2025 MLB Prospect Watch: 7 Pitchers Whose Stock is Quickly Rising

LHP Hunter Barco – Pittsburgh Pirates (Triple-A)

Back healthy and dominating, Hunter Barco has reminded everyone why he was once projected as a first-rounder before Tommy John surgery. His 2025 season is off to a dream start with 25 2/3 scoreless innings, flashing a fastball now averaging 93.5 MPH and a filthy splitter that pairs beautifully with his gyro slider. Barco’s release and delivery echo Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds, making his stuff explode late on hitters. The Pittsburgh Pirates are seeing a breakout season from the lefty, who may not be far off from a call-up if he keeps this up. His command, deception, and three-pitch mix make him one of the hottest arms in the minors.

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RHP Ryan Sloan – Seattle Mariners (Low-A)

Still only 19 years old, Seattle Mariners second-rounder Ryan Sloan looks like the next breakout arm in Seattle’s pipeline. Pitching with poise beyond his years, Sloan sports a 3.31 ERA over 16 1/3 innings while flashing a fastball that averages 95.5 MPH and touches 98. His delivery is clean and low-effort, with the potential for more velocity. Sloan’s sweeper is already plus, and his splitter shows signs of becoming a legit out pitch. The polish and pitchability are rare for his age, and Sloan is rapidly rising on prospect radars. He’s a name to circle going forward.

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

RHP Nolan McLean – New York Mets (Triple-A)

A converted two-way player from Oklahoma State, Nolan McLean is making serious noise as a full-time pitcher. After recovering from Tommy John and refining his repertoire in 2024, McLean now wields a filthy mix of high-spin breaking balls, including a curve, sweeper, and gyro slider. In five Double-A starts, he has a 1.37 ERA over 26.1 innings with excellent whiff and ground ball rates. McLean’s fastball and breaking ball shapes have improved dramatically, and he looks poised to crack top prospect lists with continued success. He’s a prime breakout candidate with the stuff to be a future big-league bullpen weapon or back-end starter for the New York Mets.

LHP Brandon Clarke – Boston Red Sox (High-A)

One of the fastest-rising names in the Boston Red Sox farm system, Brandon Clarke has outperformed even aggressive preseason expectations. The 6-foot-4 lefty, a fifth-round JuCo pick just last year, boasts elite athleticism and a high-octane fastball averaging 97 MPH with nasty life from a low release point. In just 14 1/3 innings, he’s racked up 24 strikeouts with a microscopic .063 batting average against. His slider is a devastating weapon and could earn a 70 grade with its sharp break and deception. Clarke still needs to prove durability and develop a consistent third pitch, but he’s showing the upside of a high-leverage bullpen weapon—or even a frontline starter.

LHP Gage Jump – Athletics (High-A)

Gage Jump’s stock is skyrocketing in 2025. The Athletics’ 2024 second-rounder has added two ticks of velocity and commands one of the most explosive fastballs in the minors, combining elite ride and deception. He’s generated 45 strikeouts and walked just five in 31 innings, good for a 2.32 ERA. His slider, sweeper, and curveball give him a deep arsenal, and his strike-throwing consistency has taken a giant leap. Jump’s 76% strike rate on his fastball and his ability to generate ugly swings with his secondaries make him one of the most overwhelming pitchers in High-A right now. Oakland may have landed a steal.

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RHP Sean Linan – Los Angeles Dodgers (Low-A)

An under-the-radar international signing from Colombia, Sean Linan is quickly turning heads. After quietly putting together solid numbers in 2024, the 20-year-old has elevated his fastball velocity this season and paired it with one of the most dominant changeups in all of minor league baseball. Through 29 2/3 innings, Linan has struck out 50 with a 1.21 ERA. His changeup sports an absurd 46% whiff rate and 58% chase rate. While his breaking ball still lags behind, he’s developing a slider that should help him stay ahead of hitters. Linan looks like a lock for a promotion to High-A if this dominance continues.

LHP Hunter Barco – Pittsburgh Pirates (Triple-A)

Back healthy and dominating, Hunter Barco has reminded everyone why he was once projected as a first-rounder before Tommy John surgery. His 2025 season is off to a dream start with 25 2/3 scoreless innings, flashing a fastball now averaging 93.5 MPH and a filthy splitter that pairs beautifully with his gyro slider. Barco’s release and delivery echo Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds, making his stuff explode late on hitters. The Pittsburgh Pirates are seeing a breakout season from the lefty, who may not be far off from a call-up if he keeps this up. His command, deception, and three-pitch mix make him one of the hottest arms in the minors.

For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.