10 Lower-Level MLB Prospects To Watch In 2025 Spring Breakout Games

Jesus Made, SS, Brewers

If you are a regular Baseball America reader, you know about Made. He parlayed an exemplary season in the Dominican Summer League into the top spot in a loaded Brewers system and the No. 17 rank in the Top 100 Prospects list. All of that is a long way of saying he has a chance to be a special ballplayer. Four of his five tools grade as potential pluses, with only his defense—which could be average—lagging slightly behind. He swings hard at the right pitches and does damage when he connects. The Brewers have gotten into the habit of skipping their brightest prospects over the Arizona Complex League and directly to Low-A Zebulon. Made is likely the next in line. With a strong showing there, he has a chance to be the No. 1 prospect in the sport at this time next year. 

Keeler Morfe, RHP, Orioles

Based on the velocity he generates, most of Morfe’s 5-foot-8, 161-pound frame is used to drive his right arm forward at eye-popping speeds. After turning the Dominican Summer League inside-out for seven starts, he moved to Low-A Delmarva. There, he learned that more advanced hitters can reverse premium velocity if it’s located in fat parts of the strike zone. Nonetheless, Morfe’s scouting card—a double-plus fastball backed by a plus sweeper and changeup—will give him plenty of time to learn. The result might be worth the wait.  

Juan Valera, RHP, Red Sox

Most of the attention in Boston’s system goes to the “Big Three,” but there’s plenty of depth in the lower levels, too. Valera carved the competition in the Florida Complex League this past summer, then proceeded to torture hitters in the Carolina League, as well. He finished the year with 68 strikeouts in 73.1 innings and an ERA of 1.99. The righthander brings his fastball up to 98 mph and backs it with a slicing slider and developing changeup. 

Alfredo Duno, C, Reds

The Reds showed their faith in Duno by jumping him over the Arizona Complex League, instead sending him straight to the Florida State League. In any scenario, this is a tremendous vote of confidence. That it came after a season in which Duno was limited by injuries to DH duties is a green flag the size of Great American Ball Park. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck again and Duno’s season was cut short by injuries, this time to just 32 games. He managed to pop three home runs in that time, however, and has one of the highest upsides in Cincinnati’s system. 

Robert Calaz, OF, Rockies

In two seasons spent mostly in Rookie ball, Calaz has proved he can do serious damage. The righty-swinging outfielder bashed an ACL-leading 10 home runs before moving to Low-A and adding two more long balls to his ledger. He has the potential for double-plus in-game power, and he will inch closer to that ceiling if he can sharpen his plate discipline. He has above-average arm strength, too, and should fit a classic corner outfield profile if he can do a little bit better against spin. 

Welbyn Francisca, SS, Guardians

In his first game as a pro, Francisca collected five hits. That day set the tone for the rest of his career so far. He finished his time in the DSL with a .316/.419/.500 line and followed it up with a .327/.411/.474 mark between the Arizona Complex League and Low-A. Francisca is a pure hitter with sweet swings from both sides of the dish and a defensive skill set that would make him a solid shortstop and potentially plus second baseman. 

Brailer Guerrero, OF, Rays

Much like Alfredo Duno, Guerrero has massive potential but has not been able to stay on the field long enough to show the world. He played just 28 games in the Florida Complex League in 2024, a figure four times as long as his stint in the Dominican Summer League the year prior. Guerrero has a chance for five tools that are at least average, including possible plusses for his power and arm strength. Despite just 126 career at-bats, Guerrero still ranks in the upper tier of one of the most loaded systems in the sport. A few well-timed swings in the Spring Breakout game would go a long way toward showing people why he’s earned that spot. 

Yolfran Castillo, SS, Rangers

The Rangers have never been shy about promoting their top talent stateside from the Dominican Summer League. Anthony Gutierrez made the move in 2022, and Sebastian Walcott did the same in 2023. Castillo followed the same path last year, which tends to happen when you hit everything in sight. Before the bump stateside, Castillo had struck out just eight times in 96 plate appearances. Not much changed after he arrived in Arizona, where finished the year with seven strikeouts in 66 PAs. There’s little question Castillo can put the bat on the ball. Now, he’ll need to answer whether he can add impact to that contact. There’s plenty of room on his frame for more strength, and time is on his side. Hittability, power and a middle-diamond profile usually leads to a long big league career. 

Yairo Padilla, SS, Cardinals

If you’re looking for St. Louis’ best prospects, point your eyes no further than the middle infield. JJ Wetherholt is the team’s top talent, but Padilla—who won’t turn 18 until the end of June—isn’t far behind. Padilla is a lithe, athletic player with a wide variety of gifts on both sides of the ball. He’s a double-plus defender who earns plus grades for his defense and arm strength. Those tools alone give him a high floor. Add what he could become in the batter’s box, and the picture of Padilla’s future becomes a work of art. He’s got a weakness against lefthanders, but he’s already proved he can be on time against fastballs, which is step one for all great hitters. 

Felnin Celesten, SS, Mariners

Celesten’s song is the same as Alfredo Duno’s and Brailer Guerrero’s: He has a world of talent but can’t stay on the field long enough to bring the totality of his ability to the fore. He played enough to rank among the top prospects in the Arizona Complex League but still missed time toward season’s end with a wrist injury. At his best, he has the potential for four plus tools, including power, speed, defense and arm strength. He could be a 50-grade hitter, too. If those projections come true, he’ll not only give Colt Emerson a bit of competition on the road to the Mariners’ shortstop of the future, but he’ll vault into the top tier of the prospect world.