Three spring training non-roster invitees (who just so happen to be top prospects) — Roman Anthony, Carson Williams, and Bubba Chandler — got a whiff of the big leagues and are continuing to work on their skills in the minors.
They all demonstrate solid potential, but how have they been performing so far since spring training? Let's dig into their early impressions this season and what they've done to stand out.
Analyzing early-season performances from Roman Anthony, Carson Williams, and Bubba Chandler
Oufielder Roman Anthony, Triple-A Worchester (Boston Red Sox)
In Triple-A Worcester this season, the 20-year-old is slugging .500 with 10 walks, six RBI, two home runs, a triple, two doubles, and nine hits. The rising star is ranked No. 2 among all prospects behind only Roki Sasaki and has demonstrated how he has the potential to be a solid hitter at the big league level.
He's already shown his offensive flair in AAA this season, going 3-4 with two doubles on April 11th against the Columbus Clippers.
Meanwhile in AAA, Roman Anthony went 3-4 with a couple of doubles and a couple of RBIs tonight.
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) April 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/0x3bg1sPit
Anthony has a lot of ways to contribute offensively, which he demonstrated in spring training, sporting an impressive .885 OPS. Sure, he still needs fine-tuning with hitting against off-speed pitches, but he's a well-rounded hitter for someone so young.
Anthony also offers versatility through his defensive skills. He can play all three outfield positions, with the speed to handle center and the arm and athleticism to handle either of the corners.
Shortstop Carson Williams, Triple-A Durham (Tampa Bay Rays)
Baseball's No. 8 ranked prospect, shortstop Carson Williams, belted his first home run for the Durham Bulls on April 12th. It was a 421-foot bomb with an exit velocity of 111.3 mph. So far in the minors, he's also recorded eight hits, a double, a triple, four RBI, and three stolen bases.
Carson Williams 🚀
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 12, 2025
421 feet
111.3 mph
MLB's No. 8 prospect (@RaysBaseball No. 1) launches his first home run for the Triple-A @DurhamBulls. pic.twitter.com/FZ48Ci648K
As a Rays top prospect, you already know Williams is getting the best player development in the league. He comes equipped with raw power and has demonstrated hitting the ball with authority.
As a shortstop, he is known for making high-stakes plays with his strong arm and good fielding, which should allow him to stick there long-term. Alternatively, he's been predicted to be a candidate to transition to third base as he develops.
SP Bubba Chandler, Triple-A Indianapolis (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The No. 14-ranked prospect in baseball, Bubba Chandler, is a unique starting pitcher. He was drafted as a two-way player, as he wanted to pitch and play shortstop.
The starting pitcher has been a force to be reckoned with this season, recording a 0.00 ERA across 10.2 innings with 18 strikeouts with AAA Indianapolis this season. His fastball has been otherworldly already, topping out at 101.5 mph.
Bubba Chandler's strikeout velo today:
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 13, 2025
98.6 mph
93.5
99.1
93.3
100.0
101.5@Pirates | @YoungBucsPIT | @indyindians pic.twitter.com/ADMEH3epQK
The 22-year-old has showcased good feel in the highest level of the minors and is working on refining his secondary pitches. With his success, it is anticipated that Chandler will make his MLB debut in the coming months, if not sooner.
As long as he continues to tally up an obscene 46% strikeout rate, Chandler will be one of the best prospects in baseball.