Spring Training is always an exciting time of year for baseball fans, prospect enthusiasts, and card collectors alike. This spring, a crop of top prospects is making waves! Each showcasing their unique skills and potential to become household names in Major League Baseball. From the slick fielding and speed of Leo De Vries with the Padres to Bryce Eldridge’s towering power in Giants camp, the next generation of MLB stars is on full display. Let’s dive into the performances, scouting insights, and emerging card market trends for top young players to watch in 2025.
Link to article’s first installment: Spring Breakout Prospects Hot Now
Table of Contents
Leo De Vries – SS, San Diego Padres
Performance/Scouting: De Vries is an 18-year-old shortstop who has surged to No. 18 on MLB’s prospect list (Top prospects on Spring Breakout rosters 2025). He’ll be playing in Spring Breakout for the second time (remarkable for someone so young). A product of Curaçao, De Vries has a well-rounded game – good footwork and hands at short, a quick line-drive bat, and plus speed. In 2024 he held his own in A-ball as one of the youngest players there. The Padres view De Vries and catcher Ethan Salas as the two crown jewels of their lower minors. ETA is 2027, but he’s already drawing comps to a young Xander Bogaerts(eBay).
Card Market: De Vries has multiple 2024 Bowman Chrome and Autograph cards that have recently surged in value. Initially, his base autograph cards were trading in the mid-$50 range. However, prices have steadily climbed with his standout Spring Training performances. As a result, many transactions are now occurring in the $120–$150 range. Additionally, his colored parallels—especially Blue Refractor versions—have seen remarkable demand, with some sales reported above $400.
Collectors are increasingly viewing his cards as a must-have asset due to his potential to become a cornerstone for the Padres. The market excitement is largely driven by his impressive on-field displays and growing buzz in prospect circles. Accordingly, making De Vries one of the season’s most hotly anticipated names in the hobby.
2025 De Vries Spring Training Highlight
During a Spring Training game, De Vries showed off his all-around skills in one sequence: he cracked a sharp RBI single up the middle and later that inning made a difficult ranging play to his backhand in the field. His poise against older competition was evident; Padres development staff noted he “plays beyond his years.” While Salas often grabs headlines, De Vries is quietly making his own mark this spring as a foundational piece of San Diego’s future.
Colt Emerson – SS/3B, Seattle Mariners
Performance/Scouting: Emerson (MLB’s No. 20 prospect) was a first-round pick in 2023 and has quickly become one of Seattle’s most intriguing young hitters. Just 19, he’s shown impressive maturity in his approach – rarely overmatched at the plate and capable of using the whole field. He split time between shortstop and third base, with solid actions and arm at both. Emerson’s power is still developing (he’s more of a doubles hitter right now), but at 6’0” he has room to add strength. The Mariners love his makeup and baseball IQ; he’s the type who could climb fast. ETA likely 2026, but a strong 2025 in High-A/Double-A could accelerate that.
Card Market: Emerson’s first Bowman cards appeared in 2023 Bowman Draft, making him one of the notable chases from Seattle’s system in that set. He might have been slightly overshadowed by bigger names on draft night. However, collectors have since caught on to his steady rise. His Bowman Chrome 1st autos have been selling decently – on the order of $40-60 for base autos and much more for low-numbered parallels. As he approaches Top-20 overall prospect status, interest is increasing. Mariners prospects have a track record of booming in the hobby if they perform (just look at Julio Rodríguez a few years ago), so Emerson is on the watchlist. If he starts 2025 hot, expect his card prices to follow.
2025 Emerson Spring Training Highlight
In Mariners camp, Emerson drew praise for an at-bat in which he fouled off several tough pitches from a veteran reliever before working a walk. It epitomized his mental maturity at the plate (Spring Breakout rosters 2025). In Spring Breakout action, he notched a couple of clutch hits – including a line-drive single that kicked off a rally. Mariners development coaches pointed out that Emerson consistently makes good swing decisions even against advanced arms. While not a flashy viral highlight, his steady performance has only reinforced his stock as a reliable, high-upside prospect.
JJ Wetherholt – SS/2B, St. Louis Cardinals
Performance/Scouting: Wetherholt (MLB’s No. 23 prospect) was the Cardinals’ first-round pick in 2024 out of West Virginia University – one of the best pure hitters in college baseball. In fact, he hit .449 with power in his draft year, showcasing an advanced lefty bat. He’s already 22, so the Cards are moving him aggressively.
JJ’s slated to play shortstop in Spring Breakout and likely start 2025 in Double-A. Wetherholt has a quick swing, strikes out rarely, and has surprising pop for his 5’11” frame. St. Louis thinks he could be a fast riser, potentially taking over a middle-infield spot by late 2025 or 2026. In his first taste of pro ball last fall, he continued to rake.
Card Market: Wetherholt boasts multiple 2024 Bowman Chrome and Autograph cards, which have recently seen a noticeable surge in value. Base autograph cards, once trading in the lower $50–$70 range, are now consistently moving in the $80–$100. Collector interest continues to intensifiy. Moreover, limited edition color parallels (such as Blue Refractor versions) have been reported to fetch between $250 and $400. THis demand driven by his strong collegiate performance and the buzz from his spring training debut. This heightened market activity is fueled by growing speculation that his rapid rise will translate to early MLB exposure. As a result, making his cards a highly coveted asset for both seasoned collectors and new hobbyists alike.
2025 Wetherholt Spring Training Highlight
Wetherholt wasted no time in making a Spring Training impression – in his first MLB camp game appearance, he hit a three-run homer on his very first swing (a storybook debut). That blast in late February got Cardinals fans buzzing about yet another promising infielder on the way. He’s also flashed smooth defense in drills, but it’s that potent bat that has everyone talking. His homer was even more impressive considering it came off a veteran pitcher. Underscoring that his hit tool might indeed be as special as advertised.
Bryce Eldridge – 1B/RHP, San Francisco Giants
Performance/Scouting: Eldridge, MLB’s No. 24 prospect, is a two-way talent the Giants nabbed in the first round of 2023. At 20 years old, he was the youngest player in Giants big-league camp this Spring Training. The 6’7” Eldridge has drawn physical comparisons to Aaron Judge(eBay) – he’s a first baseman with enormous raw power. And he also throws mid-90s off the mound. San Francisco is currently focusing on him as a hitter (his offensive upside is higher), and he’s done nothing but mash since turning pro.
In his Cactus League debut, Eldridge launched a 450-foot homer at 110 mph exit velocity, an eye-popping showcase of his power. His hit tool is still developing (tall hitters often have to work to minimize strikeouts), but if it comes together he has middle-of-the-order potential. He’s also a decent athlete for his size. Giants list his ETA around 2026 after some seasoning.
Card Market: Eldridge’s two-way allure and mammoth power make him a fascinating prospect for collectors. His 2023 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman autos have been garnering attention – particularly after news of his spring tape-measure homer. A lot of hobbyists love chasing high-ceiling power hitters, and Eldridge fits that mold. His base autos have been selling in the $50-$80 range, and rarer parallels much higher, especially in the wake of his spring highlight. If he continues to hit bombs in the minors, Giants fans and prospect speculators will drive his market upward. Additionally, should the Giants ever give him a shot to pitch down the road, it only adds to the legend (and marketability) – a true two-way giant.
2025 Eldridge Spring Training Highlight
It’s hard to top the 450-ft home run Eldridge hit – that no-doubt blast was one of the highlight moments of all Spring Training. It even made MLB Network’s rundown of top spring homers. Beyond that, Eldridge had a fun moment pitching a bullpen session in camp where he reached 95 mph. Reminding everyone he has a live arm too. While the Giants likely won’t deploy him as a pitcher in games right now, the fact he can do it is part of his mystique. He certainly left Scottsdale as a prospect whose stock (and cards) are rising fast.
Chase Dollander – RHP, Colorado Rockies
Performance/Scouting: Dollander, ranked No. 25 overall, was a top-10 draft pick in 2023 and is now the Rockies’ most promising pitching prospect. He’s armed with four above-average pitches, led by a 65-grade fastball that can overpower hitters.
In Spring Training, Colorado gave him a long look for the rotation – manager Bud Black even kept him in contention for an Opening Day spot despite an up-and-down spring performance. The main critique: command and consistency. When Dollander is on, he looks like a frontline starter; when he’s off, he’ll walk guys or hang his breaking pitches. Still, his strikeout potential is huge. With the Rockies’ veteran staff having some question marks, an early-season debut (ETA April 2025) is very possible (Spring Breakout prospects on the brink of 2025 MLB debuts). Expect him to be in Denver by summer at the latest, armed with a high-octane arsenal ideally suited to miss bats – even in Coors Field.
Card Market: Pitchers typically have a smaller collector base. However, Dollander has a few factors working in his favor. He was a hyped college ace at Tennessee, a high draft pick, and now a Top-25 prospect. His 2023 Bowman Draft 1st autos were among the top pitching autos of that product. We’ve seen a slight uptick in his card prices this spring as reports of him touching upper-90s and vying for a rotation job came out. For instance, his refractor autos that might have been $30-40 are edging higher. Additionally, a few low-numbered autos have sold for a few hundred to Rockies prospect die-hards.
If he breaks camp or debuts early with a flashy outing (say a 10 K debut), watch his cards jump – speculators often pounce on young pitchers after a taste of MLB success.
2025 Dollander Spring Training Highlight
Dollander had one Cactus League outing that showed his potential: he struck out four batters across two innings, blowing hitters away with his fastball and snapping off a couple of nasty sliders. In another start, he got into trouble with walks, illustrating the consistency he’s working on. A noteworthy moment came when Rockies all-star CJ Cron faced Dollander in a live BP session – Cron later remarked that Chase’s fastball “gets on you quick,” a small but telling vote of confidence. Overall, Dollander left camp as a tantalizing talent who’s nearly ready to make his mark.
Chase Burns – RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Performance/Scouting: Burns, MLB’s No. 26 prospect, was the second overall pick in the 2024 Draft and is a prized arm in the Reds’ system. A former standout at the University of Tennessee (teammate of Dollander), Burns is known for a high-90s fastball and a wipeout slider – a combo that made him dominant in college postseason play.
The Reds are excited to have him. And the Reds have loaded their Breakout roster with many of their top young players, with Burns headlining. He’s likely to start 2025 in High-A or Double-A due to limited pro innings so far. There’s a chance Cincinnati moves him quickly as well, especially since he’s a polished college arm. By 2026 he could be knocking on the MLB door. His upside: a power pitcher who can anchor a rotation, something the Reds have been stockpiling (alongside prospects like Cade Horton and others).
Card Market: Recently, Chase Burns’ 2024 Bowman Chrome and Autograph cards have surged in the marketplace. Base autograph cards that initially traded in the $40–$60 range are now consistently selling between $120–$150, reflecting heightened interest from collectors. In addition, his colored parallels—especially the Blue Refractor versions—are garnering premium prices, with some sales reported in the $300–$500 range. This spike is largely attributed to his standout spring performances and growing buzz as one of the top pitching prospects in his draft class.
2025 Burns Spring Training Highlight
Burns has been mostly focused on side sessions and minor league games, but observers have noted his electric stuff. In a controlled scrimmage, he struck out a pair of top Reds hitting prospects with his slider – one scout charted it at 87 mph with big tilt, a pitch that would already play in the majors. He’s also reportedly hit 99 mph this spring in throwing sessions. While he didn’t pitch in major-league games, Reds coaches were delighted with his form and noted he “looked every bit the part of a top draft pick.” The Spring Breakout event will be many fans’ first look at Burns in a game setting. Hence, expectations are high.
Aidan Miller – SS/3B, Philadelphia Phillies
Performance/Scouting: Miller is the Phillies’ top position prospect (No. 27 overall in MLB). Drafted 27th in 2023 (matching his prospect rank coincidentally), he’s a bat-first infielder with the tools to be a middle-of-the-order hitter. In 2024, across three minor-league levels, Miller hit .261 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs, and even chipped in 23 steals (Road to The Show™: Philadelphia Phillies prospect Aidan Miller) – showing a bit of speed to go with his 60-grade raw power.
The Phillies have primarily played him at shortstop, but he’s also seen time at third; many project he’ll end up at 3B given his frame and the presence of Trea Turner in Philly. Miller’s hitting approach is advanced for his age (20) – he’s patient and can drive the ball to all fields. The organization is “optimistic he’s not far off from Philly,” possibly debuting in late 2025.
Card Market: Miller appeared in 2023 Bowman Draft with his 1st Bowman(eBay), making him a key Phillies prospect to collect. Phillies fans have taken a strong interest – his base autos have been hovering around $50, and rarer parallels significantly more. He’s not as hyped as the top five picks of 2023, but many prospectors consider Miller a potential steal since he has a well-rounded offensive profile.
One notable aspect: Miller was somewhat overshadowed by an injury in high school (a hand injury before the draft) which dropped him a bit in draft position. Now healthy and producing, collectors see upside in getting his cards before he truly breaks out. If he continues to rake and approaches the majors, his card prices could see a nice uptick.
2025 Miller Spring Training Highlight
Miller had a solid showing in Phillies minor league camp. This highlighted by a towering home run he hit in a back-field game that reportedly cleared a scoreboard. He’s also been working on his defense; there was a nice Spring Breakout practice clip of Miller making a diving stop at third and popping up to throw a strike to first, drawing cheers from his teammates. While the Phillies’ big league roster is stacked, Miller’s performance this spring reinforced that he’s a key part of their near-future plans. Fans in Clearwater took notice when he was in the lineup, with some already chanting for his promotion.
Kevin McGonigle – SS/2B, Detroit Tigers
Performance/Scouting: McGonigle (MLB’s No. 28 prospect) might be the best pure hitter in the Tigers’ system – some scouts say in decades. Described as “as good a pure hitter as any Tigers farm player in the last 50 years” (Detroit Tigers 2025 Top Prospects: 5-1 – Tigers Minor League Report), the 19-year-old lefty hitter has a 65-grade hit tool and an incredibly advanced approach for his age.
Detroit snagged him in the 2023 draft (second round) and he quickly showed off that hitting ability in Low-A. He sprays line drives gap to gap and hardly ever swings and misses. McGonigle’s power is average (for now) and defensively he’s likely a second baseman long-term. Many in the organization believe he could move quickly because of his bat-to-ball skill and plate discipline. ETA is 2027, but an accelerated path wouldn’t shock anyone if he continues to rake.
Card Market: McGonigle first appeared in card form in late 2023 – he has a 2023 Bowman Draft 1st as part of that product’s prospect checklist. Initially, he wasn’t a household hobby name, but as prospect writers started hyping his hit tool, collectors took notice. His 1st Bowman autos have crept up in value; what were once perhaps $20 cards have doubled or more as he’s cracked Top 30 overall status.
Notably, an SI.com article made an “incredibly bold prediction” about McGonigle being a future batting champion (Detroit Tigers Star Prospect Receives Incredibly Bold Prediction for …) – fodder that certainly stirred interest in his cards. Detroit fans are eagerly collecting him, envisioning a future lineup with both Max Clark and McGonigle at the top. If he continues to post high averages, expect his hobby stock to keep rising steadily (even if he’s not a big power guy).
2025 McGonigle Spring Training Highlight
While McGonigle is still in the early stages of minor league camp, he had a noteworthy performance in a Tigers spring minor league game: a 4-for-4 day with three singles and a double. Typical of him, he peppered the field – pulling two hits and going opposite field for the others. Coaches also praised a tough two-strike battle he won, resulting in a hit. There may not be fireworks in the box score beyond the hits, but McGonigle’s pure hitting display left an impression. It’s the kind of showing that confirms all the scouting reports and has Tigers player development smiling ear to ear.
Charlie Condon – OF/3B, Colorado Rockies
Performance/Scouting: Condon (MLB’s No. 29 prospect) is a name college baseball fans know well – he was a star at the University of Georgia, standing 6’6″ and crushing SEC pitching. The Rockies took him 3rd overall in 2024, betting on that massive right-handed power. In his brief pro debut late last year, Condon continued to hit. And now Spring 2025 is giving many their first extended look at him.
Condon’s a unique prospect in that he’s a bit older (will be 22 in 2025) but has a very high ceiling bat. Condon profiles as a middle-of-the-order slugger; he has easy loft and can drive the ball out to any part of the park. Colorado has had him split time between corner outfield and third base, but most see him ending up in the outfield or maybe first base – his 6’6” frame can be a defensive challenge on the infield. He’s drawn comps to former Rockies like Matt Holliday in terms of stature and hitting potential. ETA could be as soon as 2026 if he accelerates through the minors.
Card Market: Charlie Condon’s 2024 Bowman Chrome and Autograph cards have seen a notable surge in the secondary market. Early on, his base autograph cards were trading in the mid-$150 range. However, recent high-profile spring training performances have driven prices up—many transactions now report values between $250–$300. Furthermore, his colored parallels (such as Blue and Gold Refractor versions) are becoming especially sought after, with some sales exceeding $700. The Royals-like hype around his explosive power, combined with Oakland’s reputation for unearthing hidden gems, has made Condon a hot ticket among collectors.
2025 Condon Spring Training Highlight
In minor league camp with the Rockies, Condon delivered a memorable long ball – a homer to dead center during a Spring Breakout scrimmage that had scouts grabbing their radar guns to see how far it went. (Estimates were in the 440-ft range, impressive even in Arizona’s thin air.) Additionally, Condon showed patience at the plate, working a couple of walks in other games. Perhaps the most encouraging sign: teammates noted how quickly he’s adapting to wood bats and pro pitching since leaving college.
One funny anecdote: after his big homer, someone yelled “Go Dawgs!” from the stands (an ode to his Georgia days), to which Condon tipped his cap. He’s quickly endearing himself to both fans and the organization with his power and personality.
With standout performances across the board from rising stars like Leo De Vries, Colt Emerson, JJ Wetherholt, Bryce Eldridge, and more, These talented young players are quickly becoming must-watch names, fueling excitement not only on the diamond but also in the card collecting community. As the 2025 season unfolds, each player’s progression will be eagerly monitored, and collectors will be keenly awaiting new releases from Topps and Bowman. Now is the time to get acquainted with these names—because today’s breakout prospects could become tomorrow’s hobby superstars.
