Minor League Barometer: Risers & Fallers

As the season heads into its final month, high-profile prospect promotions have been coming in fast. Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler actually earned a save during his big-league debut while tossing four scoreless innings. Samuel Basallo appears to be the Baltimore's everyday backstop after being called up and immediately inking a lucrative extension. The Red Sox called up "The Password" Jhostynxon Garcia while Carson Williams brings his intriguing power/speed combination to Tampa Bay.

Let's take a look at some other phenoms who could get called up as the calendar turns to September.

See where future major league baseball stars slot into RotoWire's MLB Top Prospects & Rankings for 2025!

UPGRADE

JJ Wetherholt, SS, STL – The Cardinals haven't been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but it'll be an uphill struggle. While they could choose to hold Wetherholt back until 2026, it could be a good idea to let him get his feet wet in September. Triple-A hasn't been much of a test for him since being promoted as he's slashed .301/.391/.628 with nine home runs, 18 RBI and five steals in 29 games. And considering the recent injuries to Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson, Wetherholt could provide a much-needed offensive boost down the stretch.

Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE – Cleveland's facing a similar situation to St. Louis in that they're currently on the outside looking in for the postseason. Like Wetherholt, Bazzana is a first-rounder who's already made his way to Triple-A. And through nine contests since moving up, he's managed more walks (14) than strikeouts (10). The Guardians have struggled to get production out of the middle infield, so Bazzana could be ready to join the parent club.

Sal Stewart, 2B, CIN – Stewart's stock has steadily risen as he's hitting over a combined .300 between Double-A and Triple-A while showing stellar patience at the dish. He's also been able to lean into his power stroke by launching a career-best 17 homers. Add in 16 steals, and Stewart has turned into an elite phenom. Cincinnati is only 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card position and could still use another potent bat even though they acquired Ke'Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar at the deadline.

Moises Ballesteros, C, CHC – The Cubs have been scuffling since the All-Star Break to fall five games behind the Brewers in the NL Central, though they currently hold the top Wild Card spot.  They've already promoted Owen Caissie, and Ballesteros could be next in line as he's produced a .317/.382/.476 line with 11 home runs and 66 RBI across 101 Triple-A appearances. And Miguel Amaya is back on the Injured List while Carson Kelly was enjoying a career campaign before struggling.

CHECK STATUS

Jeferson Quero, C, MIL – Speaking of Milwaukee, the potential addition of a bat like Quero's could only further bolster an already surging squad. Once a top prospect, injuries have slowed his ascent and his path is blocked by William Contreras. Quero has been on fire of late batting .400 with three homers and 15 RBI over the last two weeks. Both Rhys Hoskins and Jackson Chourio should return soon, so Quero may not be able to receive frequent at-bats down the stretch. That being said, the 22-year-old could add depth to a team eyeing a World Series.

Payton Tolle, P, BOS – Tolle has vaulted up the rankings this season, and could even find himself pitching for the big club before the playoffs. The 2024 second-round selection has already worked his way to Triple-A with a 3.04 ERA and 133:23 K:BB from 91.2 innings overall and a 17:2 K:BB during three starts at the current level. The 6'6" southpaw has the heater, control and mentality of a frontline rotation anchor, yet it'll be interesting to see if his secondary pitches can be just as effective in the Majors. Walker Buehler has been removed as a starter, but Tolle is unlikely to be the first option given the relative depth. And if he continues to impress, the Red Sox could give him a look.

Trey Gibson, P, BAL – Gibson has gone from an undrafted free agent two years ago to the edge of joining the Orioles. He's a big-bodied, power pitcher who boasts a vast repertoire and can consistently throw strikes. Gibson is also on his third level this year and has recorded a combined 3.07 ERA and 147:33 K:BB through 99.2 innings. Baltimore has been disappointing, but the development of Gibson is a silver lining where he could even get a couple of September starts before a more formal audition during 2026.

Justin Crawford, OF, PHI – Crawford continues to be a wizard at the dish by hitting .326 with a .406 OBP in 104 Triple-A outings. The 21-year-old has also been busy on the basepaths having racked up 42 steals. Though power is far from Crawford's calling card, he's also contributed 23 doubles, four triples and four homers. The Phillies currently lead the NL East, yet haven't been getting much offense from center and left field. The team certainly doesn't have time to work through potential struggles for a rookie like Crawford, though he may do well enough initially. It'll be interesting to see if he can get some time in the bigs.

Bryce Eldridge, 1B, SF – There were whispers Eldridge could have made the Giants out of spring training before suffering a wrist injury and then a hamstring issue, which has resulted in an uneven campaign. He's displayed exceptional power at Triple-A, but another wrinkle has been added to the mix as the organization made a stunning trade for Rafael Devers - who's now covering first base. Though he's also been regularly used at DH, his presence clouds Eldridge's path to everyday at-bats. Even with San Fran unlikely to make the postseason, Eldridge has gone from a "guaranteed" 2025 MLB premiere to likely having to wait until year.

DOWNGRADE

Brandon Sproat, P, NYM – Perhaps no hurler carried more helium in 2024 than Sproat, yet this season has been far different with inconsistencies at Triple-A by posting a 4.24 ERA and 100:49 K:BB over 110.1 innings. Control continues to be a concern, though he's been far less capable of limiting the damage while his Ks have significantly decreased. Sproat was also passed over by Nolan McLean when the Mets needed a starter earlier in August while strikeout artist Jonah Tong is currently at the same level. There will be some stiff competition for Sproat in the rotation, whether it be September or 2026.

Andrew Painter, P, PHI – After two years out due to injury, Painter's return to the mound has been far from smooth. Perhaps predictably, the 6'7" righty has struggled with command with a 5.11 ERA and 87:38 K:BB during 86.1 innings at Triple-A. Painter has been particularly wild this month by struggling to a 7.36 ERA while also allowing 14 home runs through 18 starts at this level compared to only five across 22 during 2022. He's still only 22 and his future remains exceptionally bright, but it appears less likely he'll be of use to the Phillies for the current campaign.