2025 Fantasy Baseball: Minor League Prospects Updates

Catchers

Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers answered fans’ calls this week by promoting Rushing to replace Austin Barnes as their backup catcher. In the minors, over 263 games, Rushing hit .277 with 174 runs, 54 home runs, 184 RBIs, and five steals across 916 at-bats. His major league debut was impressive (2-for-4 with three runs), following a strong start at AAA this season (.308/23/5/17/1 over 107 at-bats). Los Angeles has deployed him at first base (9 games) and outfield (2 games) this year, signaling their intent to maximize his at-bats in the majors.

Moises Ballesteros, Chicago Cubs

After a productive 2024 across AA and AAA (.286, 57 runs, 19 home runs, 78 RBIs, one steal over 454 at-bats), Moises Ballesteros elevated his game in his first 34 games at AAA this season (.372, 20 runs, four home runs, 18 RBIs, two steals over 137 at-bats). The Cubs called him up this week, though they continue to roster Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya at catcher. Kelly has performed well over his first 83 at-bats (.289/18/8/23), with more walks (20) than strikeouts (13). Amaya, over 23 games, has been adequate (.275, 11 runs, three home runs, 18 RBIs) but lacks significant power upside. Ballesteros, a left-handed hitter, is hindered by weaker defense but gained an opportunity due to Ian Happ’s injury. He’s likely to serve as a DH, placing him in the wild card category for fantasy teams in 2025.

First Basemen

Deyvison De Los Santos, Miami Marlins

Last season, De Los Santos seemed destined for the majors after hitting .293 with 89 runs, 40 home runs, 120 RBIs, and one steal over 540 at-bats between AA and AAA. This year, his bat started slowly over 35 games (.248/14/3/15/3 over 133 at-bats), hampered by a higher strikeout rate (31.7% vs. 24.7% last year). However, he’s riding a four-game hitting streak (4-for-14, four runs, two home runs, five RBIs, one steal) heading into Friday’s action, showing signs of regaining form.

Jac Caglianone, Kansas City Royals

Despite a seven-game hitting streak (9-for-30, six runs, one home run, eight RBIs, one steal) with only two strikeouts, the Royals have kept Jac Caglianone at AA. Over his last 23 games, his bat has been electric (.386/19/6/25/2 over 88 at-bats), with a strong approach (11.6% walk rate, 17.6% strikeout rate). Kansas City must promote him soon to capitalize on his momentum.

Second Basemen

Eddys Leonard, Atlanta Braves

After a lackluster April (.197, nine runs, five home runs, nine RBIs, two stolen bases over 76 at-bats), Leonard has found consistency over the past two weeks (13-for-46, seven runs, three home runs, and eight RBIs), with seven walks and six strikeouts.

From 2021 to 2024 in the minors, he hit .272 over 1,721 at-bats, with 279 runs, 68 home runs, 251 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. This season, he’s played 2B (23 games), 3B (18), SS (1), and OF (1). The duo of Nick Allen and Orlando Arcia has struggled (11 runs, no home runs, nine RBIs, five steals over 144 at-bats), highlighting Atlanta’s need for a shortstop upgrade. Leonard’s 236 games of experience at the position from 2021 to 2024 make him a candidate.

Jordan Lawlar, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks gave Lawlar four at-bats after his call-up this week, but he went hitless with two strikeouts, playing one game at second base and shortstop. His AAA performance (.336/38/6/31/13 over 152 at-bats) suggests he’s poised for an extended audition with Arizona this season.

Third Basemen

Otto Kemp, Philadelphia Phillies

Despite hitting just one home run in May over 48 at-bats, Kemp has maintained a hot bat (.354, 11 runs, 10 RBIs, and three steals). He opened the season strongly over his first 108 at-bats (.315/24/9/27/4). The Phillies have utilized him at 1B (11), 2B (6), 3B (24), and OF (4) this season, showcasing his versatility.

Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs

The Cubs should soon recall Shaw, given his recent performance. Over his last seven games at AAA, he went 9-for-25 with 10 runs, three home runs, six RBIs, and three steals, showing an improved approach (three walks and two strikeouts). Across 143 games between AA and AAA in 2024 and 2025, Shaw hit .284 with 96 runs, 25 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases over 524 at-bats, underscoring his potential fantasy impact once he finds his rhythm in the majors.

Shortstop

Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox

Mayer has been steady in May, posting a .283 average with nine runs, one home run, and five RBIs over 46 at-bats. He leads International League shortstops in runs (26), home runs (8), and RBIs (39) over 146 at-bats, with a .274 average and one steal.

Ezequiel Duran, Texas Rangers

After a breakout 2023 (.276/55/14/46/8 over 406 at-bats) with the Rangers, Duran has struggled over the past two seasons (.235, 28 runs, three home runs, 21 RBIs, and one steal over 293 at-bats). However, over his last seven games at AAA, he went 13-for-28 with nine runs, two home runs, two RBIs, and three stolen bases, earning a recall to replace Cory Seager. His playing time with the Rangers may be inconsistent, but Duran’s streaky bat could provide value.

Outfielders

Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox

Anthony’s last home run came on April 24th, but he’s riding a six-game hitting streak (8-for-23, three runs, and no RBIs) with four walks and six strikeouts. His season stats (.304/27/5/17/3 over 138 at-bats) project to 108 runs, 20 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases over 550 at-bats. His approach (30 walks and 35 strikeouts) remains a strength.

Eloy Jimenez, Tampa Bay Rays

Jimenez remains under the radar for most fantasy players. He enters Friday with a 10-game hitting streak (15-for-43, three runs, one home run, and 11 RBIs) and only six strikeouts. His counting stats (11 runs, two home runs, and 26 RBIs) over 138 at-bats with a .268 average are unremarkable, but increased power could spark fantasy interest.

Colby Thomas, Athletics

Thomas’s 26.5% strikeout rate (48 over 163 at-bats) is a concern at AAA, but his production (.313/35/10/34/2) demands a major league opportunity. He’s on a five-game hitting streak (10-for-23, eight runs, three home runs, eight RBIs) with slight approach improvements (three walks and six strikeouts).

Dominic Canzone, Seattle Mariners

Last year, Canzone struggled with the Mariners (.196/20/9/23 over 168 at-bats), but his current 14-game hitting streak at AAA (21-for-56, 12 runs, seven home runs, and 21 RBIs) suggests another shot in Seattle is imminent.

Carson McCusker, Minnesota Twins

McCusker has excelled over the past month at AAA, hitting .388 with 17 runs, eight home runs, 32 RBIs, and two stolen bases over 98 at-bats. Over his last 159 games between AA and AAA, he hit .302 with 93 runs, 30 home runs, 111 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases over 593 at-bats, though his 28.6% strikeout rate is a concern. Turning 25 soon, he awaits his first major league at-bat.

Starting Pitching

Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies

In his second AAA start, Painter threw 71 pitches, allowing two runs, seven baserunners, and three strikeouts. This season in the minors, he has a 3.26 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 19.1 strikeouts. His average fastball (97.2 mph) graded well in his last outing, complemented by a slider, curveball, and improving changeup.

Joe Boyle, Tampa Bay Rays

Boyle delivered another strong start (no runs, one hit, one walk, and five strikeouts over five innings), lowering his AAA ERA to 1.46 and WHIP to 0.84 over 37.0 innings with 39 strikeouts. With Shane Baz (5.02 ERA) and Taj Bradley (4.80 ERA) trending poorly, Boyle deserves a major league starting role.

Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee’s AAA pitching depth, led by Misiorowski, could propel them up the NL Central standings. Over his last five starts, he allowed one run, 15 hits, and seven walks over 30.2 innings with 38 strikeouts. His high-90s fastball (97.7 mph), cutter, curveball, and occasional changeup are potent, but command remains key to his major league success.

Bubba Chandler, Pittsburgh Pirates

In eight AAA starts this year, Chandler has posted a 1.91 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts over 33.0 innings. His latest outing featured five shutout innings with four hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts, limiting him to five innings and under 70 pitches per start. His 98.2 mph fastball and improving changeup shine, though he needs better breaking pitch location to reach ace status.

Mick Abel, Philadelphia Phillies

With Aaron Nola sidelined by an ankle injury, the Phillies may turn to Abel before Andrew Painter. Abel is on a four-game winning streak, allowing one run per start with 25 baserunners and 25 strikeouts over 25.0 innings. Drafted 15th overall in 2020, his fastball (96.0 mph) is trending up, mixed with a slider, curveball, sinker, and changeup. Early major league struggles are likely.