National League Welcomes Top 30 Graduated Prospects of 2025

The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) is shifting as the 2025 season welcomes a new wave of talent. A collaborative evaluation by Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper, Matt Eddy, and Geoff Pontes has identified the top 30 graduated prospects from the National League. These players have moved past their rookie status by surpassing specific thresholds in playing time and performance metrics.

To qualify, players must have exceeded 130 career at-bats, 50 career innings, or 45 days of active MLB service. Notably, top talents like Bubba Chandler, Bryce Eldridge, and Nolan McLean remain eligible for rookie status in 2026 and were not included in this analysis.

Highlights of the Top Graduated Prospects

The top prospect, Drake Baldwin, a catcher for the Atlanta Braves, stands out with an impressive upside grade of 60, suggesting potential as an occasional All-Star. Baldwin has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, including notable offensive consistency and solid defensive capabilities. At just 25 years old, he has already made a significant impact by starting 85 games in his rookie season.

Following Baldwin, Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs earned a 65 upside role, indicative of a potential No. 2 or 3 starter. Despite a rib fracture ending his season prematurely, Horton’s mid-90s fastball and array of pitches have established him as a key player for the Cubs.

Another standout is Chase Burns from the Cincinnati Reds, who holds a similar 70 upside grade. Burns was a second overall draft pick in 2024, showcasing elite strikeout potential and command that led to his rapid ascent to the major leagues.

Not to be overlooked, Jacob Misiorowski, a right-handed pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, recorded an average fastball speed of 99.3 mph, making him one of the hardest throwers in the league. His 94 mph slider and 87 mph curveball add to his arsenal, positioning him as a promising starting pitcher.

Additional Notable Prospects

Among the list, Matt Shaw of the Cubs and Roki Sasaki from the Dodgers present intriguing profiles. Shaw’s rookie season was marked by ups and downs, but he has the potential to be a solid third baseman. Sasaki, after a challenging start to his MLB career, showed resilience and the ability to perform under pressure during the Dodgers’ World Series run.

Other promising players include Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals, who, despite an injury-interrupted season, has demonstrated the tools to be a first-division center fielder. Chase Dollander, pitching for the Rockies, faces challenges adapting to the high-altitude environment of Coors Field but remains a player to watch.

The full list reveals a diverse group of talent across various positions, emphasizing the potential for these players to contribute significantly to their teams in the coming seasons. Each player’s performance will be closely monitored as they transition fully into their roles as major leaguers.

As the MLB continues to evolve, the graduation of these prospects marks an important step in shaping the future of the league. Fans and teams alike will be eager to see how these players capitalize on their opportunities and develop into the stars of tomorrow. The 2025 season not only celebrates these graduates but also highlights the ongoing commitment to nurturing talent within the sport.