Sasaki, Crews and Domínguez are
among baseball's most intriguing rookies for the 2025 season
[March 25, 2025]
By JAY COHEN
CHICAGO (AP) — It sure looks as if another impressive group of
prospects could have a major impact on the majors this year.
Baseball’s next big star could be part of this year’s rookie class.
Here is a closer look at some of the majors’ most intriguing rookies
this year:
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki
The rich got a little richer when the World Series champions signed
Sasaki to a minor league contract in January that included a $6.5
million signing bonus. The 23-year-old right-hander with a fastball
that tops 100 mph had a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA over four
seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Pacific League. The
star-studded Dodgers could employ a six-man rotation during parts of
the season to help with Sasaki’s transition to the majors.
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez
Juan Soto's departure in free agency should clear the way for
regular playing time for Domínguez with New York. Nicknamed “The
Martian,” Domínguez was signed for a $5.1 million bonus as a
16-year-old in 2019. He made his major league debut in 2023, but his
development has been hampered by elbow and oblique injuries. He hit
.314 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games over three minor league
stops last year.
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews
The sweet-swinging Crews was taken by Washington with the No. 2 pick
in the 2023 amateur draft, right after his LSU teammate Paul Skenes
went No. 1 overall to Pittsburgh. Crews can do it all, batting .270
with 13 homers, 68 RBIs and 25 steals in 100 games in the minors
last year. He was brought up by Washington in August and swiped 12
more bags while hitting .218 with three homers in 31 games in his
first stint in the majors.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe
The 22-year-old Jobe steps into Detroit's rotation after tossing
four scoreless innings over two relief appearances in his first big
league stint in September. He also worked 1 2/3 innings of three-run
ball in the playoffs. The right-hander was selected by the Tigers
with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw
Shaw takes over at third base for a Cubs team hoping to return to
the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The 23-year-old Shaw was
selected by the Cubs with the No. 13 pick in the 2023 draft. He hit
.284 with 21 homers, 71 RBIs and 31 steals over two minor league
stops last year.
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki winds up to deliver
to the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of an MLB Tokyo Series
baseball game in Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP
Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony
The Red Sox have a solid outfield with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne
Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, but the 20-year-old Anthony — one of
baseball's top prospects — is pushing for a spot. He finished last
season with Triple-A Worcester, batting .344 with three homers and
20 RBIs in 35 games, to go along with a .982 OPS. He could make his
big league debut this summer.
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Jordan Lawlar
Lawlar, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft, was hampered by
thumb and hamstring injuries last season. But there is still a lot
to like about the 22-year-old shortstop. He played in just 23 minor
league games last year, but he hit .318 with two homers and 20 RBIs.
He is going to begin the season with Triple-A Reno so he can receive
regular playing time.
Athletics infielder Jacob Wilson
The son of former big league infielder Jack Wilson is a key building
block for the A's in the runup to their planned move to Las Vegas.
Jacob Wilson made his major league debut in July, and the
22-year-old shortstop hit .250 with three RBIs in 28 games. The No.
6 overall pick in the 2023 draft also batted .433 (90 for 208) with
seven homers and 39 RBIs in 53 games in the minors last year.
San Diego Padres outfielder Tirso Ornelas
Ornelas is coming off an impressive season with Triple-A El Paso,
hitting .297 with 23 homers and 89 RBIs in 128 games. The Mexico
native was signed by San Diego as part of its 2016 international
signing class. He was sent down to minor league camp late in spring
training, but he could make his big league debut this summer.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
The 35-year-old Sugano agreed to a $13 million, one-year contract
with Baltimore in December. He is coming off his third MVP season in
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League, going 15-3 with a
1.67 ERA for the Yomiuri Giants. With Corbin Burnes' departure in
free agency, the Orioles are hoping Sugano can provide a lift for
their rotation.
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