With the 2025 season in full swing, all eyes are now on the next wave of 2025 breakout prospects emerging as stars across the league. Future stars like Nick Kurtz, Kyle Teel, and others are part of an exciting new class of prospects is already turning heads. From standout catchers and flame-throwing arms to big-league-ready sluggers. The future of MLB is on full display, and these rising talents are ready to make their mark.
Table of Contents
2025 Breakout Prospects
Nick Kurtz – 1B, Oakland Athletics
Performance/Scouting: Kurtz is MLB’s No. 38 prospect and one of the top 2025 breakout prospects in Oakland’s system. A lefty-hitting first baseman, Kurtz was the 4th overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest. Where he was a key part of a powerhouse lineup.
Nick has an advanced bat – in a brief pro sample after the draft, he dominated pitching in A-ball. At 6’5”, Kurtz uses his leverage for big power but also showed a keen eye in college (high walk rates). Oakland loves his polished approach; he could be a fast mover in a system desperate for impact bats. Defensively, he’s limited to first base, but he’s competent there. His ETA might be 2026, but given Oakland’s roster situation, if he hits, he could see time sooner. The A’s are starved for a franchise bat, and Kurtz is hoping to fill that void.
Card Market (Updated April 2025)
Nick Kurtz officially made his Bowman debut in 2024 Bowman Draft, and collectors were ready. His 1st Bowman Chrome autographs have been among the most chased cards in the product, especially colored parallels and refractors. Raw base autos are trending in the $80–$120 range. Accordingly, Nick’s low-numbered refractors and color autos (especially /25 and /5) command several hundred dollars.
Kurtz, a top-5 pick and former Wake Forest slugger, came into the hobby with serious hype, and so far, he’s delivering. His early minor league performance in 2025 has only fueled that momentum—flashing power, plate discipline, and solid defense at first base.
Collectors are already pegging him as one of the top bats from the 2024 draft class, and his 1st Bowman cards are leading that charge. While the Oakland Athletics haven’t had many hobby darlings in recent years, Kurtz is changing that narrative.
Expect his cards to remain hot. Especially if he gets off to a strong start in Double-A or makes a late-season MLB debut. For now, he’s one of the premier long-term investments among 2024 Bowman Draft prospects.
2025 Spring Highlight
Kurtz got to partake in some major-league camp games early this spring. He delivered by hitting a home run in his first Cactus League at-bat (a no-doubter to right-center). It was an exciting introduction for A’s fans who haven’t had much to cheer about. In Spring Breakout practices, Kurtz also impressed coaches with his professional at-bats. In one scrimmage, he drew walks in two tough plate appearances, laying off borderline pitches that young hitters often chase. Manager Mark Kotsay commented that Kurtz “has a veteran’s approach already.” That combination of plate discipline and power was exactly what the A’s hoped for, and they’re seeing it early.
Kyle Teel – C, Chicago White Sox
Performance/Scouting: Teel is MLB’s No. 32 prospect and a talented catcher who won the Buster Posey Award (top collegiate catcher) at Virginia. The Red Sox drafted him in 2023, but he was traded to the White Sox this offseason – making him now Chicago’s top catching 2025 breakout prospects (the trade likely came as part of Boston’s moves to acquire MLB talent).
Teel is an athletic, left-handed hitting catcher with a contact-oriented bat and great leadership traits. He hit over .300 in his pro debut at Low-A and has shown advanced strike zone management. Defensively, he’s agile with a strong arm, profiling as a solid all-around backstop. The White Sox, in rebuild mode, view Teel as a fast mover who could pair with Edgar Quero as their catchers of the future. ETA could be late 2025 or 2026.
Card Market (April 2025)
Kyle Teel’s 1st Bowman Chrome cards came out in 2023 Bowman Draft. He was pictured with the Red Sox.
At first, interest was mild. That changed after his 2024 trade to the White Sox. Chicago collectors jumped in fast.
As of Spring 2025, Teel is a Top-25 MLB prospect. His hobby value is rising.
Base autos now sell for $50–$80. Color autos and low-numbered refractors—gold, orange, red—go for much more.
Catchers don’t always get hobby love. But Teel is different. He hits lefty, has plate discipline, and can run.
He’s expected to debut in 2025. A hot start could send his cards soaring.
Print runs were low in 2023 Draft, adding scarcity. With buzz around the White Sox farm, Teel is no longer a sleeper. He’s a top riser heading into the season.
2025 Spring Highlight
Teel played in several big league spring games. He looked ready.
In one Cactus League game, he threw out a runner at third. Fast pop time, strong arm.
He caught bullpen sessions for Noah Schultz. Coaches liked their chemistry.
Yasmani Grandal mentored him all spring. Teel listened and learned.
He also had a few solid at-bats—opposite-field singles, smart contact.
Defense, maturity, and growth stood out. Teel is on track—and collectors are watching.Card Market (Updated April 2025):
Kyle Teel’s 1st Bowman Chrome cards debuted in 2023 Bowman Draft, featuring him in his Boston Red Sox uniform. That product saw moderate attention at release, but interest surged after his 2024 trade to the White Sox, as Chicago fans and collectors began scooping up his cards, anticipating his arrival in the South Side lineup.
As of Spring 2025, Teel is now widely viewed as a Top-25 MLB prospect, and that’s finally being reflected in the hobby. His base Bowman Chrome autos are trending in the $50–$80 range, with color autos and low-numbered parallels commanding well into the triple digits—especially gold and orange refractors.
Collectors are now giving Teel the respect catchers don’t always get, thanks to his rare profile: a left-handed hitting backstop with advanced plate discipline, sneaky pop, and athleticism behind the plate. He’s projected to make his MLB debut sometime in 2025, and any sign of early success could push his cards into the breakout tier.
With relatively low print run autos from 2023 Bowman Draft and renewed hype surrounding the White Sox farm system, Teel is no longer a sleeper—he’s a legit hobby riser heading into the 2025 season.
Ethan Salas – C, San Diego Padres
Performance / Scouting (Updated April 2025):
Ethan Salas is still just 18, but he’s already one of baseball’s most talked-about prospects. He’s ranked No. 33 overall and headlining Spring Breakout games for the Padres.
In 2024, he reached Double-A at age 17 and played in the Futures Game. He’s back in MLB camp again this spring. The Padres continue to fast-track him, though they’ll be careful with his development.
Defensively, he’s well ahead of his age. He frames well, handles pitching staffs like a vet, and throws with precision. Offensively, he’s showing more pop to go with a patient approach.
ETA: 2026 or 2027 feels right. But he’s tracking ahead. Scouts continue to compare him to Joe Mauer or a young Salvador Perez.
Card Market (2025 Update):
Salas was the #1 chase in 2023 Bowman Chrome. His 1st Bowman autos exploded at release. Base autos hit $1,000+ raw. The Superfractor auto PSA 8 sold for $36,600—a massive number that cemented his hype
Prices have cooled slightly, but high-end color autos (Red, Orange, Gold) still sell for thousands. Collectors haven’t backed off—many are buying to hold long-term.
He’s also become a favorite with international buyers, especially in Latin America. That’s added global demand and visibility. No official Topps(eBay) rookie card yet, but his Bowman cards trade like stars already.
2025 Spring Highlight:
Salas caught all 9 innings of a Spring Breakout game and threw out two runners. In another, he ripped a double down the line. Fans chanted “¡Vamos Ethan!” after the hit.
Before games, he’s been seen leading pitcher meetings—a rare sign of maturity for a teenager. His poise and leadership keep making headlines.
Bottom Line:
Salas is special, and the hobby knows it. He’s already a cornerstone investment in the prospect world—and he hasn’t even turned 19.
Hagen Smith – LHP, Chicago White Sox
Performance / Scouting (Updated April 2025):
Hagen Smith is ranked No. 34 overall in MLB’s Top 100. The White Sox grabbed him in the 1st round of the 2024 Draft out of Arkansas.
He’s a power lefty with a mid-90s fastball, sharp slider, and a developing changeup. Smith pairs with Noah Schultz to give Chicago two elite lefty arms in their pipeline.
This spring, he’s flashed dominance in short stints. Strikeouts? Yes. Command? Still developing. He’s only 21 and likely opens 2025 in High-A or Double-A.
ETA is 2026 if he keeps building innings and tightening the off-speed stuff. Scouts love the upside. He attacks hitters and doesn’t shy from big moments.
Card Market (April 2025):
Smith hasn’t had a 1st Bowman card yet—but it’s coming. Expect it in 2025 Bowman Baseball or Bowman Chrome.
Right now, only college cards or Panini(eBay) autos exist. They’re not heavily traded. But prospectors are watching closely. Once his 1st Bowman drops, interest should jump fast.
Why? He’s a top lefty arm, and that label always draws attention. Especially in White Sox markets, where pitching prospects get big hobby love.
Think Patrick Wicklander or early Andrew Miller in collector circles—not flashy, but respected by those who know pitching talent. Smith’s Bowman debut will be a buy-low-to-rise moment.
2025 Spring Highlight:
In one minor league game, Smith struck out 4 batters in 2 innings. One K came against a Top-100 prospect—a 3-pitch clinic ending in a nasty slider.
Observers at the park said the pitch drew a “wow” from the dugout. White Sox coaches were fired up. In another sim game, Smith and Schultz alternated innings—a possible preview of Chicago’s future 1-2 punch.
Smith’s confidence and poise have been on full display. His breakout potential is real—and the hobby is starting to notice.
Colson Montgomery – SS, Chicago White Sox
Performance/Scouting (2025):
Montgomery is MLB’s No. 39 prospect. The 6’4″ shortstop was a 2021 first-round pick. He missed time in 2023 but bounced back strong.
He’s a patient lefty hitter with pop. High OBPs and solid bat control stand out. Power is growing. He may shift to third base long-term, but he’s held his own at short.
He ended 2024 in Double-A and hit well. Triple-A to start 2025 is likely. He turns 23 this year and could debut by late 2025.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman Chrome is in 2022 Bowman Draft. It was a hot chase early, cooled during injury, but now trending up again.
Base autos can go under $50. Colored parallels are seeing more demand. His tall frame and power draw comparisons to a lefty Corey Seager.
White Sox fans are collecting him as part of the rebuild. With others graduating, he’s a top hobby target in Chicago.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
Montgomery went 2-for-2 with a double and a walk in a Cactus League game. In the field, he turned a slick double play in Spring Breakout.
He’s been working with Tim Anderson in camp. Coaches like his poise and maturity. He’s likely the next infield call-up.
Josue De Paula – OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Performance/Scouting (2025):
De Paula is MLB’s No. 40 prospect. Just 18, with a smooth lefty swing and advanced discipline.
He debuted in High-A at 17. Impressive bat control. Projected to grow into big power. Solid corner OF defense.
ETA is 2026 or 2027. But he’s on a fast track.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman Chrome is in 2023 Bowman Chrome. Initially overlooked, but prices climbed fast.
Base autos are strong. Refractor and numbered parallels sell well. Dodgers prospects always carry a premium.
A Gold Auto /50 recently sold for $500+. Investors see him as a top stash.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
In Spring Breakout, he went 3-for-3 with an RBI double. Coaches praised his approach and maturity.
He hit a home run in BP that one-hopped the clubhouse. Fans and collectors are buzzing.
Thomas White – LHP, Miami Marlins
Performance/Scouting (2025):
White is MLB’s No. 41 prospect. A 2023 second-round pick out of high school.
Throws mid-90s with a big curveball. Tall (6’5″) and projectable. Still refining command and changeup.
He flashed dominance in Low-A last year. ETA is 2026.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman Chrome is in 2023 Bowman Draft. Initially mid-tier, now trending up.
Refractor autos in the $40-60 range. Miami’s pitcher pipeline adds value.
He’s being compared to lefties like Kyle Harrison in hobby circles.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
Threw a scoreless inning with 2 Ks in a spring game. Nasty curveball froze a big leaguer.
He also looked sharp in a Breakout duel. Coaches like his growth and composure.
Lazaro Montes – OF, Seattle Mariners
Performance/Scouting (2025):
Montes is MLB’s No. 42 prospect. Big lefty slugger with 70-grade power.
He crushed homers in Low-A last year. Has strikeout concerns but working on pitch ID.
Part of Seattle’s breakout prospect trio. ETA 2027.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman is in 2023 Bowman Chrome. Power hype drives interest.
Base autos in the $40-50 range. Color autos (gold, orange) go much higher.
Sapphire parallels have jumped after viral homers. Collectors compare him to a young Yordan Alvarez.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
Launched a 500-ft BP homer. Hit an oppo HR in a scrimmage. Cracked a windshield with a foul ball and signed it for the fan.
Legend is growing. Needs to improve contact, but the power is real.
Quinn Mathews – LHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Performance/Scouting (2025):
Mathews is MLB’s No. 45 prospect. Drafted in 2023 out of Stanford.
Polished, competitive, not overpowering. Fastball sits low 90s. Relies on deception, changeup, and command.
Solid in High-A and Double-A. Starts 2025 in Double-A. Could reach MLB by late season.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman is in 2023 Bowman Draft. Autos are still cheap, often under $20.
Performance-focused collectors see value. Cardinals fans are starting to take notice.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
Escaped a jam in a Grapefruit League game. Induced a big double play.
Threw 3 scoreless innings in Spring Breakout. Command and poise were on full display.
Blake Mitchell – C, Kansas City Royals
Performance/Scouting (2025):
Mitchell is MLB’s No. 48 prospect. Royals took him 8th overall in 2023.
Lefty bat, strong arm, former pitcher. Power potential with some swing-and-miss.
Still raw but improving. ETA around 2027.
Card Market:
His 1st Bowman is in 2023 Bowman(eBay) Draft. Catcher market is mixed, but Mitchell has upside.
Base autos in the $40-60 range. Royals fans are watching closely.
Could see a spike with offensive growth.
Spring 2025 Highlight:
Threw out a runner at second in spring. Scouts called the throw MLB-ready.
Went 2-for-3 with a double in Breakout. Also caught top prospects and showed leadership.
Fun moment: got on the mound for drills and touched 90+. Arm is very real.
Explosive 2025 Breakout Prospects to Watch Conclusion
The 2025 MLB spring has provided an exciting preview of the league’s next generation of stars, each of the 2025 breakout prospects bringing unique skills and compelling narratives that fans and collectors alike can embrace. Following a groundbreaking international opening in Tokyo, the momentum continues as baseball returns home, driven by emerging talents such as Kyle Teel, Ethan Salas, and Lazaro Montes. With each highlight and breakout moment, these 2025 breakout prospects are not only shaping their futures but also fueling the hobby market, offering collectors intriguing new names to invest in. As the MLB season progresses, expect these budding stars to rise further, delivering memorable moments on the diamond and in collections worldwide
