLB debut last season but struggled with contact at Class AAA. His potential is evident, but he needs to work on his consistency.
61. 2B Luke Keaschall, Twins
Rising swiftly through the system, Keaschall, 22, overcame Tommy John surgery to impress in high A and AA last year. With a strong OBP, a call-up this season is possible, especially in case of injuries in the Twins infield.
62. LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara, Nationals
Signed in January as an international free agent, Ogasawara, 27, transitioned from Nippon Professional Baseball. While the Nats hoped he would be a starter, his tough spring may delay his development, potentially leading to a role in relief.
63. RHP Jake Bloss, Blue Jays
Acquired in a trade last July, Bloss made a
64. Moisés Ballesteros, a catcher/first baseman for the Cubs, hit 19 home runs with an .826 OPS in Class AA and AAA. While his defensive skills may lead to a shift to first base, the 21-year-old’s strong bat is ready for the majors.
65. Carson Whisenhunt, a left-handed pitcher in the Giants organization, is known for his exceptional changeup. Despite struggling with a 5.93 ERA in Class AAA last season, the 24-year-old is expected to reach the majors in 2025.
66. Ignacio (Nacho) Alvarez, a third baseman for the Braves, is a talented right-handed hitter with excellent contact skills. Although his initial stint in the majors was challenging, Alvarez is likely to start in Class AAA after a successful season with 10 homers and an .864 OPS in 64 games.
67. Brandon Sproat, a right-handed pitcher for the Mets, is a promising prospect with a 3.40 ERA and 131 strikeouts across three levels last season. The Mets are optimistic about their pitching depth with Sproat waiting in Class AAA.
68. Trey Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher for the Blue Jays, is a young talent expected to rise quickly through the ranks. The former 20th overall pick boasts an impressive track record in college and is poised for success in the pros.
69. Juan Brito, a second baseman in the Guardians organization, has the opportunity to secure a starting role following a standout performance in Class AAA. Despite a slow start in spring training, the 23-year-old remains a top prospect for Cleveland.
70. Chandler Simpson, an outfielder in the Rays system, excels in speed and stole 104 bases in the minor leagues in 2024. While lacking power, the 24-year-old’s agility and base-running skills make him an intriguing player to watch in the AL East.
71. Bradley Blalock, a right-handed pitcher for the Rockies, has shown improvement in his control and strikeout rate this spring. After a successful stint in Colorado last season, the 24-year-old is poised to make an impact in the upcoming season.
72. Denzel Clarke, an outfielder in the Athletics organization, impressed in the Arizona Fall League with his hitting and base-running abilities. The 24-year-old, known for his stellar defense, is expected to join the Sacramento team soon.
73. Cam Smith, a versatile infielder/outfielder for the Astros, is a promising talent acquired in a trade with the Blue Jays. The 22-year-old has showcased his offensive prowess in spring training and is pushing for an early-season roster spot.
74. Cole Young, a middle infielder drafted by the Mariners in the first round, is a young prospect with a bright future ahead. The 20-year-old has shown potential both at shortstop and second base, making him a player to watch in Seattle’s system
22 played 124 games in Class AA last season, batting .271 with a .759 OPS. He will now begin in Class AAA and aim for a promotion at some point. The 21-year-old Young showed the most improvement defensively last season, according to MLB Pipeline, but lacks power which Seattle needs.
Moving on to the player updates:
75. Mets’ INF Ronny Mauricio is still recovering from ACL surgery in January 2024, facing setbacks and yet to play in spring training. If he returns to the field, the 23-year-old could provide versatility off the bench for the Mets.
76. Blue Jays’ OF Alan Roden, 25, had an impressive season in 2024, hitting .293 with 16 home runs and 75 RBI across Class AA and AAA. He continues his strong performance in spring training.
77. White Sox’s LHP Noah Schultz, 21, is anticipated to be ready by the end of the year, showcasing excellent stats in the minors. However, with limited innings to date, he is likely to remain in Class AAA this season.
78. Yankees’ OF Spencer Jones, a first-round pick in 2022, is nearing readiness for the majors after solid performances in Class AA. He will test his skills in Class AAA and could make his debut soon.
79. Braves’ RHP Hurston Waldrep made a quick rise through the minors but struggled in his brief stint with Atlanta. He is projected as a potential starter but may contribute sooner as a reliever.
80. Rockies’ OF/INF Greg Jones, 27, will start in Class AAA this season after a successful stint there last year. With versatility in field positions, he could earn a chance at the big league level.
81. White Sox’s C Edgar Quero, 22 next month, has a promising career with an .849 OPS in his early seasons. His progress alongside fellow prospect Kyle Teel will be interesting to follow.
82. Orioles’ RHP Chayce McDermott impressed with strikeouts but struggled with walks at Class AAA last year. A lat injury in spring training delays his opportunity to impact the major league rotation.
83. Marlins’ C/1B Agustín Ramírez, known for his offensive prowess, needs to enhance his defense to secure a spot behind the plate. His bat may earn him playing time in Miami.
84. Athletics’ RHP Gunnar Hoglund, acquired in a trade, has shown improvement post-surgery and could be an early call-up for the team’s pitching needs.
85. Nationals’ RHP Cade Cavalli shows promise when healthy, with potential to contribute to the team’s rotation.
Cavalli possesses one of the most impressive fastballs in the organization, but his career has been hindered by injuries. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, he struggled with a dead arm and managed only three minor league starts in 2024. At 26 years old, Cavalli won’t be considered for the big leagues until he can maintain good health and consistent performances at the Class AAA level.
Alex Freeland, a 23-year-old infielder for the Dodgers, showcased his talent by hitting 18 home runs, stealing 31 bases, and achieving a .387 OBP across multiple levels last season. Despite his impressive stats, Freeland is not on the 40-man roster and currently stands behind Hyeseong Kim for a chance to play at Dodger Stadium.
Jesús Bastidas, a versatile player for the Astros at 26 years old, tied for the most home runs in the organization last season with 25. Additionally, he recorded 89 RBIs, 15 steals, and a .784 OPS for Class AAA Sugar Land. Bastidas’ speed, positional flexibility, and power make him a strong contender for a call-up within the Astros organization.
Sam Aldegheri, a left-handed pitcher for the Angels at 23, was acquired from the Phillies and impressed with his diverse pitching repertoire. In 2024, he earned a promotion to the majors after striking out 134 batters in 19 minor league starts.
Javier Vaz, a 24-year-old second baseman for the Royals, is compared to a modern Jose Altuve due to his small stature but impressive hitting abilities. Vaz showcased his skills by striking out only 9.6% of the time across two levels last season. With his multi-position versatility and strong performance, he is valued within the Royals organization.
Chase Dollander, a right-handed pitcher for the Rockies and their top prospect, reached Class AA in 2023 and displayed a 2.63 ERA in nine starts. Known for his high strikeout rate, Dollander aims to continue his success at Coors Field and potentially debut in the majors by early to mid-summer.
Grant Holman, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Athletics, excelled in the minor leagues with a remarkable 0.55 ERA in 40 games in 2024. Starting off in the Athletics bullpen, Holman has the potential to secure a more significant role as the season progresses.
Ben Williamson, a 24-year-old infielder for the Mariners, must prove himself consistently in the high minors to earn a promotion to the majors. With experience at third base, shortstop, and second base, Williamson’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for Seattle. A strong showing in Class AAA could lead to a big-league opportunity.
Robert Hassell III, an outfielder for the Nationals, joined the team following a trade from the Padres in 2022. Despite struggling at Class AAA
Here is the revised text:
There are several promising baseball prospects to keep an eye on for the 2025 season. One standout is the highly skilled career .360 hitter from Oregon State, who demonstrates advanced offensive abilities. This player was drafted by a team lacking in offensive prowess, making him a valuable addition.
Hagen Smith, a left-handed pitcher selected by the White Sox as the fifth overall pick in the July draft, is a top prospect who may quickly advance through the minor leagues. Alongside fellow prospect Noah Schultz, Smith impressed in training camp. After making three starts in Class A post-draft, Smith is expected to begin at AA following an impressive performance as a Razorback, striking out 17.3 batters per nine innings.
Tré Morgan, a first baseman chosen by the Rays in the third round from LSU in 2023, had a strong first full season in the pros at the age of 22. He excelled at three levels, showcasing great control of the strike zone with a .324/.408/.483 line from low A to Class AA. While power development is ongoing, Morgan is working on increasing his versatility by taking outfield practice to potentially hasten his journey to the major league in St. Petersburg.
Jeferson Quero, a catcher for the Brewers, missed the previous season due to a labrum tear that required surgery. Although he is still regaining full health, Quero is expected to serve as the designated hitter for the Brewers’ Class AAA team in Nashville at the start of the regular season. An outstanding defender, Quero could potentially replace Eric Haase as William Contreras’ backup by midseason.
Abimelec Ortiz, a power-hitting first baseman in the Rangers organization, displayed his prowess across various minor league levels at the age of 23. While challenged in Class AA last season, Ortiz is slated to begin in Class AAA, positioning himself for a potential call-up later in the season if the team requires a left-handed bat.
Brady House, a third baseman selected as the No. 11 overall pick in 2021 by the Nationals, may still need another year before solidifying his position at third base in Washington. Despite the Nationals signing Paul DeJong for the position, House could bolster his case by improving his strikeout-to-walk ratio, which was nearly 5:1 in 2024.
For more in-depth news coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and other features, download the USA TODAY app. This information was originally featured in USA TODAY’s article on the top 100 names to watch for the upcoming 2025 baseball season.
