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OF Chandler Simpson – Tampa Bay
Once he arrives in the Majors, Chandler Simpson is going to become a highlight machine. A 24-year-old centerfielder, Simpson is a speed demon. Simpson was a solid player while playing collegiately for UAB, but he blossomed into a star after transferring to Georgia Tech. In his lone season with the Yellow Jackets, Simpson slashed .434/.506/.517 and notched 27 steals in 47 games. His bat-to-ball abilities have translated to professional ball, as well. Through three years in the Minors, Simpson is batting .326. Simpson lacks power — he has one home run in the Minors — but he changes games with his speed. The fastest player in baseball, Simpson has stolen 206 bases as a pro. Last season, the speedster amassed 104 SB in 110 games. Simpson has the talent to win a Batting Title at some point and will likely lead the league in SB as long as he remains healthy.
OF Dylan Crews – Washington
The Nationals are not expected to finish any higher than fourth in the National League East, but the team has a handful of exciting players that elicit hope for the future. Dylan Crews was the No. 2 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The young centerfielder made his debut last season — appearing in 31 games for the Nats — and flashed some of his potential. While he struggled at the plate, Crews finished with 12 SB and nine extra-base hits. Crews has above-average speed, raw power, and is strong defensively. His approach at the plate needs to improve in order for him to become an All-Star caliber player and he has all of the tools to do so.
SP Jackson Jobe – Detroit
Here is a player that was thrown straight into the fire upon making his MLB debut. Jackson Jobe’s first appearance came on September 25, 2024. After appearing in just one more game, Jobe found himself on Detroit’s playoff roster and subsequently pitched in two postseason games. Now, Jobe is expected to have a larger presence for the Tigers in 2025. While he may start the season in Triple-A, Jobe has an arsenal that could result in a Rookie of the Year push. The 22-year-old is a great athlete and possesses a fantastic array of pitches. Jobe’s changeup is his best pitch, but he also reaches 98 MPH with his four-seamer and is adding both a sinker and curveball to his mix. His arm speed and slot result in a ton of movement, as well. Jobe could be the difference between Detroit returning to the postseason or falling short in the AL Central.
SP Cristopher Sánchez – Philadelphia
Sanchez debuted with the Phillies in 2021 and was deemed an All-Star last season — but the best is yet to come. Sanchez led baseball with two complete games in 2024 and compiled a 3.4 WAR. One main reason for including Sanchez on this list is his improved arsenal entering the 2025 season. After striking out just 7.5 batters per nine innings in ’24, Sanchez has added some oomph to his sinker. Sanchez averaged 94.5 MPH on the pitch last season and is sitting 96 to 99 this spring. Additionally, the lefty has added a cutter to his pitch mix. If Sanchez can control his cutter, it will play off the sinker and give him a potentially lethal combo.
SP Kumar Rocker – Texas
Is this the season Kumar Rocker lives up to his immense potential? A standout career at Vanderbilt resulted in Rocker being drafted No. 10 overall by the New York Mets in 2021 — however, the Mets didn’t like Rocker’s physical and opted not to sign him. The following season, Texas selected Rocker with the No. 3 pick. The Vandy star eventually had Tommy John surgery in 2023 but appears to be back to being a top pitcher entering ’25. Rocker possesses an above-average arsenal. His fastball and slider are plus-plus, while his changeup and cutter are also plus pitches. With above-average command, as well, Rocker has ace potential. Ultimately, his ability to stay healthy will dictate his future.
IF Junior Caminero – Tampa Bay
The second Ray on this list, Junior Caminero. Turning 22 in July, Caminero has played 50 games for Tampa over the past two seasons. Last year, the third baseman joined the club in August and hit six homers in 43 games. The young talent hit the ball hard in the Minors, averaging 93.3 exit velo — a mark that would have put him 10th among qualified batters in MLB. Upon reaching the bigs, Caminero put the barrel on the ball at a high clip. However, he struggled making contact and posted a chase rate over 30%. For Caminero to establish himself as an everyday player, he must clean up his approach.
3B/OF Cam Smith – Houston
Houston’s lineup will look very different in 2025 with stars Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker no longer in town. The latter was traded to the Chicago Cubs in the offseason and Cam Smith headlined the return. The No. 14 pick in 2024, Smith was sensational in limited Minor League-action. In 32 games, Smith slashed .313/.396/.609 with seven HR. He only played five games in Double-A, however, so Smith remains a work in progress. Smith has raked thus far in Spring Training — 8-for-18, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1.953 OPS — and has begun practicing in right field in hopes of making the Opening Day roster. With Isaac Paredes starting at third, Smith’s bat may be enough to earn a spot on the roster if he can play serviceable defense in the outfield.
SP Bubba Chandler – Pittsburgh
1B/C Tyler Soderstrom – Athletics
The Athletics may surprise some people this season and Tyler Soderstrom is a good bet to be a player that helps the club do just that. A first-round pick in 2020, the first baseman showed vast improvement last year in a short stint. Soderstrom appeared in 45 games in 2023 and slashed .160/.232/.240. Last year, he slashed .233/.315/.429 in 61 games. He began to put it all together in September when he hit .279/.340/.512. Playing for a club with limited expectations, Soderstrom will have every opportunity to grow into an everyday role.
C/OF Dalton Rushing – Los Angeles Dodgers
The defending champions continue to have one of the league’s best farm systems and Dalton Rushing may be the next prospect set to star. Primarily a catcher, Rushing is also capable of playing a corner spot in the outfield. One of the top catching prospects in the sport, Rushing has plus-power to accompany a great eye at the plate. Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024, Rushing slashed .271/.385/.512 with 26 HR across 115 games. With Will Smith and Austin Barnes returning for the Dodgers, Rushing’s opportunity this year may come in the outfield. Whether his opportunities come at catcher or in the outfield, Rushing’s bat will make an impact for the Dodgers in 2025.
