Bold 2025 predictions for MLB's top prospects - ESPN

Over the past week-plus, we have ranked the best prospects and farm systems in baseball going into the 2025 MLB season. Now it's time to have some fun with our lists by making bold prospect predictions for the year ahead.

Which players will put up eye-popping numbers this season? Which names make our way-too-early 2026 top-10 list — including a new No. 1 prospect? Here are some hot takes about the young stars who will be the talk of the sport this season and beyond.

Top 100 | 101-200 | Farm system rankings | Team top 10 lists

The Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect stole 74 bases last season across High-A and Double-A and is perhaps the best base stealer (think instincts) in the minor leagues and probably the second-fastest runner (more on that soon). It's really just a matter of health, getting the green light and wanting to do it.

Baltimore has a ton of young hitters and doesn't really promote prospects quickly, so while Bradfield could contribute in the second half as a starter/pinch runner/defensive replacement, he definitely will be needed either in September or the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect is the fastest runner in the minor leagues and stole 104 bases across High-A and Double-A last season. He is one of the most intriguing prospects in the sport.

The Rays are slated to start Jonny DeLuca in center field, Christopher Morel in left field and a Jonathan Aranda/Eloy Jimenez platoon at designated hitter. That's not inspiring, and Tampa Bay loves to have a standout defender in center, which that group lacks. Simpson is the kind of player who does a simple thing (spray grounders and line drives) that doesn't call for the same amount of Triple-A seasoning that a power-and-patience slugger needs, so