MLB’s Next Wave: Top Rookies Poised to Make Noise in 2025 (MLB Gift Ideas!)

Keith Law’s prospect rankings are always about the long game – identifying players with the highest ceilings, regardless of their proximity to the majors. But what if you’re looking for immediate impact? Who are the rookies (Top Rookies) most likely to make a significant contribution right now in the 2025 season?

That’s the question we’re tackling here, pulling from Law’s expert analysis to highlight 25 prospects who are positioned for meaningful roles. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about opportunity. A player with a guaranteed starting job from Opening Day has a massive advantage over someone stuck in Triple-A until May.

(Note: We’re focusing on traditional MLB prospects, so international league veterans aren’t included, even though some, like Roki Sasaki, are expected to dominate.)

Here’s a glimpse at the top contenders, along with some key takeaways:

The Headliners:

Matt Shaw, 3B, Chicago Cubs: Shaw seems destined to man the hot corner in Chicago, thanks to his impressive hitting ability that’s translated all the way to Triple-A. While no top rookies are sure, Shaw’s consistent contact and offensive prowess make him a strong bet for immediate impact.

Kumar Rocker, RHP, Texas Rangers: Rocker’s already penciled into the Rangers’ rotation, potentially as high as the No. 3 spot. The question isn’t his ability—he projects as at least league average—but his workload, given his recent Tommy John surgery.

Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals: As the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, Crews has a clear path to everyday playing time in the Nationals’ outfield. Expect solid average and above-average defense, although he may experience some initial growing pains against MLB pitching.

Intriguing Arms:

Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers: Widely considered one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, Jobe boasts electric stuff and a manager (A.J. Hinch) who already trusts him in high-leverage situations. Health will be key for Jobe, who is looking to make an impact in the upcoming season.

Rhett Lowder, RHP, Cincinnati Reds: Lowder is a major-league-ready starter, poised to be a valuable asset in the Reds’ rotation. An elbow issue might delay his debut, but he’s expected to deliver league-average performance when healthy.

The Wild Cards:

Jasson Domínguez, OF, New York Yankees: “The Martian” should be patrolling center field for the Yankees, especially following recovery from Tommy John surgery. His impressive Triple-A numbers demonstrate his potential, but his performance may vary depending on matchups due to his switch-hitting abilities.

Jacob Wilson, SS, Oakland Athletics: Wilson’s lack of power is a concern, but he’s likely to be the Athletics’ starting shortstop. Solid defense at a premium position can make him a valuable contributor, even if his offensive numbers are modest.

The Opportunity-Knocking Contingent:

The rest of the list is filled with players like Kristian Campbell (Red Sox), Sean Burke (White Sox), Roman Anthony (Red Sox), and Coby Mayo (Orioles) who possess talent but face varying degrees of positional logjams or questions about their readiness. Watch for these players to capitalize on injuries, trades, or simply outperforming expectations.

And speaking of Knocking it out of the park…

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The Takeaway:

The 2025 MLB season promises a fresh wave of talent, with these 25 rookies poised to make their mark. While predicting their exact level of impact is always a challenge, these players have the skills and the opportunity to be difference-makers for their respective teams. Keep an eye on them as the season unfolds.