100 Names to Know in Baseball: Prospects Ready to Make Their Mark

The annual "100 Names to Know" list from USA TODAY Sports is a highly anticipated compilation that spotlights rising stars poised to make an impact in Major League Baseball. This year’s edition features a compelling blend of players, including those who have already tasted the big leagues but are on the cusp of solidifying their roles and contributing significantly to their respective teams. Unlike a simple ranking of the top 100 prospects, this list considers a player’s current standing within their organization and their potential future impact on the game, creating a dynamic and insightful overview.

The list is headlined by Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero, a young talent who has garnered attention with brief major league appearances over the past two seasons. Despite these glimpses, Caminero remains eligible for the list due to accumulating more plate appearances in the minor leagues last year than his total major league career. This highlights the list’s focus on players who are still developing but are expected to play significant roles soon. The Rays have strategically integrated Caminero into their system, and with a stellar .921 minor league OPS, he’s projected to be a middle-of-the-order threat for Tampa Bay.

Another notable name is Jackson Holliday, an infielder with the Baltimore Orioles who experienced a challenging major league debut. After struggling initially, Holliday demonstrated improvement in his second stint with the team, showcasing increased power and better contact. Now stronger and more seasoned, the 21-year-old seems primed to fulfill the high expectations that surrounded him a year ago.

The inclusion of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki adds an international dimension to the list. Sasaki’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers has generated considerable excitement, but questions remain about how the team will manage his workload during his first year in the United States. With a remarkable 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts in 64 NPB games, Sasaki’s talent is undeniable, but adapting to the different demands of MLB will be a key factor in his success.

Colt Emerson, a versatile prospect, represents the rapid ascent possible within a team’s system. Emerson began his first full professional season in High-A ball and quickly rose to become USA TODAY Sports’ Minor League Player of the Year. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with impressive offensive numbers, could pave his way to the majors.

Dylan Crews, the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, is another player on the verge of becoming a major league mainstay. After debuting last season, Crews is expected to showcase his exceptional skill set more consistently. Improvements in hitting the ball harder and elevating his launch angle could propel him to the forefront of the National League Rookie of the Year conversation.

Spencer Jones, a highly touted Yankees prospect, is set to begin the season as the team’s starting right fielder. With a combination of power, speed, and plate discipline, Jones embodies the qualities the Yankees value in their players.

Heston Kjerstad’s opportunity in the Baltimore outfield has increased due to Anthony Santander’s departure. Kjerstad will compete for at-bats and has demonstrated a strong on-base percentage in his limited major league appearances.

Marcelo Mayer, the young Boston Red Sox prospect, is knocking on the door to the majors, he has battled injuries throughout his minor league career. He will likely start the season at Class AAA Worcester, but be just a Trevor Story injury away from making his MLB debut

Nick Anthony, a young Red Sox prospect, has impressed with his performance at Class AAA and could make his major league debut early in the season.

Matt Shaw, a Cubs prospect acquired in a trade, has the opportunity to become the team’s opening day third baseman. His consistent improvement in the minors suggests he’s ready for the challenge.

Jacob Wilson, drafted sixth overall in 2023, has quickly ascended through the minors and is poised to be the Athletics’ opening day shortstop.

Shea Langeliers’s unexpected chance to open as the starting catcher for the Atlanta Braves further illustrates the unpredictable nature of baseball.

Rhett Lowder, a promising right-handed pitcher, is in contention for the Reds’ opening day rotation, despite experiencing some elbow soreness during the offseason.

Nasim Nuñez, acquired by the Marlins, is expected to be the team’s opening day third baseman and could even represent Miami at the All-Star Game.

Suguru, a seasoned Japanese pitcher, signed with the Orioles and has impressed during spring training, giving him the inside track on a rotation spot.

Jackson Jobe, a top pitching prospect, is on the cusp of securing a rotation spot with the Tigers and is expected to pitch in many games for Detroit this year.

The Jeff McNeil injury has paved the way for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s brother to gain regular playing time with the Mets.

Richie Palacios has excelled this spring and is likely to become the Cardinals’ starting center fielder.

Jesse Burke, a third-round pick, will be the White Sox’s opening-day starter, highlighting his potential despite command issues.

Paul Chandler, is competing for a rotation spot with the Pirates, suggesting he is ready for a promotion to the majors.

Another Cleveland prospect, is hoping to improve his contact rate to utilize his elite exit velocity to it’s fullest

The list extends to include players like Durbin, Moore, Williams, Rodriguez, Montgomery, Black, and others, each with their own unique circumstances and potential for success. The article dives into the specific strengths and weaknesses of each player, providing valuable insights into their potential roles and impact this season.

The inclusion of international players like, the Korean import, highlights the global reach of baseball talent. Matthews’s control and increased velocity make him a valuable option for the Twins rotation.

The 24-year-old Sweeney is ready to hold down the role full time, looking to build on his 20-steal potential.

The Tigers are ready to see what the former starter in the minor league system can do.

Ornelas is making a strong case to make the 26-man roster.

Mayer continues his rehab from a series of injuries and is ready to take the field.

Saggese hit 20 homers at Class AAA Memphis last year.

Beck has a chance to play right away and stick in the outfield at Coors Field.

McGreevy made the Cardinals sweat their opening-day rotation with a strong spring.

Another player, must seize the opportunity to take a part-time role.

Martinez, after serving an 80 game suspension will hit the field looking to show his stuff.

Dana reached the majors last season after dominating Triple-A with a 2.52 ERA in 23 starts.

Teel all needs is time, and a callup after midseason should be in the offing.

Rice is looking to show the power potential that he showed this spring.

Wagner should impact the Blue Jays, after they see the son of a former Hall of Famer show his stuff.

Montgomery is poised to become a significant piece of the Rays bullpen.

Misiorowski can strike out batters in bunches but has control issues.

Basallo’s bat could force the Orioles to get him to Baltimore soon.

Rocker needs to prove his stuff plays across the majors.

Painter is recovered from Tommy John elbow surgery and is looking like his pre-injury dominant self.

Rodriguez has hit 40 home runs over 165 games at Class AAA Columbus

Smith-Shawver’s capable but not dominant Grapefruit League showing has kept the 22-year-old in the mix for a rotation spot.

Alcantara’s power is still developing

The Dodges Outfield may be fluid this season

The injures will likely not give the opportunity to get Malloy to Detroit.

Lawlar should have a spot in the team’s future if he proves himself over more than a handful of games in Class AAA.

Harrington made it all the way to Class AAA last season.

Nikhazy is a starter and is will be poised should any openings arise in Cleveland.

Horton should be up at some point in 2025.

Hinds, has some gaping holes in his swing.

Keaschall had 15 homers and 23 steals at high A and AA last year.

Ogasawara has had a tough spring and will likely need more time to develop.

Bloss opened the season in High-A in 2024, but blew through three levels to reach the big leagues.

The 21-year-old bat will play in the majors

The 24-year-old is said to have one of the best changeups in the minors

Alvarez will most likely begin at Class AAA

Sproat had a 3.40 ERA with 131 strikeouts across three levels last season.

Yesavage has yet to make his professional debut, but he should be quick to the majors.

Brito is coming off a breakout Class AAA performance.

Simpson stole 104 bases at Class AA and A in 2024, batting .355.

Blalock did enough this spring to warrant a hard look early this season.

Clarke should play his way to Sacramento.

Smith was tearing it up at the plate in spring training and making a push to make the roster early in the season.

Young won’t help Seattle much in the needed pop department.

Mauricio could be a versatile bench option for the Mets down the stretch and into October.

Roden, had a slash line of .293/.391/.475 with 16 home runs and 75 RBI in 126 games

Schultz should be ready to roll by year’s end

Jones could be a midseason injury to a regular away from making his debut.

Waldrep, figures to spend almost all of this season at Class AAA.

Jones could get an extended big-league look if he continues to produce.

Quero, missed all of last season after tearing his labrum

McDermott got a spot start in the majors last year.

Ramirez had 25 homers with 93 RBI and 22 steals last season.

Hoglund is now three years removed from Tommy John surgery.

Cavalli won’t figure in the big league plans until he can string together good health and clean starts at Class AAA.

The Freeland doesn’t have a spot on the 40-man roster, puts him behind Hyeseong Kim in line to get to Dodger Stadium.

Bastidas tied for the most home runs in the Astros organization last season.

After the trade, there is a four pitches in his arsenal, one for each level.

Vaz struck out just 9.6% of the time at two levels last season

The could get there by the early to mid-summer.

Holman is set to begin the campaign in the Athletics bullpen.

Williamson has improved his secondary pitches.

Hassell shipped to the Nats as part of the Juan Soto trade

Melton, has played all three outfield positions in the minors.

Bazzana had a career .360 hitter at Oregon State

Smith, made three Class A starts after the draft

Morgan, power might be the last thing to develop.

Quero, could be ready to replace Eric Haase as the backup to William Contreras by midseason.

Ortiz, has big power that he has shown across all levels of the minor leagues.

House, could accelerate his case by improving his strikeout-to-walk ratio.