Ranking the Top 5 MLB Prospects That Should Make Opening Day Rosters
Sportsgrid Staff
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1. Jackson Jobe – RHP, Detroit Tigers (No. 3 Ranked Prospect)
The Detroit Tigers may have found the final piece of their rotation in Jackson Jobe. After getting his feet wet in late 2024, including a clutch Wild Card relief appearance, Jobe now has a real shot at a full-time role in 2025.
With Jack Flaherty returning to back up Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jobe is primed to fill one of the remaining rotation spots. His 70-grade fastball and elite-spinning slider (topping 3000 RPMs) give him frontline potential—even if the strikeout numbers aren’t jumping off the page yet.
With a strong spring and few obstacles in his way, Jobe looks like a smart pick to claim the Tigers’ No. 5 spot behind Reese Olson and a healthy Casey Mize.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
5. Christian Moore – 2B, Los Angeles Angels (No. 92 Ranked Prospect)
Christian Moore was already in the mix for a roster spot before Luis Rengifo's injury—now he might be the favorite to start at second base on Opening Day.
Selected eighth overall last year, Moore hit the ground running in his pro debut, and the Los Angeles Angels’ aggressive development philosophy has him in line for a rapid ascent. While some scouts still question his overall hit tool, Moore’s power and athleticism are already translating at the next level.
With an organization not afraid to test its talent early, Moore’s big-league debut may arrive sooner than expected.
4. Kumar Rocker – RHP, Texas Rangers (No. 46 Ranked Prospect)
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The path to the majors hasn’t been a straight line for Kumar Rocker, but the former Vanderbilt star is finally on the brink of his MLB run. With Jon Gray and Cody Bradford battling injuries, Rocker is positioned to slot into the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day rotation.
After Tommy John surgery and a careful rehab period, Rocker has retooled his delivery and sharpened his command. His devastating fastball-slider combo is back, and an improving changeup gives him an added weapon.
Texas may have drafted him for the long term, but the former champs may not be able to wait any longer.
3. Drake Baldwin – C, Atlanta Braves (No. 17 Ranked Prospect)
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What began as a long shot has quickly become a near-lock. Atlanta Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin has taken full advantage of his opportunity this spring, and with Sean Murphy sidelined due to a cracked rib, Baldwin is now the favorite to start behind the plate on Opening Day.
Widely regarded as one of the most polished catchers in the minors, Baldwin entered camp looking MLB-ready. His strong defensive tools and emerging power make him a key asset, especially as Atlanta looks to get back to being NL East champions.
Baldwin’s promotion might have come earlier than expected—but he’s ready for it.
2. Cam Smith – 3B/OF, Houston Astros (No. 15 Ranked Prospect)
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Cam Smith might be the biggest spring riser of any prospect in baseball. After being drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Cubs and flipped to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker deal, he’s quickly made his mark.
In just 11 games, Smith has put up a ridiculous .423/.516/.846 slash line with three home runs and five walks in 31 plate appearances. Even more telling is the trust he’s earned from Houston’s vets and coaching staff—especially as he transitions into right field to potentially fill the void left by Tucker.
All signs point to Smith breaking camp with the big league club—and if spring is any indication, he's here to stay.
1. Jackson Jobe – RHP, Detroit Tigers (No. 3 Ranked Prospect)
The Detroit Tigers may have found the final piece of their rotation in Jackson Jobe. After getting his feet wet in late 2024, including a clutch Wild Card relief appearance, Jobe now has a real shot at a full-time role in 2025.
With Jack Flaherty returning to back up Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jobe is primed to fill one of the remaining rotation spots. His 70-grade fastball and elite-spinning slider (topping 3000 RPMs) give him frontline potential—even if the strikeout numbers aren’t jumping off the page yet.
With a strong spring and few obstacles in his way, Jobe looks like a smart pick to claim the Tigers’ No. 5 spot behind Reese Olson and a healthy Casey Mize.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
5. Christian Moore – 2B, Los Angeles Angels (No. 92 Ranked Prospect)
Christian Moore was already in the mix for a roster spot before Luis Rengifo's injury—now he might be the favorite to start at second base on Opening Day.
Selected eighth overall last year, Moore hit the ground running in his pro debut, and the Los Angeles Angels’ aggressive development philosophy has him in line for a rapid ascent. While some scouts still question his overall hit tool, Moore’s power and athleticism are already translating at the next level.
With an organization not afraid to test its talent early, Moore’s big-league debut may arrive sooner than expected.
