4 top prospects having huge impacts early in the 2025 MLB season

The young talent that has emerged in MLB has made an early impression with their respective teams this season. It will be exciting to watch as they develop, adapt, learn, and excel at a fast pace.

When it comes to rookies, they provide unpredictability, fresh perspective, and an extra boost of adrenaline, especially early on in the season. Let's take a look at some of the young talent that has captivated fans' attention with their strong performances out of the gate in 2025.

Four rookies helping their respective teams

Toronto Blue Jays: 3B/DH Will Wagner & OF Alan Roden

Will Wagner's performance as a whole has looked sharp for the Blue Jays thus far. His ability to get on base invariably makes him a valuable asset. But he's also shown a lot of defensive promise, making sound plays at third base.

His OBP of .402 in the minors, along with his smaller sample of play in the majors (.337 OBP), have also been impressive.

He is known for his disciplined approach at the plate that is paired with his versatile left-handed swing. He looks like he'll be cornerstone of the next half-decade of Blue Jays' lineups, especially if he can continue to impress in the field.

Another youngster on the Blue Jays who has been shining is No. 5 prospect Alan Roden. His stellar spring training performance secured him a spot on the roster this season.

So far, he's been giving the Blue Jays reasons to keep him in the lineup. He's displayed strong defense in the corners of the outfield, and he's making solid contact at the plate, sporting a .743 OPS and scant 5.3% strikeout rate through his first 19 plate appearances.

Manager John Schneider has already credited him for his intelligence and maturity:

“He's a really smart kid. Understands what he's good at, what he should be looking for, things like that. I love his demeanour. I love having conversations with him. It's like talking to an adult, which is cool. And you have a guy with a really good idea what he wants to do at the plate.”

Having him in the order provides more scoring opportunities, as when Roden gets on base, it helps turn the lineup over. He also plays with confidence and composure, which are two admirable qualities to have as a young player.

Boston Red Sox: 2B Kristian Campbell

Campbell has already mashed two home runs as a rookie, along with four RBIs and 10 hits so far this season. After the rookie belted his first homer, the Red Sox were already discussing an extension, according to Mike Axisa of CBS Sports.

Turns out, those talks were pretty advanced. The Red Sox didn't waste any time by agreeing to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension with Campbell on April 2nd.

Campbell is also a candidate for AL Rookie of the Year this season following to his solid performance in the minors, slashing a comical .417/.500/.833 in 2025 thus far. The future is looking bright for Campbell as the starting second baseman for the Red Sox.

Cleveland Guardians: 1B Kyle Manzardo

Kyle Manzardo's late success in 2024 was an indication that he would continue to prosper this season. His hot start this season has seen him record six RBI, five hits, and two home runs. Left fielder Steven Kwan spoke highly of his teammate Manzardo, stating:

“He gets to so many pitches. His pop is effortless, professional hitter, too. He's not just trying to pull the ball, but he’ll capitalize on a mistake. He can work a plan. He does everything. It’s such a mature approach from such a young guy, so it's fun to watch."

Expect Manzardo to continue racking up prodigious power number in the middle of the Guardians' lineup.

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