These Prospects Could Make the Biggest Leaps Onto the Top 100 List
A new Top 100 Prospects list always brings surprise names, and the fun part is spotting the players who are still flying a bit under the radar. Recent history shows that a big year in Double-A, a loud Arizona Fall League run, or a healthy return from injury can move a prospect fast. Based on recent performance and momentum, these 10 players have the kind of profile that could lead to a serious jump onto the Top 100 list.
Josh Adamczewski
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A 15th-round pick in 2023, Josh Adamczewski signed for $252,500 and immediately looked like a draft win for Milwaukee. Back issues limited him to 71 games in 2025, yet he still hit .320/.420/.490 across three levels. His Arizona Fall League performance backed up the bat, and his move from second base to left field has looked smooth defensively.
Joshua Baez
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Raw power carried Joshua Baez to a $2.25 million bonus as a second-round pick in 2021. A wrist injury and swing issues slowed him early, but mechanical changes paid off in 2025. He hit .287/.384/.500 with 20 home runs and 54 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A. The arm strength fits perfectly in right field, and the improved contact rate has scouts paying attention again.
Luis De León
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Signed for $30,000 out of the Dominican Republic, Luis De León has become one of the Orioles’ most interesting arms. He posted a 3.30 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 87.1 innings while climbing from Single-A to Double-A. His mid-90s sinker generates ground balls, and the slider misses bats consistently.
Parker Messick
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Parker Messick entered pro ball as a polished college lefty, and that reputation has held up. He logged a 2.72 ERA in seven late-season Major League starts with a 38-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His mid-80s changeup remains his best pitch, and it sets up a low-90s fastball that gets more swing-through than expected. The proximity to the majors adds weight to his profile.
Brendan Summerhill
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Drafted 42nd overall in 2025, Brendan Summerhill slid further than expected before signing for $1,997,500. His .343/.459/.556 college slash line reflected an advanced approach and a clean left-handed swing. He runs well enough to stay in center field and brings steady on-base skills. Players with plate discipline and defensive value tend to move quickly on prospect lists.
Esmerlyn Valdez
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The improved strike-zone control keeps pushing Esmerlyn Valdez’s stock up. He signed for $130,000 in 2021 and has turned himself into a legitimate power bat. He hit .286/.376/.520 with 26 home runs across High-A and Double-A. The Arizona Fall League turned heads when he led the circuit with eight home runs and a .842 slugging percentage.
Justin Gonzales
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At 18, Justin Gonzales already looks comfortable against full-season pitching. He hit .298/.381/.423 at Single-A in 2025 before a short High-A stint. His 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame hints at future power that has yet to fully arrive. A 55 hit and 55 power projection give him plenty of room to climb as the body matures.
Braylon Doughty
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Drafted 36th overall in 2024, Braylon Doughty was traded before his pro debut and quickly validated the hype. He struck out 99 batters in 85.1 innings at Single-A with a 3.48 ERA. As a 20-year-old with a starter’s build and first-round pedigree, he fits the classic breakout pitcher profile. A jump to High-A could accelerate the rise.
Cris Rodriguez
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Cris Rodriguez signed for $3.2 million as one of the top international prospects of 2025. He crushed DSL pitching with a .308/.340/.564 line and 10 home runs in 50 games. The power draws lofty comparisons, and the strikeout rate shows where the work lies. His stateside debut will be one of the more-watched early-season assignments.
Brody Brecht
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Brody Brecht’s fastball touches triple digits, and the slider grades as a true out pitch. He posted a 2.51 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 61 innings during his first pro season. The 13.3% walk rate remains the separator, but improved command could push him into rare air fast.