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2025 Impact Prospects Who Could Crack the Opening Day Roster

Fantasy BaseballDynasty Fantasy BaseballMLB Prospects
Wes Hughes
Author: Wes Hughes
14 min.read
Roman Anthony MLB Injury Report

It’s finally here! The sun is shining, uniforms are on, and the berms are packed with blankets and the smell of sunblock. Spring training has arrived. The first lineup cards are barely dry, making us ask—what prospects should I watch? For fantasy baseball managers, one of the biggest questions is which prospects might crack the big league roster. We’ve all seen those viral videos. A manager calls a prospect into his office after a game, a “hidden camera” captures the moment, and the manager delivers the news—he made the team. Smiles, tears, phone calls to Mom, and just like that, his ADP skyrockets as the hype builds. This is happening more often, thanks to the new CBA, PPI picks, and the end of service time manipulation. Fantasy managers rejoice as these prospects break camp with the team.

Finding these prospects, especially in early drafts, can award you some serious value; case and point, Jackson Merrill, who peaked at a 272 ADP in 2024. Every year, a few standout young players earn a spot on their team’s Opening Day roster. In this article, I break down the top prospects who could crack the Opening Day roster. This list is separated into three distinct buckets:

  • Non-Debuted Prospects – Those prospects who have not made their debut and might have a chance of breaking camp with the big league club.
  • Debuted Prospects Without Roster Spots – Prospects who have made their debut, are vying for a roster spot, but are not currently in a starting role.
  • Prospects Penciled In – Prospects, that are currently projected to be a starter or on the roster.
    • Roki Sasaki was included in this portion, even though he has not debuted.

Note: Prospects are listed with their current ADP as of 2/22/2025 per FantasyPros.

Follow me on X: @ProspectsOnWes | Get an early start on your 2025 Draft Prep with the updated Top 500 Dynasty Rankings. | Then check out my Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects

If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out our Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects and Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

Impact MLB Prospects Who Could Win Jobs

Matt Shaw 3B/2B |Chicago Cubs | ADP: 254

As of now, Matt Shaw is penciled in as the Cubs’ starting 3B, according to Roster Resource. With Bregman in Boston, there’s nothing blocking Shaw, and fantasy baseball managers are thrilled. A great power/speed threat, he hit 21 homers and stole 31 bases in 2024—exactly what Points and Roto players love. His current ADP is behind players like Josh Jung and Brendan Donovan. If you’re drafting early, grab him now. Once he’s officially named the starter, expect his ADP to rise 40-50 spots.

Roman Anthony OF | Boston Red Sox | ADP: 292

If not for Roki Sasaki, Roman Anthony would be the clear-cut No. 1 prospect in baseball. Boston made plenty of moves this offseason, but their outfield still features Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela. Abreu and Rafaela showed promise in 2024, but neither should block Anthony’s opportunity. Scouts and big leaguers praise his maturity and advanced approach. He hit .344 in Triple-A but must perform this spring to force Boston’s hand. Still, you can easily see a path to playing time for him.

Kristian Campbell 2B | Boston Red Sox | ADP: 294

Fellow Red Sox top prospect Kristian Campbell was 2024’s biggest riser, now ranked No. 7 overall for 2025 by MLB. He dominated the minors, slashing .330/.439/.558 with 20 homers and 20 steals. A roster crunch could push him back to Triple-A, where he had just 70 at-bats. Despite Devers’ refusal to move off third, Boston’s youth movement could shift him to DH, with Campbell at second and Bregman at third. Otherwise, Campbell might even offer more production than Yoshida at DH. Like Roman Anthony, he’s too talented to keep down and could force Boston’s hand this spring.

Bubba Chandler SP | Pittsburgh Pirates | ADP: 332

One of 2024’s biggest pitching risers was Bubba Chandler, the Pirates’ next star prospect. He dominated Triple-A with a 1.83 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and 15 walks over 39.1 innings. Pittsburgh’s rotation remains weak, even after signing Andrew Heaney, and neither Heaney nor Bailey Falter should block Chandler. The Pirates missed out on a PPI pick by not letting Paul Skenes break camp last year. They tried it with Jared Jones, and there’s no reason not to do the same with Chandler, who is clearly better than Falter.

Deyvison De Los Santos 1B| Miami Marlins | ADP: 361

Deyvison De Los Santos led the minors with 40 homers and 120 RBIs in 2024. He was traded from Cleveland, where he had multiple roadblocks, to Miami, where only Jonah Bride stands in his way. It’s unclear how the Marlins will handle promotions after their fire sale, but there’s no reason a 29-year-old Bride should block him. De Los Santos isn’t an NL ROY favorite, but he’s proven himself in Triple-A. He’s a pure power hitter with a 25% strikeout rate. Even if he hits .220 with 30 homers, Peter Bendix would struggle to justify keeping him down. As a three-true-outcomes player, he’s likely a points league specialist on a weak Marlins team, meaning low runs and RBIs.

Caleb Durbin 2B | Milwaukee Brewers | ADP: 376

Moving from a clear shot at 2B with the Yankees to Milwaukee’s uncertain infield might seem bad for Caleb Durbin. The good news? He joins a Brewers lineup that ranked second in stolen bases in 2024, compared to the Yankees’ bottom-five ranking. That fits Durbin’s game, as he has stolen 30+ bases every minor league season. He has a solid hit tool, should post a strong average, get on base at a .380 clip, and score plenty of runs. In 2024, Brice Turang led off against righties, and Chourio against lefties. It wouldn’t be surprising if Durbin takes that leadoff spot versus lefties, with Chourio hitting second.

Dalton Rushing C/OF | Los Angeles Dodgers | ADP: 379

Dalton Rushing faces multiple roadblocks in the Dodgers lineup, but make no mistake, he’s big-league ready. Whether he takes the backup catcher spot from Austin Barnes or fills in at OF when Ohtani pitches remains unclear. However, Dave Roberts is one of the best at rotating players to keep them in the lineup. Rushing impressed in Triple-A last season, hitting .273 with nine homers in just 170 plate appearances over 37 games, a near 40-homer pace.

Chase DeLauter OF | Cleveland Guardians | ADP: 382

One thing is certain, Chase DeLauter has hit everywhere, dating back to his college days at James Madison. Injuries, mainly two broken feet, have slowed him, but he made up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League. Since his playing time has been inconsistent, Cleveland might send him back to Triple-A, but he could be an upgrade over Will Brennan in right field. After finally getting healthy, DeLauter hit .340 in the Fall League and owns a career .317/.387/.517 minor league slash line.

Quinn Mathews SP | St. Louis Cardinals| ADP: 409

The current St. Louis rotation is a mix of “past their prime” starters, averaging 33 years old. Enter Quinn Mathews, their No. 3 prospect, a lefty who led the minors in strikeouts in 2024. He struggled in Triple-A, but we’ve seen pitchers like Eury Pérez skip that level and succeed. The Cardinals have been in a tailspin, and an influx of young talent could help turn things around. Andre Pallante pitched out of the bullpen in 2024, and if Mathews impresses this spring, he could push Pallante back to a long relief role and claim the No. 5 spot.

Colby Thomas OF | Athletics | ADP: 485

The Athletics spent big this offseason, largely due to revenue-sharing rules and a potential MLB grievance. While that doesn’t directly impact Colby Thomas, it suggests they’ll try to compete in 2025. Thomas crushed 31 homers and stole 15 bases between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Seth Brown is penciled in as their left fielder, but his .228 career average and 28% strikeout rate leave the door open. Even at his floor, Thomas could match that while hitting 25+ home runs.

Christian Moore 2B | Los Angeles Angels | ADP: 511

Okay, okay—this is aggressive, but can we really count out Christian Moore making the Opening Day roster? The Angels love promoting prospects.

Is Moore ready to make the big league jump in his first full professional season? We saw Wyatt Langford do it in 2024, and Moore was just as good with 100 fewer plate appearances. He raked in his pro debut, slashing .347/.400/.584 with six homers between Low-A and Double-A. The fact that he’s already being drafted shows fantasy managers expect an aggressive promotion, even if he doesn’t break camp. For comparison, Nolan Schanuel played 22 minor league games, while Zach Neto played 217. Moore should contribute in both Points and Roto leagues, hitting in the middle of the Angels’ lineup.

Jacob Misiorowski RP/SP | Milwaukee Brewers | ADP: 523

The industry is down on Jacob Misiorowski this season, not due to poor performance, but because he mostly pitched in relief at Triple-A. His raw stuff is among the best in the minors, but control remains an issue. Despite 50 walks in 79.2 Double-A innings, he still posted a 3.50 ERA with 105 strikeouts, proving how overpowering he can be. Milwaukee’s rotation is average, but they have other long-term starting options. If you’re drafting Misiorowski, do so expecting him to be an elite closer—that’s the path he’s on with the Brewers.

Kyle Teel C | Chicago White Sox | ADP: 524

Kyle Teel was already on track for regular at-bats in Boston before being traded to the White Sox this offseason. After hitting .288 with 13 homers and 12 steals in 2024, he looks ready for the majors. Korey Lee is currently penciled in as Chicago’s catcher, but his .210 average and 31% strikeout rate are uninspiring. The White Sox were historically bad last season, so there’s little reason to hold back prospects. The only question is whether they start their youth movement now or later in the year.

Colson Montgomery SS | Chicago White Sox | ADP: 542

Despite a rough 2024 where Colson Montgomery hit .214 with 164 strikeouts in Triple-A, he’s penciled in as the White Sox’s starting shortstop, per Roster Resource. Since it’s the White Sox, there’s no reason to keep him down. After a strong 2023, he was considered one of the top shortstop prospects, and talent like that doesn’t just vanish. I believe he’ll regain his form, but projecting his MLB production remains tough. It’s unclear whether he fits better in Points or Roto leagues. Even if he breaks out, runs and RBIs will be limited in Chicago’s weak lineup. And wouldn’t you know it, he just homered in spring training, off a lefty no less.

Juan Brito 2B | Cleveland Guardians | ADP: 553

An offseason trade sending Andrés Giménez to Toronto opened a spot at second base in Cleveland. Gabriel Arias and Juan Brito appear to be battling for the job. Arias has struggled in the majors, posting a 33% strikeout rate and a .220 career average. Brito, however, has a .275 minor league average with 52 homers and 54 steals at a power-scarce position. Though Travis Bazzana is waiting in the wings and could move quickly, Brito will likely get the first shot.

Brandon Sproat SP | New York Mets | ADP: 555

Brandon Sproat’s first full season was eye-opening. He pitched at three levels, finishing with seven Triple-A starts. In his first two stops, he posted a 1.07 ERA and 2.45 ERA with a strong WHIP and 33% strikeout rate. His fastball is among the best in the minors, and his secondary pitches are above average. He struggled in Triple-A with a 7.53 ERA, but fatigue played a role after surpassing his college innings total. The Mets have four pitchers battling for rotation spots 3-6, and Sproat could make a strong case for a job.

Drake Baldwin C | Atlanta Braves | ADP: 557

Drake Baldwin, the Braves’ breakout prospect in 2024, now tops their prospect rankings. He started strong in Double-A but truly broke out in Triple-A, hitting .298 with 12 homers while posting elite exit velocities; 93 mph average and 112 MaxEV. With Travis d’Arnaud now in LA, Chadwick Tromp is expected to be the backup catcher. Baldwin could push for that role, giving Sean Murphy days off or filling in at DH for Marcell Ozuna. Most roster spots are locked up long-term, especially Murphy through 2029, but Baldwin’s bat could force Atlanta to find him playing time.

Cade Horton SP | Chicago Cubs | ADP: 617

Cade Horton ended 2023 as a consensus top-30 prospect after dominating three levels with a 26% K/BB rate. His prospect shine faded in 2024 due to a lat strain that sidelined him most of the season. Horton says he feels good and is on track for spring training, making him a major ADP value with a real shot at a rotation spot. The Cubs’ back-end rotation features Matthew Boyd and Javier Assad—not exactly elite. Once fantasy managers remember Horton exists and see him competing for a spot, expect his ADP to rise fast.

Chase Meidroth 2B | Chicago White Sox | ADP: 682

The “throw-in” piece in the Garrett Crochet trade, Chase Meidroth, quietly impressed after landing in Chicago. He hit .293 in Triple-A with 20 doubles and three triples over 122 games. While he’s never hit 10 homers in a season, he has sneaky power. His biggest strength is plate discipline—he walked 105 times while striking out just 71 times in 2024. That makes him valuable in OBP and standard Roto leagues. Since it’s the White Sox, his Points league appeal may be limited, but he could make a strong case this spring.

K.C. Hunt SP | Milwaukee Brewers | ADP: 800

In fantasy circles, “Cheeseballs” are personal favorite players, and K.C. Hunt is one of mine. He was dominant in 2024, posting a 2.03 ERA, 0.931 WHIP, and 139 strikeouts to just 25 walks over 102 innings. His biggest concern is a fastball that sits 92-93 mph, but that’s true for most of Milwaukee’s rotation. Another question is his massive innings jump after working as a college reliever, never throwing more than 39 innings before 2024. However, his success across three levels speaks volumes, and the Brewers’ rotation looks shaky. It’s a long shot, but I’d love to see him dominate spring and earn a rotation spot.

Jimmy Crooks C | St. Louis Cardinals | ADP: N/A

With Willson Contreras moving to first base, Ivan Herrera is expected to take over as St. Louis’ primary catcher, with Pedro Pagés as backup. Then there’s Jimmy Crooks, the Cardinals’ top catching prospect, who hit .321 in Double-A last season. He also tallied 11 homers, 19 doubles, and two triples in 90 games. More athletic than he looks, Crooks could push for playing time at catcher or DH. With so many moving pieces on the roster, his offensive skill set could help the Cardinals wherever they need production.

Debuted Prospects Without Guaranteed Roster Spots

  • Kumar Rocker SP | Texas Rangers | ADP: 301
  • Rhett Lowder SP | Cincinnati Reds | ADP: 358
  • Luisangel Acuña 2B | New York Mets | ADP: 359
  • Coby Mayo 3B | Baltimore Orioles | ADP: 364
  • Jordan Lawlar SS | Arizona Diamondbacks | ADP: 400
  • Zebby Mathews SP | Minnesota Twins | ADP: 437
  • Adrian Del Castillo C | Arizona Diamondbacks | ADP: 450
  • AJ Smith-Shawver SP | Atlanta Braves | ADP: 465
  • Ronny Mauricio 2B/OF | New York Mets | ADP: 519
  • Jack Leiter SP | Texas Rangers | ADP: 526
  • Tyler Black 1B | Milwaukee Brewers | ADP: 552
  • Cade Cavalli SP | Washington Nationals | ADP: 581
  • Tyler Locklear 1B | Seattle Mariners | ADP: 695
  • Kevin Alcántara OF | Chicago Cubs | ADP: 760

Prospects Penciled Into Starting Roles

  • Roki Sasaki SP | Los Angeles Dodgers | ADP: 103
  • Dylan Crews OF | Washington Nationals | ADP: 146
  • Jasson Domínguez OF | New York Yankees | ADP: 158
  • Jackson Jobe SP | Detroit Tigers | ADP: 268
  • Jacob Wilson SS | Athletics | ADP: 353
  • Jace Jung 3B | Detroit Tigers | ADP: 482

Follow me on X: @ProspectsOnWes | Get an early start on your 2025 Draft Prep with the updated Top 500 Dynasty Rankings. | Then check out my Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects

For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.

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