As the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are poised to make significant moves that could shape the 2025 season, especially involving some of the game‘s top prospects. Among those gaining attention as potential breakout stars is Spencer Jones, whose recent surge in performance has elevated his status among trade deadline prospects. These prospects, spanning various positions and organizations, offer compelling possibilities for teams seeking to bolster their rosters and for contenders aiming to strengthen their lineups.

Prospects to Watch in Light of the Upcoming Trade Deadline

While many established prospects have either advanced to the majors or become sidelined by injury, the trade deadline offers a fresh lens to evaluate those who could crack big league rosters soon. This list features ten players expected to make a significant impact in 2025, with none being the oft-mentioned Bubba Chandler, whose opportunities remain plentiful but unfulfilled with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Samuel Basallo: Orioles’ Power Potential Behind the Plate

Samuel Basallo, the Orioles’ catching prospect, is demonstrating notable power and plate discipline in the minors, posting a .264 average with 19 home runs and a .974 OPS over 208 at-bats in 2025. Though the Orioles did not promote him during Adley Rutschman’s oblique injury, a trade involving Ryan O’Hearn could create a more permanent opportunity. The organization does not fully envision Basallo as a catcher long term, similar to Coby Mayo’s role. Basallo’s raw power and exit velocity have even drawn comparisons to Kyle Schwarber, elevating him to the No. 2 spot in a midseason top 50 list of prospects.

Jordan Lawlar: A Versatile Infielder on the Cusp of Big League Stability

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar is delivering strong numbers at Triple-A in 2025, batting .319 with 10 homers, 18 steals, and nearly a 1.000 OPS. Despite this, his major league stint has been limited and unsuccessful, with 0-for-19 at the plate. Lawlar has proven himself in the minors but is still awaiting a consistent role in the majors. The Diamondbacks, hovering near the wild card line, may soon decide if they will contend in 2025 or trade key players such as Eugenio Suarez, whose contract expires after the season. Lawlar could transition from shortstop to third base long term, potentially increasing his trade value and fit within a new team’s lineup.

Spencer Jones: Yankees Outfielder’s Power Breakthrough

Spencer Jones has vaulted back into the spotlight after previously slipping off major top-100 prospect lists. In 2025, Jones is batting .308 with 26 home runs, 16 steals, and a remarkable 1.079 OPS in the minors. His recent promotion to Triple-A coincided with an impressive streak of 10 homers in just 18 games, along with a .403 batting average over 31 games. This surge follows a change in his batting stance aimed at improving pitch recognition and launch angle, suggesting a genuine performance breakthrough. Yet, strikeout concerns remain a challenge due to his aggressive approach, a parallel to players like Joey Gallo. With the Yankees holding interest in trade targets like Eugenio Suarez, Jones’s high value now could lead to a trade that offers him a clearer path to the majors elsewhere.

Owen Caissie: Cubs Prospect Combining Power and Contact

Outfielder Owen Caissie is delivering a similar profile to Jones but in a steadier fashion. In 2025, Caissie hits .281 with 20 home runs and a .960 OPS, showing an increased power display that has already surpassed his previous season’s totals in just 78 games. His July performance is particularly eye-catching, with three multi-home run games and a five-hit contest, batting .364 with eight homers. However, he faces limited opportunities in Chicago, blocked by the Cubs’ crowded outfield and designated hitter position filled by Seiya Suzuki. This makes Caissie a prime candidate to be moved to a contender club where he could contribute at the major league level more immediately.

Moises Ballesteros: Catching Prospect with Offensive Value but Positional Challenges

Moises Ballesteros also faces limited playing time with the Cubs, blocked by Carson Kelly’s breakout and the return of Miguel Amaya. Though his bat stands out, with a .333 average, eight homers, and a near .885 OPS in 2025 minors, Ballesteros’s stature (5-foot-7) limits defensive versatility, making first base duties unlikely. The presence of Seiya Suzuki occupies the designated hitter spot, further complicating his path. Ballesteros’s value largely comes from his bat, suggesting a rebuilding team might offer a better environment for his development and utilization.

Justin Crawford: Speedy Outfield Talent Poised as Trade Asset

Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford epitomizes a high-skill, unconventional prospect. He is performing well at Triple-A, batting .331 with 31 stolen bases in 2025, but struggles to adapt to the modern power-first approach, lacking home run production. His profile mirrors that of his father, Carl Crawford, who built a career with a focus on contact and speed. Crawford’s combination of speed and batting average makes him an attractive trade candidate for teams seeking a boost in base-running and contact hitting in 2025.

JJ Wetherholt: Cardinals’ Rapidly Rising Infield Talent

JJ Wetherholt, a 2025 midseason top prospect, has advanced swiftly to Triple-A, where he maintains a .310 average with 11 homers and 14 steals. Known for his exceptional hit tool and plate discipline, Wetherholt walks as often as he strikes out, producing consistent line drives. The Cardinals face the possibility of moving Nolan Arenado before his contract ends, and though Wetherholt would likely not fill third base, he could shift to second base if Brendan Donovan moves over. His steady development suggests he could be a key piece in St. Louis’s roster decisions around the trade deadline.

Tyler Locklear: Mariners’ Young Hitter Demanding Attention

Tyler Locklear is forcing recognition within the Seattle Mariners organization, hitting .321 with 17 homers and 17 steals in the minors for 2025. His recent hot streak — including multiple four-hit games and 12 homers in his last 27 contests — could push him to the majors soon, despite struggles at first base during last summer’s trials. The Mariners may be weighing whether to promote him internally or if he holds more value as a trade asset, especially given their history of attempting trades to strengthen their roster before promoting prospects.

C.J. Kayfus: Guardians’ Versatile Young Player With Major League Tools

C.J. Kayfus of the Cleveland Guardians offers a blend of power and on-base ability, boasting a .302 average and 14 home runs in the 2025 minors. The Guardians have experimented with moving him to the outfield, though first base remains his natural position. The 23-year-old’s quick rise drawn from the 2023 draft has been impressive, and he may get a chance to replace the aging Carlos Santana if the team chooses to rebuild or make offseason trades. Kayfus’s skill set is well-aligned with the modern game, despite defensive limitations.

Kevin Alcantara: Cubs Outfielder With Athleticism but Blocked Path

Kevin Alcantara has long been heralded for his size, athleticism, and potential since joining the Cubs from the Yankees in the Anthony Rizzo trade. However, at 23 years old, his pathway to the majors remains blocked. Alcantara’s 2025 minor league numbers include a .264 average with 11 homers and a respectable .806 OPS. His ability to make contact and run well is offset by a noticeable strikeout rate and challenges elevating the ball to his pull side. Though a streaky performer, he could be a candidate for trade to a rebuilding or low-risk contender team willing to unlock his potential.

What the Trade Deadline Could Mean for These Prospects

The upcoming trade deadline represents a critical moment when these standout prospects — from Spencer Jones to JJ Wetherholt — could find new opportunities in more favorable big-league environments. Many are blocked by depth charts on their current teams, limiting their immediate chances. Contending teams, in pursuit of playoff success, may seek to add fresh, impact talent, while rebuilding clubs could maximize value by moving veterans and acquiring younger players with high upside.

In Jones’s case, for example, the Yankees’ reported interest in acquiring Eugenio Suarez suggests they might be willing to trade Jones as part of a package, allowing him a clearer path to major league playing time elsewhere. Similarly, players like Caissie and Ballesteros face positional logjams that could be relieved by trades to clubs with immediate needs. These moves have the potential to reshape lineups and offer these prospects the platform to realize their considerable abilities for the 2025 season and beyond.