Rising Stars and Breakout Prospects: MLB's Top Fantasy Baseball Phenoms to Watch in 2025

Pitching Prospects Dominating the Radar

Bubba Chandler (RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates) continues to electrify Triple-A Indianapolis with a 46% strikeout rate and 1.69 ERA through three starts. His arsenal – featuring a 101.5 mph fastball, 90-mph slider, and evolving changeup – makes him the most-rostered pitching prospect in ESPN leagues. Despite control issues (20 BB in 50 Triple-A IP), his imminent MLB debut aligns with Pittsburgh's thinning rotation after Jared Jones' injury.

Andrew Painter (RHP, Philadelphia Phillies) resurfaces post-Tommy John surgery, retiring four batters in his Single-A return. The Phillies plan a July MLB debut for the triple-digit flamethrower, whose progression mirrors Chandler's ace potential.

Hitters on the Verge

• Nick Kurtz (1B, Oakland Athletics): Crushing a 1.226 OPS with 7 HR in 14 games, the Thome-esque slugger could displace Tyler Soderstrom as Oakland's DH soon.
• Sal Stewart (2B, Cincinnati Reds): A .290/.362/.581 slash line and 4 SB at Double-A highlights this contact-power hybrid. His walk-off grand slam signals MLB readiness.
• Hyeseong Kim (2B, LA Dodgers): The KBO star rebounded from spring struggles to post a .581 SLG% at Triple-A, positioning himself as a midseason infield solution.

Prospect Watch: Rising vs Falling

Stock Up

• Zebby Matthews (RHP, Twins): 1.80 ERA and 13 K/10 IP at Triple-A St. Paul makes him Pablo López's heir apparent.

Stock Down

• Colson Montgomery (SS, White Sox): A 48% strikeout rate at Triple-A casts doubt on his MLB ETA.
• Quinn Mathews (LHP, Cardinals): Shoulder woes and 15 BB in 55 PA derail his rotation bid.

Strategic Fantasy Insights

• Stash Now: Chandler and Painter remain premium dynasty assets despite service-time delays.
• Sell High: Thomas Harrington's 6-run MLB debut exposed command issues; temper expectations.
• Buy Low: Walker Jenkins' ankle injury masks elite upside – target in keeper leagues.

Data through April 15, 2025. All stats via ESPN Prospect Analytics.