Introduction

As we look ahead to the upcoming MLB season, determining how prospects stack up against their peers becomes increasingly critical. A leaguewide prospect list often lacks the context needed to fully appreciate a player's potential at various positions, each of which has its own inherent depth of talent. With the publication of the offseason Top 100 prospect list on November 14, we’ve highlighted the top 10 MLB prospects at each position. This article takes an in-depth look at these rankings, focusing on the talent and potential represented in Major League Baseball’s future.

Factors Influencing Rankings

The process of ranking prospects is not straightforward. Several factors play into how players are evaluated:

• Potential: At the lower levels of the minors and particularly with new draft picks, a player's potential often holds more weight than their current production. This is especially true as scouts look for skills and tools that indicate future performance.
• Talent: Once players reach the higher levels of the minors and are closer to joining the big leagues, their production and innate talent become more crucial. By this stage, they are often viewed as more complete products.
• Eligibility: To qualify for these rankings, players must maintain rookie eligibility, which requires that they have no more than 130 big league at-bats for position players or 50 innings pitched for pitchers, and no more than 45 days on an active MLB roster.

Top 10 Catchers

1. Samuel Basallo, BAL
2. Moises Ballesteros, CHC
3. Josue Briceño, DET
4. Alfredo Duno, CIN
5. Joe Mack, MIA
6. Eduardo Tait, MIN
7. Harry Ford, WAS
8. Carter Jensen, KC
9. Jeferson Quero, MIL
10. Ethan Salas, SD

Rising: Rainiel Rodriguez, STL

With several of these players vying for an Opening Day roster spot this season, the competition is fierce. Alfredo Duno has made headlines after a standout season at the Single-A level, posting impressive batting averages and on-base percentages. Conversely, Ethan Salas faces a make-or-break year after struggling with injuries and performance in 2024.

Top 10 First Basemen

1. Bryce Eldridge, SF
2. Sal Stewart, CIN
3. Charlie Condon, COL
4. Cam Collier, CIN
5. Ralphy Velazquez, CLE
6. Jonathan Long, CHC
7. Ryan Clifford, NYM
8. Xavier Isaac, TB
9. Tre' Morgan, TB
10. Luke Adams, MIL

Rising: Parks Harber, SF

Bryce Eldridge's towering frame and prodigious power have earned him a top spot here, despite uncertainties about his role. The assignment of the first base position could potentially change with new acquisitions; this will be pivotal moving forward. Following a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, Charlie Condon might be positioned for a breakout year.

Top 10 Second Basemen

1. JJ Wetherholt, STL
2. Travis Bazzana, CLE
3. Michael Arroyo, SEA
4. Brice Matthews, HOU
5. Max Anderson, DET
6. Termarr Johnson, PIT
7. Tommy Troy, ARI
8. Aroon Escobar, PHI
9. Gavin Kilen, SF
10. JD Dix, ARI

Rising: Sam Antonacci, CWS

Wetherholt and Bazzana, both highly touted draft picks, are set to make significant impacts when the season rolls around. Max Anderson’s breakout capabilities cannot be understated as he maintains a strong batting average across levels.

Top 10 Third Basemen

1. Ethan Holliday, COL
2. Caleb Bonemer, CWS
3. Jacob Reimer, NYM
4. Andrew Fischer, MIL
5. Tommy White, ATH
6. Chase Harlan, LAD
7. Xavier Neyens, HOU
8. Josh Hammond, KC
9. Quentin Young, MIN
10. Jesus Baez, STL

Rising: Juan Sanchez, TOR

The influx of youth in the third base ranks is exciting, particularly with players like Ethan Holliday leading the charge. Jacob Reimer's significant offensive contributions last season showcase his readiness to climb the ranks rapidly.

Top 10 Shortstops

1. Kevin McGonigle, DET
2. Konnor Griffin, PIT
3. Jesús Made, MIL
4. Sebastian Walcott, TEX
5. Leo De Vries, ATH
6. Colt Emerson, SEA
7. Luis Peña, MIL
8. Eli Willits, WAS
9. Bryce Rainier, DET
10. George Lombard Jr., NYY

Rising: Josuar Gonzalez, SF

The shortstop class is extremely competitive, with McGonigle and Griffin likely to impact MLB rosters as soon as the coming season. Peña's performance has not gone unnoticed, making this position one to watch closely.

Top 10 Outfielders

1. Josue De Paula, LAD
2. Max Clark, DET
3. Zyhir Hope, LAD
4. Walker Jenkins, MIN
5. Lazaro Montes, SEA
6. Carson Benge, NYM
7. Justin Crawford, PHI
8. Ike Irish, BAL
9. Emmanuel Rodriguez, MIN
10. Owen Caissie, MIA

Rising: Theo Gillen, TB

This year’s outfield rankings highlight some exceptional talents like Josue De Paula, who has risen quickly due to a strong performance at High-A level. Benge’s status as a leading contender for a Mets starting role adds to the intrigue surrounding this position.

Top 10 Right-Handed Pitchers

1. Bubba Chandler, PIT
2. Nolan McLean, NYM
3. Trey Yesavage, TOR
4. Andrew Painter, PHI
5. Seth Hernandez, PIT
6. Jonah Tong, NYM
7. Kyson Witherspoon, BOS
8. Jarlin Susana, WAS
9. Rhett Lowder, CIN
10. Tyler Bremner, LAA

Rising: Jaxon Wiggins, CHC

With Chandler and McLean positioning themselves as potential rotation choices, this list demonstrates the strength of the right-handed pitching prospects looking to carve out their roles in MLB.

Top 10 Left-Handed Pitchers

1. Thomas White, MIA
2. Kade Anderson, SEA
3. Noah Schultz, CWS
4. Payton Tolle, BOS
5. Liam Doyle, STL
6. Gage Jump, ATH
7. Jamie Arnold, ATH
8. Robby Snelling, MIA
9. Hagen Smith, CWS
10. Hunter Barco, PIT

Rising: David Shields, KC

White's impressive strikeout numbers stand out, while his control needs refinement. Meanwhile, Anderson, Doyle, and Arnold all have substantial potential, marking them as exciting prospects in their own right.

Conclusion

In summary, as we project forward for the upcoming MLB season, these rankings illustrate the incredible talent residing in the league’s minor leagues. The players highlighted above represent not just statistical performance but the enormous potential they bring to their respective MLB teams. With training camps opening soon, all eyes will be on these promising players as they work toward securing their place in the major leagues.