MLB Pipeline updates its Top 30 prospect rankings twice a year, with additional updates following significant transactions like the Trade Deadline and Rule 5 Draft.
The Rule 5 Draft, which took place at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, saw 83 picks, including 15 from the MLB phase. Players selected in this phase must remain on the Major League roster for the full 2025 season to avoid being returned to their original teams. Seven of the 15 MLB selections impacted the Top 30 rankings, with four players leaving their former teams’ lists and causing reshuffling.
American League East
Blue Jays
Added: Angel Bastardo, RHP (No. 29) The Blue Jays selected Bastardo, a pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery, with a long-term view. Despite missing 2024, he could contribute in the future with his fastball reaching 97 mph and an intriguing changeup.
Orioles
Lost: Juan Nuñez, RHP (No. 8)
Replacement: Luis Almeyda, SS/3B (No. 30) The Orioles lost Nuñez, a promising pitching prospect, after he was selected by the Padres, despite a shoulder injury limiting his 2024 season. Almeyda, a 2023 international signee, now fills the spot on the Orioles’ Top 30.
American League Central
Tigers
Lost: Gage Workman, 3B/SS (No. 29)
Replacement: Sawyer Gipson-Long, RHP (No. 30) Workman improved his strikeout rate in 2024 and was ranked on Detroit’s list, but the Tigers left him off the 40-man roster, allowing him to be selected by the Cubs. Gipson-Long, recovering from surgeries, will still be part of Detroit’s pitching depth.
Twins
Added: Eiberson Castellano, RHP (No. 13) Castellano, with a solid three-pitch mix, had a strong 2024 season and is expected to start in the bullpen with the potential for a future rotation role.
American League West
Angels
Added: Garrett McDaniels, LHP (No. 29) The Angels selected McDaniels, a left-handed reliever, after he posted strong numbers in 2024. His fastball reaches 97 mph, and his slider has helped him strike out batters, making him a valuable addition to their bullpen.
Athletics
Lost: Cooper Bowman, 2B/OF (No. 20)
Replacement: Logan Davidson, 3B/SS/OF (No. 30) Bowman, known for his speed and defensive versatility, was taken by the Reds. Davidson, who showed power with 15 home runs in 2024, takes his place on the A’s list.
National League East
Mets
Lost: Mike Vasil, RHP (No. 18)
Replacement: Eli Serrano III, OF (No. 30) Vasil, who struggled in 2024, was traded to the Rays and lost his place on the Mets’ Top 30. Serrano, a promising outfielder from the 2024 Draft, fills the spot with potential for growth.
Nationals
Added: Evan Reifert, RHP (No. 26) Reifert, known for his slider, impressed with a 70% whiff rate in 2024. Despite past command issues, his high-leverage relief potential makes him a valuable addition to the Nationals’ bullpen.
National League Central
Brewers
Added: Connor Thomas, LHP (No. 30) Thomas, a ground-ball pitcher with a solid slider, was added to the Brewers’ Top 30 after a successful 2024 season. His ability to induce ground balls could be a good fit in Milwaukee’s defense-heavy system.
Cubs
Added: Gage Workman, 3B/SS (No. 29) Workman, who turned his offensive performance around, brings defensive flexibility and speed to the Cubs’ system. However, his strikeout rate will need to stay manageable for him to succeed in the Majors.
Reds
Added: Cooper Bowman, 2B/OF (No. 26) Bowman’s speed and versatility made him a good fit for the Reds, particularly after Jonathan India’s trade. Bowman will need to improve his contact and power to make an impact in the Majors.
National League West
Padres
Added: Juan Nuñez, RHP (No. 11) The Padres took a chance on Nuñez, a pitcher with an impressive arsenal but limited experience. Despite a shoulder injury, he is expected to compete for a spot in the Padres’ pitching staff, which has been thinned by aggressive trades.
