As we move into the dog days of summer, non-contenders will look to give their top prospects a taste of the majors, while playoff hopefuls may turn to the farm for a late-season boost. September 16 is the important date to note, as any prospects who debut from that point on will still retain their rookie eligibility for 2026. This list highlights 10 minor leaguers worth stashing who could make an impact over the remainder of the 2025 season. Thanks for reading, and feel free to reach out in the comments or on X (@jerschneid14) with any questions or thoughts!
Stats updated through the afternoon of August 12
Nolan McLean, SP, Mets (#46, #9 SP, #4 NYM)
McLean has emerged as one of the Mets' top breakout arms in 2025 and is reported to be getting a big-league audition Saturday. Since his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse on May 9, the right-hander has posted a 2.99 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 10 K/9 across 87.1 innings in 16 appearances. He's been especially sharp lately, logging a 1.96 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over 23 innings in his last four outings. While control isn't his biggest strength, his 3.9 BB/9 in Triple-A is manageable and in line with his career norms. The 24-year-old's repertoire could still use more polish, but his wipeout slider/sweeper gives him a major-league-ready weapon to build around.
With Frankie Montas reportedly moving to the bullpen, a rotation spot has opened up in Queens. Paul Blackburn (shoulder)
As we move into the dog days of summer, non-contenders will look to give their top prospects a taste of the majors, while playoff hopefuls may turn to the farm for a late-season boost. September 16 is the important date to note, as any prospects who debut from that point on will still retain their rookie eligibility for 2026. This list highlights 10 minor leaguers worth stashing who could make an impact over the remainder of the 2025 season. Thanks for reading, and feel free to reach out in the comments or on X (@jerschneid14) with any questions or thoughts!
Stats updated through the afternoon of August 12
Nolan McLean, SP, Mets (#46, #9 SP, #4 NYM)
McLean has emerged as one of the Mets' top breakout arms in 2025 and is reported to be getting a big-league audition Saturday. Since his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse on May 9, the right-hander has posted a 2.99 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 10 K/9 across 87.1 innings in 16 appearances. He's been especially sharp lately, logging a 1.96 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over 23 innings in his last four outings. While control isn't his biggest strength, his 3.9 BB/9 in Triple-A is manageable and in line with his career norms. The 24-year-old's repertoire could still use more polish, but his wipeout slider/sweeper gives him a major-league-ready weapon to build around.
With Frankie Montas reportedly moving to the bullpen, a rotation spot has opened up in Queens. Paul Blackburn (shoulder) isn't ready to return, McLean's Triple-A teammate Brandon Sproat (4.32 ERA in 102 innings) has been less effective, and Jonah Tong, though intriguing, was just promoted from Double-A and is unlikely to be in the mix after just one Triple-A start. Given his recent performance and the budding opportunity, McLean is a strong stash candidate who should be picked up quickly.
Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles (#6, #1 C, #1 BAL)
Basallo is still awaiting his first big-league callup, but his performance certainly isn't the reason for the delay. Baseball's top catching prospect has been on a tear in August, hitting .323/.382/.710 with a 1.092 OPS, three doubles, three homers and 15 RBI over seven games. The 20-year-old has looked seasoned well beyond his years at Triple-A Norfolk all season, slashing .279/.384/.612 with a .996 OPS, 17 doubles, 23 homers and 66 RBI in 73 games.
Adley Rutschman isn't about to give up the everyday catching role, but Basallo is simply too talented to remain in Triple-A for the rest of a non-contending season. Whether at catcher, first base or designated hitter, the Orioles need to give him a chance to prove himself at the highest level. The prolonged wait has been frustrating, but fantasy managers should absolutely still keep Basallo rostered with the expectation that his call to the majors is coming soon.
Dylan Beavers, OF, Orioles (#104, #23 OF, #4 BAL)
Beavers and Basallo have been paired in each edition of this series for good reason, as both have little left to prove in the minors. Beavers' advanced plate discipline and well-rounded hitting profile have been on display all year and he's stayed hot in August, slashing .308/.500/.808 with a 1.301 OPS, one double, four homers, eight RBI and 10 walks over seven games this month. For the season, the outfielder owns a .305/.422/.526 slash line with a .948 OPS, 14 doubles, two triples, 18 homers, 22 steals and 50 RBI in 90 games for Triple-A Norfolk.
The Orioles' roster has opened up following the trade deadline, and even more opportunities have emerged with Colton Cowser (concussion) and Tyler O'Neill (wrist) landing on the injured list. Without disrespecting their efforts, players like Greg Allen, Jeremiah Jackson and Daniel Johnson shouldn't stand in the way of a potential impact talent like Beavers making his big-league debut. Owning one of the most complete skill sets in the minors, the 23-year-old is more than ready to finally get his call to the big leagues.
See where future major-league baseball stars slot into RotoWire's MLB Top Prospects & Rankings for 2025!
Mick Abel, SP, Twins (#114, #36 SP, #5 MIN)
Abel has gotten off to a strong start with his new organization, allowing just one run over 9.1 innings in his first two outings for Triple-A St. Paul. He's piled up 12 strikeouts in that span — the type of swing-and-miss stuff that built his prospect reputation — but his control issues have also surfaced with six walks. Even so, the right-hander has been dominant at the Triple-A level across two organizations this year, compiling a combined 2.16 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 15 starts and 83.1 innings.
Behind ace Joe Ryan, Minnesota's rotation has been thinned by injuries and underwhelming performances, with depth arms like Jose Urena offering limited upside. Abel, meanwhile, was acquired to be a long-term piece in the rotation, and with little left to prove from a run-prevention standpoint in the minors, his arrival with the Twins should be coming soon. The fact that he made six MLB starts earlier this year with the Phillies could complicate his promotion schedule however, if the Twins view him as someone who could earn them a bonus draft pick as a rookie in 2026.
Sal Stewart, 2B, Reds (#17, #3 2B, #2 CIN)
Stewart entered 2025 without any experience above High-A but has quickly surged into the MLB conversation. The 21-year-old posted an .850 OPS in 80 games with Double-A Charlotte before earning a mid-July promotion to Triple-A Louisville, where he's slashing .313/.371/.588 with a .959 OPS, 10 doubles, four homers, three stolen bases and 14 RBI over 21 games. While those slugging numbers may overstate his true power, his hit tool and bat-to-ball skills are the real deal.
The Reds, still clinging to playoff hopes, have struggled mightily to get production at second base. Regular starter Matt McLain has a .642 OPS in 109 games, while utilityman Santiago Espinal sits at .593 in 98 contests. Recently acquired third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is also sporting just a .563 OPS, though his elite defense provides him with a bit more job security. Even so, Cincinnati's lack of offense from its role players leaves an opening for Stewart, who could outproduce the current options even if he encounters early struggles.
Bubba Chandler, SP, Pirates (#19, #4 SP, #2 PIT)
Chandler drops a bit on this list but remains a high-end stash candidate capable of making an impact in the majors this season. The right-hander has hit a rough patch, posting a 6.94 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 23.1 innings in his past five starts. Even so, the 22-year-old still sports a solid overall line in Triple-A Indianapolis with a 3.82 ERA, 3.45 FIP and 1.42 WHIP across 96.2 innings in 23 starts. His recent skid looks more like a case of frustration and complacency at a level he's already proven himself at, rather than a genuine decline in his readiness for the big leagues. Talents with high-90s fastballs and swing-and-miss secondaries don't grow on trees.
Braxton Ashcraft has made only two starts this season, the latest coming Saturday, but he's been effective overall, posting a 3.19 ERA across 36.2 innings while working primarily out of the Pirates' bullpen. Mike Burrows, on the other hand, has struggled to a 6.11 ERA in his last 28 innings over six appearances. With no clear logjam of upper-level arms blocking him, it's simply a matter of when the Pirates decide to promote their top pitching prospect and giving Chandler a new challenge.
JJ Wetherholt, SS, Cardinals (#10, #7 SS, #1 STL)
Wetherholt's omission from last week's list had nothing to do with performance and everything to do with the Cardinals' lack of moves to create playing time for him. The 2024 first-round pick has done more than enough to prove he's MLB-ready, tearing up Triple-A Memphis with a .295/.394/.615 slash line, 1.009 OPS, five doubles, one triple, six homers, two steals and 13 RBI in 21 games since his promotion. His rate stats have actually improved compared to his already dominant showing in Double-A, demonstrating how advanced his bat is.
A natural shortstop, Wetherholt has been getting work at other infield spots, mainly third base, to increase his versatility ahead of a potential call-up. Nolan Gorman has been generally productive in the wake of Nolan Arenado's shoulder injury, but it'd be a stretch to say he's locked down a regular role. Brendan Donovan's defensive versatility would allow him to move off second base but stay in the lineup, and Wetherholt is far more deserving of those vacated reps than Thomas Saggese. With St. Louis shifting away from their hopes of making a playoff push, it's time to promote their star prospect and let the Wetherholt era begin.
Bryce Eldridge, 1B, Giants (#13, #1 1B, #1 SF)
Eldridge may not be a fully polished prospect, but the raw power in his bat is undeniable. The first baseman has been mashing in August for Triple-A Sacramento, slashing .324/.400/.765 with a 1.165 OPS, five homers and 16 RBI in nine games. His season line over 37 Triple-A contests -- .252/.318/.540 with an .858 OPS, four doubles, 12 homers and 43 RBI -- reflect modest contact skills and a walk rate under 10 percent, but his power production is steady and remains his calling card.
If the Giants were firmly in contention, they might opt for a slower developmental path, but with the club now under .500, there's a case for giving their top prospect a look in the majors. Rafael Devers has one of first base or designated hitter locked down for the rest of this season and beyond, but he's the only real roster obstacle for Eldridge. Dominic Smith has been solid and Wilmer Flores brings experience and leadership, but neither veteran figures into San Francisco's long-term plans the way Eldridge does.
Carter Jensen, C, Royals (#99, #9 C, #1 KC)
Jensen has kept his hot 2025 campaign going, slashing .286/.412/.607 with a 1.019 OPS, four doubles, a triple, a homer and four RBI over eight August games for Triple-A Omaha. Since his June 24 debut at the level, the backstop has been outstanding, posting a .254/.361/.579 line with a .940 OPS, eight doubles, a triple, nine homers, two steals and 26 RBI in 31 contests. While his hit tool may take some time to fully adjust against MLB pitching, his combination of plate discipline and power should play up once he gets the call.
Salvador Perez is still the Royals' primary option behind the plate, though he often slots in at designated hitter or first base at the ripe age of 35. Luke Maile has been productive in limited opportunities (.958 OPS in 21 plate appearances over 10 games), but as a veteran journeyman, he's not a long-term obstacle to the 22-year-old's promotion. Ultimately, it's a matter of whether Kansas City's front office feels Jensen is ready for the jump and can carve out a consistent role that supports his continued development.
Sam Aldegheri, SP, Angels (NR)
After highlighting George Klassen in last week's article, this week's edition closes with another under-the-radar Angels arm, Sam Aldegheri. The southpaw has made two brief MLB appearances this season, allowing five earned runs over 4.1 innings, but he's been more intriguing in steady work at Double-A Rocket City. In 18 starts there, he's posted a 3.96 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across 97.2 innings, with a notable hot streak since July 2 — a six-start run in which he's produced a 1.46 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 37 innings. While Aldegheri doesn't boast a high-octane fastball or wipeout pitch, he features a balanced four-pitch mix and solid command of each offering.
The timing could be favorable for a call-up. Jack Kochanowicz was recently optioned, and Tyler Anderson is dealing with back stiffness. Victor Mederos got the nod Tuesday to replace Anderson, while fellow pitching prospect Caden Dana could also be in the mix, though he's struggled mightily in Triple-A Salt Lake. The Angels have often bypassed the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League for some of their more promising arms, so Aldegheri's Double-A status shouldn't be viewed as a deterrent. Given his current form, the 23-year-old looks like a legitimate candidate to log MLB starts down the stretch.
