2025 Futures Game Rosters: Analysis For Every Player
The rosters for the 2025 Futures Game have been announced, which includes 30 of the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects.
The rosters are headlined by four shortstops that all crack the top 10: Brewers SS Jesus Made (No. 4), Padres SS Leo De Vries (No. 5), Rangers SS Sebastian Walcott (No. 6) and Tigers SS Kevin McGonigle (No. 9). Phillies RHP Andrew Painter (No. 10) is the other top 10 prospect on the rosters.
There are also six more Top 25 prospects: White Sox LHP Noah Schultz (No. 13), Tigers OF Max Clark (No. 16), Yankees SS George Lombard Jr. (No. 20), Cardinals SS JJ Wetherholt (No. 22), Marlins LHP Thomas White (No. 23) and Pirates SS Konnor Griffin (No. 25).
As a reminder, you can see where every player ranks in his respective system here.
Here are the rosters by team. Full breakdowns are below.
American League
Angels: George Klassen, RHP
Astros: Alimber Santa, RHP; Brice Matthews, SS
Athletics: Gage Jump, LHP; Tommy White, 3B
Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage, RHP
Guardians: Parker Messick, LHP; C.J. Kayfus, 1B
Mariners: Jurrangelo Cijntje, SHP; Lazaro Montes, OF; Harry Ford, C
Orioles: Keagan Gillies, RHP; Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF
Rangers: Sebastian Walcott, SS
Rays: Brody Hopkins, RHP
Red Sox: Jhostynxon Garcia, OF
Royals: Frank Mozzicato, LHP; Carter Jensen, C
Tigers: Josue Briceño, C; Kevin McGonigle, 2B; Max Clark, OF
Twins: Kaelen Culpepper, SS
White Sox: Noah Schultz, LHP; Braden Montgomery, OF
Yankees: George Lombard Jr., SS
National League
Braves: JR Ritchie, RHP; Hayden Harris, LHP
Brewers: Jesus Made, SS
Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt, SS
Cubs: Jaxon Wiggins, RHP; Owen Caissie, OF
Diamondbacks: Lujames Groover, 3B; Slade Caldwell, OF
Dodgers: Josue De Paula, OF; Zyhir Hope, OF
Giants: Carson Whisenhunt, LHP
Marlins: Thomas White, LHP; Joe Mack, C
Mets: Jonah Tong, RHP; Carson Benge, OF
Nationals: Travis Sykora, RHP; Marquis Grissom Jr., RHP
Padres: Leo De Vries, SS
Phillies: Andrew Painter, RHP; Eduardo Tait, C
Pirates: Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Esmerlyn Valdez, OF
Reds: Alfredo Duno, C; Sal Stewart, 3B
Rockies: Charlie Condon, 1B/OF
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Pitchers
Jurrangelo Cijntje, SHP, Mariners (High-A Everett)
AGE: 22. B-T: S-S. HT: 5-11. WT: 200.
SOURCE: Mississippi State.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Mariners in first round of 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: Cijntje is a true switch-pitcher with the ability to hit the upper 90s as a righthander and the mid 90s as a lefty. Cijntje is much more than a circus trick as he knows how to navigate lineups, playing the matchups.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: If Cijntje faces a lefthanded batter it’s likely he switches over to a lefthand pitcher. Officials will ask Cijntje to declare which side he’s throwing from against each batter.
Keagan Gillies, RHP, Orioles (Double-A Chesapeake)
AGE: 27. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-8. WT: 255.
SOURCE: Tulane.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Orioles in 15th round of 2021 draft.
BACKGROUND: Gillies spent parts of five seasons at Tulane and has methodically climbed the minor league ladder. Gillies has shown advanced command and the ability to keep runs off the board.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Gillies will show three pitches in a four-seam fastball in the mid 90s, a high-80s cutter and a splitter.
Brody Hopkins, RHP, Rays (Double-A Montgomery)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190.
SOURCE: Winthrop.
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade with Mariners July 2024.
BACKGROUND: A two-way player in college, Hopkins committed to pitching full-time after signing with the Mariners. He was acquired by the Rays in the Randy Arozarena trade with Seattle.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Hopkins has a deep arsenal featuring two fastballs shapes (four-seam and sinker), a cutter, slider and changeup. Hopkins can make the ball ride, run, sweep, cut or sink.
Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Double-A Midland)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 200.
SOURCE: Louisiana State.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Athletics in second round of 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: Jump has been a well known performer dating backs to his high school days at JSerra High School. Jump spent one year at LSU and has had a meteoric rise since turning pro.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Jump has remarkable command of his four-seam fastball with good ride from a lower release point. He also throws a low-80s curveball, mid-80s slider and a changeup.
George Klassen, RHP, Angels (Double-A Rocket City)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 195.
SOURCE: Minnesota.
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade with Phillies July 2024.
BACKGROUND: Klassen struggled to find the strike zone as an amateur. Since turning pro he’s been able to harness power pitch mix effectively.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Klassen has high-octane stuff and will flirt with triple digits on his fastball. He’ll also throw three breaking balls in a plus slider, a cutter and curveball.
Parker Messick, LHP, Guardians (Triple-A Columbus)
AGE: 24. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 225.
SOURCE: Florida State.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Guardians in second round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: Messick was an ace at Florida State before turning pro. He’s been a steady and reliable performer for the Guardians.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: A deceptive lefty with an unorthodox operation. Messick will mix four different pitches in a four-seam, slider, curveball and changeup.
Frank Mozzicato, LHP, Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-3. WT: 175.
SOURCE: East Catholic HS (CT).
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Royals in first round of 2021 draft.
BACKGROUND: Mozzicato had a remarkable senior season at his Connecticut high school and the Royals selected him with the seventh overall pick in 2021.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Mozzicato will show three pitches and when he’s at his best will drive a high rate of groundballs.
Alimber Santa, RHP, Astros (Double-A Corpus Christi)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 228.
SOURCE: Dominican Republic
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Astros in February of 2020.
BACKGROUND: Santa first popped out on the backfields in 2022, since he’s labored through some injury plagued seasons. Santa rediscovered his gifts as a reliever this spring.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Santa has high-octane stuff with an above-average fastball and the ability to spin a breaking ball.
Noah Schultz, LHP, White Sox (Triple-A Charlotte)
AGE: 21. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-10. WT: 240.
SOURCE: Oswego East HS (IL).
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by White Sox in first round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: One of the tallest players in professional baseball, Schultz garners Randy Johnson comparisons due to his height, arm slot and powerful stuff.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Schultz has a plus sinker in the mid-to-high 90s and a plus or better slider with lots of gloveside movement.
Trey Yesavage, RHP, Blue Jays (Double-A New Hampshire)
AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 225.
SOURCE: East Carolina.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Blue Jays in first round of 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: Yesavage was a star for ECU before turning pro and has pitched his way from Low-A to Double-A in his professional debut.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Yesavage has a plus fastball with heavy ride and good velocity in the mid 90s. He’ll mix a cutter, curveball and a changeup.
Catchers
Josue Briceño, C, Tigers (High-A West Michigan)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 200.
SOURCE: Venezuela.
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by the Tigers as an international free agent in 2022.
BACKGROUND: Briceño signed with the Tigers in 2022 and had seen his progress derailed by injuries in the early days of his career. When healthy, he’s been one of the system’s biggest boppers and has helped turn Detroit’s system into one of the game’s best.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Briceño won the first triple crown in Arizona Fall League history in 2024, so watch for him to show off serious power if he gets something he can drive or shoot balls into the gaps on a pitcher’s pitch.
Harry Ford, C, Mariners (Triple-A Tacoma)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 200.
SOURCE: HS—Kennesaw, Ga.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by the Mariners in the first round of the 2021 draft.
BACKGROUND: Ford is one of the game’s most athletic players and would have enough chops to move to the outfield if needed, especially considering Seattle has superstar Cal Raleigh behind the plate.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: After a middling year in 2024 in Double-A, Ford has found his hitting shoes again in the Pacific Coast League. He could lose a ball over the wall or show off nimble moves behind home plate to control the National League’s running game.
Carter Jensen, C, Royals (Triple-A Omaha)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 210.
SOURCE: HS—Kansas City, Mo.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2021 draft.
BACKGROUND: Jensen is a talented hitter who has spent the first half of the season excelling at Double-A, where he opened the year as one of the Texas League’s youngest players. He responded with an excellent stretch that showed his hitting and on-base chops.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Jensen is one of Kansas City’s trio of talented catching prospects, and the one who has moved farthest up the minor league ladder. He provides a blend of offensive and defensive skills at a premium position.
Infielders
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Twins (Double-A Wichita)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 185.
SOURCE: Kansas State.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Minnesota in the first round of the 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: Culpepper was a star at Kansas State and earned a spot on USA Baseball’s College National Team, then earned the Twins’ first-round selection the next summer. He has already reached Double-A.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Culpepper’s signature moment this season came when he hit leadoff home runs in both ends of a doubleheader before his promotion to the Texas League. If he hits leadoff for the American League, look for some early fireworks.
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians (Triple-A Columbus)
AGE: 23. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 192.
SOURCE: Miami.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cleveland in the third round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Quietly, Kayfus has hit his way through the minor leagues and now sits a level away from achieving his dreams. He’s a career .300 hitter over three professional seasons and has proved tough to strike out.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Kayfus’ power numbers have improved each year, and his 2025 season started with a shocking spurt of triples. After entering the year with just six three-baggers, he’s racked up eight in the first 63 games of the year.
George Lombard Jr., SS, Yankees (Double-A Somerset)
AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190.
SOURCE: HS—Miami.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by New York in the first round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Lombard is the son of longtime big league player and coach George Lombard Sr. The younger Lombard wowed evaluators in spring training and took over the top spot in the Yankees’ system once Jasson Dominguez graduated from prospect status.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Lombard provides a solid blend of baseball skills and polish rarely seen in a player so young. He bum-rushed the competition in High-A before earning a bump to Double-A in early May. He will give the AL steady defensive work and table-setting offense.
Brice Matthews, SS, Astros (Triple-A Sugar Land)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 190.
SOURCE: Nebraska.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Houston in the first round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: After three solid seasons with the Cornhuskers, Matthews earned Houston’s first-round selection in 2023. He reached Triple-A in 2024 and has spent all of 2025 back at the level, where he’s posted respectable numbers.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Matthews blends power and speed and has socked nine home runs and stolen 22 bags with the Space Cowboys. He should add both of those traits to the American League lineup.
Kevin McGonigle, 2B, Tigers (High-A West Michigan)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 187.
SOURCE: HS—Drexel Hill, PA.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: The Tigers might have struck gold two summers ago when they spent their first two draft picks on players who are on star tracks. The first was outfielder Max Clark. Then came McGonigle, whose only speedbumps on the road to Detroit have come via stints on the injured list.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: McGonigle is one of the minor leagues’ purest hitters and should one day take his place at the top of the Tigers’ lineup. He hits for average, gets on base and has a fair amount of power to boot. Whether it’s at shortstop or second base, he’ll give the Tigers a weapon in the middle of the infield.
Sebastian Walcott, SS, Rangers (Double-A Frisco)
AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 190.
SOURCE: Bahamas
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Texas as an international free agent in 2023.
BACKGROUND: Walcott was one of the highest-profile players available on the international market in 2023, and he’s spent the first two-plus seasons of his career teasing at his tremendous upside.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As much as any player in the game, Walcott has the ability to make show-stopping plays. He can lose baseballs to the deepest recesses of the park, or he can dazzle with a highlight-reel play at shortstop. He’ll give fans in Atlanta an early glimpse of a star.
Tommy White, 3B, Athletics (High-A Lansing)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 220.
SOURCE: Louisiana State.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Oakland in the second round of the 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: White announced his presence with authority by slamming 27 home runs as a freshman at North Carolina State before transferring to LSU for his final two collegiate seasons. The A’s called his name in the second round in 2024, and he’s shown flashes of his power during his young pro career.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: White has the kind of raw juice to put on a show in batting practice. If he gets something to drive, he might just drop one of his patented Tommy Tanks as well. Look for him to provide the AL with some thump.
Outfielders
Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, Orioles (Double-A Chesapeake)
AGE: 23. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 170.
SOURCE: Vanderbilt.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Baltimore in the first round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Bradfield starred for three seasons with Commodores and then was taken in the first round by Baltimore in 2023. He’s a prototype leadoff hitter with the speed and defensive chops to vex opponents on both sides of the ball.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: If he gets on first base, look for him to dash to second base. If a ball is hit to him in center field, watch him glide to the spot and reel it in with alarming ease. He should hit early in the AL’s order.
Max Clark, OF, Tigers (High-A West Michigan)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 205.
SOURCE: HS—Franklin, Ind.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Clark was one of the most famous amateurs throughout his high school career, and he lived up to the hype with a performance that convinced Detroit to spend the third overall pick on him two drafts ago.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Clark has table-setter skills and hits at the head of a West Michigan lineup that boasts all three of Detroit’s Futures Game representatives. He’ll provide those same traits to the American League’s lineup.
Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, Red Sox (Triple-A Worcester)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 163.
SOURCE: Venezuela.
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Boston as an international free agent in 2019.
BACKGROUND: The Red Sox added Garcia to the fold in 2021 and have watched as he’s steadily increased his profile over the course of his career. With Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer in the big leagues and Kristian Campbell graduated from prospect status, Garcia is at the head of a talented Boston system.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Garcia’s got a memorable name and an outstanding game. The man known as “The Password” has turned his game up a notch since moving from Double-A to Triple-A, and has the skills to give the AL’s lineup some thunder in the middle.
Lazaro Montes, OF. Mariners (Double-A Arkansas)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 210.
SOURCE: Cuba.
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Seattle in 2022 as an international free agent.
BACKGROUND: Since he signed in 2022, Montes has established himself as one of the premier power brokers in the minor leagues. He just recently bashed his way to Double-A, where his raw juice will be tested against the most seasoned pitching he’s encountered.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Montes has a chance to obliterate the field in batting practice and send balls to parts of the park usually visited by men named Riley, Acuña and Olson. The same is true once the game begins. If he gets a hittable pitch, it’s probably not coming back.
Braden Montgomery, OF, White Sox (High-A Winston-Salem)
AGE: 22. B-T: S-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 220.
SOURCE: Texas A&M.
HOW ACQUIRED: Traded from Boston to Chicago on Dec. 13, 2024.
BACKGROUND: Montgomery was a talented pitcher and hitter in college who focused on his work in the batter’s box once he transferred from Stanford to Texas A&M. He was part of the package Boston used to acquire ace lefthander Garrett Crochet from the White Sox.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Montgomery has power from both sides of the plate and looks to be back to full strength after a gnarly injury cut short his college career just before he was selected by Boston in 2024. A prospect with Boston and Chicago, Montgomery could add some … sock … to the AL’s lineup.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Pitchers
Andrew Painter, RHP, Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-7. WT: 215.
SOURCE: Cavalry Christian Academy (FL)
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Phillies in first round of 2021 draft.
BACKGROUND: Painter was a star in high school who made it up to Double-A in his first professional season. He had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returned to action this spring.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Painter stands an imposing 6-foot-7 with a plus fastball that can touch 100 mph and a pair of breaking balls shapes.
Jonah Tong, RHP, Mets (Double-A Binghamton)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 180.
SOURCE: Georgia Premier Academy (GA).
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Mets in seventh round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: A Canadian native that was drafted out of a Georgia high school, Tong broke out in 2024 and took another step forward in 2025.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Tong can ride his fastball and has reworked his changeup. An adjustment in grip, has led to better movement on his changeup.
Thomas White, LHP, Marlins (Double-A Pensacola)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-5. WT: 240.
SOURCE: Phillips Academy (MA)
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Marlins in second round of 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Consdiered one of the most talent pitchers in the high school class of 2023, White has taken big steps forward as a professional.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: White will show you a mid-90s fastball, a curveball, slider and changeup.
JR Ritchie, RHP, Braves (Double-A Columbus)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 185.
SOURCE: Bainbridge HS (WA)
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Astros in seventh round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: Ritchie had Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and returned to the mound last June. Ritchie has pitched his way to Double-A in 2025.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Ritchie mixes a pair of fastball shapes, driving a high rate of groundballs. He shows an above-average changeup and a plus slider.
Travis Sykora, RHP, Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg)
AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-6. WT: 232.
SOURCE: Round Rock HS (TX)
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Nationals in third round of 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: Sykora was drafted in the third round of the 2023 out of a Texas high school. He broke out in 2024 and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Sykora mixes a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a slider and a splitter. He’s been known to generate lots of swings and misses.
Carson Whisenhunt, LHP, Giants (Triple-A Sacramento)
AGE: 24. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-3. WT: 214.
SOURCE: East Carolina.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Giants in second round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: Whisenhunt was a standout at ECU before turning pro, the lefthander has pitched his way to the cusp of the majors leagues in 2025.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Whisenhunt has a plus changeup that drives hitters crazy, he mixes a sinker, slider and curveball in addition to the changeup.
Marquis Grissom Jr., RHP, Nationals (Triple-A Rochester)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 202.
SOURCE: Georgia Tech.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Nationals in thirteen round of 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: Grissom is a relief only pitching prospect who spent two seasons at Georgia Tech. He is the son of former MLB All-Star Marquis Grissom.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Grissom has an above-average changeup that allows him to get swings and misses. He’ll also throw a low-90s four-seam fastball and a slider.
Hayden Harris, LHP, Braves (Triple-A Gwinnett)
AGE: 26. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 186.
SOURCE: Georgia Southern.
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Braves in July of 2022.
BACKGROUND: Harris is a non-drafted free agent who’s pitched his way to Triple-A by the end of 2024 as a relief prospect.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Harris mixes a low-90s fastball, a changeup and a low-80s slider.
Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, Cubs (Double-A Knoxville)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-6. WT: 225.
SOURCE: Arkansas.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in second round of 2023 draft.
BACKGROUND: A highly touted recruit at Arkansas, Wiggins had Tommy JOhn surgery during his draft spring and returned to the mound in 2024.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Wiggins mixes a plus fastball that sits mid-to-high-90s and will touch 100 mph with a plus cut-slider, a changeup and a curveball. Few pitchers in the Futures Game can match Wiggins pure stuff.
Catchers
Joe Mack, C, Marlins (Triple-A Jacksonville)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-0 WT: 210
SOURCE: Williamsville East, Williamsville, NY
HOW ACQUIRED: Drafted 31st overall by the Miami Marlins in 2021
BACKGROUND: Mack struggled at the beginning of his pro career, but has gotten on track courtesy of improved power.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Mack is a power-hitting catcher with plus arm strength, strong framing and explosive athleticism. He underwent a power surge and is slowly mixing in more contact.
Eduardo Tait, C,Phillies (Low-A Clearwater)
AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-0 WT: 175
SOURCE: Panama
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Philadelphia as an international free agent in 2023
BACKGROUND: Tait hasn’t only gotten better after recovering from a left elbow injury that required surgery.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Caba is an elite defensive shortstop with exceptional hands, range and instincts. He’s a disciplined, contact-first switch-hitter with plus speed and limited but playable power.
Alfredo Duno, C, Reds, Reds (Low-A Daytona)
AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2 WT: 210
SOURCE: Venezuela
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Cincinnati as an international free agent in 2023
BACKGROUND: Injuries have plagued Duno, but in his first healthy season, he’s shown that his bat can be dangerous.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Duno is a physically imposing catcher with near top-scale raw power and 30+ homer potential. He’s a strong-armed defender with solid receiving skills and bilingual leadership.
Infielders
JJ Wetherholt, SS, Cardinals (Double-A Springfield)
AGE: 22 . B-T: L-R. HT: 5-10 WT: 190.
SOURCE: West Virginia
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by the Cardinals No. 7 overall in the 2024 draft.
BACKGROUND: Wetherholt’s dominance at West Virginia has translated into the pros. He is having an excellent 2025 and ranks as St. Louis’ No. 1 prospect.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Wetherholt has an advanced approach with power and showcases plenty of speed, too.
Leo De Vries, SS, Padres (High-A Fort Wayne)
AGE: 18. B-T: S-R. HT: 6-1 WT: 183.
SOURCE: Dominican Republic
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by San Diego as an international free agent in 2024
BACKGROUND: De Vries was the crown jewel of the 2024 international signing class. At 18 years old, he is the youngest player in the Midwest League.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: De Vries shows advanced bat speed, all-fields power, athleticism and defensive instincts. He’s projectable with upside, especially as his pitch recognition improves.
Jesus Made, SS, Brewers (Low-A Carolina)
AGE: 18. B-T: S-R. HT: 6-1 WT: 187.
SOURCE: Dominican Republic
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Milwaukee as an international free agent in 2024
BACKGROUND: Made was the most impressive player coming out of the Dominican Summer League and has had a fine season in Low-A as an 18-year-old.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Made is a disciplined hitter with fast bat speed, plus athleticism, power projection and versatility. He’s a high-contact threat with speed, arm strength and positional flexibility.
Lujames Groover, 3B, Diamondbacks (Double-A Amarillo)
AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2 WT: 217.
SOURCE: North Carolina State
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB draft.
BACKGROUND: Groover has erased all doubt after an injury-riddled 2024 by being one of the best hitters in the Texas League.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Groover is a pure hitter with strong contact skills and growing power. His bat remains the carrying tool as he progresses defensively.
Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pirates (High-A Greensboro)
AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4 WT: 225
SOURCE: Jackson Prep HS, Jackson, Miss.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected No. 9 overall in the 2024 MLB draft.
BACKGROUND: Griffin was the first high school player taken in last year’s draft, and dominated Low-A before a promotion to High-A.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Griffin is a high-upside athlete with elite speed, power and arm strength. His contact is upcoming and offers defensive versatility across the field.
Charlie Condon, 1B/OF, Rockies (High-A Spokane)
AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-6 WT: 216
SOURCE: Georgia
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 MLB draft.
BACKGROUND: Condon became the single-season home run king for Georgia. After dealing with a wrist injury to begin the season, he’s off to hot start in his return to High-A.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Condon boasts elite power, strong fastball hitting and a simple swing.
Sal Stewart, 2B, Reds (Double-A Chattanooga)
AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 224.
SOURCE: HS—Miami.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cincinnati in the first round of the 2022 draft.
BACKGROUND: Stewart’s path was stymied somewhat by a pair of wrist injuries that limited him to just 80 games in 2024. Nonetheless, Stewart moved to Double-A in 2025 and has been one of the best hitters in the Southern League.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Stewart is a polished hitter with tools that should help him fill up all three portions of a slash line. Despite the pitcher-friendly environment in Chattanooga, he’s among the league’s best hitters and should be an everyday regular when he gets to the big leagues. His defensive home is less clear.
Outfielders
Josue De Paula, OF, Dodgers (High-A Great Lakes)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-3 WT: 185
SOURCE: Dominican Republic (via Brooklyn, N.Y.)
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Dodgers as an international free agent in 2022
BACKGROUND: De Paula was born in Brooklyn and raised in the U.S. but moved to the Dominican Republic one year before signing with the Dodgers as an international free agent.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: De Paula is a disciplined hitter with elite zone control, all-fields power and advanced bat-to-ball skills. He is still looking to find a home in the outfield or at first base.
Zyhir Hope, OF, Dodgers (High-A Great Lakes)
AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0 WT: 193
SOURCE: Colonial Forge High School, Stafford, VA
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade (Drafted by Cubs in 11th round of 2023 draft)
BACKGROUND: The centerpiece in the Michael Busch trade, Hope has seen more success at the plate with being more aggressive in the box.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Hope made big strides in swing decisions and zone contact, pairing elite impact with athleticism. Above the ball, he has some of the highest exit velocities in the minors.
Slade Caldwell, OF, Diamondbacks (High-A Hillsboro)
AGE: 19. B-T: L-L. HT: 5-9 WT: 182
SOURCE: Valley View, Jonesboro, Ark.
HOW ACQUIRED: Selected No. 29 overall in last year’s MLB draft.
BACKGROUND: He became the first Arkansas prep player to be taken in the first round since 1995, and was the top player in Low-A Visalia before his promotion to High-A.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Caldwell is a compact, high-contact hitter with plus speed, strong plate discipline and emerging gap power.
Owen Caissie, OF, Cubs (Triple-A Iowa)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-3 WT: 190
SOURCE: Notre Dame, Burlington, ON
HOW ACQUIRED: Trade (Drafted by Padres in second round of 2020)
BACKGROUND: One of the prospects in the trade that sent Yu Darvish to San Diego, Caissie has had success every step of the way with the Cubs.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Caissie is a powerful, athletic outfielder with plus raw power, improving contact skills and all-fields pop. He’s a strong corner defender and above-average runner with impact upside.
Carson Benge, OF, Mets (Double-A Binghamton)
AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-1 WT: 184
SOURCE: Oklahoma State
HOW ACQUIRED: Drafted No. 19 overall in 2024.
BACKGROUND: A star two-way player at Oklahoma State, Benge focused on hitting and saw a recent promotion to Double-A after succeeding in High-A.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Benge pairs advanced bat-to-ball skills with emerging opposite-field power and strong swing decisions. He’s an athletic outfielder with above-average speed and a near double-plus arm.
Esmerlyn Valdez, OF, Pirates (Double-A Altoona)
AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 181.
SOURCE: Dominican Republic.
HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Pittsburgh as an international free agent in 2021.
BACKGROUND: The Pirates signed Valdez out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 and have watched as he’s shown steady improvement throughout his career. His 22 home runs led the Florida State League in 2024, and he’s just two shy of that total in half a season with High-A Greensboro in 2025.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Power is the name of the game for Valdez, who’s been one of the bigger boppers in friendly and unfriendly hitting environments in each of the last two seasons. His 20 home runs are the most in the South Atlantic League, and he’s one of just two players his age or younger to reach that plateau in 2025. The other, Seattle’s Lazaro Montes, is also a Futures Gamer.
