National League Unveils Top 30 Graduated Prospects for 2025

As the 2025 Major League Baseball season comes to a close, Baseball America has identified its top 30 graduated prospects from the National League. This evaluation, conducted by analysts J.J. Cooper, Matt Eddy, and Geoff Pontes, serves to highlight young players who are poised for future success based on their performance and potential.

The criteria for eligibility included players who lost their rookie status in 2025, defined by exceeding 130 career at-bats, 50 career innings, or 45 career days of active MLB service. Notably, players retaining their rookie status for the next season, such as Bubba Chandler and Bryce Eldridge, were excluded from this list.

Top Graduated Prospects Highlighted

The top prospect, Drake Baldwin, a catcher for the Atlanta Braves, stands out with a projected upside role of 60, indicating potential as an occasional All-Star. At just 25 years old in 2026, Baldwin has established himself by producing a notable three-win season while showcasing strong contact skills and near-average fielding ability. His consistency, reflected in 85 games played behind the plate, is a promising sign for future performance.

Following Baldwin is Cade Horton, a right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, whose upside role is rated at 65, indicating he could develop into a solid No. 2 or 3 starter. Despite a rib fracture that cut his season short, Horton demonstrated impressive pitching capabilities, including a mid-90s fastball and a diverse arsenal to keep hitters guessing.

Another significant entry is Chase Burns, drafted second overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 2024. With an upside role of 70, Burns combines elite velocity and strikeout potential, making him a standout among young pitchers. His command and swing-and-miss stuff position him as a strong candidate for future success.

Not to be overlooked, Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers also holds a 70 upside role. Averaging 99.3 mph on his fastball, Misiorowski is known for his impressive breaking pitches and potential to excel in the rotation as he hones his control.

Emerging Talents with High Potential

The list continues with notable names such as Matt Shaw, third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, who has shown flashes of power and speed, and Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is working to establish himself after a challenging start to his career.

Additionally, Dylan Crews, an outfielder for the Washington Nationals, remains a player to watch despite not yet fully meeting expectations as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023. His speed and on-base ability, coupled with a strong 2025 rookie season, indicate that he could still develop into a vital asset for his team.

The list also features players like Chase Dollander from the Colorado Rockies, who is working to adapt to the challenges of pitching at Coors Field. His performance highlights the potential for improvement as he adjusts to the demanding environment.

Overall, this year’s list of graduated prospects reflects a mix of established talent and emerging players. As these young athletes transition into their roles in Major League Baseball, their development will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The future of the National League appears bright, with these prospects leading the charge into the next generation of baseball stars.