MAKING THE GRADE
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
Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av Baseball America.
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Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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FOLLOWING THE RULES
MLB has tested the ABS challenge system for years, just as it did for every previous rule change
PRESSURE IS A PRIVILEGE
Drew Storen spent his entire eight-year MLB career fighting for saves
SHORTSTOP SUPERNOVAS
Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz form 'The Threequel' at shortstop, evoking past trios and influencing future generations with their power, athleticism and versatility
JUMPING ON THE BRAND WAGON
Alternate identities give minor league teams a chance to launch a temporary rebrand, generate interest and sell merchandise.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
Following the dissolution of the Pac-12, Oregon State embraces the uncertainty-and challenge of playing with no conference affiliation and remaining a national power
MLB FEELS THE LOSS OF MR. BASEBALL, BOB UECKER
Bob Uecker was never afraid to laugh at himself. His sense of humor endeared him to millions and earned him a place of reverence in the game, making his Mr. Baseball moniker entirely fitting.
BASEBALL LOSES RICKEY HENDERSON, ITS MAN OF STEAL
From roaming the hallways at Oakland Technical High to breaking records down the road at the Oakland Coliseum, left fielder Rickey Henderson personified the heart and grit of his home city.
A WINNING COMBINATION
More talent and better training methods have made college baseball a more attractive precursor to pro ball. Preseason No. 1 Texas A&M typifies this talent-rich new reality.
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START
Evidence mounts that baseball players, especially pitchers, should aim to peak around age 20
WHY COLLEGE BASEBALL COACHES ARE PURSUING OLDER ROSTERS
Nick Mingione was certain about two things heading into the 2023 season, his seventh at the helm of Kentucky's baseball program.
