Intro
Bowman Draft year over year is the deepest release of all the Bowman releases. It almost always ends up as the best release as well. Players, on the whole, are further down the development track than other releases. There are never any 16 year-olds in the product. No one here stands a chance of having to repeat the DSL. At least three-quarters of these players will play the entire season at Low-A or higher very soon. We should really have an idea of who most of these players truly are as professional ballplayers by the end of 2026. For now, though, we just have small samples along with their history in high school or collegiate baseball. But they've all come into the professional ranks through the most prestigious of ways – as a high draft pick.
Check out the 2025 Bowman Draft Preview article for full breakdowns on each player.
Tier Ranks
Tier 1 - Cream of the crop. Combination of high-end Hit and Power tools that won’t end up as full-time designated hitters. Power/Speed combo players. Elite SP 1 pitchers (very rare). Potential for being perennial All-Stars and award winners.
Tier 2 - Bats that may lack in a certain area such as top-end power, three true outcomes players with huge power, great real life/fantasy players, but not hobby-elite, or tantalizing raw talents. High-end SP 2 pitchers with additional positive factors such as team, arsenal, pedigree, etc.
Tier 3 - May have some hobby interest due to a single factor such as prospect pedigree, team interest, general hobby hype, an interesting carrying tool, etc.
Tier None - The likelihood of widespread short-term hobby interest, and most likely long-term as well, is close to none. Plenty of pitchers, catchers, role players, hit-tool-only bats, Quad-A power bats, defense-first players, etc. to be found here. Hobby lottery tickets where the odds are stacked against you.
*Catchers and Pitchers are often knocked down a tier just due to their position.
Player Visualization
We've assigned Safety, Ceiling, and "It" Factor to each player to provide a quick glimpse into each player, which is illustrated by way of a bar graph for every player. You want to see a picture of a perfect prospect? That doesn't exist. But here's what "as good as it gets" looks like, considering Ceiling is what we care least about of the three factors:
Safety, shown in lavender, is merely the direct inverse of what we've use previously, Risk. We've made it a neutral color, as it just provides a baseline, rather than something that's a strong factor in considering whether to collect a player. It's is a general measure of how far a player has advanced toward making an impact in the majors. So anyone at the Complex level, by rule, is almost always a 0-2 safety. On the flip side, a player at the AAA level is most likely a 7-10 level of safety. This has to be approximated for Draft, since no one has a lot of professional experience.
Ceiling, shown in green, is just how significant the player has the potential of being for the hobby. I’ll provide the definition of a 5, and you, the reader, can interpret everything from that: a maximum realistic projection of an MLB regular with 10-15 HR power, .260 average, and one other element of interest (team context, excellent speed, etc).
"It" Factor, shown in red, covers everything else. It's aspects of a player that we've previously been massaging into risk and ceiling, such as team context, pedigree, a loud tool we love and believe in, or just being exciting to watch. So for instance, Rockies pitchers get bumped down here, and all Yankees prospects get bumped up.
Altogether, this forms the hobby context of what we think of a player. The bigger the bar, the better the player through the hobby lens.
(As a transitional measure we've also left what we have been doing, Risk and Ceiling, at the bottom of each writeup.)
Arizona Diamondbacks
Tier 3
Patrick Forbes (RHP, 21)
Emergent starter, emergent fastball shape that was already a swing-and-miss weapon. Slider with great late movement. Command needs to improve with everything, but clearly a high-K arm that should reach the majors in some capacity. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Kayson Cunningham (SS, 19)
Very high floor as a prep, surely a middle infielder of some quality, with some speed to boot. Hit is his best tool, very mature in that regard. Limited power puts a big cap on his hobby potential. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Dean Livingston (RHP, 19)
Prep righty, very good projection, already a semblance of command. Good running fastball that’s into the mid-90’s at peak. Promising secondaries, but all need significant development. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Brian Curley (RHP, 22)
Shorter stature, solid RP floor, will begin career as a starter. Needs improvement to fastball shape, command, and secondaries to start long-term. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 4 (Base Only)
Athletics
Tier 2
Jamie Arnold (LHP, 21)
High floor college lefty with outlier characteristics and whiff generating secondaries and a track record of performance. Team context may be the biggest drag on Hobby value. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 2, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Devin Taylor (OF, 22)
A potential plus power and plus hit bat with defensive concerns. A floor of a strong side designated hitter and a ceiling of a lesser version of Yordan Alvarez. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Gavin Turley (OF, 22)
Above average or better power hitting outfielder with hit tool concerns. If he can keep the strikeout rate down, he's an everyday player on a second division team. Otherwise he's a three true outcomes bench bat. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 6 (Base Only)
Tier None
Grant Richardson (LHP, 22)
A primarily two pitch lefty that had TJ surgery and missed all of 2025, what Anderson will be moving forward is anyone's best guess. As a lefty, there is always that floor of a bullpen arm, but until we see what he looks like in the minors, this is at best a wait and see prospect that we can essentially ignore for the Hobby. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
Atlanta Braves
Tier 3
Tate Southisene (SS, 19)
An undersized pre-draft riser, Southisene was loved for his approach and ability to barrel the ball. Debut went poorly, and there’s enough yellow flags where I think you should keep poking around the high school bats in the 20-50 range for someone who stands out a bit more. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Briggs McKenzie (LHP, 19)
High-ceiling prep lefty, will take time to develop. Fastball velo is a bit of a concern, but has good shape. Everything else has above average potential. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Cody Miller (SS, 21)
Underslot 3rd Round floor play. Hit is questionable, some power and speed. Definite ability to play all three IF positions. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Conor Essenburg (OF, 19)
Nice athlete, great arm, but average at best speed leaves him in an OF corner at best. Power potential is very solid but untapped, and he’s a bit too aggressive at present. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Baltimore Orioles
Tier 3
Ike Irish (C, 22)
A bat-first catcher who seems destined for a move to a corner OF spot. Irish posted elite numbers in the SEC for Auburn with 19 homers in 55 games in 2025, but he has a serious ground ball problem that limits his upside for the time being. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Caden Bodine (C, 22)
Part of the trade package the Orioles just sent to the Rays for Shane Baz, Bodine is a hit and defense profile that has catcher 1 upside in Tampa. That still isn't enough to move the needle Hobby-wise since the rest of the profile is average at best. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Tier None
Colin Yeaman (SS, 21)
Higher-floor utility profile. Hit is likely average, with fringe-average across the board for the rest. Could be a super-util if he improves his swing decisions. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Joseph Dzierwa (LHP, 21)
A 6’8” finesse lefty. Very high floor, but lacks loud stuff. Could be a backend SP, but funkiness in his delivery could lead him to having more value out of the bullpen. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
JT Quinn (RHP, 22)
Developmental college arm. Works vertically with an over-the-top delivery. Both consistency and command are lacking at present. Easy to write off as a future low-leverage reliever, but could be a bit more. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Boston Red Sox
Tier 2
Kyson Witherspoon (RHP, 21)
A well-built flamethrower with a diverse range of plus offerings at present. Needs to refine his command and develop his change-up to reach his top of the rotation level ceiling on the mound. Good organizational history for that dev, and is far and away the best ball of clay to play with yet. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Anthony Eyanson (P, 21)
Good bet to be a SP. Fantastic slider with a curve that plays well off of it. Fastball needs work with its shape, and is the key to everything in relation to getting close to his ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Marcus Phillips (RHP, 21)
Big, durable starter's frame. But shape issues to his fastball, lack of deception in his delivery make him too hittable. How he's able to improve should unlock more K potential. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Christian Foutch (RHP, 22)
Big dude (6’3”, 240 lbs), purely a reliever. Org has done well to maximize college arms in recent years. Can strike guys out, but the stuff remains inconsistent and a bit wild. No real hobby relevance given the certainty he remains in the pen. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
Chicago Cubs
Tier 2
Ethan Conrad (OF, 21)
Easy to project as a big leaguer by 2027 by end of season. Ceiling depends on how he does against more advanced competition. Potentially has five-tools, but is recovering from labrum surgery to his throwing shoulder. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Josiah Hartshorn (OF, 18)
Likely a 1B, no speed to speak of. But his hit and power combination have a pretty great ceiling, which makes him a much better prospect through the hobby context. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Kane Kepley (OF, 21)
Speedy, nearly elite contact hitter. Likely not enough power to pique the hobby’s interest, and likely not a true CF because of 5’8” frame. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Dominick Reid (RHP, 22)
Likely starter, good projectability. Short track record, but good command and two MLB-quality pitches. Needs a third to have any real ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 4 (Base Only)
Kaleb Wing (RHP, 19)
Prep righty, inconsistent delivery with a long way to go. But the bones of a mid-rotation arm are here with a great changeup and a high-velo fastball and slider with some promise. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 6 (Base Only)
Chicago White Sox
Tier 2
Billy Carlson (SS, 19)
Elite defensive shortstop with questions around his offensive game. With the super high defensive floor, if Carlson can take big steps with the hit and power tools, the sky is the limit. If not, he's still an MLB caliber player, but one that doesn't offer much for the Hobby. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Gabe Davis (RHP, 22)
Another fringe tier three/tier none arm, Davis is nearly 7 feet tall with a monstrous fastball. He gets the tier three nod for the time being, but once he is permanently assigned relief duty, you can forget about him for the hobby. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Landon Hodge (C, 18)
Athletic body right now, would need to develop his physicality to be a catcher, which can set him on a lot of different paths. Good feel for the barrel, some power projection. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Kyle Lodise (SS, 22)
Sum-of-the-parts type. Could equate to average power and average hit with above average speed and defense, but even if he slips off that line, he’s likely a big-leaguer of some sort. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Cincinnati Reds
Tier 2
Steele Hall (SS, 18)
One of the many first round prep shortstops, Hall is an athletic, elite speedster that is expected to grow into above average power. The hit tool is the biggest question mark and will dictate how high, or low, Hall's cards will go. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Mason Neville (OF, 21)
Slipped to 4th Round despite showcasing good athleticism and top-tier raw power. Struggled against high end collegiate pitching. Major improvements are needed to improve K%, and could be slipping to a corner OF profile. If those two things move positively though, could be a major riser. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Aaron Watson (RHP, 18)
Prep sinkerballer that already has a strong likelihood to become a ground ball machine. Needs command improvements, and any significant K potential will come from how the Reds develop him. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Mason Morris (RHP, 22)
Reliever in college, definite potential to convert to SP. Unique cutter trait with a slider to complement it, fastball needs development to be useful at higher (96-98 MPH) velocity. Recent command improvements. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Cleveland Guardians
Tier 3
Dean Curley (SS, 21)
Solid defender, great contact hitter with some projection. Raw power is yet to be accessed and has not landed in a system that preaches hunting for power. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Nolan Schubart (OF, 21)
Three outcomes has never been more true than with Schubart. Huge power potential, but immense contact risks to match. Not a defensive asset. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Aaron Walton (OF, 21)
Average across the board projection. Hit could be higher, but needs to prove his mettle against secondaries. Seeing him in the higher levels will determine his ceiling as a regular, or a defensive replacement type. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Colorado Rockies
Tier None
JB Middleton (RHP, 22)
Smaller-statured SP, has significant upside but has a ways to progress to get there. The “Rockies pitcher” problem deserves to be a huge barrier because of the longer development track. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Ethan Hedges (3B, 21)
Overdrafted 3rd Round 3B. Middling hit and power, weird swing that has worked to date. Probably not a full-time big-leaguer. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Max Belyeu (OF, 22)
RF profile. Powerful, all-fields hitter. Aggressive approach is a blessing and a curse, swings and misses too much at present. Needs to get back to his 2024 form. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Cameron Nelson (OF, 21)
An off-the-board pick by the Rockies in the fifth round, Nelson is an org depth outfielder with a potential above average hit tool and not much else. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Riley Kelly (RHP, 21)
Good size, collegiate developmental project. Great curve, fastball lacks velo but gets weak contact. Probably not a high-K% guy. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Detroit Tigers
Tier 3
Malachi Witherspoon (RHP, 22)
Less polished version of his twin brother Kyson. Mid-high 90’s fastball with sub-par shape, good curve, slider, and a work in progress changeup. Command issues and fastball push Malachi out of relevance for me for the time being due to clear reliever risk. Really nice potential arsenal, but there is serious work to be done. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Jordan Yost (SS, 19)
A speedy HS Shortstop with elite bat to ball skills and a good glove. Lacks the power you’d like when buying Bowman HS bats. In a system with McGonigle and Rainer manning SS, Yost will need to develop some power in order to become nearly as hobby relevant as the other two. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Michael Oliveto (C, 18)
Fits the raw prep catcher stigma to a T. Definitely has pop, but realizing it into games will take time, as will his defensive development. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Caleb Leys (LHP, 22)
Taken in the 4th round. Really nice fastball/slider combo, but the development (or not) of his change-up will likely determine if he profiles as a back-end starter or bullpen piece long term. Fastball shape and breakout 2025 season post TJ adds a bit of excitement, but falls into Tier None for now. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 5 (Base Only)
Ben Jacobs (LHP, 21)
Has at least three pitches with above-average potential, but has not been able to locate anything with consistency to date. If he develops a semblance of command, will be a high-K RP. If it’s even better, a backend SP. But there’s a long, long way to that. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Base Only)
Houston Astros
Tier 2
Xavier Neyens (SS, 19)
Big, strong prep power bat who’s been a known commodity as such. Hit tool issues stem only from quality of contact, but definite room to grow from that as a prep. Probable 3B, little speed. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Ethan Frey (OF, 21)
Big 6’6” slugger with a measured approach at the plate. Impressive game power, elevates balls with ease. Short track record in general, lack of defensive reps kept him in the 3rd Round. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Kansas City Royals
Tier 2
Sean Gamble (OF, 19)
All about the hit tool development. Has speed, defense, arm strength to spare, and most importantly projects to have plus power…as long as his hit tool comes along. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Josh Hammond (SS, 19)
Super athletic. Power comes with little effort, though work to do in translating it to HR pop. Patient approach. True 5-tool ceiling as a 3B. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier None
Nolan Sailors (OF, 22)
Senior sign, good OBP ability. Little power to speak of - leans into his above average speed in all aspects of his game. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Michael Lombardi (P, 22)
Very good athlete, two above average pitches. Lots of in-game progress needs to be made for him to be called a SP prospect, but if he makes it as such he could have some hobby helium. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Cameron Millar (RHP, 18)
Strong athletic late rising prep. Good fastball command into the mid-90’s, changeup with clear plus potential. Needs to develop depth of his arsenal, but it’s a great start. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Justin Lamkin (LHP, 21)
Polished pitchability lefty. Great slider, the rest is unremarkable. Three year starter, could fit as a backend guy, or slip to a bullpen role. But it should be a quick ascent. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Los Angeles Angels
Tier 2
Tyler Bremner (RHP, 21)
Aggressively under-slot 2nd overall pick. Good but not great in his Junior year, his first year as a pure starter. Boasts 3 good offerings including an elite fastball, and has no problem pounding the zone and limiting walks. I am terrified, given recent history, of how the Angels will develop him. Huge risk for a developing pitcher joining probably the worst organization for developing pitching. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier 3
Johnny Slawinski (LHP, 18)
Lefty who could move quickly if development of a third pitch goes well. Good command for his age, easily above average projection for his fastball and change. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Luke LaCourse (RHP, 19)
Starting pitcher frame and an elite spin breaker from a right-handed prep pitcher that unfortunately ended up in an org lacking any sort of positive track record of pitching development. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 6 (Base Only)
Tier None
Jake Munroe (3B, 22)
Would be an everyday big-leaguer as a 3B if he makes good on his average hit & above average power expectations. Lacks a track record to say it's a certainty though. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Chase Shores (P, 21)
Bullpen risk abound compounded by being an Angel. But there’s good stuff and plenty of ceiling if deployed as a starter. Needs command improvements yet since return from TJ. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Nate Snead (RHP, 21)
Pure reliever, closer upside. Big fastball, good stuff. Needs more consistent secondaries and command improvements to get close to his ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
CJ Gray (RHP, 18)
Highly athletic, muscular with projection remaining. Fastball to 97, but everything else is quite raw with everything else when it comes to pitching. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 6 (Base Only)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Tier 3
Landyn Vidourek (OF, 22)
Premium power/speed blend. Needs big improvements to contact rate to make it through the high minors, but if he does, could be a star. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Charles Davalan (OF, 22)
Smaller frame, elite contact hitter, very safe LF floor and could be quick to the majors. Plus speed, but hasn’t run a lot yet. Pull side pop, could be 10-15 HR. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Tier None
Zachary Root (LHP, 21)
Safer arm. Three average-or-better secondaries lead the way for the lefty. Especially in this system, that leads him with substantial relief risk, but will surely provide loud highlights regardless. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Aidan West (SS, 18)
Prep dart throw, moves well for being 6’2” with a compact frame. Fluid swing, but work to be done across the board to maximize his offensive potential. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Miami Marlins
Tier None
Brandon Compton (OF, 22)
Power bat, good on-base ability, but a sliding profile. Needs to prove he can avoid cold stretches, but with a high-effort swing it’s not prescriptive. Poor defender everywhere, likely 1B platoon bat ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Max Williams (OF, 21)
All about the power. Needs to develop a way to access it in a fashion that will work at the pro level. If he does, could be a middle-of-the-order type. If not, he’s a defensively limited OF that will suffer from poor contact quality. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5
Milwaukee Brewers
Tier 2
Brady Ebel (SS, 18)
Except speed, across the board above-average or better projection. Maturing into his 6’3” frame will key if any of it slips to average or less, or plus or higher. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Jacob Morrison (RHP, 22)
Big 6’8” righty who works over the top. Mixes velocity very well, breaking pitches have good movement. Needs to improve command of those breakers though. Easy mid-rotation ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
J.D. Thompson (LHP, 22)
Lower risk, figures to remain a starter and move quickly, but lower reward overall. If everything clicks there could be some high-K upside. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Joshua Flores (RHP, 18)
Compact 6’1” prep with a great feel for spin, FB up to 97. Poor command and effort in his delivery likely leaves him on the reliever track. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
Sean Episcope (RHP, 21)
Injury riddled past leaves him as a probable reliever. High-90’s fastball, excellent spin on his secondaries that the Brewers should develop well. High-leverage bullpen is his likeliest ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
Minnesota Twins
Tier 3
Quentin Young (3B, 18)
Massive power potential. But there’s every ounce of hit tool risk possible here, and hasn’t yet shown signs of being able to sacrifice power for hit-ability. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Riley Quick (RHP, 21)
Big, flamethrowing sinkerballer SP. Significant work to do on command of his secondaries in order to maximize his K potential, but a good org for it. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Matt Barr (RHP, 19)
Top JuCo player in the draft, Barr is a tall, lanky right-hander with big spin rates and an intriguing overall arsenal. There's mid-rotation upside in the profile and he's one to watch moving forward. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 7 (Base Only)
Tier None
James Ellwanger (RHP, 21)
High-end fastball, the rest is a work in progress that will take awhile – future role is quite cloudy. Some effort in his delivery, but offset by being a premium athlete. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Base Only)
New York Mets
Tier 3
Mitch Voit (2B, 21)
Floor over ceiling, projects as a 2B. That slashes some hobby value off the bat, and being hit over power further limits Voit's hobby appeal. Good speed, interesting spike in SB after turning pro. High emotion, high intensity player in a New York market all add more value to the hobby appeal of Voit than his actual performance projection. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Tier None
Antonio Jimenez (SS, 21)
Glove first SS who should make it pretty far off his glove alone, but the bat will likely limit the ceiling significantly. Profiles somewhere between a Quad-A type and a good utility man depending on how far the bat comes along. Could be a useful real-life asset, but pretty much off my radar entirely for Hobby purposes. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Peter Kussow (RHP, 19)
SP frame, good ball of clay and projectability. Has shown a great feel for spin already. Needs significant command improvement, and to add several velo ticks to really be a high-K guy. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
New York Yankees
Tier 2
Dax Kilby (SS, 18)
Speed-first prospect whose market and loud pro debut will make him no one’s sleeper. Hit tool looks great so far as well. Body is big enough for natural power, but it’s questionable if he should alter his approach to access it in a significant way considering how advanced he looks otherwise. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Kaeden Kent (SS, 22)
HOF bloodlines, good power. Being a deadset pull hitter hurts his bottom line significantly. The level at which that improves will set his true ceiling. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Pico Kohn (LHP, 23)
Deceptive lefty with nice swing-and-miss stuff. But he’s an older draftee that has not regained command of his offspeed post-TJ. Easy to see a floor as a RP. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Philadelphia Phillies
Tier 2
Gage Wood (RHP, 22)
The College WS 19K no-hit hero has landed in the Phillies org, and he brings some insane strikeout stuff, a low walk rate, but also a spotty track record of staying healthy. There is a ton of variance and volatility here- there's a ton of talent, but no shortage of risk, especially if moved quickly as a RP. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Matthew Fisher (RHP, 19)
A big overslot prep right hander with good stuff but questionable command. If you're a Phillies fan, this is a fun one to chase, but otherwise, I'd wait to see what he looks like once he starts pitching some professional innings. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Sean Youngerman (RHP, 21)
An electric college reliever who will likely begin as a starter, he remains in tier three off arm talent alone, but the pen likely lies ahead, at which point Tier None beckons. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Cody Bowker (RHP, 22)
Good command, deception king, needs to develop his pitch shapes, and the consistency therein to make it as a SP. But would certainly be valuable in short spurts as-is. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Cade Obermueller (LHP, 22)
Small frame screams reliever, but his two pitch approach with a low arm slot has served him very well as an SP. High-K upside lefty, recent command improvements to boot. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Pittsburgh Pirates
Tier 1
Seth Hernandez (RHP, 19)
Could be the Konnor Griffin of pitching prospects, and to do it as quickly as the Pirates decide to manage his workload. A fastball with elite velo and shape, advanced change-up, and a slider/curve combo with ridiculous spin rates. If command can sharpen and he can stay healthy, could be a monster. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Murf Gray (3B, 22)
Big body, big power. Hit tool is questionable but shows some promise. Need to see how he does against more advanced competition. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Adonys Guzman (C, 22)
MLB backup catcher profile. Perhaps his 2025 offensive breakthrough gives him a little bit of a ceiling, but I don’t think so. Strong defender, likely average hit with power lagging. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Easton Carmichael (C, 22)
Not a surefire catcher yet, lower risk to reach the majors, but without a well-defined carrying tool at present it’s hard to envision him as a starter unless he proves he defense is better than advertised. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Gustavo Melendez (SS, 18)
Small, likely 2B hit-centric prospect. Higher floor for a prep but the ceiling is also only average, and without much chance for even 15 HR pop. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
San Diego Padres
Tier None
Ryan Wideman (OF, 22)
Tall, lanky hitter whose tools are still raw despite being a collegiate bat. Hit could be a concern, and power is yet to fully be accessed. Good speed, positive OF defender gives him a little bit of floor. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 5
Ty Harvey (C, 19)
Power over hit prep catcher. A very small sample debut post-draft was not good, highlighting the variety of hit tool questions. If/when he can show competent zone contact metrics, there could be some Hobby interest. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Michael Salina (RHP, 21)
Triple digit fastball, good secondaries. High-effort delivery leaves him as a probable reliever, but could definitely be a high-leverage arm. Recovering from TJ surgery. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 5, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
San Francisco Giants
Tier 3
Gavin Kilen (SS, 21)
He's fine, just fine. A gamer type that doesn't have any standout tools or standout flaws. Don't get sucked in just because he was a first round pick. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Trevor Cohen (OF, 22)
Cohen is a plus hit tool outfielder that produces a ton of contact with solid command of the zone. If he can improve the quality of contact on a regular basis, he's a no doubt everyday outfielder in the future. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Tier None
Cameron Maldonado (OF, 22)
Speedy outfielder that didn't do much in his brief debut besides steal a few bases. Short side platoon outfielder seems like the most likely outcome with an outside shot at an everyday regular on a second division roster. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Seattle Mariners
Tier 1
Kade Anderson (LHP, 21)
Everything you want in a high-demand SP prospect – projectability, durability, high strikeout totals, likely a debut at young age, and ace potential. Command is very good as well, changeup development may keep him in the minors for a short time. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 2, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Nick Becker (SS, 18)
Surefire quality defender, likely at SS. Mostly projection for now, easy to see five-tool potential of some ilk, but it’ll take a few years to come into focus. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Korbyn Dickerson (OF, 22)
His extreme athleticism shows up on the field. Fantastic high-end exit velo, but long swing has his contact rate low. Needs a swing change, but if it sticks could be a major sleeper. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 7 (Base Only)
Tier None
Griffin Hugus (RHP, 21)
New to starting, hasn't yet proven consistency. Needs to develop more command as well as his third & fourth pitches, but his fastball/slider combo are solid. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Mason Peters (LHP, 22)
Two-pitch, shorter stature lefty who has been mostly a RP, and projects to remain. Sweeper could be deadly out of the bullpen, the rest is a work in progress. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 2 (Base Only)
St. Louis Cardinals
Tier 2
Liam Doyle (LHP, 21)
High octane SP with a quick arm and a fastball in the upper 90’s. Three quality secondaries make him nearly unhittable when he’s on. Needs to work on the frequency at which he’s on. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Ryan Mitchell (OF, 18)
Prep draftee, just needs to tone down aggressiveness for his hit to be a carrying tool. Plenty of projection remaining, could lead to more speed and power. Likely to stick up the middle, but not at SS. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Tanner Franklin (RHP, 21)
Pure reliever. Should rise quickly to MLB but as a middle-innings role to begin. Team context is mediocre, so he’s squarely a poor hobby name. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 3, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Jack Gurevitch (1B, 21)
Quad-A corner bat with good underlying power data but big struggles with swing and miss, especially against breaking balls. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Matthew Miura (OF, 21)
Bench outfielder type that succeeds by getting on base through putting the ball in play or taking a walk. Lacks impact to be an everyday player. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 3 (Both)
Cade Crossland (LHP, 21)
Great changeup, good projectability with other pitches, but command is poor right now. Will likely take time for his ceiling to com into focus. Fallback as a lefty reliever. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5 (Base Only)
Tampa Bay Rays
Tier 2
Taitn Gray (C, 18)
Team context is disappointing, but his power is likely very real, with a higher ceiling than we may realize. Hit questions to answer. Ample athleticism to move off catcher. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Dean Moss (OF, 19)
Solid all-around with a hit tool anchor. Being an older prep drafted by a team that slow-plays their talent hurts his immediate hobby impact. Bigtime long-term sleeper potential though. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Cooper Flemming (SS, 19)
Rising talent at Draft-time, good ball of clay to work with. No loud tools yet but good projectability and defensive ability. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Dominic Fritton (LHP, 22)
Smaller frame for an SP, but durable. Never performed with consistency in his three years at NC State. Command and depth of repertoire need a lot of improvement to make it as a starter. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 3 (Base Only)
Texas Rangers
Tier 2
Gavin Fien (SS, 18)
Big power first round prep shortstop with some hit tool questions that likely ends up moving over to third base long term. If/when the hit tool matures, the sky is the limit with Fien, but I'd wait and see before jumping in with both feet. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier 3
Josh Owens (SS, 18)
Speedy prep, late riser, good setup at the plate. Power is quite projectable, ceiling is TBD because of how much physical development needs to happen, and the effort he’s currently putting into being a pitcher. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 8 (Both)
Tier None
AJ Russell (RHP, 21)
Fastball with elite traits makes him a name to consider for the hobby. Needs to prove he can handle any type of workload yet, but it has only been acute injury/recovery that’s stopped him from that thus far. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Mason McConnaughey (RHP, 21)
In TJ recovery. Great single season in 2024 as an SP, didn’t get a chance to prove it was more than just that. Starter’s frame. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 5 (Base Only)
Toronto Blue Jays
Tier 1
JoJo Parker (SS, 19)
Advanced and late rising high school shortstop, 8th overall pick. Primed to burst on to the scene in 2026. Well-regarded hit tool. Good, athletic frame to go with strong exit-velo metrics pre draft. Should be able to stick at short for now, further increasing his profile. - Will Jarvis
Risk: 8, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Tim Piasentin (3B, 18)
Corner power bat from the Canadian prep ranks drafted by the only Canadian team. Some hit tool questions, but someone to have firmly on the Hobby watch list to see if he can answer those questions in a positive fashion. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 9, Ceiling: 6 (Both)
Tier None
Jake Cook (OF, 22)
Great speed and athleticism, has only translated to defense and contact-ability thus far. Current power is minimal. Former two-way player who saw significant collegiate game action for the first time in 2025. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 4, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Washington Nationals
Tier 1
Eli Willits (SS, 18)
The overall top pick in the 2025 MLB draft, Willits is about as safe as it gets for a prep shortstop. Four potential plus tools and barely 18 years old as the product releases, the only question is if he can add above average or better power to the profile as he matures. - Joe Lowry
Risk: 6, Ceiling: 9 (Both)
Tier 3
Landon Harmon (RHP, 19)
Prep righty with good size and intriguing trait blend. Fastball is up to 97, great spin on his breaking pitches. Needs to all come together yet to create pitches with well defined, consistent shape yet. Very good hobby upside. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 7 (Both)
Tier None
Miguel Sime Jr. (RHP, 18)
Great frame for a power pitcher. Fastball near 100 with great life. Curve/slider with potential. However, currently has almost no command, and it’s a tough projection to the requisite below average to make him a SP. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 10, Ceiling: 5 (Both)
Ethan Petry (1B, 21)
One-dimensional power bat, potential to play some corner OF or 1B. Contact rate has improved, but needs to improve further while accessing his power to have value to the big club. - Max Arterburn
Risk: 7, Ceiling: 4 (Both)
Discussion