2025 MLB Breakout Stars: Names You Need to Know NOW

2025 MLB Breakout Candidates: Prospects Poised to Shine in New Roles

The beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability—the way a once-unheralded prospect can morph into a household name with one swing, one pitch, or one season. As the 2025 MLB campaign dawns, a fresh wave of talent is primed to explode onto the scene, armed with revamped roles, refined skills, and the kind of upside that turns fantasy leaguers into clairvoyants. From fireballing pitchers defying their prospect rankings to outfielders rewriting scouting reports, here are the names you need to know before they become the talk of every sports bar from Queens to San Diego.

Outfielders: The Next Generation of Five-Tool Phenoms

James Wood, Washington Nationals
At 6’7” and 240 pounds, James Wood isn’t just a physical specimen—he’s a problem. The Nationals’ rookie sensation slashed .264/.354/.427 in 2024, but his underlying metrics scream “breakout.” A 14.5% barrel rate (top 8% of MLB) and 112.3 mph max exit velocity hint at untapped power, and with Washington committing to him as their everyday left fielder, 30 homers aren’t just possible—they’re probable. As Rotoballer notes, Wood’s ability to punish fastballs (.298 xBA vs. four-seamers) makes him a nightmare for pitchers clinging to velocity.

Heliot Ramos, San Francisco Giants
Ramos’ 2024 breakout (22 HR, .817 OPS) was merely a teaser. The Giants’ right fielder has trimmed his strikeout rate from 28.4% to 21.1% since July, pairing it with a 92nd-percentile hard-hit rate. With Oracle Park’s right-field wall now a cozy 309 feet (down from 339), Ramos’ pull-heavy swing could turn 25 homers into 35. “He’s our middle-of-the-order anchor,” manager Bob Melvin told NBC Sports. “And he’s just scratching the surface.”

Dylan Crews, Washington Nationals
The No. 2 overall pick in 2023, Crews’ late-2024 debut (.281/.343/.462 in 28 games) showcased why he’s a fantasy darling. His 70-grade speed (4.1 seconds home-to-first) and 95th-percentile sprint speed translate to 25+ steal potential, while a 10.8% walk rate underscores his maturity. With Victor Robles traded to Miami, Crews will patrol center field daily—and could mirror Julio Rodríguez’s 20/40 rookie campaign.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
PCA’s 2024 was a rollercoaster (.237 BA, 15 HR, 22 SB), but his second-half surge (.289/.341/.497 post-All-Star break) revealed his ceiling. The Cubs’ new leadoff hitter has leveraged a shortened swing to cut his whiff rate by 9%, and his 29.1 ft/s sprint speed (3rd in MLB) ensures havoc on the bases. Imaginary Brick Wall projects him as a “poor man’s Corbin Carroll,” but with better defense—a recipe for 20/30 production.

Pitchers: From Under-the-Radar Arms to Ace Material

Emiliano Teodo, Texas Rangers
Teodo isn’t just a breakout candidate—he’s a cheat code. The Dominican righty dominated Double-A in 2024 (1.98 ERA, 11.7 K/9) with a triple-digit sinker and a slider that drops off the table. After striking out Shohei Ohtani twice in a spring training showdown, he’s locked in as Texas’ No. 5 starter. “His stuff is unhittable when he’s in the zone,” raved Nolan Writin’. Expect a sub-3.50 ERA and 150+ Ks if he harnesses his command.

Spencer Schwellenbach
Once a college shortstop, Schwellenbach’s transition to pitching has been nothing short of surreal. His 2024 minors campaign (2.11 ERA, 33% K rate) featured a 97 mph fastball and a splitter that induced a 42% whiff rate. Now thrust into Atlanta’s rotation, his unique athleticism (he still takes grounders at third base) and repeatable delivery have Rotoballer dubbing him “this year’s Spencer Strider.” Cy Young contention? Don’t bet against it.

Brandon Pfaadt, Arizona Diamondbacks
Pfaadt’s 2024 (4.02 ERA, 22.1% K rate) was a tale of bad luck (.342 BABIP) and bad defense (17 unearned runs). But his 3.28 FIP and elite chase rate (32.1%, 8th in MLB) suggest an ace in hiding. With Arizona’s infield defense upgraded (Matt Chapman signing), Pfaadt’s sinker/slider combo could fuel a sub-3.50 ERA breakout. “He’s our secret weapon,” said pitching coach Brent Strom.

The Wild Cards: Prospects Redefining Their Trajectories

Sebastian Walcott, Texas Rangers
The Rangers’ top prospect wowed at the MLB Spring Breakout game, launching a 450-foot homer off Paul Skenes. At 19, his 6’4” frame and 70-grade raw power have scouts comparing him to a young Josh Donaldson. Though he’ll start in Triple-A, a midseason call-up to replace Marcus Semien at second base isn’t just possible—it’s probable.

Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates
Griffin, the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft, is already turning heads with his 80-grade speed (3.8s home-to-first) and effortless power. The Pirates plan to fast-track him to right field by July, where his combo of 25 HR/40 SB potential could make him the NL’s answer to Gunnar Henderson.

The Bottom Line (For Now)

Breakouts aren’t born—they’re engineered. Wood’s raw power, Teodo’s filthy arsenal, and Schwellenbach’s unprecedented rise are reminders that baseball’s future is always brighter than its past. But stay tuned: Part 2 will dive into under-the-radar infielders, bullpen gems, and why one catcher in the AL Central is poised to shatter expectations. Because in 2025, the next superstar isn’t just coming—they’re already here.

2025 MLB Breakout Candidates: Prospects Poised to Shine in New Roles (Part 2)

Infielders: Hidden Gems Ready to Sparkle

Colt Keith, Detroit Tigers
Colt Keith’s 2024 rookie season (.247/.310/.408) didn’t scream “superstar,” but delve deeper. The Tigers’ third baseman posted a 90th-percentile hard-hit rate (49.1%) and trimmed his strikeout rate to 18.3% after August. With Spencer Torkelson shifting to DH, Keith’s defensive reps at third will solidify his rhythm. His .352 xwOBA against breaking balls suggests a 25-homer floor, and Rotoballer pegs him as a top-10 fantasy third baseman. “He’s the heartbeat of our infield,” skipper A.J. Hinch told reporters.

Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays
Caminero’s 2024 cup of coffee (.301/.333/.602 in 19 games) was a fireworks display. The 21-year-old’s 119.8 mph max exit velocity led all MLB hitters with 50+ PAs, and his 80-grade raw power is already translating. With Tampa Bay trading Isaac Paredes, Caminero will anchor third base daily. His 18.9% chase rate (better than Juan Soto’s) and 95th-percentile barrel rate make him a lock for 30+ homers. “He’s got the quickest hands I’ve ever seen,” raved hitting coach Chad Mottola.

Orelvis Martinez, Toronto Blue Jays
Martinez’s 2024 Triple-A dominance (.278/.344/.587, 34 HR) forced Toronto’s hand. The Blue Jays’ new second baseman replaces Whit Merrifield, and his uppercut swing is tailor-made for Rogers Centre’s left-field porch. Though his 27.5% strikeout rate raises eyebrows, Martinez’s 18.4% walk rate and .401 xwOBA on fastballs hint at All-Star upside. NBC Sports notes his swing adjustments could make him “this year’s version of Bobby Witt Jr.”

Bullpen Gems: Relievers Turned Dominators

Mason Miller, Oakland Athletics
Miller’s 2024 was derailed by a forearm strain, but his September return (14.1 IP, 0.63 ERA, 48% K rate) showcased pure filth. The A’s closer now throws a 103 mph fastball paired with an 89 mph slider that’s holding hitters to a .087 BA. With Oakland’s offense still suspect, Miller’s save chances will pile up. Rotoballer predicts he’ll lead the AL in saves while flirting with 150 strikeouts.

Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers
Uribe’s 2024 breakout (2.31 ERA, 38.7% K rate) was overshadowed by Devin Williams’ dominance—until now. With Williams sidelined until July, Uribe’s 100 mph sinker and 91 mph slurve will anchor Milwaukee’s ninth inning. His 62.3% groundball rate neutralizes lefties (.189 BA), and his 35.1% whiff rate on splitters could make him the NL’s most untouchable reliever. “He’s got Mariano Rivera’s demeanor,” said catcher William Contreras.

The Catcher: AL Central’s Rising Star

Edgar Quero, Chicago White Sox
Quero, acquired in the Lucas Giolito trade, is rewriting the catcher archetype. The switch-hitting 21-year-old mashed .291/.381/.522 at Triple-A Charlotte, showcasing 70-grade power from both sides of the plate. With Max Stassi battling chronic knee issues, Quero’s elite framing (84th percentile in minors) and 55% caught-stealing rate will make him Chicago’s everyday backstop. His .930 OPS against lefties and .901 against righties suggest a rare 25-homer, .280 BA season. “He’s Yogi Berra with Mike Piazza’s bat,” joked GM Chris Getz.

The Final Word

The 2025 season isn’t just about the stars you know—it’s about the names you’ll memorize by October. Keith’s thunderous swings, Miller’s triple-digit heat, and Quero’s dual-threat mastery are threads in baseball’s ever-evolving tapestry. As these prospects seize their moments, remember: today’s curiosity is tomorrow’s legend. So keep your eyes on the diamond, your fantasy lineups updated, and your debates ready. The future of MLB isn’t on the horizon—it’s digging into the batter’s box, toeing the rubber, and rewriting history one pitch at a time.

Lucy