Who Are You Chasing On the Top MLB Prospects – May 2025 List?
The future of baseball is here—and it’s buzzing with talent. MLB Pipeline just dropped its updated Top MLB Prospects – May 2025 list, and it’s packed with young stars who are already rewriting scouting reports and climbing fast toward the big leagues.
Some names you know. Some are exploding onto the scene. And a few are already getting their first tastes of The Show.
Whether you’re a die-hard prospect junkie, a fantasy baseball nerd looking for the next breakout, or just a baseball fan who wants to stay ahead of the curve—this list is where you need to be.
We’re diving into the Top 20 headliners, the biggest risers, the guys sliding down, and the recent grads who’ve made the leap from prospect to pro. This isn’t just rankings—it’s your 2025 blueprint for who’s about to shape the next generation of Major League Baseball.
Let’s get into it.
Top 20 MLB Prospects – May 2025
- Roman Anthony (OF, Red Sox – AAA)
Maintains the top spot with impressive metrics in Triple-A, including high barrel rates and disciplined plate approach. - Bubba Chandler (RHP, Pirates – AAA)
Leaps from No. 11 to No. 2, showcasing a powerful fastball and refined secondary pitches. - Leo De Vries (SS, Padres – A+)
At just 18, demonstrates advanced hitting skills and defensive prowess, climbing from No. 14. - Jordan Lawlar (INF, Diamondbacks – MLB)
Recently debuted in MLB, offering versatility and a strong offensive profile. - Andrew Painter (RHP, Phillies – AAA)
Remains steady at No. 5, known for his command and mature pitching approach. - Walker Jenkins (OF, Twins – AA)
Drops from No. 2 to No. 6, still showcasing five-tool potential in Double-A. - Max Clark (OF, Tigers – A+)
Slides from No. 3 to No. 7, continuing to develop his offensive game in High-A. - Marcelo Mayer (SS, Red Sox – AAA)
Holds steady at No. 8, combining defensive excellence with a potent bat. - Sebastian Walcott (SS/3B, Rangers – AA)
Rises from No. 13, displaying power and versatility on the left side of the infield. - Jac Caglianone (1B/OF, Royals – AAA)
Jumps from No. 17, known for his slugging capabilities and positional flexibility. - Chase Burns (RHP, Reds – AA)
Climbs from No. 21, featuring a high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking pitches. - Travis Bazzana (2B, Guardians – AA)
Drops from No. 6, still offering a strong offensive profile with room for growth. - Noah Schultz (LHP, White Sox – AA)
Maintains position at No. 13, known for his deceptive delivery and strikeout ability. - Nick Kurtz (1B, Athletics – AAA)
Makes a significant leap from No. 32, showcasing power and plate discipline. - Dalton Rushing (C/OF, Dodgers – AAA)
Advances from No. 25, offering offensive upside and versatility behind the plate and in the outfield. - Samuel Basallo (C, Orioles – AAA)
Emerging as a top catching prospect with a strong bat and improving defense. - Coby Mayo (3B, Orioles – AAA)
Power-hitting third baseman with a strong arm and improving plate approach. - Matt Shaw (INF, Cubs – MLB)
Recently promoted to MLB, bringing versatility and a high-contact bat to Chicago’s infield. - Colt Emerson (SS/3B, Mariners – A+)
Young infielder with advanced hitting skills and defensive versatility. - Arjun Nimmala (SS, Blue Jays – A)
Climbs into the top 20, known for his athleticism and developing power.
Big Risers Making Serious Noise
The May 2025 update has seen some prospects rocket up the rankings, thanks to breakout performances and flashes of elite potential. Here are the biggest climbers worth watching:
🔼 George Lombard Jr. (SS, Yankees – AA)
+49 spots
This kid’s spring training was electric, and he’s kept the fire burning in Double-A Somerset. Lombard Jr. is flashing gap power, smooth defense, and a rising baseball IQ. Once seen as a tools-over-polish type, he’s quickly becoming the full package. Yankees fans might be seeing him in the Bronx sooner than expected.
🔼 Bryce Eldridge (1B/OF, Giants – A)
+30 spots
A two-way player turned power-hitting beast. Eldridge’s swing is smoother, his approach more disciplined, and he’s mashing fastballs with ease. San Francisco may have their next middle-of-the-order masher in the making.
🔼 Samuel Basallo (C, Orioles – AA)
+25 spots
Catcher power with real offensive upside? Basallo is that guy. He’s been torching Eastern League pitching and showing maturity behind the dish. With Adley Rutschman in the majors, Basallo is setting up Baltimore’s enviable catching depth for the long haul.
🔼 Zac Veen (OF, Rockies – AA)
+22 spots
Injury setbacks are in the rearview mirror. Veen is healthy, confident, and stealing bases like it’s 2022 all over again. If he maintains this trajectory, Coors Field could be in his future by late 2025.
Who’s Dropping? Cooling Off in May
Not every prospect has trended upward this month. Some highly touted names have seen their stock dip—either due to underperformance, injuries, or stagnation in their development.
🔽 Elijah Green (OF, Nationals – A+)
Green has slid down the rankings as strikeout concerns remain a major red flag. The tools are still explosive, but swing-and-miss issues continue to hinder his climb through the system.
🔽 Jackson Jobe (RHP, Tigers – AA)
The stuff is there, but inconsistency and control problems have raised questions about Jobe’s long-term role. Detroit still believes, but for now, his stock has dipped.
🔽 Oscar Colás (OF, White Sox – AAA)
Colás hasn’t lived up to expectations offensively, and his inability to adjust to advanced pitching has cooled much of the initial hype. He needs a strong second half to rebound.
🔽 Kahlil Watson (INF, Marlins – AA)
High ceiling, but plate discipline issues continue to slow him down. The Marlins are being patient, but scouts are beginning to express caution.
These shifts are natural as prospects develop and face tougher competition. While risers like Lombard Jr. and Eldridge are surging, drops for players like Green and Jobe remind us that prospect growth is rarely linear.
From Prospect to Pro: Recent Graduates of the Top 100 List
The Top 100 Prospects list isn’t just about who’s next—it’s also a celebration of who’s made it. The following players have “graduated” from prospect status due to MLB service time or performance, and they’re already making their mark in the big leagues.
Kristian Campbell (2B/SS/OF, Red Sox)
Campbell didn’t just make Boston’s Opening Day roster—he earned an eight-year, $60 million extension before his first MLB at-bat. That tells you how much the Red Sox believe in him. With defensive versatility and an advanced approach at the plate, he’s proving to be a future franchise cornerstone.
Cam Smith (OF, Astros)
Smith wasted no time making an impact in Houston’s lineup. With plus power, a patient eye, and elite speed, he’s become a fan favorite and a reliable middle-of-the-order bat. His transition to MLB has been seamless, and he’s a strong candidate for AL Rookie of the Year.
Drake Baldwin (C, Braves)
The Braves know a thing or two about developing catchers, and Baldwin is their latest success story. Known for his defensive acumen, leadership behind the plate, and ability to handle a pitching staff, he’s quickly become a key part of Atlanta’s battery. His bat has shown flashes too, making him a well-rounded everyday backstop.
Matt Shaw (INF, Cubs)
One of the hottest names in prospect circles last year, Shaw shot through the minors and made his MLB debut early in 2025. His high-contact bat and defensive versatility have filled a huge need for the Cubs. He’s already showing poise in high-leverage situations and could be a long-term infield fixture.
Paul Skenes (RHP, Pirates)
The No. 1 overall pick in 2023 didn’t waste time. Skenes earned NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and was the Pirates’ Opening Day starter in 2025. With a triple-digit fastball, wipeout slider, and bulldog mentality, he’s already pitching like a future Cy Young candidate.
💨 Dylan Crews (OF, Nationals)
Crews made a late-2024 debut and has carried the momentum into 2025. The former LSU standout is doing it all—hitting for average, flashing power, stealing bases, and playing elite defense in center. The Nationals are building around him, and fans are loving every minute.
The May 2025 Top 100 MLB Prospects list isn’t just hype—it’s a crystal ball into the future of baseball. From can’t-miss stars like Roman Anthony to breakout risers like George Lombard Jr., this list is packed with elite talent and compelling stories. Whether you’re following your favorite team’s rebuild or eyeing your next dynasty fantasy pick, keep this list bookmarked.
Want the full list and scouting reports? Check out the official MLB Pipeline update here.