MLB · 2 months ago

7 MLB Prospects to Help Top World Series Contenders’ Playoff Push

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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OF Justin Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies already have one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, but Justin Crawford could add another dynamic element. Long considered a speed-first prospect, Crawford has developed into a legitimate offensive weapon, slashing .328/.406/.439 with a 128 wRC+ at Triple-A.

His ability to get on base, wreak havoc with his legs, and spray line drives would fit seamlessly into October baseball. In front of a raucous Philadelphia crowd, Crawford’s style of play could prove contagious — and provide the Phillies with yet another advantage in a deep playoff run.

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SP Brandon Sproat, New York Mets
The New York Mets’ wave of young pitching isn’t limited to top prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Brandon Sproat has shown flashes of dominance, with electric stuff that scouts project as future frontline material. His numbers at Triple-A haven’t matched the tools, as command inconsistencies have led to a 4.50 ERA. Still, New York is experimenting with Sproat out of the bullpen, where his fastball-slider combo could thrive.

If he settles into a high-leverage relief role, Sproat could give the Mets a much-needed late-inning weapon come playoff time.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
OF Owen Caissie, Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs resisted trading Owen Caissie at the deadline, and it may pay off in a big way. Chicago’s offense could use extra outfield help to assist Kyle Tucker. Enter Caissie, who ripped over 20 homers at Triple-A before his call-up. In his first handful of MLB games, he’s shown flashes of the same power that made him one of the sport’s buzziest young hitters. If the Cubs are going to claw their way into October, Caissie’s bat may be the spark this lineup desperately needs against playoff-caliber pitching.

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SP Jonah Tong, New York Mets
The New York Mets’ farm system continues to churn out arms, and Jonah Tong might be the most electric of them all. The right-hander struck out 162 batters in just over 100 Double-A innings, dominating to a 1.59 ERA before breezing through Triple-A.

Now in the majors, Tong brings swing-and-miss stuff that could stabilize a shaky Mets staff. New York has struggled for consistent rotation depth since the trade deadline, but Tong’s arrival adds another weapon.

If the Mets are still playing deep into October, Tong may be the X-factor that allows their pitching to keep pace with elite postseason lineups.

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SS Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are firmly in the playoff picture, but have gotten little production at shortstop. That’s where Kevin McGonigle comes in. The top prospect in baseball has torched Double-A pitching, posting a .985 OPS and 180 wRC+. He’s showing elite plate discipline, walking more often than striking out, and looks polished well beyond his 21 years.

With Javier Báez shifting more to center field, the Tigers have a glaring hole in the middle infield. Calling up McGonigle would be aggressive, but his upside could push Detroit from contender to legitimate World Series threat this fall.
C/DH Jeferson Quero, Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of MLB’s most consistent teams in 2025, but they could soon get a major boost behind the plate. Jeferson Quero has returned healthy and is raking at Triple-A, hitting .285 with five homers and a .462 slugging percentage across 42 games. At just 22 years old, Quero is part of Milwaukee’s exciting young core, and his bat-to-ball skills could slot nicely into the Brewers’ October lineup.

With the postseason often hinging on catching depth and timely hitting, Quero might be exactly the kind of reinforcement that pushes Milwaukee over the top.
SP Nolan McLean, New York Mets
The New York Mets are counting on more than veterans to carry them into October. Nolan McLean has burst onto the scene, flashing strikeout stuff and big-game poise. After dominating Triple-A with a sub-2.50 ERA, he’s been electric in the majors, posting a 0.89 ERA through three starts. His eight-inning gem against the Philadelphia Phillies showed frontline ace potential.

With New York’s rotation posting an ERA north of 5.00 since the deadline, McLean’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. The Mets sit within striking distance of the NL East crown, and McLean looks like a legitimate difference-maker in a postseason race.
OF Justin Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies already have one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, but Justin Crawford could add another dynamic element. Long considered a speed-first prospect, Crawford has developed into a legitimate offensive weapon, slashing .328/.406/.439 with a 128 wRC+ at Triple-A.

His ability to get on base, wreak havoc with his legs, and spray line drives would fit seamlessly into October baseball. In front of a raucous Philadelphia crowd, Crawford’s style of play could prove contagious — and provide the Phillies with yet another advantage in a deep playoff run.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
SP Brandon Sproat, New York Mets
The New York Mets’ wave of young pitching isn’t limited to top prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Brandon Sproat has shown flashes of dominance, with electric stuff that scouts project as future frontline material. His numbers at Triple-A haven’t matched the tools, as command inconsistencies have led to a 4.50 ERA. Still, New York is experimenting with Sproat out of the bullpen, where his fastball-slider combo could thrive.

If he settles into a high-leverage relief role, Sproat could give the Mets a much-needed late-inning weapon come playoff time.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

7 MLB Prospects to Help Top World Series Contenders’ Playoff Push

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