Every year as a new season approaches, MLB Pipeline shifts its focus to predicting breakout prospects for the upcoming campaign. In this space last year, we highlighted Josue De Paula (Dodgers), Bryce Eldridge (Giants), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), Jacob Melton (Astros), Lazaro Montes (Mariners), Travis Sykora (Nationals), James Triantos (Cubs), Ralphy Velazquez (Guardians), and Thomas White (Marlins). Each of these players ended the 2024 season ranked among the Top 100 Prospects.
Now, as we gear up for 2025, we’re ready to take another shot at predicting future stars. Here’s a potential breakout prospect from each of the 30 MLB farm systems:
American League East
Blue Jays: Sean Keys, 3B (No. 24)
A standout at Bucknell with a .358 career batting average, Keys transitioned smoothly to pro ball, hitting .293/.378/.451 in 22 games for Single-A Dunedin. His developing power and improving approach at the plate make him a candidate to rise quickly in Toronto’s system, regardless of his defensive position.
Orioles: Emilio Sanchez, SS (No. 23)
Signed for $1.3 million in January 2024 as the No. 30 international prospect, Sanchez is an athletic left-handed hitting shortstop with the potential to hit well and stay at a premium position. A strong debut in the U.S. could boost his profile in 2025.
Rays: Theo Gillen, OF (No. 5)
Though first-round picks are rarely under the radar, Gillen, Tampa Bay’s 18th overall pick, could make a splash in his first full season. With a sweet left-handed swing, above-average power, and improving speed after recovering from a knee injury, Gillen has the tools to become a Top 100 prospect in a deep Rays system.
Red Sox: Conrad Cason, RHP/SS (No. 15)
Cason, an eighth-round pick in 2024 who signed for $1.25 million, offers two-way potential with a fastball touching 98 mph and 20-homer power as a shortstop. His professional debut in 2025 will help determine his long-term role.
Yankees: George Lombard Jr., INF (No. 3)
A 2023 first-rounder and son of former MLB player George Lombard, Lombard Jr. is a strong defensive shortstop with solid tools across the board. He hit .231/.338/.334 with five homers and 39 steals over 110 games in Class A, showing potential for further development.
American League Central
Guardians: Welbyn Francisca, SS/2B (No. 9)
Signed for $1.375 million in 2023, Francisca impressed with his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, slashing .326/.411/.474 with seven homers and 19 steals across Rookie ball and Single-A in 2024. Another Dominican infielder poised for a breakout in Cleveland’s system.
Royals: Asbel Gonzalez, OF (No. 20)
Known for his outstanding defense and speed in center field, Gonzalez has also demonstrated strong on-base skills with a .398 OBP in 2024. At just 19 years old in 2025, improvements in his swing could elevate him to a top prospect.
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