A Promising Year for MLB Prospects in 2025
It’s an exciting year for prospect fans in Major League Baseball (MLB), as several of the top names in minor league systems are not only close to contributing to their respective clubs but also have a good chance to make a significant fantasy impact before the end of the year. This list is not meant to be a comprehensive ranking of the top 25 overall prospects but focuses specifically on players who have the potential to succeed in fantasy baseball during the 2025 season. Let’s dive into the top prospects who are poised to make a splash.
1. Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals
Why He Can Help: Dylan Crews, the second pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, made a remarkable jump to the majors in his first full year of professional action, with three homers and 12 stolen bases over 31 games. At just 22 years old (turning 23 on February 26), Crews is an elite athlete with double-plus speed, making him a threat to be a stolen-base leader. His hit and power tools are both projected to be 60-grade on the 20-80 scouting scale, and his excellent defense ensures he’ll be a regular in the Nationals’ lineup. The combination of his speed, power, and all-around skills makes Crews a high-floor, high-upside prospect for the 2025 fantasy season.
Why He Might Not: Despite his impressive display of speed and power, Crews hit just .218/.288/.353 in his 119 at-bats during the 2024 season. This underwhelming performance suggests there’s still work to be done before he becomes a star at the highest level. Additionally, the Nationals’ lineup is not particularly strong offensively, which may limit his contributions in categories like RBIs and runs scored, even if he gets on base at a solid clip.
2. Jasson Dominguez, OF, New York Yankees
Why He Can Help: Jasson Dominguez, limited to just 74 total games in 2024 due to injury, still managed to shine with a .314/.376/.504 batting line in the minors, including 11 homers and 68 stolen bases. With Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets, Dominguez has a great chance to become a regular for the Yankees in 2025. His left-handed bat boasts easy plus-plus power, and his speed could make him a 25-plus stolen base threat. Hitting in a quality New York lineup would provide ample opportunities for driving in runs and scoring.
Why He May Not: Dominguez is known for his patient approach at the plate, which can lead to hitting late in counts and increased strikeouts. His swing has some length, which might make hitting for a high average challenging, even with his ability to make hard contact. Given the Yankees’ focus on competing for a World Series title, Dominguez may not have as much leeway as other rookies, and his debut could be delayed if he doesn’t show immediate results. However, his upside is clear, and he remains a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
3. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox
Why He Can Help: Roman Anthony, the 79th pick of the 2022 MLB Draft, has quickly developed into one of the best outfield prospects in baseball. His performance in Triple-A was particularly impressive, as he hit .344 with a .982 OPS, three homers, and five stolen bases over 35 games. Both his average and power tools are graded plus, and hitting in a quality Boston lineup in a park that should enhance his skills, Anthony has the potential to be a fantasy star.
Why He Might Not: Unlike prospects like Crews and Dominguez, Anthony is less likely to start the 2025 season in the majors. The Boston outfield appears full, and the Red Sox might opt to give their top prospect more time in the minors to refine his game. While his rates should be excellent if he does make the roster, the lack of guaranteed playing time and counting stats is a significant concern for fantasy managers.
4. Jacob Wilson, SS, Oakland Athletics
Why He Can Help: Jacob Wilson, a fourth-round pick in 2020, possesses one of the best hit tools of any prospect at any level. He hit an astounding .433/.473/.668 in the minors before reaching the majors at the end of 2024. With minimal swing-and-miss, Wilson can hit the ball to all parts of the field, making him a great bet for a high batting average and doubles. The A’s lineup has improved, and if he hits near the top, he could score a significant number of runs.
Why He Might Not: Wilson’s power is below average, which means expecting more than a handful of home runs is unrealistic. He also lacks the speed to be a base-stealing threat, making him primarily a one-category player. Given his limited impact in this regard, fantasy managers may need to consider his role carefully before investing a draft pick.
5. Matt Shaw, INF, Chicago Cubs
Why He Can Help: The 13th pick of the 2023 draft, Matt Shaw has emerged as a steal for the Cubs. He hit 21 homers and stole 31 bases in his first full professional season, reaching Triple-A. At 23 years old, Shaw has above-average tools across the board, including speed that makes him a rare third baseman capable of contributing in stolen bases. With no clear answer at third base for the Cubs, Shaw has a prime opportunity to help in 2025.
Why He Might Not: Shaw was diagnosed with an oblique injury, which fantasy players will need to monitor closely. The Cubs might also delay his debut until early May, ensuring he’s fully prepared and can maximize his potential. This delay could impact his ability to contribute from the start of the fantasy season, and his injury history adds another layer of risk.
6. Rhett Lowder, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Why He Can Help: Rhett Lowder, a member of the 2023 draft class, reached the majors in 2024 and left a lasting impression. He posted a 1.17 ERA over six starts and 30 2/3 innings, showing off three plus pitches. His fastball and slider are particularly devastating, and his ability to repeat his delivery suggests that control issues are unlikely to persist. Lowder’s performance at other levels further supports his potential to be a fantasy mainstay.
Why He Might Not: Lowder doesn’t possess elite swing-and-miss stuff, and none of his pitches grade 70 or higher on the 20-80 scale. He also pitches at Great American Ball Park, a hitter-friendly venue, which could lead to more runs allowed. An elbow issue this spring adds another layer of concern, and the Reds might be cautious with his usage, especially if he’s not a lock for a starting role in the rotation. Despite these risks, Lowder’s talent is undeniable, and he could still find his way into a fantasy-relevant role.
