Baseball's future stars are making waves in 2025. Here’s a quick look at five standout prospects and what makes them special:
- Dylan Crews (Nationals Outfielder): Known for his balanced skill set, Crews combines hitting (60 grade), power (60), and speed (60). Despite a slow start in 2025, his rookie season in 2024 showcased his potential with 12 stolen bases.
- Roman Anthony (Red Sox Outfielder): A rising star with a high ceiling, Anthony’s offensive consistency and defensive skills make him a key player to watch. Scouts praise his .384 OBP and his ability to adapt to advanced competition.
- Kristian Campbell (Red Sox Utility Player): A versatile player, Campbell excelled across multiple levels in 2024, hitting .330 with 20 home runs and 24 steals. His ability to play premium positions adds to his value.
- Jackson Jobe (Tigers Pitcher): With a fastball reaching 101.8 mph and a dominant slider, Jobe is a top pitching prospect. His strong minor league stats and Spring Training performance indicate MLB readiness.
- Bubba Chandler (Pirates Pitcher): Transitioning from a two-way player to focus solely on pitching, Chandler’s fastball (70 grade) and slider (60 grade) highlight his potential as a future rotation mainstay.
Quick Comparison
| Prospect | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Speed | Fastball | Slider | Overall Grade | MLB ETA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Crews | 60 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 60 | – | – | 65 | 2024 |
| Roman Anthony | 55 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 50 | – | – | 60 | 2025 |
| Kristian Campbell | 55 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 55 | – | – | 60 | 2025 |
| Jackson Jobe | – | – | – | – | – | 65 | 70 | 60 | 2024 |
| Bubba Chandler | – | – | – | – | – | 70 | 60 | 55 | 2025 |
These players are shaping the future of baseball with their skills and potential. As they transition to the majors, their performance will be key to their teams' success.
Best Prospect Every Team in MLB
How We Rate Baseball Prospects
We evaluate baseball prospects using a combination of traditional scouting methods and performance statistics, applying a 20-80 scale. On this scale, 50 is considered MLB average, 80 represents elite performance, and 20 is the lowest grade. Each prospect is assessed across five key areas:
Tool Assessment
Scouts use the 20-80 scale to grade individual tools. A score of 55 indicates above-average ability, while 60 qualifies as a "plus" tool. Elite prospects often excel in multiple areas. For instance:
"Elly de la Cruz showcases remarkable tools with 80-grade power, 80-grade speed, and at least a 70-grade arm. His bat speed is considered crazy, and he displays quick-twitch actions."
We also analyze position-specific skills for hitters and pitchers.
Position-Specific Skills
For position players, the evaluation includes:
- Hitting: Factors like bat speed, strike zone coverage, and ability to make consistent contact.
- Power: Both raw power potential and in-game production.
- Fielding: Includes hands, footwork, range, and instincts.
- Arm Strength: Assessed for both accuracy and velocity.
- Speed: Covers base running and defensive range.
Pitchers are graded on:
- Velocity: Raw pitch speed and ability to sustain it over time.
- Movement: The break and deception of pitches.
- Command: Control over pitches and consistency in execution.
- Arsenal: The variety and effectiveness of their pitch repertoire.
Development Trajectory
We examine each prospect's potential for growth. Keith Law, Senior Baseball Writer at The Athletic, explains:
"I tend to favor upside in prospects more than certainty, but there is value in both. A player who is all ceiling and no floor isn't as valuable, in the trade market now or in considering his expected value in the long term, as one who has a somewhat lower ceiling but a much higher floor. I want players who might be stars, and after that I want players who might be above-average big leaguers - but I also try to keep in mind that many of these prospects won't reach their ceilings, and to consider what other scenarios exist for their futures."
MLB Readiness
We evaluate how soon a prospect can contribute at the major league level. This includes analyzing their skills against MLB standards, performance against advanced competition, and their physical and mental maturity.
Defensive Versatility
The ability to play multiple positions can significantly boost a prospect's value. For example:
"Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles) is assessed as at least an average defender at shortstop but a 70-grade defender at third base."
The final overall grade combines these components, factoring in position, age, and current level of play. These grades are updated as prospects develop and progress.
1. Dylan Crews: Nationals Outfielder
Dylan Crews is widely regarded as one of baseball's brightest young talents. Drafted second overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals, his standout college career at LSU included a stellar .426 batting average, .567 on-base percentage, and .713 slugging percentage in 2023. He also set a freshman record with 18 home runs in 2021.
MLB Pipeline's scouting grades highlight his skills on the 20-80 scale:
| Tool | Grade |
|---|---|
| Hitting | 60 |
| Power | 60 |
| Speed | 60 |
| Arm | 55 |
| Defense | 55 |
Before his MLB debut on August 26, 2024, Crews was one of the Nationals' top prospects. In 135 minor league games, he compiled a .275/.351/.455 slash line, hit 18 home runs, and stole 29 bases. He also ranked in the top four across categories like extra-base hits, triples, slugging percentage, OPS, home runs, and batting average. These numbers made it clear he was ready to take on the next challenge.
After joining the majors, Crews quickly made an impression, leading all MLB rookies with 12 stolen bases in 2024. While his 2025 season has started off slow with a .116 batting average over 43 at-bats, his combination of skills suggests it’s only a matter of time before he adjusts to MLB pitching.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez expressed confidence in Crews' ability to make an impact, saying:
"He's going to help us. I don't know when. It could be sooner than later. But he's definitely going to help us - and help us win a lot of games here".
2. Roman Anthony: Red Sox Outfielder
Roman Anthony has quickly risen as a standout prospect, ranking No. 16 in MLB and No. 2 in the Red Sox system. At just 20 years old, he became the first Red Sox prospect since Xander Bogaerts in 2012 to reach Double-A Portland. Let’s take a closer look at his performance and what scouts are saying.
Performance Highlights
Anthony's stats reflect his growing potential (data from):
| Period | Batting Avg | Home Runs | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 10 Games | .343 | 1 | 8 |
| April 2025 | .205 | 2 | 5 |
| June 2025 | .349 | 4 | 9 |
His consistency and ability to adjust have caught the attention of many. Portland manager Chad Epperson praised his maturity and composure:
"I think it goes with everything he does - like on and off the field. He's beyond his age, like the way he carries himself. He's been in Portland for parts of two seasons, and I've never seen one game, one moment of him being overmatched or overwhelmed or rattled by anything. And I just think this is who he is."
Offensive Potential
Anthony’s .384 on-base percentage places him sixth in the Eastern League, and his 34 walks rank fourth. Analysts from MLB.com believe his offensive ceiling might even surpass that of Marcelo Mayer.
Recognitions and Future Outlook
Anthony’s list of achievements includes being named the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year for Florida. His raw power and impressive bat speed have fueled speculation about a promotion to Triple-A Worcester by late summer 2025.
Keith Law from The Athletic summed up his breakout year:
"Outfielder Roman Anthony isn't just Boston's breakout prospect this year, he might be the biggest breakout prospect in all of the minors."
With his talent and work ethic, Anthony is shaping up to be a key player in the Red Sox organization.
3. Kristian Campbell: Red Sox Utility Player
Kristian Campbell has quickly become a standout in the Red Sox organization. Once an overlooked prospect, he was named Baseball America's 2024 "Prospect of the Year". His growth as a hitter and ability to play multiple positions have made him a key player to watch.
Performance Across Multiple Levels
Campbell's 2024 season showcased his ability to excel at every level of the minors:
| Level | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBI | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-A Greenville | .330 | 8 | 28 | 173 |
| Double-A Portland | .362 | 8 | 35 | 197 |
| Triple-A Worcester | .286 | 4 | 17 | 139 |
Across these three levels, Campbell delivered a .330/.439/.558 slash line with 20 home runs and 24 steals over 115 games. His steady performance highlights his readiness for bigger challenges.
Physical Development and Training
Brian Abraham, a key figure in the Red Sox organization, praised Campbell's dedication to improving his physicality:
"He added about 15 to 20 pounds of muscle and strength. When we talk about impacting the baseball, that's a big thing."
Campbell himself credits his offseason efforts for his success:
"The bat speed is a big thing. I worked on it a lot in the offseason with the Red Sox. My bat path had to change a little bit. We tweaked that in the offseason and I just spent time working on it every day."
This commitment to refining both his physical and technical skills has been a cornerstone of his success.
Defensive Versatility
In addition to his offensive achievements, Campbell has proven his ability to handle multiple premium defensive positions, including second base, shortstop, and center field. Fellow prospect Roman Anthony shared his admiration:
"He's a great player. He's a freak athlete... it's rare that you can get a guy like that who can play so many different premium positions and play at the level that he plays at while putting up the numbers that he has put up."
This combination of athleticism and versatility makes Campbell an invaluable asset for the Red Sox.
Recognition and Achievements
Campbell's stellar 2024 season brought him several honors, including:
- Baseball America's "Prospect of the Year"
- Eastern League MVP with the Portland Sea Dogs
- The highest wRC+ (180) in the minor leagues
- A rise to No. 24 on the overall prospect rankings
Reflecting on his journey, Campbell emphasized the importance of consistency:
"Seeing pitches at each level, you get better and better throughout the season. The competition is tougher. It's not technically getting easier, though it can look like it does at times. It's really about trying to stay as consistent as possible."
Campbell's ability to adapt and thrive against tougher competition shows why he's one of baseball's brightest young talents.
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4. Jackson Jobe: Tigers Right-Handed Pitcher
Jackson Jobe, the Detroit Tigers' third overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has quickly become one of baseball's most promising pitching prospects. He currently ranks No. 25 on MLB Pipeline's overall prospect list.
Using the 20-80 scouting scale, Jobe's numbers show he's well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the MLB.
Standout Velocity and Pitching Arsenal
Jobe's fastball hit an impressive 101.8 mph during his Spring Training debut. Here's a breakdown of his key pitches:
| Pitch Type | Key Traits | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball | Consistent triple-digit speed | Averaged 100.2 mph in Spring Training |
| Slider | Exceptional spin rate | Reached 3,000 rpm |
| Sweeper | High movement potential | Recorded 2,981 rpm |
| Changeup | Effective off-speed option | Continues to develop |
These stats underline why he's been so dominant in the minor leagues.
Minor League Success
Although a back injury delayed his 2023 debut until June, Jobe made a strong impression across various levels:
- Struck out 54 batters while walking only 3 in 40 innings at High-A West Michigan.
- Posted a 3.38 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in his minor league outings.
- Held opposing hitters to a .178 batting average in 2024.
- Maintains a career average of 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch commended Jobe after a Spring Training game:
"Very impressive. I'm glad he got to come in and face live hitters in a game. Ton of adrenaline, some of the best stuff you'll see, and I'm glad that he settled down."
Growth and Professionalism
Jobe's development has been evident in both his stats and his poise under pressure. His senior year in high school was a testament to his talent, with a 9-0 record, a 0.13 ERA, and 122 strikeouts against just five walks.
Tigers catcher Anthony Bemboom praised Jobe's maturity:
"For a young pitcher, that's a really big step of maturity, I think. Especially after the first couple pitches, it can go one way or the other, and he did a really good job refocusing himself and getting back in there and attacking. If he throws strikes with his stuff, you saw what happens."
Jobe himself reflected on his journey:
"I'm really happy with where my stuff's at. Now I've gotta stay healthy. That's my biggest concern over anything."
With his impressive skill set and professional attitude, Jobe is well-positioned to make an impact at the major league level.
5. Bubba Chandler: Pirates Right-Handed Pitcher
Bubba Chandler has transitioned from being a two-way player to focusing solely on pitching, showcasing his quick rise within the Pirates' system. After turning down the chance to play both baseball and football at Clemson with a $3 million signing bonus, Chandler has become one of the game's most exciting young pitchers.
Standout 2024 Season
Chandler's 2024 season marked a major step forward, as he delivered standout performances across multiple levels:
| Level | Key Statistics | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Double-A & Triple-A Combined | 3.08 ERA in 119⅔ innings | Led the system with 148 strikeouts |
| Triple-A Indianapolis | 1.83 ERA in 7 starts | Struck out 54 batters in 39⅓ innings |
| Opponents | .189 batting average | Consistently dominant |
His success on the mound reflects not just skill but also a refined pitch mix that sets him apart.
A Deep Pitching Arsenal
Since dedicating himself to pitching, Chandler has made significant strides in developing his pitch arsenal. Here's how his pitches stack up:
| Pitch Type | Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 70 | Averages 96.7 mph, with peaks at 99 mph |
| Slider | 60 | A sharp, above-average breaking ball |
| Changeup | 55 | A solid third option in progress |
| Curveball | 50 | A useful complementary pitch |
This mix of pitches positions Chandler as a potential mainstay in the Pirates' rotation.
Accelerated Growth
Chandler's full-time focus on pitching since 2023 has paid off in a big way. His ERA improved from 4.54 to 3.08, and his prospect rankings have skyrocketed:
- Baseball America: Climbed from #59 (pre-2024) to #7 (pre-2025)
- MLB.com: Jumped from #93 (pre-2024) to #15 (pre-2025)
John Baker, the Pirates' Director of Player Development, explained the decision to have Chandler specialize as a pitcher:
"We want him to have an opportunity to focus on one thing and really master a craft... In truth, we're at a position now where the team that he'd be competing to pitch for is different than the team that he would be competing to hit for. We reached that fork in the road. So we put it in front of him and let him take ownership of it. We're excited to see him pitch."
Chandler also shared his thoughts on the shift:
"I really just want to focus on pitching this year, and I think I'd be a pretty good pitcher... I see it everywhere, and I hear a lot that my ceiling is probably higher as a pitcher, which I personally think probably that is true."
His background as a quarterback adds a unique dimension to his approach on the mound:
"The more you locate pitches and tunnel pitches, the more area of the zone you got opens up. It's kind of the same thing [as playing quarterback]. As a pitcher, you've got to command what's going on, and as a quarterback, you have to command the entire offense. How the game goes is pretty much how you play."
Chandler's rapid progress reflects the growing trend of young players making significant leaps in their development within a short span.
Rising Stars to Monitor
These up-and-coming players are set to make waves in MLB, shaping the sport's future in exciting ways.
Nick Kurtz: Athletics' Rising Talent
Nick Kurtz, picked fourth overall by the Athletics in 2024, is quickly making a name for himself. Ranked No. 45 overall by MLB Pipeline, he showcased his hitting skills during the Fall League with an impressive OPS of 1.098, six extra-base hits in 11 games, and even made his debut in the outfield after playing 12 games at first base.
"It was new. It was different. But once I got out there and saw a couple fly balls, it was just like anything else. Just playing the game."
Jacob Wilson: Rapid Climb to the Majors
Jacob Wilson, the Athletics' top prospect and MLB's No. 24 overall, has been equally impressive. Maintaining a .400 batting average at every minor league level, he reached the Majors just 376 days after being drafted - even overcoming a brief hamstring injury along the way.
Depth Beyond the Stars
The talent pool across MLB systems continues to deepen. For instance, the Yankees are seeing renewed strength in their roster. General Manager Brian Cashman highlighted this when he said:
"One of the guys no one talks about anymore is Hampton, who was hurt last year. He's healthy again."
This growing roster depth and emergence of fresh talent are reshaping baseball's prospect pipeline. As these players transition to the major leagues, their performance will play a key role in shaping their teams' competitive futures.
Prospect Stats and Rankings
Using our rating system, the tables below highlight the key skills and projected MLB arrival timelines for top prospects.
Scouting Grades (20-80 Scale)
The 20-80 scale is a standard in baseball scouting, where 50 represents major-league average, and 80 indicates elite talent. Here are the scouting grades for the top prospects:
| Prospect | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Speed | Overall | Risk | MLB ETA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Crews | 60 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 | Medium | 2024 |
| Roman Anthony | 55 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 60 | Medium | 2025 |
| Kristian Campbell | 55 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 | Medium-High | 2025 |
| Jackson Jobe | 55* | – | – | – | – | 60 | High | 2024 |
| Bubba Chandler | 50* | – | – | – | – | 55 | High | 2025 |
*For pitchers, the "Hit" grade reflects their overall pitching ability.
Pitching Metrics
For pitchers, specific pitch grades and command/control metrics provide a more detailed evaluation:
| Pitcher | Fastball | Slider | Curve | Change | Control | Command |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Jobe | 65 | 70 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
| Bubba Chandler | 65 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 50 | 55 |
Key Factors in Prospect Evaluation
Risk Levels: Risk assessments balance a player's potential ceiling with the likelihood of consistent production. MLB teams often rely on proprietary data for a deeper understanding of player trajectories.
MLB Arrival Timelines: Development timelines vary. Advanced college players might reach the majors sooner, while younger prospects often need more time in the minors.
As Keith Law points out, the best evaluations consider both a player's ceiling (potential) and floor (reliability). These metrics help paint a clearer picture of when prospects might make their MLB debut and their potential impact.
Conclusion
Our analysis highlights how these prospects are already influencing the future of baseball. The 2025 MLB season promises an influx of young talent ready to make their mark.
The Red Sox system stands out, with Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell delivering strong offensive numbers and showcasing defensive skills that could translate well to the majors. Deyvison De Los Santos also looks like a solid Opening Day option for the Marlins, thanks to his consistent performance.
On the mound, Jackson Jobe debuted in the majors in 2024 and is now in the mix for a rotation spot with the Tigers in 2025.
The real challenge lies in turning minor league success into major league results. As teams begin to rely on these emerging players, this wave of talent is set to shape the future of the game.