Rising Stars

Jac Caglianone, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Jac Caglianone, the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft, has been promoted to the majors after an impressive stint in the minors. Over 50 games and 228 plate appearances across two minor league levels, Caglianone hit 15 home runs. Known for his majestic power from his time at the University of Florida, he is expected to bring significant power potential to the Royals, despite a likely high strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on him as he could be a top-10 first baseman this season.

Sam Basallo, C, Baltimore Orioles

Sam Basallo, a 20-year-old catcher, has shown promise with 10 home runs and six doubles in 35 games for Triple-A Norfolk. With a solid .891 OPS, Basallo could provide a much-needed offensive boost to the struggling Orioles. He has also played first base and could share catching duties with Adley Rutschman, making him a versatile asset for fantasy managers.

Ronny Mauricio, 2B, New York Mets

After missing the 2024 season due to a torn ACL, Ronny Mauricio has made a strong comeback. Since arriving at Triple-A Syracuse, he has hit .515 with three homers, four steals, and five walks over nine games. His power and speed make him a valuable addition to the Mets' lineup and a promising pick for fantasy managers.

Mick Abel, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Mick Abel is set to get his next big league chance on Wednesday in Toronto. Known for his ability to miss bats, Abel has shown potential despite control issues. His performance in his MLB debut, where he tossed eight shutout innings with nine strikeouts, indicates his long-term potential if he can improve his control.

Falling Prospects

Hagen Smith, LHP, Chicago White Sox

Hagen Smith, the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft, has been sidelined for three weeks due to elbow soreness. While the organization believes he only needs rest, his mixed results in Double-A Birmingham, including 20 walks in 25⅔ innings, make him a risky bet for fantasy managers in redraft formats.

Chase DeLauter, OF, Cleveland Guardians

Chase DeLauter, a 2022 first-round pick, has struggled with injuries and poor performance. After missing the first six weeks of the season, he is hitting just .190 over his first six games at Triple-A Columbus. His inability to stay in the lineup has caused him to tumble in the prospect rankings.

Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies

Aidan Miller, a 2023 first-round selection, is underachieving at Double-A Reading with a .241/.333/.367 slash line. While he is young for the level, the Phillies and fantasy managers expected more power from him. It’s not too late for him to emerge, but statistical relevance in 2025 seems unlikely.

Conclusion

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these rising stars and falling prospects. Players like Jac Caglianone and Ronny Mauricio offer significant upside, while others like Hagen Smith and Chase DeLauter may require caution. Stay proactive and informed to make the best decisions for your fantasy team.