2 The Bigs

By Sal Corso: February 16th, 2025

Spring is in the air. Baseball season is upon us. Can you smell it? Well, let me help you dive in. Prospects are being invited to camp, whether on the active roster or as an NRI (Non-Roster Invitee). I’m going to rank the prospects that are fighting for professional-level jobs. These guys aren’t ranked by talent, but by that chance to be in the starting lineup next month. If you’re a fan of these clubs or players, take a look.

Player [Upside Score] (Likeliness)

1. Matt Shaw [76] (HIGH)

Competition (3B): N/A

It’s his job. If he’s healthy, plug him into that 5-7 range of the lineup on day 1.

2. Jordan Lawlar [82] (MED)

Competition (SS): Geraldo Peromo

Take the job from Perdomo. It’s happening regardless, and by April at the latest. I think he wins it in March.

3. Thomas Saggese [73] (HIGH)

Competition (3B): Nolan Arenado (2B): Brendan Donovan

I think there is way too much Arenado trade discussion for it not to happen. When it does, the 3B job is his. If not, he’ll compete for that 2B role with Donovan.

4. Agustin Ramirez [73] (MED)

Competition (C): Nick Fortes (1B): Deyvision De Los Santos, Jonah Bride

We won’t ever sit here and celebrate the Marlins front office. But he may be the one salvage to the Chisolm trade. Ramirez will start at C or 1B for the Marlins in early-2025, but he should start on opening day with a long leash.

5. Chase DeLauter [83] (MED)

Competition (OF): Will Brennan

I lied above. I think his biggest competition is his own body. If he’s healthy, he’ll impress. When he does, the Guardians will find a spot for his power profile.

6. Nick Kurtz [83] (HIGH)

Competition (1B): Tyler Sodestrom

A Butler-Rooker-Kurtz top-3 isn’t just a “good” start, it’s bringing back early-2000’s Tejada-Chavez-Giambi vibes.

7. Emmanuel Rodriguez [74] (HIGH)

Competition (OF): Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton’s health

It’s funny but true. The best shot may be the impending injury to Byron Buxton.

8. Roman Anthony [80] (MED)

Competition (OF): Red Sox Front Office

The Red Sox need to dump Yoshida or trade Abreu for an SP. If they do, it’ll also open an OF spot for Anthony. It should happen, but it’s seeming more and more like it may not.

9. Drew Romo [71] (MED)

Competition (C): Jacob Stallings

Colorado needs a refresh and their ML roster is wide-open. Nothing else to add.

10. Kristian Campbell [77] (HIGH)

Competition (2B): Alex Cora’s decision on Bregman (LF): Red Sox Front Office’s Trade of Yoshida or Abreu

Man this hurts. I took him 2nd overall in my dynasty league draft. He would’ve been #1 on this list last week. With the Bregman signing, this becomes a bit less obvious. Do the Sox keep him up as a possible utility guy? He can take days in LF, 2B, maybe SS if/when Trevor Story goes down. Or do they let him work consistent reps and at-bats at 2B in AAA. I think the Sox aren’t done making moves, and likely need another SP. Abreu, Rafaela, even Campbell can be on the move. My recommendation? Bregman to 3B, Devers to DH, plug in Campbell at 2B.