15 prospects primed for a bounceback season from injury
A lot of players will be getting a fresh start heading into the 2025 season. Prospects who missed significant time due to injury have had upwards of six months between regular-season games to return to health. Now they'll be looking to re-establish their value and maybe even reach new heights.
A lot of players will be getting a fresh start heading into the 2025 season.
Prospects who missed significant time due to injury have had upwards of six months between regular-season games to return to health. Now they'll be looking to re-establish their value and maybe even reach new heights.
With that in mind, we're going to take a look at prospects who missed significant time in 2024 due to injuries and have a chance to bounce back in a big way -- or potentially face an injury-prone label.
Here are 10 current Top 100 prospects with something to prove, as well as five bonus players whose health could help them rejoin that list in the coming season.
Andrew Painter, RHP, Phillies (MLB No. 8)
Painter was baseball's top pitching prospect before suffering a right elbow injury in Spring Training 2023 that required Tommy John surgery that July. The 2021 first-rounder returned to the mound in the 2024 Arizona Fall League, where he displayed the premium stuff that has twice made him a global Top 10 prospect. The big question for 2025 will be how slowly the Phillies ease Painter back since the team would surely prefer to pitch him in the stretch run and a potential postseason appearance rather than shut him down after hitting an innings limit in late summer.
Jordan Lawlar, SS, D-backs (MLB No. 11)
After playing in three postseason games during Arizona's 2023 World Series run, Lawlar appeared primed for a key role on the '24 squad. It didn't work out that way, though. The 2021 first-rounder missed the first two months of the season due to right thumb surgery, suffered a left hamstring injury and then aggravated it during a rehab outing. He got some extra ABs over the winter in the Dominican Winter League, which will hopefully get him up to speed as he pushes to earn playing time at shortstop and third base in the Majors.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox (MLB No. 12)
Due to right wrist and back injuries in '22, a left shoulder impingement in '23 and a lumbar strain in '24, Mayer has yet to play 100 games in a season since Boston drafted him fourth overall in 2021. The good news is that none of the injuries have been recurring, although it's slowed his development and hampered his production. The Red Sox are hoping that with good health, Mayer will be able to make his Major League debut sooner rather than later.
Chase DeLauter, OF, Guardians (MLB No. 36)
The Guardians drafted DeLauter 16th overall in 2022 despite the outfielder suffering a broken left foot that spring, and he's rewarded their selection -- when he's on the field. Leg and foot injuries have limited his playing time in pro ball, and they led to consecutive Arizona Fall League appearances to make up for lost time. The fact that these injuries are recurring is concerning, but he has the kind of rare power than Cleveland has not developed in years.
Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF, Twins (MLB No. 37)
Injuries have prevented Rodriguez from playing even 50 games in three of his four pro seasons -- with a career high of 99 in 2023. A left knee injury in 2022 and an abdominal strain in '23 limited the slugger, while a right thumb injury sidelined him for much of 2024 before flaring up again and requiring surgery in September. More consistent at-bats in 2025 could be crucial as Rodriguez aims to clean up swing-and-miss issues against pitching in the upper Minors.
Jeferson Quero, C, Brewers (MLB No. 47)
Quero might have made his big league debut last summer but he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder making a diving play on Triple-A Nashville's Opening Day. He's expected to be fully recovered from surgery for the 2025 season, although it will be key to see if his plus arm strength returns, as defense is his calling card. All-Star catcher William Contreras' presence in the Majors enables the Brewers to not rush Quero's development, so he'll have time to improve his swing decisions.
Cade Horton, RHP, Cubs (MLB No. 52)
The seventh overall pick in 2022 was a finalist for Pitching Prospect of the Year in his first full pro season and started off '24 strong before his production declined along with his velocity. The Cubs shut him down in late May after he suffered a right lat strain, and he did not return after a setback during his rehab. Horton has only thrown 176 1/3 innings between college and pro ball, so he'll need to prove his durability, but he'll be on track to join Chicago's rotation this summer if healthy.
Felnin Celesten, SS, Mariners (MLB No. 74)
Celesten is set to make his highly anticipated full-season debut in 2025, which may have come last year if not for season-ending hamate surgery in July. The No. 2 prospect in the 2023 international class also battled a left hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in games in his signing year. The Dominican native performed well in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League when healthy last year and his stock could soar if that continues at Single-A.
Edwin Arroyo, SS, Reds (MLB No. 92)
Arroyo missed the entire 2024 regular season after suffering a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that required surgery in March. He did get some game action in the instructional league and the Arizona Fall League, where his glove looked ahead of his bat. Switch-hitters often need more development time, and the shoulder malady left him feeling better from the left side than the right in the Fall League. That will bear watching in 2025.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Jonny Farmelo, OF, Mariners (MLB No. 96)
The 29th overall pick in 2023 was in the midst of a breakout season when he tore his right ACL in June 2024. He still cracked the 2025 preseason Top 100 because of the toolsy skill set and advanced approach he displayed before the injury. Farmelo is not expected to return until midseason 2025, and it's unclear how much of his dynamic athleticism will return immediately. If he's able to show off 65-grade speed -- his only plus tool -- and his unorthodox swing mechanics continue to produce results, his arrow will continue to point up.
Bonus
Zac Veen, OF, Rockies
Veen's plus speed and arm strength are clear, although his power ceiling is a bit uncertain as his swing path changed while he dealt with several injuries. Between left wrist surgery in 2023 and a lower-back strain and a ruptured flexor tendon in his right thumb in 2024, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 Draft has only played in 111 combined games the past two seasons.
Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Blue Jays
Tiedemann entered 2024 as the top lefty pitching prospect in baseball but suffered left ulnar nerve inflammation in April that later required Tommy John surgery. The 2021 third-rounder is expected to return in late 2025, and he could rise in the rankings if his stuff returns quickly like Painter's did last year.
Chase Hampton, RHP, Yankees
After beginning the 2024 season as MLB's No. 92 prospect, Hampton only tossed 18 2/3 innings due to a right flexor strain and a lower-body injury. The 23-year-old will likely return to Double-A Somerset and could reach the Majors in '25 if his quality five-pitch mix -- which features four above-average pitches -- returns to its previous form.
Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Twins
Gonzalez burst onto the Top 100 in 2023, but his power disappeared in his first season in the Twins organization during a campaign disrupted by a lower-back injury. The 21-year-old has a chance to reassert his power with a clean bill of health, which is key since he projects as a fringy corner defender.
Daniel Espino, RHP, Guardians
Espino once had some of the best stuff in the Minors and that led to his No. 16 ranking on the 2023 preseason Top 100. But he hasn't pitched since April 2022 because of right knee tendinitis and two right shoulder surgeries, so it's uncertain what he'll look like when he's back on the mound.
Ben Weinrib is a contributor for MiLB.com.
Leonard’s Two Homers Lift Stripers to 4-1 Victory in Delayed Durham Finale
DURHAM, N.C. – After a nearly four-hour rain delay pushed the start time from 1:05 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eddys Leonard homered twice and Ian Anderson spun 5.0 no-hit innings to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (17-22) to a 4-1 win over the Durham Bulls (24-15) on Sunday evening at Durham
Homestand Highlights: Stripers Welcome Braves Country Road Trip to Coolray Field
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers will welcome the Atlanta Braves on their next stop of Braves Country Road Trip on Saturday, May 17. It’s one of many thrilling promotions on the way for the six-game series vs. the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A, Chicago White Sox) from May 13-18. The fourth
Knocking On the Door: Former Three-Sport Star Luke Waddell Inching Closer to MLB Debut
From a young age, Luke Waddell has always centered his life around sports, excelling at anything that involves a ball. That’s brought the now 26-year-old Gwinnett Stripers shortstop on the doorstep of the Major Leagues, the ultimate goal for any professional baseball player. However, that wasn’t a goal he locked
Stripers Force Extras, Lose 4-3 to Durham in 10th
DURHAM, N.C. – Another tense, low-scoring battle saw the Gwinnett Stripers (16-22) send the game to extra innings, but the Durham Bulls (24-14) prevailed 4-3 on a walk-off single from Eloy Jimenez in the bottom of the 10th on Saturday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Gwinnett leads the series
Wiles Tremendous Against Former Club as Stripers Hang On in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. – Former Bull Nathan Wiles struck out nine over a season-high 6.1 innings for Gwinnett on Friday night, but it took an unassisted double play turned by third baseman Matthew Batten in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 3-2 win for the Stripers (16-21) over Durham
Leonard’s Homer Helps Stripers Slip Past Bulls in Another Nailbiter
DURHAM, N.C. – Hurston Waldrep struck out 10 batters over 5.1 innings and Eddys Leonard lined an opposite-field two-run home run in the sixth for the winning margin as the Gwinnett Stripers (15-21) defeated the Durham Bulls (23-13) 3-2 on Thursday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Decisive Plays: Garrett
Kelenic’s Near Cycle Leads Stripers to 6-5 Win in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. – Jarred Kelenic homered, doubled, and tripled in a three-hit effort to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (14-21) to a 6-5 victory over the Durham Bulls (23-12) on Wednesday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Kelenic’s near cycle helped Gwinnett snap a seven-game road losing streak and ended Durham’s
Stripers Walked Off in Extras at Durham
DURHAM, N.C. – The Gwinnett Stripers (13-21) were one strike away from ending Durham’s seven-game winning streak, but the Bulls (23-11) scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game and won it 6-5 in the bottom of the 10th on Tuesday afternoon at Durham Bulls
Stripers’ Seventh Inning Rally Thwarts Nashville 5-3
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – On the strength of a three-run seventh inning, the Gwinnett Stripers (13-20) held off the Nashville Sounds (19-14) in a 5-3 final on Sunday afternoon at Coolray Field. The Stripers finished the seven-game series with a 3-4 record. Decisive Plays: Gwinnett jumped out to a 2-0 lead
Nashville Holds Off Gwinnett 3-1 during Rain-Shortened Contest
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (12-20) saw mother mature halt its final chance at a comeback attempt on Saturday night in a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Sounds (19-13) at Coolray Field. The game went into a rain delay in the top of the ninth inning and did not
Stripers Fall 4-1 to Nashville Despite Wiles’ 11-Strikeout Gem
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (12-19) couldn’t back up a dominant start from Nathan Wiles (L, 0-2) in a 4-1 loss to the Nashville Sounds (18-13) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Wiles set a career high with 11 strikeouts over 6.0 innings – four more than his previous
Stripers and Sounds Split Thursday Doubleheader
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (12-18) and Nashville Sounds (17-13) split a pair of seven-inning games on Thursday night at Coolray Field. Nashville took game one 6-2 and Gwinnett followed with a 5-0 shutout in the nightcap. Decisive Plays (Game 1): Nashville jumped on Stripers’ starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep
Kimbrel Earns First Save Since 2010 as Stripers End Eight-Game Skid
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (11-17) snapped an eight-game losing streak thanks to a four-run sixth inning, defeating the Nashville Sounds (16-12) 4-3 on Wednesday night at Coolray Field. Matthew Batten’s two-run double gave the Stripers the lead, and closer Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth for his first
Homestand Highlights: “Star Wars Night” Returns to Coolray Field
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers will transport fans to a galaxy far, far away with the return of “Star Wars Night” to Coolray Field on May 3. It’s just one of the many exciting promotions for the six-game series vs. the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) from April 29-May
Stripers Fail to Capture Clutch Swing in 3-1 Loss to Nashville
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-17) saw their losing streak extend to eight games with a 3-1 defeat to the Nashville Sounds (16-11) on Tuesday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett finished 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position in the loss. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored the first run of
Stripers Fall on Walk-Off Homer in Jacksonville, Lose Seventh Straight
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Carlos Rodriguez and Sandy Leon each clubbed solo home runs, but a 2-0 lead didn’t hold up for the Gwinnett Stripers (10-16) in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (21-6) on Sunday afternoon at VyStar Ballpark. Deivison De Los Santos hit a walk-off homer on
Stripers Shut Out for Second Straight Night in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nathan Wiles allowed just two runs on four hits over 5.0 innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (10-15) on Saturday night, but those runs were enough to beat him as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (20-6) won 2-0 at VyStar Ballpark. Gwinnett has lost six straight games. Decisive Plays:
Stripers Held to Five Hits in 7-0 Shutout at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Adam Mazur, Josh Simpson, and Patrick Monteverde combined on a five-hit shutout for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (19-6) on Friday night, handing the Gwinnett Stripers (10-14) a 7-0 loss at VyStar Ballpark. Gwinnett has lost a season-high five straight games. Decisive Plays: Jacksonville took a 1-0 lead
Jacksonville’s Eight-Run Frame Buries Stripers in 9-1 Rout
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (18-6) rode an eight-run third inning to a 9-1 rout of the Gwinnett Stripers (10-13) on Thursday night at VyStar Ballpark. Eddys Leonard ended the shutout with a solo home run in the eighth, and Craig Kimbrel struck out one in a scoreless
Stripers Lose Another Nailbiter in Jacksonville, 3-2
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-12) missed several late-game opportunities on Wednesday night, falling 3-2 to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (17-6) at VyStar Ballpark. The Stripers have lost the first two games of the series to the first-place Jumbo Shrimp by just two runs. Decisive Plays: Jacksonville took a
Leonard and Capel Homer Late, But Stripers Lose 6-5 in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eddys Leonard and Conner Capel both homered in a three-run seventh inning that made it a one-run game, but the Gwinnett Stripers (10-11) could never even the score against the first-place Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (16-6) in a 6-5 series-opening loss on Tuesday at VyStar Ballpark. Decisive Plays:
Stripers’ Bats End Week on Sour Note in 3-1 Loss to Lehigh Valley
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-10) were limited to one run on six hits in a series-ending 3-1 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (14-7) on Sunday afternoon at Coolray Field. The two teams split the series 3-3. Decisive Plays: The Stripers took a 1-0 lead in the third
Stripers Pull Away Late to Defeat Lehigh Valley 6-3
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-9) utilized a fifth-inning rally to defeat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-7) in a 6-3 finish on Saturday night at Coolray Field. The win secured at least a series split for the Stripers, marking their third straight series without a loss. Decisive Plays: Down
Smith-Shawver’s Return Spoiled in Stripers’ 5-3 Loss to IronPigs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (9-9) saw an early 2-0 lead dwindle away, losing 5-3 to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-6) on Friday night at Coolray Field. AJ Smith-Shawver struck out eight over 5.2 three-run innings in his first start with the Stripers since being optioned by Atlanta on
Stripers Take Advantage of Lehigh Valley Error for 3-2 Walk-Off Win
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (9-8) pulled off their second walk-off victory of 2025 to surpass the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-6) 3-2 on Thursday night at Coolray Field. Conner Capel walked and scored on a missed catch error by first baseman Buddy Kennedy following a ground ball by Charles