The Baltimore Orioles were terrible in 2021, losing 110 games, and their moribund offense certainly played a role. The organization figured it could construct a formidable lineup with high draft picks, and look at them now! They sure did. The Orioles are currently headed for their second consecutive playoff appearance, led by C Adley Rutschman, 3B/SS Gunnar Henderson, SS/2B Jackson Holliday alongside other highly drafted hitters.
Meanwhile, a bit lower in the AL East, this season's Boston Red Sox remain in contention for a playoff spot -- and offense really has not been a problem as they enter Tuesday ranked fourth in runs per game. Still, the offense may look different in 2025, thanks to a mighty influx of young talent reminiscent of the recent Orioles. Sure, every team boasts an intriguing, young hitting prospect or two. Then there are the Orioles and Red Sox.
Several highly regarded Red Sox prospects seem likely to debut next season and those in fantasy dynasty/keeper formats must continue to keep an eye on their progress. The season is winding down for Triple-A Worcester, but if you want to catch the future of the Boston lineup meshing with veterans 3B Rafael Devers, 1B Triston Casas and others, here it is. Pay attention, fantasy managers!
Roman Anthony, OF: Anthony, a second-round prep pick in the 2022 draft, recently turned 20, but he is already just one level away from the major leagues after hitting .269/.367/.489 with 15 homers and 16 steals at Double-A Portland. Anthony boasts a coveted left-handed swing with power potential. Boston's outfield may appear crowded, led by Jarren Duran and Tyler O'Neill, but Anthony should find a spot next season. Always bet on talent. The Orioles certainly figured out where to put everyone.
Marcelo Mayer, SS: Mayer, a 2021 first-round selection, was recently promoted from Portland, where he slashed .307/.370/.480 over 77 games, with eight home runs and 13 steals. He hasn't played in August due to a hip injury, but he seems likely to win the open starting shortstop job next spring, with interesting OF/SS Ceddanne Rafaela moving back to center field. Mayer makes considerable hard contact and scouts believe the power is coming.
Kyle Teel, C: Teel earned his promotion to Triple-A last week, after providing a .298/.390/.462 line at Portland, with 11 homers and nine steals. Yes, we like catchers who steal bases, in addition to drawing walks and hitting for power. The 2023 first-round pick from Virginia may start 2025 in the minors, but veteran C Connor Wong is not blocking Teel. A top-10 fantasy catcher lurks.
Kristian Campbell, OF: Campbell wasn't supposed to be a top prospect -- certainly not after lasting until the fourth round of the 2023 draft -- but he is hitting .362/.463/.582 at Double-A Portland, with 17 stolen bases in 56 games and nearly as many walks as strikeouts. Campbell has played center field and shortstop, but he may end up at second base in the majors. This reminds of Orioles 2B/3B Jordan Westburg. He hit, and the Orioles found a position for him.
Fantasy managers spend too much time worrying about how pieces fit together in baseball organizations. Talent shines through, just like it has for the Orioles, and for the players deemed expendable, such as 2B/OF Connor Norby and OF Kyle Stowers, they found regular work after the trade to the Miami Marlins. Next year's Red Sox will blend proven veterans with exciting youngsters such as Mayer, Anthony and more. It should be fun.
Other hitters likely to debut in 2025
Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals: The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft (behind Pirates RHP Paul Skenes) may debut for Washington soon, but if not, he should start the 2025 campaign in the majors. Crews has not delivered awesome minor league statistics, with only a .265/.338/.448 line across two levels this season with 12 home runs and 23 steals, but there is pedigree and little blocking him in the majors.
Walker Jenkins, OF, Minnesota Twins: The No. 5 pick in the 2023 draft, Jenkins remains a teenager at 19, but he is moving quickly through the low minors, showing extra-base power and excellent plate discipline. He should start next season in Double-A, and while it seems a leap for him to reach the majors in 2025, if he hits, he will get there.
Matthew Shaw, SS/2B, Chicago Cubs: Shaw, a Maryland product able to play anywhere in the infield, seemed to be a possibility for promotion this season with the Cubs lacking a third baseman, as he hit .279/.373/.468 with 14 home runs and 25 steals for Double-A Tennessee. Alas, he did not skip Triple-A and the organization traded for Isaac Paredes. Shaw profiles as a significant bat for next season.
Carson Williams, SS, Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa Bay's "shortstop of the future" should be ready to win the starting role next spring, as he is hitting .258/.359/.464 with 15 homers and 29 stolen bases at Double-A Montgomery, with a strong walk rate. This has been a breakout season for so many young shortstops -- Bobby Witt Jr., Henderson, Elly De La Cruz, Zach Neto, Masyn Winn, Ezequiel Tovar. Mayer and Williams should join them on fantasy rosters in 2025.
Charlie Condon, 1B, Colorado Rockies: The No. 3 pick in this season's draft could have gone first, for when we combine his power profile with his eventual home altitudinal ballpark, this is likely the top new option for dynasty formats. Condon hit 37 home runs over 60 games this season for Georgia. He should start next season in Double-A, and he will move quickly. Do not worry about which position he ends up playing. Just enjoy the hitting numbers.