Open Universe Top 150 List Update

Open Universe Top 150 List Update - 6/30/25

Greg Hoogkamp has updated the Open Universe to 150 players with risers and fallers following the conclusion of the 2025 NCAA season

by Greg Hoogkamp

June 30, 2025

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5 min read

We've made another update to the Open Universe List, this time the list expands out to over 150 players! The college season taught us a lot about the draft eligible players (and underclassmen) who will hear their names called in less than a month! We wanted to get an update in before the draft for those of you who are in leagues where you can add during the season. A lot of values have changed; we've seen players jump up the board and we've also seen some drop down the board based on their performances this spring/summer. The Asian professional leagues are also in full swing and there has been lots of movement there as well. It's a big job managing this list since it's drawing from dozens of leagues, but we're up for the task!

The Open Universe List and short blurbs on each player is available to all subscribers Tier 60 and up and can be found in the PLIVE+ App Suite:

If you are are looking for some strategy insight for Open Universe Leagues, please check out the previous update where we go into greater detail on how to use this list and prioritize your farm system spots.

Players to Watch

Roch Cholowsky, SS (NCAA)

We have a new #1 player atop our list and it's a 2026 Draft eligible player: Roch Cholowsky! This year's class of players doesn't have a standout top pick and some of the top players from Japan have faltered early in the NPB season including our previous #1 Shunpeita Yamashita and original #1 Munetaka Murakami.

Cholowsky, who was a Golden Spikes Finalist, finished his season hitting .353/.480/.710 with 23 HR, 74 RBI, 7 SB with a 13.9 BB% and 9.3 K% in 324 PA. He's the early favorite to go 1-1 in the 2026 MLB Amateur draft.

Kade Anderson, LHP (NCAA)

While Yamashita remains a top 3 option, our #1 college pitcher is new to the list. LSU lefthander Kade Anderson jumps ahead of arms like Jamie Arnold and Liam Doyle and is many experts' pick to go 1-1 to the Nationals in this year's draft.

Anderson rocketed up the list with a tremendous season that was capped off by a CG/SHO in Game 1 of the College World Series Championship Series. The draft-eligible Sophomore finished the season 12-1 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 37.4 K% and 7.3 BB% in 119.0 IP.

Tatsuya Imai, RHP (NBP)

The biggest mover from the Far East is Seibu Lions RHP Tatsuya Imai. "Japanese Thor" has been far and away the best pitcher in Japan this season.

The 27-year-old Imai is having his best season: 6-2, 1.32 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 30.9 K% and 6.7 BB%. Since he's played the requisite six seasons in NPB, he is eligible to be posted this offseason, making him an attractive option to target.

Others Rising Names

A few other rising names to target are 2026 draft eligible high school SS Grady Emerson, 2025 draft eligible high school OF JoJo Parker, 2026 draft eligible OF Oregon Ducks OF Mason Neville and 22-year-old, Chunichi Dragons LHP Yumeto Kanemaru.

If you've found a good Open Universe league you know how much fun it can be. Having that next impact bat or arm available can provide an influx of talent to your squad or even be a trade piece to help you get over the top in a playoff push. Using this tool properly will get you ahead in your leagues. Good luck and have fun!

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