Top 10 Baseball Prospects for 2025
The 2025 baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a fresh wave of talent ready to take centre stage. As teams look to build for the future, several top prospects are poised to make a major impact. There’s no shortage of exciting talent in the MLB pipeline, with big power hitters and deadly pitchers among the pool of young players targeting a breakthrough season.
In 2024, we saw the rise of stars like Tarik Skubal, Jarren Duran and Hunter Greene in the MLB. These former MLB top prospects are proof that breakout performances can come when you least expect them.
Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, it’s time to look ahead at the next generation of baseball MLB players to watch. Who will be the next big name to emerge?
MLB Top Prospects from 2024
The MLB 2024 was a great season for exciting fresh talent to make their mark. These were some of the best breakthrough baseball players from 2024.
Tarik Skubal
Left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal showed flashes of dominance after recovering from injury in 2023. However, in a much more settled 2024, he put it all together.
The 28-year-old earned his first All-Star selection, leading the American League in wins (18) and ERA (2.39). His elite command and overpowering fastball made him a nightmare for hitters. Ultimately, such consistency helped Skubal to become Detroit’s first 200-strikeout pitcher since 2019.
Despite trade rumours swirling throughout the season, Skubal remained a Tiger and played a key role in Detroit’s push for a Wild Card spot. With 21 quality starts, the 28-year-old proved he’s one of the top pitchers in baseball. If he can maintain this level of play, he could be in the Cy Young conversation for years to come.
Jarren Duran
Jarren Duran went from a player with potential to a full-fledged star in 2024. He had already shown signs of improvement in 2023, but the Boston Red Sox star took his game to another level last year.
Duran led the league in both doubles and triples. In addition, his power numbers spiked, as he smashed 21 home runs while maintaining his speed on the bases with 3 steals.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Duran’s season was his durability. He led the Majors in plate appearances (735), proving to be a reliable everyday presence for his team. At 28, Duran is now a Red Sox leader and a key player the team will build around in 2025.
Hunter Greene
The Cincinnati Reds had to remain patient for Hunter Greene to finally announce himself on baseball’s biggest stage after selecting him second overall in the 2017 Draft.
In 2024, the 25-year-old pitcher finally delivered. His combination of electric pitching and improved command resulted in a breakout year, where he posted a stellar 2.75 ERA and led all NL pitchers in WAR (6.3).
Opposing hitters stood little chance against Greene, who allowed just 5.7 hits per nine innings while limiting home runs at an elite rate (0.7 HR/9). Batters hit just .183 against him, making him one of the toughest pitchers in the MLB last season.
When Does the MLB 2025 Season Start?
The 2025 Major League Baseball season officially kicks off on March 18–19 with a special two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan.
A week later, the full regular season will begin on March 27 and run through September 28. The New York Yankees will host the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 MLB opening match.
When Are the MLB Prospects Drafted in 2025?
The 2025 MLB Draft is set to take place during All-Star Weekend at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 13 and 14, 2025.
This event will see top amateur baseball players from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico get their chance to join MLB teams for the upcoming season.
Who Are the Baseball MLB Players to Watch in 2025?
As we look ahead to the new season, a fresh crop of talented players is ready to make an impact. While not every prospect will hit their ceiling, the depth and variety of skills in this class suggest we’ll be watching some of these names impact the major leagues for years to come.
Here, we assess some of the best qualities and prospects among the top baseball MLB players to watch in 2025.
1. Ethan Holliday
When your older brother is Jackson Holliday (the number 1 overall draft pick in 2022) and your dad is seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, you’ve got some big steps to follow.
But 18-year-old Ethan Holiday may just prove that he is the best baseball player in his talented family. Standing at 6ft 4ins and producing swing speeds of 95mph and above, Holiday has shown eye-catching raw power that will capture the attention of top MLB teams.
While he’s currently playing shortstop, Holliday projects as a third baseman in the pros, where his combination of power, athleticism, and solid defensive skills could make him a cornerstone player.
The Oklahoma State commit has that rare mix of natural talent and baseball pedigree that could have scouts making big moves in the spring. Don’t be surprised if Holiday follows in his brother’s footsteps as a top draft pick in 2025.
2. Jace LaViolette
LaViolette is a college outfielder making waves in amateur baseball. The Texas A&M star has been turning heads with his impressive combination of power and athleticism in a 6ft 6ins frame. In 2024, he smashed 29 home runs and drew a program-record 64 walks, showing he’s not just a slugger but a disciplined hitter with a keen eye.
A trait that has impressed scouts and onlookers is LaViolette’s surprising athleticism for his size. Playing at centre field, the 21-year-old has thrived, showing he’s an all-round talent that will appeal to the MLB’s best.
LaViolette has an enticing combination of power and speed that can be coached into a baseball powerhouse. This blend could make LaViolette the first college outfielder selected first overall since Darin Erstad in 1995.
3. Jamie Arnold
Florida State’s ace Jamie Arnold has been drawing some pretty flattering comparisons to Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale, and it’s easy to see why.
Arnold’s electric pitches have been scaring college hitters this season. The numbers back up the Florida State Seminoles’ student’s eye-popping numbers of 159 strikeouts in just 105.2 innings. His fastball speed also sits in the 94-95mph range and he has reached 97mph on occasion.
Arnold’s performance in the College World Series semi-finals showed he can handle the big stage, and his stint with Team USA only confirmed that he has the potential to play at the top. With three solid pitches and improving command, he’s got all the tools to be a frontline starter in the big leagues.
4. Tyler Bremner
UC Santa Barbara’s Tyler Bremner might just be the most complete pitcher in the 2025 class. His fastball consistently hits 95mph and has touched 98mph.
However, Bremner has set himself apart with a changeup pitch, which showcases the 20-year-old’s ability to mix up his style.
After ending 2024 with a 2.54 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 88.2 innings, Bremmer has displayed elite qualities already at the collegiate level. The only question mark is his durability as a starter and whether he is ready for the demands of MLB baseball.
But with three plus pitches and excellent command, Bremner has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm if he can prove he can handle a full season’s workload.
5. Seth Hernandez
Few high school players can pitch at 100mph, but Seth Hernandez achieved such a feat. He has been on scouts’ radar since his junior year at Corona High School, where he dominated the National High School Invitational.
Hernandez isn’t just an exceptional pitcher with a diverse range of throws in his armoury. He has a 6ft 4ins frame and is well-known to have an outstanding work ethic, which has been highlighted by scouts and coaches. Overall, Hernandez has all the makings of a future pitching Major League Baseball ace.
6. Kayson Cunningham
Left-hander Kayson Cunningham has all the hitting tools available to launch himself into the MLB in 2025. The Texan might be the best pure hitter in the 2025 high school class, as demonstrated by his .417 average for Team USA at the 18-and-under World Cup qualifier.
Cunningham has a slight disadvantage compared to some of his peers, standing at 5ft 10ins, which may put some scouts off. But the 18-year-old makes up for his size limitation with extra speed, elite throwing control and a mature approach at the plate.
His ability to stick at shortstop, combined with his advanced hitting technique and surprising pop (projecting for 15-20 homers annually), makes Cunningham one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class.
7. Aiva Arquette
After making waves at Washington and in the Cape Cod League, Aiva Arquette’s transfer to Oregon State has only increased his draft stock. The 6ft 4ins, 220lb shortstop brings an enticing combination of power and defensive skill that’s rare for his position.
Despite a minor wrist surgery in 2024, Arquette has shown he can be an above-average hitter with 20-25 homer potential. What really sets him apart is his ability to stick at shortstop despite his size, showing easy actions and a strong arm that plays from any angle.
College shortstops with pop are pretty rare and scouts will be aware of this loophole. As a result, Arquette could be the next one to make a quick rise through the minors.
8. Xavier Neyens
Xavier Neyens’ stock has risen rapidly and the left-hander has the potential to become the best position player to come out of Washington since Corbin Carroll. The third baseman’s profile has soared thanks to his improved power output and refined approach at the plate in recent years.
At 6ft 4ins, Neyens brings more than just size to the table too. He’s demonstrated his raw power to all fields and has the arm strength to play third base, with his throwing speeds hitting 95mph.
The Oregon State student has been compared to a left-handed hitting version of 2015 first-round pick, Austin Riley – a comparison that is sure to generate excitement among MLB fans this season.
9. Kruz Schoolcraft
At 6-foot-8 and with a 97mph throwing speed from the left side, Kruz Schoolcraft has been discussed heavily among scouts and coaches as a standout 2025 prospect. Not only does Schoolcraft have elite physical capabilities, but he can pitch a traditional two-plane slider and demonstrates surprisingly good control for someone his size.
The Tennessee student is also a legitimate two-way player with potential as a power-hitting first baseman. Although, most teams are likely to prefer his future on the mound rather than as a hitter. With his size and ability to throw strikes working in his favour, Schoolcraft could be the next in a line of impressive Oregon natives to go in the first round of the MB draft.
10. Brendan Summerhill
Arizona’s Brendan Summerhill is a 2025 MLB prospect who could continue the Wildcats’ impressive streak of producing first-round position players.
After earning All-Pac 12 honours and starring in the Cape Cod League, Summerhill has established himself as one of the most complete outfielders in the class. The left-handed hitter brings an advanced approach to the plate and has nearly as many walks as strikeouts in 2024.
That is just the tip of Summerhill’s potential as he can play all three outfield positions, but his qualities to work at centre field could make him especially valuable to potential MLB suitors.
Last updated: 02.04.25
