The 25 MLB rookies most likely to have an impact in 2025 regular season

Introduction to the 2025 Prospect Ranking for Impact

When ranking prospects, it’s essential to balance both short-term and long-term potential. This list focuses specifically on the 25 prospects most likely to make an impact in the 2025 season. Unlike traditional rankings that emphasize long-term ceilings, this list prioritizes players whose skills and opportunities align for immediate contributions. Whether it’s through Opening Day roster spots, key roles, or the potential to seized expanded playing time due to injuries or performance, these players are poised to leave a mark this season. While some of these players are already household names, others are lesser-known but equally capable of delivering value in the short term.

Top-Tier Prospects Ready to Shine

1. Matt Shaw, 3B, Chicago Cubs (Top 100 Rank: 14)
   Matt Shaw is positioned to secure the third-base job for the Cubs, offering a unique blend of contact quality and power potential. Having climbed through the minor leagues and excelled at Triple A, Shaw is expected to provide a .350 on-base percentage and 15-18 home runs in his rookie season. His ability to hit major-league pitching is a key factor in his projected impact.

2. Kumar Rocker, RHP, Texas Rangers (Top 100 Rank: 51)
   Rocker is set to slot into the Rangers’ rotation, potentially as their No. 3 starter. Despite a limited workload in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, he projects as a league-average or better starter. His durability will be a key factor in his success.

3. Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals (Top 100 Rank: 7)
   Crews has a firm grip on a starting outfield role for the Nationals. A polished hitter with above-average defensive skills, he is expected to make an immediate impact, though his adjustment to major-league pitching may take some time.

4. Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers (Top 100 Rank: 11)
   Jobe is widely regarded as the top pitching prospect in baseball. With a arsenal led by one of the best changeups in the minors, he figures to dominate hitters, though his development will be closely monitored to avoid overwork and potential injuries.

High-Ceiling Pitchers with Potential for Breakout Seasons

1. Rhett Lowder, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Top 100 Rank: 48)
   Lowder is major-league-ready but may start the season behind due to elbow soreness. If healthy, he could make 25 starts and deliver league-average performance.

2. Sean Burke, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Top 100 Rank: Just Missed)
   Burke has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter, featuring a mid-90s fastball and a plus curve. His health will determine his impact, as he has thrown just 252 innings in three minor-league seasons.

3. AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Atlanta No. 3)
   Smith-Shawver could make a significant impact in long relief or as a fifth starter. His changeup is a strength, but his breaking ball and control issues may limit his ceiling.

Position Players Ready to Step Into Everyday Roles

1. Jasson Domínguez, OF, New York Yankees (Top 100 Rank: 22)
   Domínguez is likely to secure the Yankees’ center field job, though his performance against right-handed pitchers will be a key factor in his overall production.

2. Kristian Campbell, 2B/SS/CF, Boston Red Sox (Top 100 Rank: 9)
   Campbell’s versatility and readiness make him a strong candidate for the Red Sox’s second-base job. His ability to get on base and play strong defense is a significant asset.

3. Jacob Wilson, SS, Oakland Athletics (Top 100 Rank: Just Missed)
   Despite low exit velocities, Wilson is locked in as the Athletics’ starting shortstop. His defensive skills and modest hitting could make him a 1-WAR player.

Prospects Blocked but Poised for Breakthroughs

1. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox (Top 100 Rank: 1)
   Anthony, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, is blocked in the Red Sox outfield but could still see substantial time due to injuries or trades. His ability to make hard contact will be a key factor in his success.

2. Coby Mayo, UT, Baltimore Orioles (Top 100 Rank: 18)
   Mayo has excelled in Triple A but is blocked by a crowded Orioles lineup. His opportunity could come if the team decides to give him a chance over less proven players.

3. Drake Baldwin, C, Atlanta Braves (Top 100 Rank: 27)
   Baldwin is ready to be an everyday catcher but is blocked by Sean Murphy. If Murphy struggles or gets injured, Baldwin could take over and deliver immediate value.

Wildcards: Injuries and Uncertain Roles

1. Coby Mayo, UT, Baltimore Orioles (Top 100 Rank: 18)
   Mayo’s path to playing time is unclear, but his production in Triple A suggests he deserves a chance. The Orioles’ decision on his role could be a turning point for their season.

2. Shane Smith, RHP, Chicago White Sox (White Sox No. 19)
   A Rule 5 pick, Smith has the potential to stick in the majors as a reliever or even carve out a role in the rotation if he develops a changeup.

3. Chayce McDermott, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (Orioles No. 4)
   McDermott’s control issues may limit his ceiling, but his ability to miss bats could make him a valuable fifth starter if he refines his command.

4. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Top 100 Rank: 87)
   Misiorowski is a high-upside arm who may find more success in the bullpen if his control issues persist.

Late Bloomers and Sleepers to Watch

1. Chase DeLauter, OF, Cleveland Guardians (Top 100 Rank: 90)
   DeLauter’s ability to hit right-handed pitchers could earn him a starting role in right field, though his health and performance against lefties are concerns.

2. Luisangel Acuña, 2B, New York Mets (Mets No. 10)
   Acuña has a strong chance to take over at second base if Jeff McNeil’s decline continues. His defense and bat-to-ball skills make him a solid bet for consistent production.

3. Nick Yorke, 2B/LF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Top 100 Rank: 50)
   Yorke’s path is blocked by veterans, but he could emerge as a cost-effective option if given the chance. His ability to outperform older players could make him a surprise contributor.

Conclusion

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a year of opportunity for many prospects. Players like Matt Shaw, Dylan Crews, and Jackson Jobe are primed to make immediate impacts, while others like Roman Anthony and Coby Mayo wait in the wings, ready to seize their chances if given the opportunity. For teams looking to compete, these prospects could be the difference-makers that tilt the balance in their favor. Whether it’s through everyday roles, high-leverage situations, or breakout performances, these 25 players are poised to leave their mark on the 2025 season.