Top MLB Prospects to Watch on 2025 Opening Day

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the new wave of talent making their major league debuts.

This year, nine players from the Top 100 prospects have made the Opening Day rosters, along with two additional players who were just outside the Top 100.

These young athletes bring a mix of promise and potential, and their performances could significantly impact their respective teams.

Below, we delve into the scouting reports and outlooks for these emerging stars, providing a comprehensive analysis of what to expect from them this season.

Dylan Crews: A Consistent Performer with Potential Upside

Age: 23 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 203 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 7

Dylan Crews, the second pick in the 2023 draft, has made a swift climb through the minors, though not without some challenges.

His minor league stats—.274/.343/.446 in Double-A and .265/.340/.455 in Triple-A—show solid performance but not the dominance many anticipated.

Despite this, Crews’ hard-hit rates in both Triple-A (43.3%) and the majors (44.7%) indicate that better results may be on the horizon.

2025 Outlook

Crews is expected to maintain a .320-.330 OBP with 15-20 homers if he plays the entire season.

DISCOVER MORE  Kevin Willard's Controversial Exit: Maryland Basketball's Ongoing Turmoil

His above-average defense in center field adds to his value, making him a potential 3-4 WAR player.

While he struggled with breaking pitches from righties, his improved handling of fastballs and solid performance against lefties suggest a promising future.

Campbell: A Versatile Infielder with High OBP Potential

Age: 23 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 191 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 9

Campbell, the Red Sox’s fourth-round pick in 2023, had an outstanding 2024 season, earning the title of minor league player of the year.

His .330/.439/.558 line across three levels showcased his hitting prowess and versatility, playing multiple positions including second, short, third, and center.

2025 Outlook

Campbell’s high OBP and above-average defense at second base make him a valuable asset.

While his swing has some quirks, his eye at the plate and ability to make hard contact should help him adjust to major league pitching.

Expect him to post high OBPs with 20-30 steals and over 50 extra-base hits annually.

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
 

Jackson Jobe: A High-Ceiling Pitcher with Control Issues

Age: 22 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 190 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 11

Jackson Jobe, the best pitching prospect in the minors, boasts a four-pitch mix including a high-spin four-seamer and an elite changeup.

However, his high walk rates and injury history are areas of concern. In 2024, he walked 12.6% of batters faced in Double-A and Triple-A.

2025 Outlook

Jobe is likely to miss a lot of bats but also walk too many hitters, resulting in a league-average performance or slightly below.

With improved control, he has the potential to become a No. 1 starter, but his innings may be limited due to past injuries.

DISCOVER MORE  Record-Breaking Day 1 for College Basketball Transfer Portal

Shaw: A Promising Hitter with Defensive Versatility

Age: 23 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 185 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 14

Shaw, potentially the Cubs’ starting third baseman, had a strong 2024 season, hitting .279/.373/.468 in Double-A and .298/.395/.534 in Triple-A.

His consistent hard contact and rotational swing make him a candidate for high averages and moderate power.

2025 Outlook

Shaw is projected to be an above-average offensive performer, focusing more on average and OBP than power.

His defensive versatility, with the ability to play second, third, and outfield positions, adds to his value. He could eventually hit 25-30 homers in his peak years.

Jasson Domínguez: A Power-Speed Threat

Age: 22 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 190 | Bats: S | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 22

Jasson Domínguez, known for his early hype as a Mickey Mantle-esque star, has shown promise despite injury setbacks.

In 2024, he hit .287/.363/.465 in Triple-A after recovering from Tommy John surgery. His switch-hitting ability and plus speed make him a potential 30/30 player.

2025 Outlook

Domínguez will start in left field, where his defensive metrics might not shine.

However, his power from the left side and overall hitting ability could lead to 20 homers this season.

His strikeout rate, especially against southpaws, is a concern, but his speed and defense make him a well above-average regular.

Baldwin: An Underrated Catcher with Power

Age: 24 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 210 | Bats: L | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 27

Baldwin, Atlanta’s third-round pick in 2022, has developed into a strong defensive catcher with significant power potential.

His performance in Triple-A, where he hit .298/.407/.484 with 12 homers, highlights his offensive improvements.

DISCOVER MORE  Ronde Barber - Football Hall of Famer: Net Worth, Detailed Information

2025 Outlook

If Baldwin gets enough playing time, he could force Atlanta to reconsider their catching future.

His ability to hit for power and provide plus defense makes him a potential All-Star. Expect him to hit 20 homers if he secures a regular role.

Smith: A Rising Star with Power Potential

Age: 22 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 224 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 43

Smith, a draft-eligible sophomore from Florida State, had an impressive pro debut, hitting .313/.396/.609 across three levels.

Traded to Houston in the Kyle Tucker deal, he quickly became the Astros’ top prospect.

2025 Outlook

Smith’s power and hitting ability make him a key player for Houston.

While he may take time to adjust to the majors, his potential to hit 25 homers as a third baseman could make him a future All-Star.

Lowder: A Talented Pitcher with Flyball Concerns

Age: 23 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 200 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 48

Lowder, the Reds’ No. 7 pick from Wake Forest, reached the majors quickly, showing a three-pitch mix with significant movement.

However, his flyball tendencies and home ballpark could make him homer-prone.

2025 Outlook

Starting the year on the injured list, Lowder is expected to return slowly.

His changeup and fastball should be effective, but he needs to work on reducing contact rates. If he can improve his control, he could become a reliable starter.

Kumar Rocker: A Power Pitcher with Command Issues

Age: 25 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 245 | Bats: R | Throws: R

Top 100 ranking: 51

Kumar Rocker, known for his rocky path to the majors, has a powerful arm and impressive slider.

After Tommy John surgery, he returned in 2024 and showed promise in his major league debut.

2025 Outlook

Rocker is expected to strike out around 25% of batters but may struggle with walks. His innings will likely be limited as he continues to recover.

If he can improve his command, he has the potential to be a dominant starter.

For a more in-depth analysis of these prospects, check out the full article on MLB Top Prospects Opening Day Rosters Outlook.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

    Additional Reading:
Scroll to Top