Top 100 Prospects Nearly Missed: The Honorable Mentions

Each year, the release of the MLB Pipeline Top 100 Prospects list is one of the most anticipated events in baseball. It highlights the most promising talents and projects the future of the sport. This year was no exception, with MLB Pipeline’s experts, including Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo, and Sam Dykstra, meticulously evaluating and ranking players after extensive discussions and scout feedback.

The process of selecting the Top 100 is rigorous, with many prospects pushed aside after several iterations. Some narrowly missed the cut, while others were surpassed by rising stars. Only 100 players can make the final list, making this an exclusive group. However, it’s worth noting those close calls.

This article introduces ten prospects who came incredibly close to making the Top 100. Despite falling just short, these players demonstrate significant talent and potential to succeed at the highest level.

Carson Benge, recently selected 19th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, could easily be considered the Top 101 prospect. He played remarkably well in his brief stint with Single-A St. Lucie, showing impressive discipline and hitting for an extremely low strikeout rate of 17.2 percent.

Benge’s most notable trait is his power, which was more pronounced during his college days at Oklahoma State. While his professional performance in this area is yet to match his college output, his potential for improvement is substantial. His arm, honed from his days as a two-way prospect, adds versatility, making him an appealing center or right fielder.

Ryan Clifford faced some early struggles following his brief stint with High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton. For the first two months, he managed a meager .192/.371/.298 batting line with a high 34.5 percent strikeout rate and only two home runs.

However, starting in June, Clifford’s performance improved dramatically, posting a more promising .247/.373/.486 line in the second half of the season. His strikeout rate dropped to a more manageable 26.8 percent, and he hit 17 home runs. Clifford’s success is largely due to his disciplined approach, which helps him reach high on-base percentages, despite his potential for low batting averages.

At just 21, Clifford is one of the youngest hitters in the upper Minors and has time to refine his skills. He is currently ranked as the No. 7 first baseman prospect for the 2025 season, making him a significant figure in the Mets’ future plans.

Jimmy Crooks, a 2022 fourth-rounder from Oklahoma, was initially seen as a strong defensive catcher with only average offensive potential. However, Crooks has made significant strides in his batting ability, earning MVP honors in the 2024 Texas League with a .321/.410/.498 batting line.

Crooks’ offensive performance is bolstered by his potent bat speed and ability to generate high exit velocities, though his power plummets against left-handed pitchers. Despite this, he shone defensively, framing pitches exceptionally well and possessing an above-average arm strength. Catchers who can excel at both hitting and fielding are highly sought after, and Crooks fits that mold.

His hitting against left-handed pitching, staying disciplined and rarely whiffing at two-strike counts, supports his potential as a solid starter behind the plate. However, his flat swing, which targets fastballs, means he needs to adapt to Triple-A secondary pitches to stay productive.

Jace Jung, a disciplined left-handed hitter, showcased exceptional spray during his time in Triple-A, with a standout 21.2 percent chase rate. Even in his Major League debut, despite a wrist injury, his discipline remained strong, with a 26.3 percent chase rate.

Jung’s potential power, with a high 9.1 percent line drive rate, failed to translate consistently into meaningful hits during his rookie season. However, his wrist injury affected his performance, and he underwent surgery to alleviate lingering pain. As he heals and returns to form, expect his pop to resurface.

Ranged questioning surrounds his transition to third base, a position he lacks experience playing. However, Jung’s versatility and potential power could make him an invaluable asset for the Tigers in the future. As MLB’s No. 6 third baseman prospect for 2025, Jung’s development will be closely watched.

Agustin Ramirez is one of the best hitting catchers in the Minors, combining impressive exit velocities with manageable strikeout rates. His challenge lies in maintaining his defensive performance; he struggled with framing, throwing out only 10 out of 89 potential base stealers at a 11.2 percent rate.

While his defensive shortcomings are noted, Ramirez’s offensive potential is significant. His ability to launch pulled balls into the air positions him well to maximize his natural power. If he cannot stick behind the plate, his proficiency at first base remains a strength, making him a valuable part of the Marlins’ lineup.

The Rays’ preference for Chandler Simpson is well justified, as he brings exceptional speed and a solid hit tool. Simpson holds the record for the fastest player in the Minors, using his speed to great advantage with 198 stolen bases over the past two seasons.

Despite his speed, Simpson’s power development is a work in progress, having hit only one pro home run (an inside-the-parker) and a single triple. However, his plate discipline is commendable, striking more walks than strikeouts in all three pro seasons.

With a strong hit tool and excellent plate discipline, Simpson positions himself as a potential throwback leadoff hitter. The Rays’ faith in him is evident, making him a key prospect moving forward.

Ryan Sloan embodies the potential for a top-of-the-rotation starter thanks to his three plus pitches, including a high-velocity fastball with running action. His 6-foot-5 frame and flat approach angle enhance his deception on the mound.

The 18-year-old was the top high school right-handed pitcher in the 2024 Draft due to his advanced polish and maturity. The Mariners rewarded him with a $3 million signing bonus in the second round, recognizing his immense potential.

Seattle, historically cautious with prep pitchers, sees Sloan’s workhorse build and ability to pound the zone as promising traits. With his highly anticipated pro debut, Sloan has the potential to make immediate impacts in the Mariners’ future pitching staff.

Aidan Smith, acquired in the Randy Arozarena trade, was selected in the 2023 fourth round by the Mariners. He brings power potential along with speed characteristics that align with center field eligibility.

Smith, a 20-year-old from Texas, is gaining strength in his 6-foot-2 frame, leading to improved exit velocities on pull hits. His ability to handle offspeed pitches well at Single-A is a positive indicator for his future success.

Although he struck out at a 23.2 percent rate during his rookie season, his consistently high walk rates helped offset this concern. As he faces more advanced pitches in higher-level leagues, Smith’s progression will be crucial to his rise in the rankings.

James Tibbs III, selected 13th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, showcased a high offensive floor during his time at Florida State. His consistent contact rate and low strikeout percentage (10.2 percent) were hallmarks of his college career.

However, his professional debut was mixed, with a .414 on-deck run in his first 15 games at High-A Eugene following a promising start in Single-A. These early struggles could be attributed to the transition from college to professional ball.

Tibbs’ bat is seen as a plus tool, but his future in the outfield remains uncertain due to his subpar fielding. He may need to transition to first base, but his power and discipline support his potential for success in the Giants’ system.

Ralphy Velazquez was drafted 23rd overall by the Guardians in 2023 as a catcher but has been transitioned to first base. At 19, he has all the tools to excel in this role, with a powerful build and a significant amount of bat speed.

Despite a brief stint in High-A Lake County, Velazquez demonstrated his hitting potential with high exit velocities and a disciplined approach. A .54 wRC+ might appear modest, but his early struggles can be attributed to youth and inexperience.

His strong performance at first base, combined with his promising bat speed, places Velazquez among the elite prospects at his position. As he matures, his potential to become a power-hitting fixture in the Guardians lineup is considerable.

These ten prospects may have narrowly missed the Top 100 list, but they exhibit the raw talent, potential, and development areas that could make them stars in the years to come.

As fans eagerly await the next developments in these players’ careers, MLB Pipeline’s latest analysis provides a glimpse into the baseball world’s future. The journey of these prospects, even those outside the Top 100, is full of intrigue and可能性.