Prospects Returning From Injury Looking to Make a Big impact in 2025
the 2025 baseball season promises to be a fresh start for many promising young players who battled injuries in 2024. These athletes, sidelined for notable portions of the previous season, are now eager to reclaim their positions and prove their worth. For some, 2025 might be the year they reach new professional heights. For others, it might very well be a make-or-break season in avoiding a reputation for injury-prone play.
Several top prospects missed crucial time in 2024 due to various injuries. Here are 10 standouts from the MLB Top 100 who are eager to bounce back, plus five additional players whose health could propel them into the rankings.
Top Prospects’ Comeback Tales:
Andrew Painter, RHP, Phillies (MLB No.8)
Once considered baseball’s top pitching prospect, painter’s 2023 season was derailed by a right elbow injury that necessitated tommy John surgery. Though, he returned to the mound in the Arizona Fall League in 2024, showcasing the exceptional talent that has made him a global Top 10 prospect. The Phillies will likely proceed cautiously with Painter’s workload in 2025, prioritizing his long-term health and aiming for a gradual return to full capacity, perhaps timed for a crucial late-season push and a potential postseason run.
Jordan Lawlar, SS, D-backs (MLB No. 11)
After playing in three postseason games during the D-backs’ 2023 World Series run, Lawlar’s 2024 season was plagued by a series of injuries. He underwent right thumb surgery, sustained a left hamstring injury, and aggravated it during a rehabilitation assignment. Lawlar sought extra at-bats in the Dominican Winter League to prepare for 2025, where he aims to solidify his position at shortstop and third base in the Major Leagues.
marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox (MLB No. 12)
Since being drafted fourth overall by Boston in 2021, Mayer has yet to play a full season. A combination of right wrist and back injuries in 2022 and a subsequent left shoulder impingement and lumbar strain in 2024 have hampered his advancement and performance. While his injuries have not been recurring, they have hindered his progress. The Red Sox are optimistic that 2025 will be the year Mayer breaks through and makes his Major League debut.
5 MLB Prospects to Watch in 2025 After season-Ending Injuries
Several highly-touted prospects in the MLB pipeline faced setbacks in 2024 due to injuries. However, these young players are resolute to make a comeback in 2025 and show their full potential.
Here are five prospects to watch closely next season:
**Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF, Twins (MLB No.37)**
Rodriguez, a powerful slugger, has been hampered by injuries throughout his minor league career. A left knee injury in 2022, an abdominal strain in 2023, and a right thumb injury in 2024 that required surgery have substantially limited his playing time.
**Jeferson Quero, C, Brewers (MLB no. 47)**
Quero almost made his Major League debut last summer but tore his right labrum while making a diving catch on Opening Day for Triple-A Nashville. While he’s expected fully recovered from surgery in time for the 2025 season, the Brewers will need to carefully assess if his strong throwing arm has returned, which is crucial for his defensive role.He benefits from being able to develop at a agreeable pace with All-Star catcher William Contreras in the Majors.
**Cade Horton, RHP, Cubs (MLB No. 52)**
Horton, a standout pitcher drafted seventh overall in 2022, started strongly in 2024 before a right lat strain led to his season being shut down in late may. Due to a setback during his rehab, he did not return to action. With limited professional innings under his belt, Horton needs to prove his durability to make the Cubs’ rotation this summer.
**Felnin Celesten, SS, Mariners (MLB No. 74)**
Cetesten’s highly anticipated full-season debut in 2024 was derailed by season-ending hamate surgery in July, and he had previously battled a left hamstring injury that impacted his performance in his signing year. Despite those setbacks, he impressed when healthy in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League in 2023.
**Edwin Arroyo, SS, Reds (MLB no. 92)**
Arroyo missed the entire 2024 regular season due to a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that required surgery in March. However, he participated in the instructional league and Arizona Fall League, showcasing promising defensive skills.
The upcoming season provides these talented prospects with a chance to overcome their challenges and make a significant impact on the baseball diamond.
Minor League Prospects Facing Key 2025 seasons
Several top minor league baseball prospects are entering critical stages of their development ahead of the 2025 season.Injuries and lingering questions about their abilities suggest 2025 could be a make-or-break year for these talented players.
## Jonny Farmelo, OF, Mariners
The 29th overall pick in 2023, Jonny Farmelo, was on track for a breakout season before tearing his right ACL in june 2024. Despite the setback, he remains on the radar as the No. 96 prospect in MLB’s preseason Top 100. Farmelo possesses notable athleticism and a unique hitting style, but his return to full strength and the impact the injury might have on his speed remain to be seen.
## Zac Veen, OF, Rockies
Zac Veen, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 draft, has battled a series of injuries that have limited him to just 111 games over the past two seasons. A combination of left wrist surgery,a lower-back strain,and a ruptured flexor tendon in his right thumb have hampered his progress. His future success hinges on his ability to stay healthy and unlock his power potential.
## Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Blue Jays
Ricky tiedemann entered 2024 as the top lefty pitching prospect in baseball but suffered a left ulnar nerve inflammation that later required Tommy John surgery. While expected to return in late 2025, the effectiveness of his signature stuff remains to be seen after the surgery.
## Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Twins
Gabriel Gonzalez, who debuted on the Top 100 in 2023, is another prospect facing a vital year.His power production disappeared during his first season with the Twins organization, a season plagued by a lower-back injury. Gonzalez’s success may hinge on regaining his power stroke and proving he can remain a consistent offensive threat.
## Daniel Espino, RHP, Guardians
Daniel Espino, formerly considered one of the best prospects in baseball, has been sidelined since April 2022 due to right knee tendinitis and two right shoulder surgeries. The 2023 season saw him fall out of the Top 100, and his return to former form is highly uncertain.
These prospects face significant challenges in 2025, but their talent and potential remain high. Their performances this year will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike.
