We started our look at 2025 by identifying 50 starting pitcher prospects who could debut in 2025. This article flips over to the hitting side! The hitter version is much more top-heavy, as 20 of the Top 100 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, are projected to debut in the American League alone. The list could have been more profound if not for the late-season call-ups of Coby Mayo and Jacob Wilson. Without any further ado, let’s identify 50 American League-hitting prospects who are coming to the majors in 2025!
AL EAST
Alan Roden, OF
Roden is an interesting outfield option for the retooling Blue Jays. The 24-year-old has been a steady producer over the past two seasons as he’s climbed from High-A to Triple-A. Roden slashed .293/.391/.475 this season with 16 homers, 75 RBI, and 14 steals. Roden makes above-average contact (83% overall, 92% in-zone) with reasonable chase rates. In addition, he has consecutive seasons with a mid-teens walk rate, which mirrors his strikeout rate. In addition, Roden has solid batted ball data, including an 87.6 mph average EV and 103.2 mph 90th percentile EV. The only obstacle to Roden is that he’s currently not on the 40-man roster, but it’s December, so there’s time.
Josh Kasevich, SS
Kasevich has a profile similar to Roden’s, sans the power. As a second-round pick in 2022, Kasevich has the pedigree to develop into a valuable real-life player for the Jays. As a second-year pro in 2024, the 23-year-old hit .296 with six homers, 28 doubles, and 13 steals between Double and Triple-A. Kasevich has advanced plate skills, posting a chase rate of 21.4%, a ridiculous 90% overall contact rate, and a career OBP of .353. In addition to his bat-to-ball skills, Kasevich is an excellent defender at shortstop and athletic enough to play anywhere on the field. Although Kasevich is not on the 40-man, his versatility and defensive acumen give him an outstanding chance to come to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
Charles McAdoo, 3B
McAdoo had an eventful year in 2024. After starting red hot at High-A Charleston, McAdoo joined Double-A and posted a .837 OPS in 27 games after some initial struggles. The wheels came off when McAdoo was traded from the Pirates organization to Toronto at the trade deadline. His final 2024 stat line was .279/.364/.479 with 17 homers, 33 extra-base hits, and 21 stolen bases. It could have been much better, except McAdoo had a .610 OPS over his final 37 games following the trade. I’ll give him a pass, as a change of this magnitude is a lot for a 22-year-old. I expect him to start 2025 at Double-A, and he should sniff the majors late in the season.
Samuel Basallo, C/1B
Basallo is easily the #1 catching prospect in baseball and is a consensus Top-10 prospect overall. Basallo is now knocking on the door to the major leagues after consecutive seasons dominating the minors. His 2024 season didn’t wow anyone on paper, but at 19, he had a .278/.341/.449 slash line with 19 homers, 25 doubles, and 10 steals, mainly at Double-A. I got live looks at Basallo earlier this summer; he was a man among boys. At 6’4″, 190 lbs., Basallo towered over the competition in talent and stature. His vast frame has helped him to post elite exit velocities, including a 107 mph 90th-percentile and a 90 mph average EV. There are some concerns about his chase rate, but his overall contact skills are fine. With Adley firmly entrenched at catcher, I’d expect Basallo to move to first base or split time at DH/C and be an immediate impact bat in the majors.
Dylan Beavers, OF
Beavers is more of a risk for 2025 simply because his performance has been inconsistent in the minors. After tearing up the low minors last season, Beavers struggled a bit in his return to Double-A to open 2024. He still finished with 15 homers and 31 steals but saw his average and OBP drop over 40 points and an OPS drop of 100 points. The more I look into Beavers, the more I worry about the hit tool/power and lean towards his speed as his carrying tool. Even if Anthony Santander departs, the Orioles still have a build-up of outfield depth, so Beavers will have to earn a 40-man spot and overcome Kjerstad, Cowser, Mullins, et al. to get his shot in the big leagues.
Carson Williams, SS
Now that Junior Caminero has graduated, Carson Williams has ascended to the #1 prospect in the Rays’ organization. The 21-year-old shortstop is a terrific athlete and one of the best defenders in the minors. The biggest question surrounding Williams is not if but when he becomes the Rays’ everyday shortstop. Williams spent the entire 2024 season at Double-A, slashing .256/.352/.469 with 20 homers, 26 extra-base hits, and 33 steals. With that came a 28.5% strikeout rate, as contact skills are not Williams’ strong suit. His overall contact rate was 66.7% this season, and he has to improve to get the maximum return on his talent. You never know how the Rays will handle an up-and-coming prospect, but Williams should force their hand by the middle of 2025.
Chandler Simpson, OF
I’m sure you’ve heard about Chandler Simpson by now. The speedster stole a MiLB-best 104 bases in 2024 in 121 attempts. But Simpson is more than a base stealer. He boasts elite bat-to-ball skills, including a 91.5% overall contact rate and nearly 95% in-zone. In addition to the 104 steals, he hit .355 with 14 doubles and one homer this season across two levels. Unfortunately, power is not in his profile, and there are questions about his long-term position defensively. But we know the Rays, and we know elite tools will find a way to play, and with 80-grade speed, Simpson fits that bill.
Brayden Taylor, INF
Taylor is an underrated prospect in the Rays organization, lost among the star power of Xavier Isaac and Carson Williams. Since his first-round pick in 2023, Taylor has settled in as a pro. He played at two levels this season (A+/AA), batting .250 with 20 homers, 27 doubles, eight triples, and 29 steals. Taylor provides coveted defensive versatility and has shown to be a solid defender. The lone concern with Taylor is that his overall contact rate dipped to 70% this season, below the league average. Barring injuries, I anticipate Taylor as a mid-second-half arrival, playing a limited role down the stretch.
Dominic Keegan, C
Keegan is an above-average offensive catcher and has shown flashes of improving power in the minors. This season, Keegan hit .285 with nine homers and 23 doubles at Double-A. Keegan had an 11.3% walk rate this season, his second consecutive year with a double-digit rate while maintaining a strikeout rate near 20%. The biggest worry about Keegan is his defense behind the plate. He was exposed defensively in 2024, throwing out just 14 of 103 potential base stealers (13.6%), which is very poor. Keegan may move out to first base, but the move would impact his path to playing time.
Xavier Isaac, 1B
Isaac is a bit of a long shot only because his strikeout woes have continued to play a massive part in his profile. Ultimately, he’s still 20 years old and has an enormous offensive upside. Isaac slashed .264/.370/.480 this season with 18 homers, 15 steals, and the 33.3% strikeout rate mentioned above. Isaac played a lot of right field in the AFL, and although he looked out of place, the defensive placement is interesting. It may be nothing, but it could open the door for an easier path to the big leagues for Isaac.
Roman Anthony, OF
According to Baseball America and me, Anthony is the #1 prospect in baseball. As a 20-year-old, Anthony was outstanding across two levels. He slashed .291/.396/.498 with 32 doubles, 18 homers, and 21 steals. Anthony has exceptional plate discipline, posting a 14.6% walk rate and sub-20% chase rate. In addition, his 109 mph 90th percentile EV is elite for MLB, let alone a teenager. There isn’t much that Anthony can’t do on the field. He’s a terrific hitter, runner, and defender. The Red Sox have a tough decision ahead of 2025, but Anthony seems likely for an early call-up, if not the Opening Day roster.
Kristian Campbell, INF
Campbell had a meteoric rise in 2024 and rivalled the rapid ascent of Jackson Chourio in 2022. The 22-year-old middle infielder could open 2025 as the Red Sox’s everyday second baseman. Campbell climbed three levels in 2024, posting a wRC+ of at least 139 at every stop. He hit .330 with 20 homers, 24 steals, 32 doubles, and scored 94 runs. Campbell was the Minor League Player of the Year and has become a consensus top-25 prospect overnight. He is an outstanding athlete with a muscular build (6’3, 195lbs). Campbell shows excellent speed and power without sacrificing contact. If he’s not up on Opening Day, Campbell should debut by early May.
Marcelo Mayer, SS
We continue our descent through the Red Sox’s Top 5 prospects with Marcelo Mayer, the most heralded and highest-drafted prospect. Mayer was the 4th overall pick in 2021 and has been a Top-25 prospect since he was drafted. The problem for Mayer is staying healthy. He’s battled shoulder, hamstring, hip, and, most recently, back injuries over the past three seasons. When he’s healthy, Mayer has been a solid contributor but serves as a better real-life value than a fantasy asset. I am still determining what I’d consider his best offensive tool now. Mayer hit .303 this season at Double-A, but his contact rates are well below average. His raw power has yet to translate to in-game power, and despite his stolen base efficiency, he’s below average on the bases. I’m pretty eh on Mayer, but he’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender, and his defense will earn him a shot to play shortstop for the Sox in 2025.
Chase Meidroth, INF
Meidroth is an interesting player because he’s relevant enough to warrant a write-up but insufficient to justify a promotion to the majors. Meidroth can hit and get on base; there is no question about that. He posted his third straight season with a batting average of at least .270 and an OBP over .400. The OBP isn’t a fluke; Meidroth walked 105 times this season, which led the minor leagues. But he’s a poor defender with marginal power and plays in one of the most infield-heavy organizations in the minors. It’s a long shot, but the Red Sox could start Meidroth in the majors at second base to give Kristian Campbell a little more seasoning before his promotion.
TJ Rumfield, OF
Rumfield comes from a baseball family as his father Toby was a 14-year minor leaguer in several different organizations. The younger Rumfield is on the brink of doing something dad didn’t when he joined the major leagues. TJ was a 12th-round pick of the Phillies in 2021 out of Virginia Tech. 2024 was his best professional season, as he slashed .294/.370/.454 with 15 home runs and 27 doubles across two levels. Rumfield is a solid source of OBP having walked almost as much as he’s struck out over the past few seasons. With so much uncertainty in the Yankee lineup, Rumfield should get some at-bats in the Bronx in 2025.
Rafael Flores, C/1B
The catching and first base situations in New York are interesting. While it’s likely Austin Wells is the primary catcher, there is uncertainty at the backup catcher position and first base following the departure of Anthony Rizzo. Ironically, Rafael Flores is capable of playing both positions. This season, the 24-year-old had a mini breakout, belting 21 homers with a .874 OPS between High-A and Double-A. At 6’4″, 220 lbs, Flores has a prototypical first base build and the power to stick at the position.
Jorbit Vivas, 2B
There was a time when Vivas was an intriguing prospect coming through the Dodgers’ system. Although his physical frame (5’9″, 170) was thin and wiry, Vivas could rake, and people took notice. Like many prospects, Vivas got lost in the shuffle in L.A. as free-agent signings took positions from worthy prospects (see Busch, Michael). So when Vivas was traded to the Yankees’ system, a new opportunity arose. Unfortunately, he had a poor 2024, batting just .225 with nine homers and an uncharacteristic .348 OBP. If Vivas can recapture his previous success, the 23-year-old offers an above-average hit tool with elite OBP skills. Second base is open in New York, and Vivas, who is on the 40-man roster, has a chance to get some run.
AL CENTRAL
Chase DeLauter, OF
Chase DeLauter breaks my heart on the regular. When DeLauter is healthy, he’s a dynamic offensive player with incredible upside. Unfortunately, injuries have piled up, and he’s played just 96 games in two minor league seasons. DeLauter has a .317/.387/.517 slash line with 13 homers and 32 doubles in those 96 games. He has a strong frame (6’4″, 230) and moves very well for a player his size, but his plus raw power is his carrying tool. DeLauter can punish the ball to all fields and has enough loft in his swing to reach 30-homers in the future. The Guardians are wasting his limited bullets in the minors, and I hope that 2025 will be the year of DeLauter in the major leagues.
Travis Bazzana, 2B
It may seem irresponsible to say that Bazzana could debut in 2025, but the reality is that the #1 overall pick in last year’s Draft is on a fast track. After dominating at Oregon State, the Australian-born infielder joined the Guardians organization last summer. In a small 27-game sample in High-A, Bazzana struggled to a .238 average and 30% strikeout rate. I’m not worried about it at all. Bazzana was arguably the most well-rounded offensive player in the Draft and came to the professional ranks as a highly-regarded player. His offensive profile is built around a 70-grade hit tool, excellent swing decisions, and plenty of in-game power. With his talent, Bazzana may be a future batting champion. The Guardians are desperate for offense, and as soon as Bazzana is ready, he will be their foundation piece for the next decade.
Juan Brito, 2B/SS
I absolutely love Juan Brito, and I don’t care who knows it. Brito is a switch-hitting middle-infielder with solid bat-to-ball skills and underrated power. He spent the entire 2024 season at Triple-A, batting .256 with 23 homers, 40 doubles, and 13 steals. Brito can be passive at the plate, and the ABS helped push his strikeout rate to a career-high 19.1%. He had excellent contact (79% overall, 85% in-zone) and chase (24%) rates and improved his batted-ball data over the previous season. His average EV is 87.3 mph with a 101.9 mph 90th percentile. The power isn’t elite, but Brito consistently finds the barrel and managed 23 homers in the pitcher-friendly International League. With Andrés Giménez out of the picture in Cleveland, Brito looks poised to debut on Opening Day.
Cooper Ingle, C
Ingle has flown under the radar and has quietly become one of baseball’s more productive catching prospects. In 93 games this season, Ingle hit .305 with 11 homers and 24 doubles between A+ and Double-A. Ingle has outstanding pitch recognition skills as a catcher, leading to a minuscule chase rate and elevated walk rates (19.1%). Ingle was also obnoxiously patient in High-A, swinging just 37.7% of the time, and was equally patient in Double-A (40% swing rate). Ingle makes above-average contact and is tapping into more power of late. The Guardians’ catching situation isn’t great, with Bo Naylor underperforming and David Fry unable to play defensively due to Tommy John. That leaves Naylor as the de-factor start and Austin Hedges, a defense-only catcher, as the backup. Ingle will likely start 2025 in Triple-A but should get some reps with the big club by midseason.
Carter Jensen, C
The Royals have three legitimate catching prospects, but the most MLB-ready is Carter Jensen. The 21-year-old had a rough 2023 at High-A but bounced back with a mini breakout across two levels (A+/AA) in 2024. Jensen batted .259 with 18 home runs, 28 extra-base hits, and 17 steals in 125 games. Jensen is a solid source of OBP, producing a 13.5% walk rate this season, his third consecutive year reaching double-digits. His patience at the plate is also a detractor. Jensen swings just over 40% of the time, but considering his ability to find the barrel, he could benefit from some aggression. Although Jensen is quite athletic and efficient on the bases, speed is not part of his game. If Jensen can start attacking in the zone, he’s got 20-homer upside and could become the backup to Freddy Fermin in KC by the All-Star Break.
Gavin Cross, OF
There were high expectations for Gavin Cross as the 9th overall pick in 2022. His career started slowly, hitting just .203 in 2023 before missing the last two months with an illness. Cross was able to rebound last year, but he has yet to generate the level of production we anticipated. He spent the entire 2024 season at Double-A Arkansas, a known abyss for hitters. Cross hit .261 with 15 homers and 30 steals but did most of his damage on the road. Cross has flashed above-average power, but it’s come at the expense of high chase rates and selling out for power over contact. Cross represents an upgrade over the Kyle Isbel–Tyler Gentry types and will get an extended look with the big club.
Javier Vaz, INF
Vaz is one of the best pure hitters in the minors, and his 87.5% overall contact rate reflects that. The 24-year-old infielder batted .263 with eight homers and 16 steals last year at Double-A. He also had a strikeout rate of 11.4%, a tick down from 11.5% in 2023. There isn’t any power in Vaz’s profile, but he gets on base at a .376 career clip and uses his above-average speed aggressively on the basepaths. His defensive versatility provides the Royals added flexibility and gives him an above-average chance to plug into a super-utility role in the big leagues.
Even with the emergence of Trey Sweeney late in 2024, Kevin McGonigle is still the future shortstop for the Tigers. Although he just turned 20 in August, McGonigle is considered by some as the best positional prospect in the Tigers system. In 74 games last season, he slashed .309/.401/.452 with five homers and 22 steals in two levels of A-Ball. His long-term power remains in question, but McGonigle can flat-out hit and looks like an impactful big leaguer for a long time. It’s Javy Baez or Trey Sweeney at shortstop; give me some second-half aggression by a contender leading to an MLB debut for McGonigle.
Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF
There is patient, and then there is Emmanuel Rodriguez. Nobody is more calculated in the box than the 21-year-old, evidenced by an overall swing rate of around 30%. It’s to the point where Rodriguez’s upside is limited by his passivity. When you pair a lack of aggression with a lack of healthy at-bats, you’re left to question whether Rodriguez is a viable MLB asset. In four seasons, E-Rod has 773 at-bats due to various injuries. In those at-bats, he’s got a .250/.442/.510 slash line with 44 home runs, 53 extra-base hits, and a 21.9% walk rate. It’s super frustrating because when he makes contact, it’s elite (90.1 mph average EV, 109 mph 90th percentile) and could lead to a 30+ homer bat. If the Twins can figure out how to unlock some aggression, Rodriguez has a Top-10 prospect upside and MLB All-Star talent.
I’m less optimistic about Gonzalez, the second-year pro who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 Draft. Gonzalez had an ultra-productive career at Ole Miss and played on the U.S. National Team but has struggled mightily since his debut. In 164 games, Gonzalez has a .233/.313/.326 slash line. Unlike most young players, he’s not struggling with excessive strikeouts or abnormally high chase rates. It’s the opposite. Gonzalez has a 13.7% strikeout rate and a sub-20% chase rate. The hits just aren’t coming. Many of his struggles are related to problems with squaring up the ball and plate coverage. The White Sox have already tweaked his posture in the box and swing path to improve his success, but the results haven’t come. Either way, if Gonzalez gets off to a hot start in 2025, the White Sox have no significant talent blocking his path to playing time.
Kyle Teel, C
Teel is a player I really like, and I can see him taking over the reins at catcher by the end of 2025. Teel was a first-rounder in 2023 and has done nothing but rake since his debut. He spent most of this season at Double-A before a brief 23-game stint with Triple-A Worcester. Teel slashed .288/.386/.433 with 23 doubles and 13 homers in around 425 at-bats. Although he struggled with strikeouts (27%), Teel has shown a solid approach and advanced pitch recognition, aided by his experience behind the plate. Now that Teel has joined the White Sox, his path to playing time is less impeded. Look for Teel sooner rather than later in 2025.
AL WEST
Christian Moore, 2B
Weirdly, Moore made this list. After just 25 games into his minor league career, he was on the verge of joining the hyper-aggressive Angels. Moore, a University of Tennessee product, was the 8th overall pick in the 2025 Draft. He came out with guns blazing, batting .347 with six homers and a .984 OPS in a brief sample. Unfortunately, a meniscus injury ended his season prematurely. Otherwise, Moore would have likely had 15-20 games of MLB experience under his belt. Assuming he’s healthy, it’s not far-fetched that Moore is the Angels’ second baseman on Opening Day.
Matthew Lugo, OF
I’ve been intrigued by Matthew Lugo’s chances of making an impact for the Angels in 2025. After being cast off by the Red Sox in the Luis Garcia deal, Lugo, who just turned 23 in May, has a fresh start. As a former second-round pick, Lugo has the pedigree and skill set to play in the big leagues. He is a .271 career hitter in the minors with two 17+ homer and three 15+ steal seasons on his record. Lugo was athletic enough to transition from shortstop to the outfield in 2023 and has played there exclusively since. In addition to his athleticism, he has produced batted-ball data well above the league average without sacrificing contact. The Angels always have openings in their lineup, and Lugo would make a nice fit as a super-utility player.
A’s
Nick Kurtz, 1B
Kurtz feels like one of the safer bats to come from the collegiate ranks in a long time. The A’s grabbed the former Wake Forest star with the 4th pick in 2024 and aggressively pushed him to Double-A and the Arizona Fall League in a three-month period. Kurtz responded to the challenge, hitting .359 with six homers and a .482 on-base percentage. Getting on base is nothing new to Kurtz, who had an absurd .510 OBP in college and walked 59 more times than he struck out. Kurtz has a combination of excellent bat-to-ball skills and raw power and will be a very good major-league hitter for a long time.
Colby Thomas, OF
Thomas put up some video game numbers this season in the minors. In addition to his 80 extra-base hits, Thomas posted a .905 OPS and added 92 RBIs and 15 steals. It was partially in the PCL, but the environment does not strictly drive Thomas’ production. He had above-average batted-ball data, including 106.5 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity and a .287 ISO. Thomas is overly aggressive at the plate with a 56% swing rate and 36% chase rate, which led to 142 strikeouts in just over 500 at-bats. But Thomas fits the build with the A’s franchise and figures to get an extended look early in the 2025 season.
Henry Bolte, OF
Bolte is very similar to Thomas in that he produces impressive surface stats despite some underlying concerns with his metrics. In 2024, Bolte hit 15 homers and added 46 steals, but it came with a near 35% strikeout rate. Bolte is less aggressive in overall swing rate but chases far too often. That, coupled with a sub-60% overall contact rate, has dampened Bolte’s power/speed blend. With all that in mind, Bolte should start the 2025 season in Triple-A and will be one of the first call-ups to fill an open spot.
Luis Baez, OF
Baez slid under the radar in the 2022 International Class, missing out on a Top 50 rating by MLB Pipeline. But Baez burst onto the scene with a dominating performance in the DSL as an 18-year-old hitting .305 with nine homers and 21 doubles in 58 games. Although his batting average has dropped since coming stateside, Baez’s power continues to shine. He mashed 21 more home runs last season, adding 25 doubles and 11 steals. Baez has intriguing offensive upside but still has a little work to do to cut down his strikeouts. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Baez, who turns 21 in January, in the Astros lineup late this season.
Jacob Melton, OF
Melton is universally considered the Astros’ top prospect, and the 24-year-old is poised for the major leagues. Since joining the Astros as a second-round pick in 2022, Melton has rapidly ascended the organization, climbing four levels and never playing more than 86 games at any stop. He split his 2024 season at Double and Triple-A, batting .253 with 15 homers and 30 steals. Melton has a solid feel for hitting and has flashed raw power, but underlying plate discipline and contact issues limit his upside. Melton seems like a lock to join the Astros by mid-season, likely in a platoon role.
Brice Matthews, SS
Matthews was the Astros’ first-round pick in 2023, and the ultra-athletic shortstop had an up-and-down his first pro season. Matthews started 2024 at High-A and slashed .265/.384/.481 with 15 homers and 32 steals in 79 games. Matthews had mixed results as the strikeouts piled up as he climbed levels, eventually reaching Triple-A by year’s end. His speed is his best tool currently, and Matthews projects to produce 25+ steals annually in the majors. But, before he can reach the majors, he has to progress with his contact skills and become a more complete hitter.
Michael Arroyo, 2B
There was a lot of buzz around Kristian Campbell’s breakout in 2024, and rightfully so, but Mariners’ prospect Michael Arroyo wasn’t far behind. Arroyo cruised through the DSL as an 18-year-old in 2022 but had a rough go last season at Class-A Modesto. Arroyo returned to Modesto this Spring and quickly dispatched of the level before continuing his dominance at High-A. In 120 games this season, Arroyo slashed .285/.400/.509 with 23 homers, 101 runs, and 89 RBI while adding 33 extra-base hits and 18 steals. Arroyo has the physical look of a thinner José Ramírez but still has room to add some added weight. He has an advanced approach at the plate and an above-average feel for pitch recognition. His strikeout rate (28%) ticked up quite a bit this season, but he was likely selling out for the power gains.
Cole Young, INF
Young is a steady middle-infielder with excellent bat-to-ball skills and an above-average defender. In two full minor league seasons, the 2022 first-round pick has a .279 batting average with 72 extra-base hits, 49 steals, and 163 walks to just 185 strikeouts. Young is hit-tool first, and there is little power to speak of. His value in fantasy rests on his batting average/OBP with a bit of speed baked in. Young offers a safe floor for fantasy owners but little upside. Young likely would be the first prospect to get a shot at filling the gaping hole at 2B for the M’s.
Harry Ford, C/INF
Ford entered 2024 with high expectations, but an underwhelming performance in a tough-hitting environment caused his stock to dip slightly. After two straight seasons with an OPS over .800, Ford struggled to a .744 as his surface-level production decreased. In 116 games at Double-A Arkansas, Ford hit .249 with seven homers, 26 doubles, and 35 steals. His 14.1% walk rate was the lowest of his career, but it is still impressive for his age to level. Ford is a terrific athlete with a keen eye at the plate and incredible discipline. He rarely chases and has consistently gotten on base at a high rate. The Mariners have deployed Ford one level at a time, an oddity in the minor leagues. Given the track record, Ford will play most of his season at Triple-A but should get a cup of coffee in the majors in September.
Ben Williamson, 3B
Williamson is a prospect with a bizarre profile. After a productive career at William & Mary, Williamson was a second-round pick of the Mariners in 2023. He entered pro ball with a reputation as an above-average hitter and defender with intriguing power. Two things have come to fruition: Williamson plays a dynamic third base and has an excellent hit tool, evidenced by a nearly 80% overall contact rate. The power he showed in college has yet to translate at the pro level. He posted impressive exit velocities in college and has run EVs north of 108 mph in the pros, but Williamson’s propensity to spray the ball to the opposite field has stalled his power output. In 124 games this season, Williamson had just four home runs but tallied 34 doubles and three triples. The Mariners have many holes in their lineup, and 3B is one of them. His stellar glove work and ability to hit consistently could push Williamson into the big leagues sooner rather than later.
Sebastian Walcott, SS
I will take a lot of heat for this one, but Walcott has yet to be slow-played in any way by the Rangers. The talented teen turns 19 in March but briefly played in Double-A last season as an 18-year-old. In 121 games, Walcott slashed .265/.344/.452 with 11 homers, 43 extra-base hits, and 27 steals. His tools are some of the loudest in the minors, and many consider him a Top-10 prospect. Walcott still has many things that could be improved, most notably a bunch of swing-and-miss and problems with the breaking ball. However, given the injury history of Corey Seager and Josh Jung, the Rangers may not hesitate to give Walcott a shot if they’re in a pinch.
Alejandro Osuna, OF
Osuna has good bloodlines, as two family members have big-league ties. The 22-year-old took his game to the next level in 2024, posting a .869 OPS with 18 homers and 17 steals across two levels. The offensive outburst is encouraging for Osuna, who entered 2024 with a reputation as a solid hitter with limited power. Osuna is aggressive at the plate, swinging nearly 50% of the time, but makes league-average contact with decent batted-ball data. Osuna started lifting the ball more last season and translated that into more power this year. The Rangers outfield is a tough place to crack into, but Osuna deserves a shot and should be in the big leagues early in 2025.
FYI Meidroth was traded to the White Sox.