Major League Baseball never really stops changing, does it? The leap from hyped prospect to legit big-leaguer can absolutely shape a team’s playoff run.
Heading into 2025, there’s a buzz around several young players. They’re not just waiting for a shot—they’re ready to smash through the door. Let’s take a look at the future stars who could give their teams a real boost this season.
Top Prospects Ready for the Big Leagues
With 2025 right around the corner, a handful of prospects are making noise for all the right reasons. They’ve proven themselves in Triple-A and look set for the next step.
Here are some of the top performers who seem ready for the majors.
Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have hit some unexpected bumps lately, and Samuel Basallo might be just the spark they need. At only 20, Basallo is the youngest regular in Triple-A, but you wouldn’t know it from his numbers.
He’s hitting .241/.343/.529 with seven homers in 26 games. Baltimore’s catchers and first basemen haven’t produced much, so a Basallo call-up feels pretty close.
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians
C.J. Kayfus has always had a smooth swing, but the Guardians have helped him tap into his power. Drafted in 2023’s third round, he’s fifth in the Minors in batting average (.371), sixth in OPS (1.076), and seventh in slugging (.613).
Cleveland could use a lift at first base or right field, and Kayfus looks like an obvious choice for a promotion.
Cole Young, 2B, Mariners
Cole Young, just 21, is the youngest regular in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Even so, he’s already shown sharp strike zone control and good on-base instincts.
He’s batting .250/.364/.423 with 17 extra-base hits in 44 games. The Mariners lead the AL West but keep rotating second basemen, so Young’s steady defense and bat could really help.
Brady House, 3B, Nationals
The Nationals are rebuilding, and third base is a real weak spot. Brady House, their 2021 first-rounder, is hitting .282/.344/.497 with eight homers in 42 Triple-A games.
He’s only 21 and still working on his plate discipline and defense, but House brings exciting upside to Washington’s infield.
Infield Prospects Poised for Promotion
Every team needs solid infielders, and a few prospects look ready to step in. Here are some infielders knocking on the door.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox
Marcelo Mayer brings both glove and bat, maybe even more than Trevor Story offers at shortstop right now. At 22, Mayer is slashing .264/.335/.459 with eight homers in 40 games—pretty solid for his Triple-A debut.
The Red Sox seem committed to Story, but Mayer could slide in at first or second base if they shuffle things around.
Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox
Roman Anthony, baseball’s top prospect, is tearing up Triple-A at 21. He’s hitting .322/.446/.503 with five homers in 41 games, building on last year’s surge.
The Red Sox already have strong outfield and DH options, but honestly, Anthony’s just too good to keep in the Minors much longer.
Justin Crawford, OF, Phillies
Justin Crawford, son of Carl Crawford, inherited his dad’s speed and knack for hitting, though he doesn’t have the same pop. At 21, he’s batting .319/.380/.422 with 15 steals in 39 Triple-A games.
Crawford’s all-around game makes him a better option than the Phillies’ current center fielders, Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh.
Outfield Prospects Ready to Shine
Outfielders often make a splash right away, and these guys seem ready. Let’s look at a few who could make some noise soon.
Colby Thomas, OF, Athletics
The Athletics have a crowded outfield and DH mix, but Colby Thomas has pretty much done all he can in Triple-A. He’s slashing .298/.366/.550 with 10 homers in 41 games after leading the Minors with 80 extra-base hits and finishing fourth with 31 homers last year.
If he keeps tightening up his swing decisions, Thomas should be in the big leagues before long.
Bubba Chandler, SP, Pirates
Bubba Chandler ranks as the second-best prospect in the Top 100 and stands out as the Minors’ top pitching prospect. He throws an upper-90s fastball, an upper-80s slider, and a low-90s changeup.
Chandler’s been mowing down Triple-A hitters, putting up a 2.17 ERA and leading the league with a 37 percent strikeout rate. He might not be Paul Skenes, but his mix of stuff and command really jumps off the page.
Jacob Misiorowski, SP, Brewers
Jacob Misiorowski might just have the best stuff in the Minors. His fastball has hit 103 mph, which is honestly wild.
The slider sits in the mid-90s. He also gets swings and misses with a mid-80s curveball and an upper-80s changeup.
Misiorowski ranks second in the International League in ERA (1.46). He’s also second in innings pitched (49 1/3), strikeouts (59), opponent average (.151), and WHIP (0.89).
If he keeps tightening up his control, a call-up feels almost inevitable. Maybe sooner than people think?
For more details on these prospects and what they might bring, check out the MLB Pipeline’s newsletter.
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