25 MLB prospects who will make a major league impact next season

Arguably the best prospect in the game, Anthony has emerged from the 2022 draft to show elite five-tool ability. He played 35 games at Triple-A Worcester last season with a .983 OPS, and could break camp in Boston if the team clears out their glut of outfielders this offseason.

Ashcraft has had some injury issues as a pro, but shows he’s almost ready for the show with elite control and a plus fastball. He had a 2.84 ERA between Double- and Triple-A last season, with a 6.42 K/BB ratio.

The 21-year-old Ballesteros is a bat-first catcher who hit .289-19-78 in 124 games between Double- and Triple-A last season. He still must prove he can handle defense behind the plate, but the bat could also play at other positions. The Cubs don’t have a significant obstacle standing in his way.

The first overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Oregon State, Bazzana has an elite eye and power potential. He played multiple positions in college, but it appears the Aussie will settle at second base for now. Cleveland has no reason to rush Bazzana, but he could force their hand.

Strikeouts are a problem for Caissie, but he shows good patience and power. He spent a full season at Triple-A Iowa against mostly older competition, hitting .278-19-75 with an .848 OPS. Chicago’s offseason could determine how early Caissie contributes this year.

Campbell has vaulted from fourth-round pick in 2023 out of Georgia Tech to elite prospect quickly. He was a 20/20 man between three levels last season, also hitting .330. His defensive versatility could expedite his arrival to Boston.

Chronic injuries have hurt DeLauter’s progress since he was a first-rounder in 2022. Still, he’s on the cusp after a strong Arizona Fall League, showing elite plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills. He appeared at Triple-A last season, and there’s a need in Cleveland for an outfield bat.

A first-round pick out of high school in 2023, Eldridge isn’t far away from helping the Giants. He hit 23 home runs between four levels last season followed by an excellent Arizona Fall League showing.

Hence had an impressive rebound at Double-A Springfield last season, posting a 2.71 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 79.2 innings. Durability is a concern for the young right-hander, but he could force his way to the majors at 22 if he gets off to a solid start in 2025.

Milwaukee has had great success with JuCo draftees, and Henderson could be next. He’s undersized at 5-foot-11 but showed off newfound velocity and elite control between four last season. If Henderson can prove he’s able to keep the ball in the park at Triple-A, he should see Milwaukee early in 2025.

Horton has missed bats at an elite rate as a pro, but his progress was slowed last season due to injury. The Cubs expect the former first-round pick to rebound this year, and he could help after a short run at Triple-A.

A struggling reliever in college at Mississippi State, Hunt has found himself as a pro. He had a 2.03 ERA in 102 innings last season, showing elite control up to Double-A. The right-hander could help in the second half of the season.

The fourth pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest, Kurtz has tape measure power and excellent plate discipline. He’s been terrific in limited pro time thus far, and could move quickly for an Athletics team that’s quickly progressing.

Lawlar made his MLB debut in 2023, but was plagued by injuries last season. He still has elite speed and 20-plus home run power. Lawlar has seen work recently at third base in addition to shortstop, and could break camp in 2025 as a regular.

Mathews’ breakout in 2024 was among the best in the minors, as the 2023 fourth-rounder posted a 2.76 ERA between four minor league levels. He struggled in four starts at Triple-A, which could cause the Cardinals to pump the brakes, but the lefty’s 200-strikeout season opened his eyes.

Mayer is blocked in Boston with multiple shortstop options, yet he could force his way to the majors somewhere. He was very good last season after a disappointing 2023, hitting .307-8-38 in 77 games.

Cleveland has been a factory for pitching in recent years, and Messick is their next star arrival. The 24-year-old lefty had a 2.83 ERA between High-A and Double-A last season, with an elite strikeout rate.

The Angels have been known to push their top prospects, so it probably won’t be long before Moore is in Anaheim. The eighth pick in 2024 out of Tennessee had a strong debut, hitting .347-6-20 in 25 games between Low-A and Double-A.

Painter emerged as an elite pitching prospect in 2022 up to Double-A before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s rebounded at the Arizona Fall League this year, routinely dominating hitters with his high-90s fastball. If all goes well, Painter could break camp in Philly’s starting rotation.

Acquired from the Angels in 2023, Quero appears to be Chicago’s catcher of the future. He hit .280-16-70 between Double- and Triple-A last season, and could pair with Korey Lee in 2025.

An elite prospect, Rodriguez is somewhat unknown because of numerous injuries. He played only 47 games last season but was great when he did play with a 1.100 OPS mostly at Double-A. The Twins likely want to see more of Rodriguez before a promotion, but he has 20/20 upside if he can stay healthy.

Catcher is Rushing’s primary position, but he’s started to play in other spots while blocked in LA by Will Smith. He showed big power last season between Double- and Triple-A, hitting .271-26-84 in 114 games and has a path to playing time with Mookie Betts moving back to the infield.

The White Sox produced lanky lefty Chris Sale, a natural comparable for the 6-foot-9 left-handed Schultz. Like Sale, he breaks a great fastball-slider combo to produce elite strikeout numbers, and had a 2.24 ERA in 23 starts between High-A and Double-A last season. The rebuilding organization has no reason to rush Schultz, but he could help in the second half.

There are questions about Shaw’s defense, but the bat will play. The 2023 first-round pick hit .284-21-71 with 31 steals between Double- and Triple-A last season.

Simpson has a uniquely elite skillset as a speedster with incredible batting average and contact ability. He hit .355 with 104 stolen bases and only 44 strikeouts in 505 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A last season. There’s concern about Simpson’s lack of power, but his leadoff skillset could overcome it.