In this issue, Baseball America ranks the Top 10 Prospects in each of the 15 National League organizations.
But before looking ahead to the rookie class of 2025-and beyond-let's reassess the graduating NL prospects of 2024 by ranking the top 10 based on projected peak value. Each player is ranked in order of his updated, endof-season BA Grade, which is presented on the 20-80 scale, and risk.
Note: We no longer rank foreign professionals as prospects. This applies to Shota Imanaga, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee.
This ranking was developed by the BA editorial team.
1. PAUL SKENES RHP | PIRATES 2025 AGE: 23
Preseason: 65/High Updated: 80/Medium
As much as we loved Skenes heading into 2024, we were way too light. His 99 mph fastball and mid-80s slider created a foundation for ace status. But Skenes went over the top in his brilliant rookie season by broadening his attack to include a 94 mph sinker or "splinker" because of his split-finger grip-curveball, sweeper and changeup. That level of dominance and unpredictability resulted in a season with few equals among pitchers so young. His 1.96 ERA was tops for any pitcher with at least 120 innings in 2024, while his 214 adjusted-ERA+ is the second-best mark since integration for a pitcher 22 or younger. Only one rookie ever has bettered his 26.8 K-BB% in so many innings. With continued health, Skenes could front a championship rotation.
UPSIDE ROLE: No. 1 starter
2. JACKSON CHOURIO LF | BREWERS
2025 AGE: 21
Preseason: 70/High Updated: 70/Medium
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2024 de Baseball America.
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THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
