Play ball (finally)!
Ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting this week for spring training, Yardbarker MLB writers identify one rising star on each American League team. (Last season’s regular-season records are in parentheses.)
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES (91-71) | Second baseman Jackson Holliday struggled mightily in his debut season despite entering 2024 as the top prospect in MLB. But over his final seven regular-season games last season, he hit .375 with a .524 on-base percentage.
BOSTON RED SOX (81-81) | Speaking of top prospects, outfielder Roman Anthony is one of MLB’s fastest-rising talents. At Triple-A last season, Anthony hit .344 with a .982 OPS in 35 games, signaling that he could be close to reaching the big leagues in 2025.
NEW YORK YANKEES (94-68) | Is this the year outfielder Jasson Dominguez finally gets his chance? He has been hurt the past two seasons, but he showed flashes of his potential in 2023 with four home runs and a .980 OPS in 31 at-bats in the big leagues.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (80-82) | Third baseman Junior Caminero only played in 43 games in 2024, but he proved he could be the spark plug (six homers, 18 RBI) the Rays need in 2025. With more opportunities in store for him this season, Caminero is a name to watch in Tampa.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (74-88) | The Blue Jays sure love the progeny of former standouts, with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (son of the Hall of Famer), shortstop Bo Bichette and, more recently, second baseman Will Wagner (son of Hall of Famer Billy Wagner). The latter is a name to keep an eye on in 2025. He finished last season with a .305/.337/.451 slash line in 82 at-bats. — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS (69-93) | Shortstop Jacob Wilson had an absurd .433 batting average in three stops in the minors before being called up to the majors last season. His 2024 season was curtailed by injury, but he showed his knack for making contact and hitting line drives.
HOUSTON ASTROS (88-73) | Based on the numbers, pitcher Spencer Arrighetti had a rough major-league debut, posting a 7-13 record, 4.53 ERA and a 1.407 WHiP over 145 innings last season. His second-half performance, in which he posted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.169 WHiP in 65 innings, gives the Astros hope for a breakout 2025.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (63-99) | Right-hander Caden Dana rocketed through the team’s system, going from an 11th-round draft pick out of high school in 2022 to the majors in 2024. Armed with three potential plus pitches, the 21-year-old is ready to build on a three-game stint with the Angels in which he showed glimpses of his upside.
SEATTLE MARINERS (85-77) | Infielder Cole Young entered the 2024 season as a consensus top- 100 prospect and cemented his status with a strong showing at Double-A. At 37-years-old, Donovan Solano is atop the depth chart at second, but Young could force his way to the majors with a strong start to the season.
TEXAS RANGERS (78-84) | Pitcher Kumar Rocker had a strange path to the majors, spending time in Indy ball between the 2021 and 2022 MLB Draft. While injuries slowed his ascension and removed his top-prospect status, Rocker showed promise during his brief time in the majors in 2024 (14 K’s in 11.2 innings). — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (41-121) | Pitcher Jonathan Cannon has a solid four-pitch mix and an ability to throw each of his offerings for strikes. Although his ceiling may be capped as a middle-of-the-rotation arm because of his lack of strikeouts, Cannon could take another step forward and solidify himself as part of the White Sox’s future.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (92-69) | Pitcher Luis Ortiz showed flashes of his potential with the Pirates in 2024, posting a 3.32 ERA and a 1.113 WHiP in 135.2 innings. Armed with a fastball that has hit triple digits, he should take a step forward as part of the Guardians’ pitching lab.
DETROIT TIGERS (86-76) | Shortstop Trey Sweeney already made an impact on the Tigers, as his major-league debut coincided with Detroit’s improbable run to the playoffs. Sweeney had strong contact and walk rates in the minors and, with 119 major league plate appearances under his belt, he should be ready to take another step forward.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (86-76) |
Joey Wiemer may have been the “other” piece in the Jonathan India trade, but he has a chance to make a significant impact. The Royals, who had one of the worst outfields in the majors in 2024, could deploy Wiemer there. He has showcased his power and speed in the minors.
MINNESOTA TWINS (82-80) | Luke Keaschall has just 58 games of experience above A-ball, but his knack for putting the barrel on the ball and strong approach at the plate have him on the fast track to Minnesota. With second base a question for the Twins, Keaschall could earn an MLB spot with a strong start. — David Hill
