Sasaki leads Top 10 RHP Prospects list. Who else made the cut?
Last year, the right-hander we had at the top of this always-deep Top 10 prospects list went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year, as Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes went from No. 1 pick in the 2023 Draft to top rookie in the NL a year later.
Last year, the right-hander we had at the top of this always-deep Top 10 prospects list went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year, as Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes went from No. 1 pick in the 2023 Draft to top rookie in the NL a year later.
Now we’re looking to go 2-for-2. With the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes coming to an end and the Japanese phenom choosing the Dodgers, he vaults to the very top of this year’s Top 10 right-handed pitchers list. Since he’ll presumably step right into L.A.’s rotation, there’s even less of a question about whether he’ll contend for top rookie honors than with Skenes, who did not have an Opening Day roster spot waiting for him.
While Skenes obviously graduated, the No. 2 pitcher on the list has stayed the same the past two years, though we fully expect Jackson Jobe -- an American League ROY candidate himself -- to graduate this season. He’s joined by holdovers Andrew Painter, Chase Dollander and Rhett Lowder. Bubba Chandler was last year’s “keep an eye on” candidate, and he lived up to the billing, climbing up to No. 4 on this year’s list.
The Reds and Rangers have multiple prospects on the list, though that’s not unusual. At least one organization has put at least two top 10 right-handed pitching prospects on this list every year dating back to 2019 (the Marlins had three in 2022), and two teams had two reps apiece back in 2021 (Tigers and Mariners) and 2023 (Phillies and Dodgers).
Always an exciting list, this year’s is a bit top-heavy with very strong mound representation on the Top 100 list. But it’s not quite as deep as it’s been in past years, with the 19 right-handers total on the overall list representing an all-time low since we switched from a Top 50 to a Top 100.
The Top 10 (ETA)
- Roki Sasaki, Dodgers (2025)
- Jackson Jobe, Tigers (2025)
- Andrew Painter, Phillies (2025)
- Bubba Chandler, Pirates (2025)
- Chase Dollander, Rockies (2025)
- Chase Burns, Reds (2025)
- Rhett Lowder, Reds (2025)
- Kumar Rocker, Rangers (2025)
- Brandon Sproat, Mets (2025)
- Alejandro Rosario, Rangers (2026)
Complete list »
Top tools
Fastball: Sasaki, Jobe, Painter, Chandler (70)
Sasaki has been up to 102 mph in the past, but his velocity was down a little bit in 2024, averaging just 97 mph (compared to 99 in 2023). Jobe’s heater sat 95-97 mph and touched 99-100 with excellent run and rise metrics. Painter’s fastball command was a little inconsistent during his Arizona Fall League return, understandable following a two-year layoff, but there’s plenty of confidence he’ll land the upper-90s pitch in the zone going forward. The metrics on Chandler’s upper-90s heater are very impressive.
Curve: Burns, Rocker (60)
The scary thing is that this isn’t the better of two breaking balls for both Burns and Rocker. Burns’ curve is slower than his slider, thrown in the low 80s, and he throws it a lot less, but he still got a 58 percent whiff rate with the pitch at Wake Forest last year.
Slider: Jobe, Burns, Rocker (70)
Jobe’s slider averages around 2,900 rpm with a ton of sweep, with executives naming it the best secondary offering among prospects in MLB Pipeline’s 2025 executive survey. Burns finished second and Rocker fourth in that voting, with Burns’ slider eliciting a 64 percent whiff rate at Wake Forest last year and Rocker’s mid-80s breaker featuring two-plane depth generating a 66 percent swing-and-miss rate in the upper Minors and Majors last year.
Changeup: Jobe, Sproat (60)
Jobe’s offspeed option took a big step forward when he switched to more of a splitter grip. It has lots of armside run and separation from his fastball. Sproat throws his cambio in the upper 80s and also gets the right amount of separation and fade to make the pitch very effective against lefties.
Splitter: Sasaki (80)
This pitch is so good it gets its own category. His 89-90 mph splitter gets top-of-the-scale marks from scouts because it has velocity and depth. In 2024, it generated a 57 percent swing-and-miss rate in Japan.
Control: Painter, Lowder (65)
Outside of a little spotty fastball command, Painter was back to his impressive self in the Fall League, throwing four excellent pitches for strikes, and his 2.3 BB/9 rate in Arizona is right in line with the 2.1 ratio he’s posted in his pro career to date. Lowder walked just 2.3 per nine in his college career (1.8 in his junior season) and did more of the same during his first season of pro ball, with a 2.0 BB/9 rate in the Minors last year.
Superlatives
Highest ceiling: Sasaki
He has the potential for three plus pitches and plus control of all three, with his fastball getting a 70 grade and his splitter the rare-to-find 80 on the scouting scale. There’s a reason why teams were clamoring to sign him.
Highest floor: Lowder
Kind of like Skenes a year ago, you could argue that Sasaki should run these first three categories, but we’ll mix it up. And we’ll use the same guy as last year in Lowder. It's hard not to feel certain that he will be, at the very least, a big league rotation mainstay for a very long time.
Rookie of the Year candidate: Sasaki
We've been saying all along that he’d be a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors no matter where he signed. Executives polled said the same thing, as just over 79 percent agreed he’d be the favorite to win in whatever league he landed in.
Highest riser & humblest beginning: Rosario
In a list of first-round picks, big bonuses and that very large international signing, Rosario really stands out. He went unselected out of high school in the shortened 2020 Draft, then struggled at the University of Miami. The Rangers took him in the fifth round in 2023, signed him for slot ($437,900) and helped him remake his delivery and pitch mix. It clearly worked as he went from not being on the club’s Top 30 at the start of the 2024 season to this spot among the game’s best right-handed pitching prospects.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Most to prove: Rocker
It’s been quite the saga for Rocker, dating back to his initial 2021 Draft year, when the Mets pulled out of their offer following a medical review of his elbow and shoulder. After going No. 3 overall a year later to the Rangers, he blew out his elbow in May 2023 and had Tommy John surgery. He certainly looked like the real deal upon his return last year, dominating in the Minors and making his big league debut. But he only threw 48 1/3 innings, and only has 76 1/3 IP on his professional résumé to date, so he has to show he can take the ball every five days and stick in a big league rotation.
Keep an eye on: Travis Sykora, Nationals
Sykora had one of the best prep power arms in the 2023 Draft class and slid to the third round because of signability issues, joining the Nats in the third round for an over-slot bonus of $2.6 million. He had better feel for pitching in his first full season with Single-A Fredericksburg, walking just 2.9 per nine while striking out 13.7 and posting a 2.33 ERA. The organization eased him into pro ball with just 85 innings for the year, so it’s easy to imagine him really popping as the gloves come off.
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLBPipeline.com. Follow him on Facebook and @JonathanMayo, and listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Fresno Grizzlies Single Game Tickets On Sale Now
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies went on sale with their full slate of 2025 Single Game Tickets. With Opening Day less than 2 months away, fans can now choose their top games and seats for any home game at Chukchansi Park this season. As part of their
Fresno Grizzlies Release 2025 Promotional Calendar
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies unveiled their 2025 promotional schedule featuring 34 unique theme nights. With many popular nights returning as well as new additions to the theme night slate, this year’s promotional calendar once again ensures that there is something for everyone at Chukchansi Park this
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Coaching Staff for 2025 Season
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Colorado Rockies have announced the Fresno field and support staff for the 2025 season. Cesar Galvez, who spent the last two seaons as the Grizzlies’ Bench Coach, has been named Manager of the Fresno Grizzlies. Also returning to the Fresno staff is Jerry
Fresno Grizzlies To Host Annual Job Fair February 8
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies are preparing for the 2025 season by hosting their yearly job fair on Saturday, February 8. The annual hiring event aims to fill over 100 positions at the ballpark that are an integral part of the game-to-game success of the organization. “We love getting
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 2025 Season Theme - IT HAPPENS HERE.
Fresno (CA) – This morning the Fresno Grizzlies revealed their 2025 season theme and tagline - IT HAPPENS HERE. From fun to excitement to making memories, everything happens at Chukchansi Park. With over 200 events per year, including Fresno Grizzlies baseball, Tequila Fest, and Taco Truck Throwdown, the downtown Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Tequila Fest To Be Headlined by Ludacris
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest, set to return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17, will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris. Continuing the tradition of national-headlining acts like T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Lil Jon, and many more, 2025 Tequila Fest’s
Tequila Fest Set To Take Place On May 17 at Chukchansi Park
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest will return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17. Tequila Fest, which was awarded the title of Best Non-Gameday Event of 2023 by Minor League Baseball, is a celebration of local food, vendors, throwbacks, and, of course, tequila.
Fresno Grizzlies’ David Jacinto Wins 2024 California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Minor League Baseball are proud to announce that Grizzlies’ Groundskeeper David Jacinto has won the California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award. This is Jacinto’s third time winning the top groundskeeper honor in his career and his second recognition in the California
Taco Truck Throwdown 13 Set To Take Over Chukchansi Park This Saturday
Fresno, CA – Chukchansi Park will turn into the epicenter of the taco universe this Saturday, November 9th, as the downtown Fresno ballpark hosts its annual Taco Truck Throwdown. Now in its 13th year, the annual event will feature music from Larry June, Coyote, Los Del Puerto, wrestling from Lucha
UPDATE: October 20th Concert at Chukchansi Park
The Thomas Rhett performance that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 20, at Chukchansi Park, has been cancelled. All credit and debit card transactions will be refunded to the purchasing card within 3-5 business days. Refunds on all cash transactions must be claimed at the Chukchansi Park Ticket
Jace Kaminska Named California League Pitcher of the Year; 2 More Grizzlies Also Announced as All Stars
Fresno, CA – Minor League Baseball announced Wednesday morning that three Fresno Grizzlies were awarded California League All-Star honors thanks to their stellar 2024 campaigns. Right-handed starting pitcher Jace Kaminska, left-handed relief pitcher Welinton Herrera and third baseman Braylen Wimmer were the winning recipients of their respective positions, as voted
Hibernation comes early for Grizzlies in 11-5 loss to Giants in 2024 finale
Fresno, CA (Sunday, September 8) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-37, 67-64) were vanquished by the San Jose Giants (37-29, 74-57) 11-5 Sunday afternoon from Chukchansi Park. Fresno went into hibernation, dropping the final contest of the regular season, splitting the six-game set with their North Division rival. A Sunday crowd
All smiles as Fresno topples San Jose 7-3 in penultimate game of season
Fresno, CA (Saturday, September 7) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-36, 67-63) conquered the San Jose Giants (36-29, 73-57) 7-3 Saturday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno’s penultimate game of the season ended with an offensive outpouring, as the Grizzlies tallied 12 hits and seven runs. The Grizzlies improved to 13-9 on
Comeback claws trimmed by inches in Fresno’s 6-5 (11) defeat versus San Jose
Fresno, CA (Friday, September 6) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-36, 66-63) were stunned by the San Jose Giants (36-28, 73-56) 6-5 in 11 frames Friday night from Chukchansi Park. The two teams have played 21 total innings over the past two evenings, both ending with free baseball. One night after
Tena and Mena shrink Giants in Grizzlies’ 5-4 (10) walk-off dub
Fresno, CA (Thursday, September 5) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-35, 66-62) walked-off on the San Jose Giants (35-28, 72-56) 5-4 in 10 frames Thursday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno enjoyed their ninth walk-off win of the 2024 season with their third consecutive coming in the 10th. The Grizzlies relished a
Hopfe and Hobson hammer homers, but Fresno falls 10-5 to San Jose
Fresno, CA (Wednesday, September 4) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-35, 65-62) were defeated by the San Jose Giants (35-27, 72-55) 10-5 Wednesday night from Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies offense scattered nine hits with seven of them landing for singles (first six batters in order had a hit). Fresno also swiped
McCabe’s late knock backs Luciano’s stellar outing in Grizzlies 5-1 win over Giants
Fresno, CA (Monday, September 2) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-34, 65-61) growled past the San Jose Giants (34-27, 71-55) 5-1 Monday evening from Chukchansi Park. Fresno improved to 46-12 overall and 24-4 at home when allowing three runs or fewer. The Grizzlies finished the season 14-10 in the first game
Rawhide rope Grizzlies 2-1 to open up September
Visalia, CA (Sunday, September 1) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-34, 64-61) fell to the Visalia Rawhide (35-25, 64-61) 2-1 Sunday afternoon from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno dropped the finale and suffered a series setback to their Highway 99 rival. The Grizzlies finished 33-34 on the road overall and 10-23 in
Postseason Chances Dashed after Fresno’s 6-3 loss in Visalia
Visalia, CA (Saturday, August 31) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-33, 64-60) were overwhelmed by the Visalia Rawhide (34-25, 63-61) 6-3 Saturday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 49-16 all-time against the Rawhide (6-5 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 41 contests against their Highway
Walks and errors cost Fresno in 3-2 setback to Visalia
Visalia, CA (Friday, August 30) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-32, 64-59) were edged out by the Visalia Rawhide (33-25, 62-61) 3-2 Friday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies dropped to 49-15 all-time against the Rawhide (6-4 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 40 contests against their
Laundry List of Grizzlies’ Longballs Place Rawhide in 11-2 Spin-Cycle
Visalia, CA (Thursday, August 29) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-31, 64-58) washed away the Visalia Rawhide (32-25, 61-61) stain 11-2 Thursday evening from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno had two players almost spin cycles in Felix Tena and Blake Wright, with both needing triples. The Grizzlies improved to 49-14 all-time against
Grizzlies OF Robert Calaz Named 2024 Arizona Complex League MVP
Fresno, CA - Minor League Baseball announced Thursday morning that current Fresno Grizzlies OF Robert Calaz was named the 2024 Arizona Complex League MVP in their end-of-season awards. Calaz was also selected as one of the three top outfielders in the league and the only Rockies prospect named to the
Late Rawhide Stampede Chase Grizzlies 6-5 Wednesday
Visalia, CA (Wednesday, August 28) – The Fresno Grizzlies (25-31, 63-58) were lashed late by the Visalia Rawhide (32-24, 61-60) 6-5 Wednesday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 48-14 all-time against the Rawhide (5-3 this season). Fresno has won 29 of their last 38 contests against their
Wimmer winds up a double shy from cycle as Fresno vanquishes Visalia 10-4
Visalia, CA (Tuesday, August 27) – The Fresno Grizzlies (25-30, 63-57) wrangled the Visalia Rawhide (31-24, 60-60) 10-4 Tuesday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies improved to 48-13 all-time against the Rawhide (5-2 this season). Fresno has also won 29 of their last 37 contests against their Highway 99
Double-Trouble for Fresno in 12-7 defeat to Stockton
Fresno, CA (Sunday, August 25) – The Fresno Grizzlies (24-30, 62-57) dropped the finale of their six-game series against the Stockton Ports (18-36, 44-74) 12-7 Sunday evening from Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies fell to 81-33 all-time versus the Ports with a 20-10 overall record this year. The 20 victories against