25 Rising MLB Prospects So Far In 2025

Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 14
• Current Top 30 rank: 2 (MLB No. 71)

Jump has taken—yes, we’ll say it—a major leap forward this season. The 22-year-old lefty was electric in High-A with a 2.32 ERA and 45-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, earning a quick promotion to Double-A Midland. Though just 6 feet tall, he features a lively 94-95 mph fastball that touches 97 and plays up thanks to 16–18 inches of induced vertical break and a deceptive low release. He pairs it with a sharp low-80s curveball and a biting mid-80s slider, both of which flash above-average potential, and he also introduced a sweeper into the mix this year. A big league debut this year is unlikely, but Jump’s stock is clearly on the rise. (JC)

Luis Peña, SS, Brewers

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 9
• Current Top 30 rank: 3 (MLB No. 31)

The Brewers struck gold with their 2024 international class. Jesús Made headlines the group—and ranks No. 4 on our Top 100 for that matter—but Peña isn’t too far behind and could one day have his own case as baseball’s potential No. 1 prospect. The 18-year-old infielder has shown a significant power jump, hitting five home runs at Low-A Carolina after managing just one in 44 DSL games. He’s also pounding the ball with top-end exit velocities despite a modest 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame. Mix in his feel for the barrel and speed, and Peña has superstar potential. (JC)

Arjun Nimmala, SS, Blue Jays

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 3
• Current Top 30 rank: 1 (MLB No. 41)

A year ago, Nimmala struggled so badly in his first taste of full-season ball that the Blue Jays sent him to the development list to work on his swing, then back to the complex. What a difference a year makes. The 19-year-old shortstop ranked fourth in homers (nine) and isolated power (.220) in the High-A Northwest League entering Saturday—despite being the league’s youngest regular. Nimmala’s late-2024 swing changes have held up. He’s catching barrels, tough to beat in the zone and plays an above-average shortstop. This is what budding stars look like. (MC)

Payton Tolle & Brandon Clarke, LHP, Red Sox

• Preseason Top 30 rank: Tolle No. 15; Clarke NR
• Current Top 30 rank: Tolle No. 4 (MLB No. 88); Clarke No. 5 (MLB No. 90)

Picking between these two rising Red Sox lefties is tough, considering just one spot separates them in our Top 100. Clarke burst onto the scene from relative obscurity as a fifth-rounder out of junior college with upper-90s heat and an outlier sweeper, though he’s now sidelined with a blister. He also faces questions about whether his approach will hold up against better hitters. Meanwhile, Tolle’s ascension has been a bit steadier. He has 45 strikeouts and just five walks over his last 29 High-A innings, using elite extension and a mid-90s fastball. Tolle’s build, arsenal, and pedigree give him a strong chance to stick as a starter. Both are big arrow-up arms in a system that’s starting to mirror pitching development wins with great success on the hitting side. (MC)

Asbel Gonzalez, OF, Royals

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 25
• Current Top 30 rank: 12

Gonzalez wasn’t on many people’s radars entering 2025. That quickly changed with the way he’s playing in his first full-season assignment. In an age where power draws the most attention, Gonzalez is a throwback prototypical leadoff hitter. The Venezuelan native has kept his on-base percentage near .400 most of the season and has 43 steals through 52 games with Low-A Columbia. At just 19, there is still time for him to develop more pop in his bat, and he’s starting to show a bit more extra-base thump as the season progresses. (JC)

Robby Snelling, LHP, Marlins

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 7
• Current Top 30 rank: 3 (MLB No. 75)

After earning Baseball America’s 2023 Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors with a 1.82 ERA and rapid rise to Double-A, Snelling hit turbulence in 2024. His stuff backed up prior to a deadline trade to Miami in the Tanner Scott deal, and things didn’t get better with Double-A Pensacola. This year, his arsenal took a step forward. His 94-95 mph fastball has touched 97 and his sweepy 78-82 mph slider is a true two-plane breaker that he consistently locates to his glove side, often burying it below the zone to generate whiffs and weak contact. His much-improved changeup with late fade and deceptive arm speed is now a solid-average offering. The ingredients for a midrotation starter remain firmly intact.

Aroon Escobar, 2B, Phillies

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 15
• Current Top 30 rank: 5 (MLB No. 94)

After flashing raw talent during his first two pro seasons in the Dominican Summer League, Escobar struggled to put it all together,  hampered by injuries. But everything clicked with his stateside debut in 2024. Now, in 2025, the 20-year-old has emerged as one of the breakout stories of the season. He’s showcasing a potent blend of power, plate discipline and contact ability. A strengthened frame has helped him tap into more consistent pop, particularly by learning to drive fastballs in the upper part of the zone. Continued growth defensively at second base could further elevate the Venezuelan prospect’s rising stock. (JC)

Argenis Cayama, RHP, Giants

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 30
• Current Top 30 rank: 15

Cayama battled pneumonia before the start of his pro career to establish himself as one of the pitchers in the Arizona Complex League. Hitters in the rookie circuit could not figure out the 18-year-old. Cayama’s delivery won’t turn heads with flair, but its simplicity is its strength—clean, repeatable and built for consistency. His fastball operates in the 92–98 mph range and stands out for its versatility. He can manipulate the shape to generate different looks and movement profiles. His secondary pitches, a changeup and a slider, both feature quality depth, giving him a well-rounded arsenal that keeps hitters guessing. (JC)

The Argenis Cayama buzz 📈 https://t.co/KP0wMqOBKT

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) May 24, 2025

C.J. Kayfus, 1B, Guardians

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 8
• Current Top 30 rank: 4 (MLB No. 61)

Kayfus is quite unusual. His 6-foot, 192-pound frame isn’t striking and his ordinary power is uncommon for a first baseman. But he’s raked at every stop since Cleveland drafted him in the third round out of Miami in 2023. Kayfus blitzed Double-A pitchers to a 209 wRC+ through 31 games this year and forced his way to Triple-A. Kayfus’ strikeout rate has spiked since his promotion–and his contact rates aren’t what they were in 2024–but he makes consistent hard contact, controls the zone well and has a long track record of producing gap-to-gap damage. It’s tough to argue with the results so far. (MC)

Jonah Tong, RHP, Mets

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 13
• Current Top 30 rank: 3 (MLB No. 95)

Tong isn’t overly physical, but the 6-foot-1 righty added strength and touched 97 mph this spring. He’s been one of the minors’ most dominant arms, ranking third in strikeout rate (42.3%) and fourth in total strikeouts (84) among pitchers with 30+ innings. He mixes a riding fastball from a high slot with two sharp breaking balls and a new vulcan changeup. His crossfire delivery adds deception and he has befuddled Double-A hitters so far. His below-average 60% strike rate is a concern, but he’s pitched his way into the Top 100 after a dominant start to 2025. (MC)

David Davalillo, RHP, Rangers

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 16
• Current Top 30 rank: 9

Davalillo led the minors in ERA last year, and he’s making a strong case to do it again, proving last season was no fluke. The 22-year-old righty isn’t flashy, but he’s one of the minors’ most consistent pitchers. His primary weapon is a 92–94 mph sinker that generates steady groundballs, paired with a low-80s sweeper that is effective against both lefties and righties. He also mixes in a riding four-seamer, a sharp curveball and a deceptive splitter to keep hitters off balance. Through 49.1 innings in his return to High-A, Davalillo has a 1.09 ERA with 68 strikeouts to 11 walks. (JC)

Slade Caldwell, OF, Diamondbacks

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 6
• Current Top 30 rank: 2 (MLB No. 85)

With Low-A Visalia, Caldwell began to draw comparisons to another undersized D-backs standout: Corbin Carroll. Listed at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, Caldwell doesn’t stand out physically but he has a similar blend of athleticism, an advanced approach and two-way impact. As such, the 2024 first-rounder has played his way onto Baseball America’s Top 100. Caldwell is showing maturity beyond his years with a 12% chase rate and consistent hard contact as his body continues to develop. He hit .294/.460/.454 through 48 games with Visalia and the D-backs saw enough to promote him to High-A even though he doesn’t turn 19 until later this month.

Rainiel Rodriguez, C, Cardinals

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 11
• Current Top 30 rank: 5

Rodriguez dominated the DSL last year, slashing .345/.462/.683 with 10 home runs. He has somehow been even better in the Florida Complex League so far. He entered Monday hitting .362 with seven homers and a 1.334 OPS through 23 fewer games. With a natural ability to elevate the ball, he’s already flashing notable pullside power. However, his lack of speed—he’s a well below-average runner—could restrict his defensive versatility moving forward. (JC)

Mike Sirota, OF, Dodgers

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 25
• Current Top 30 rank: 8

Scouts said Sirota struggled in his first taste of pro ball after the Reds drafted him in the third round last year. That’s quickly changed. The 21-year-old outfielder was traded to the Dodgers in January—along with a Competitive Balance Round A pick—for Gavin Lux, and he’s taken off since. Sirota dominated Low-A Rancho Cucamonga, hitting .354 with 1.130 OPS and seven home runs in 24 games. The production continued following a promotion to High-A, where he joined a tandem of talented outfielders in Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope and Kendall George. He’s hitting the ball hard and not chasing out of the zone. (JC)

A.J. Ewing, OF, Mets

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 24
• Current Top 30 rank: 8

Picking one player from a loaded High-A Brooklyn roster feels cruel, but Ewing rises above. His advanced plate skills and premium speed have held up after the Mets pushed him to High-A Brooklyn. He’s third in the minors with 41 steals and ranks sixth in wRC+ (166) among players 20 or younger with 100+ plate appearances. He’s not a major power threat but he’s flashing a bit more juice and Brooklyn’s park dampens slugging. Ewing makes elite decisions, has great feel for contact and profiles up the middle. If the power keeps coming along—watch out. (MC)

Luke Dickerson, SS, Nationals

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 11
• Current Top 30 rank: 5

At Baseball America, we often say teams show you how they feel about a player through their roster moves. Well, the Nationals have been quite bullish with Dickerson. Drafted 44th overall and signed for $3.8 million (the highest bonus ever for a non-first-rounder in the bonus pool era), he jumped to full-season ball after just six complex games and owns a 125 wRC+ at Low-A Fredericksburg. For a 19-year-old, Dickerson takes focused, competitive at-bats and his blend of bat-to-ball skills, power, speed and shortstop defense is quite impressive. Dickerson could push into the Top 100 soon if he sustains his production against better velocity and sharper stuff. (MC)

Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo predicted a potential rise like this around this time last year:

Hunter Barco, LHP, Pirates

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 10
• Current Top 30 rank: 4

Before landing on the injured list with a mild left shoulder strain, Barco was dominating in the upper levels of the minors. The lefthander carved through Double-A lineups with 25.2 consecutive scoreless innings and earned a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis. Barco has only throw 11.2 innings at his new level, where there’s a natural learning curve, but he hasn’t been quite as sharp yet. Barco’s velo ticked up this year after making a mechanical refinement in his lower half to help unlock a bit more power across his entire arsenal. The Pirates reinstated Barco on May 31, hoping he could pick up right where he left off. (JC)

Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, D-backs

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 8
• Current Top 30 rank: 3 (MLB No. 91)

The D-backs appear to have nailed both of their 2024 first-round picks, with Waldschmidt quickly emerging as one of the top hitters on a talented High-A Hillsboro roster. The 22-year-old refined his bat path over the offseason to drive the ball more consistently, and the results speak for themselves. Waldschmidt has a well-balanced swing that blends controlled aggression with advanced barrel feel. He also maintains strong plate discipline and rarely chasing pitches out of the zone. (JC)

JR Ritchie, RHP, Braves

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 7
• Current Top 30 rank: 3

Ritchie has emerged from a deep group of Braves arms as a legitimate future rotation option. Now two years removed from Tommy John surgery, his stuff has taken a leap. His fastball reached the upper 90s in shorter spring stints, and scouts see two potential above-average secondaries in his slider and improving changeup. He dominated High-A with a 1.30 ERA, capped by a nine-inning, one-hit gem in his final start. His strikes haven’t been quite as crisp in three Double-A starts, but the ingredients for a midrotation starter are there. (MC)

Theo Gillen, OF, Rays

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 10
• Current Top 30 rank: 3 (MLB No. 79)

Despite missing most of April, Gillen has surged onto the Top 100 thanks to standout reviews and early performance. The 19-year-old has a simple, level swing that generates tons of contact for Low-A Charleston, and he’s shown excellent discipline with nearly as many walks (27) as strikeouts (33). A plus runner with 17 steals in 31 games, he’s transitioning full time to the outfield after playing shortstop as an amateur. He’s still learning how to unlock his above-average raw power in games, but the Rays’ 2024 first-rounder already looks like a dynamic, well-rounded player on the rise. (MC)

Josue Briceño, C/1B, Tigers

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 9
• Current Top 30 rank: 5

Briceño has long faced questions about whether he’ll stick behind the plate. Few are questioning his potent bat, which has been red hot dating back to the 2024 Arizona Fall League. The 20-year-old became the first player to reach 10 HRs in the AFL since 2011 and has smashed 13 home runs this season, which ranks second in all of High-A. He’s made some key swing adjustments that are now translating into more consistent airborne contact off the bat, leading to a 173 wRC+ through 40 games. His bat may soon be ready for the upper minors. (JC)

Dasan Hill, LHP, Twins

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 15
• Current Top 30 rank: 4 (MLB No. 80)

Teams are often reluctant to gamble early-round draft picks on high school pitchers. But the Twins saw Hill as one of the more developed, polished prep arms in last year’s draft. So far, so good. The 19-year-old added a bit more velocity and his fastball now sits 92-94 with some projection remaining. He incorporates a sinker as well along with a slider and a developing changeup. Hill fits the mold of the Twins’ growing track record of success with homegrown starters, a testament to the organization’s evolving pitching development strategy. (JC)

Caleb Bonemer, SS, White Sox

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 11
• Current Top 30 rank: 6 (MLB No. 87)

Whispers about Bonemer’s improvement started in spring training and have reached a full-blown fervor. The 19-year-old has torched Low-A pitching, ranking fifth in the Carolina League with a 151 wRC+ and third in wRAA (14.9). He’s made swing adjustments—flattening his plane and adding a bit of rhythm—that, combined with his physical strength, have produced standout contact metrics, especially against fastballs. Once seen as a potential first-rounder, Bonemer fell to the White Sox in the second round in 2024. So far, it’s looking like a steal. (MC)

Carlos Lagrange, RHP, Yankees

• Preseason Top 30 rank: 15
• Current Top 30 rank: 3

Lagrange always had dynamite stuff and entered the year as the Yankees’ No. 15 prospect despite barely pitching in 2024. Now, after dominating in a regular turn in the rotation, he’s climbed to No. 3 in the system. The 6-foot-7 righty overwhelmed High-A hitters with a 38.1% strikeout rate, relying on an upper-90s fastball and a sweeping breaking ball before earning a June promotion to Double-A Somerset. He’s also filling up the zone more consistently than ever. Some scouts still see a reliever due to his rigid delivery, but the early returns have been loud. (MC)