The 2024 rookie class has been one of the best classes in MLB history. One would expect that it won’t happen again in a few years. Who would’ve thought it would be back-to-back, as the rookie class of 2025 also has a lot of top-tier players? Below are the rookies expected to have more than 1.0 FanGraphs WAR this year. Let’s start.
Matt Shaw, Cubs
Cub fans might be dismayed that the North Siders didn’t win Alex Bregman during the bidding. However, they will be delighted by the good news that they will likely see the No. 1 prospect in the lineup during the Opening Day. Matt Shaw, one of the few cubs in the top 100 prospects of the MLB, is now the assumed favorite to be atop the depth chart when the regular season finally begins, according to the Current MLB Season Insights at FanDuel.
With speed and power, Shaw stacked up 31 stolen bases and 21 home runs last year. He was among the only four Minor Leaguers in a 20-30 season. If Shaw meets the prediction of having 15 steals and homers, he will be the first rookie in the Cubs franchise to have a 15-15 year.
Kristian Campbell, Red Sox
Whereas Bregman’s decision paved the way for Shaw in Chicago, that decision made a major hiccup in Campbell’s plan. The 22-year-old player looked like the top contender for the team’s opening in the second base. However, that has changed since now; that position may now be for Bregman. The great news is that while he’s usually known to be a second baseman, he’s great in all places on the diamond.
Campbell saw a lot of time in shortstop, centerfield, and third base last season, and he had big numbers registered during those times. Steamer and FanDuel MLB odds project that he will play in 96 games for the team this season and have above-average offensive stats. The team can determine what to do with him defensively later in the season.
Dylan Crews, Nationals
We saw a lot of Crews in the last season. We saw more of him than any players on this list. The No.2 pick during the 2023 draft became a lineup fixture for Washington once he made his debut on August 26 of that year. He stepped onto the plate 132 times but had ordinary stats, which wasn’t the greatest introduction. However, he did provide the team with an above-average outline defense and had 12 out of 15 base steals.
That said, Crews is still seen as a five-tool talent. Given his all-around skills in the diamond, one might argue that his stats are too low. However, it still looks like he has a shot of becoming the first rookie to have a 20-20 season.
Hyeseong Kim, Dodgers
The 26-year-old player has been elite over the past eight seasons of the KBO. He even won the Golden Glove Award for the second base position, which recognized him as the best player in that position for the past three years. Right now, he is the top prospect of Los Angeles at second base, or if not, the team might use him for a utility role because of his skills.
He may not have a league-average bat in his first year in the MLB, but the lefty should put the ball in play often and be a nuisance on the basepaths, making him a solid team defender.
Jace Jung, Tigers
Jung is another one who benefited from the Bregman signing. The Tigers offered Bregman a six-year deal worth $171.5 million. Because of that, they can now give Jace Jung more at-bats. The 24-year-old player slugged 28 home runs in the Minor Leagues back in 2023 and 15 more in the 95 games last year. However, that power didn’t solidify in the league.
He went homerless in 94 appearances and even struck out 29 times while playing with an injury. But don’t get us wrong—he still has a lot of potential. He just missed this year’s Top 100 prospects, and he has fully recovered from his injured wrist.
Final Words
The 2025 rookie class is shaping up to be among the best in MLB history. With players like Campbell, Kim, and Jung, this year’s group can potentially produce multiple impacts in the league. These rookies bring diverse skills that could significantly shape their teams’ success. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on this new wave of talent.