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.
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 3
Each Monday through March 24, find out how former and potential future Gwinnett Stripers players are performing in Major League camp with the Atlanta Braves. The Atlanta Braves enter their second week of Grapefruit League play having won four of their last five games. The club's 6-2 record through March
Gwinnett Stripers Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers announced today their Promotions Schedule for 2025, the team’s 16th season at Coolray Field. The full calendar of giveaways, fireworks shows, theme nights, special appearances, and weekly promotions awaiting fans can be viewed now at GoStripers.com/promotions. This year’s slate of giveaways is highlighted by
Stripers Unite Braves Country for Coca-Cola® Preseason Party on March 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – All levels of Braves Country will unite at Coolray Field on Sunday, March 2 as the Gwinnett Stripers host the annual Coca-Cola® Preseason Party. The Stripers will welcome the mascots and promotions teams of the Atlanta Braves, Columbus Clingstones (Double-A), Rome Emperors (High-A), and Augusta GreenJackets (Class-A)
Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Coaching Staff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today their minor league coaching staffs for the 2025 season. The Gwinnett Stripers will be led by manager Kanekoa Texeira (2nd season), pitching coach Wes McGuire (1st season), bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (2nd season, 1st since 2023), hitting coach Dan DeMent (2nd season),
Gwinnett Stripers Now Hiring Gameday Staff for 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are now accepting applications for gameday staff for the 2025 season. Online applications can be submitted now at GoStripers.com/jobs, and an in-person Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Suite Lounge at Coolray Field. Individuals
Gwinnett Stripers and Chopper the Groundhog Announce Groundhog Day Celebration for February 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Chopper the Groundhog – the only groundhog mascot in professional sports – the Gwinnett Stripers are planning a full and festive day on Sunday, February 2 that includes the launch of single-game ticket sales for the first half of the 2025 season. Chopper will
Gwinnett Stripers, Gray Media Partner for 30-Game Broadcast Schedule on Peachtree Sports Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season. The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta
Gwinnett Stripers Celebrate Holiday Season with New Holiday Packs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Just in time for last-minute holiday shoppers, the Gwinnett Stripers have rolled out one of the most affordable options for any sports fan. Put the excitement of live baseball in your stocking with a Stripers Holiday Pack, on sale now through December 31. Each Holiday Pack includes:
Gwinnett Stripers’ Veterans Pack Available November 8-11
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced the return of the Veterans Pack for the 2025 season. Veterans Packs are available to all service members and their dependents and may be purchased online at GoStripers.com. Packs are on sale for a limited time only,
Gwinnett Stripers Partnering with The Salvation Army for Non-Perishable Food Drive During “Flick or Treat” on October 26
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items during the team’s annual “Flick or Treat” event (presented by Century Communities) at Coolray Field from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring
Gwinnett Stripers’ Bryce Elder Selected to 2024 International League All-Star Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB) announced today the league awards and All-Star teams for both Triple-A leagues, the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Gwinnett Stripers right-hander Bryce Elder was selected to the 2024 International League All-Star Team as one of four Starting Pitchers. The 25-year-old Elder
2024 Gwinnett Stripers: Year in Review
The 15th season of Triple-A baseball in Gwinnett County has officially concluded with the Gwinnett Stripers finishing the 2024 campaign with a 72-78 record. Although the Stripers were unable to secure a Triple-A championship, they played an indispensable role for the Atlanta Braves as the parent club navigated a challenging
Stripers Stifled 5-1 in Season Finale at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A.J. Smith-Shawver struck out 10 batters over 6.0 innings but also yielded four home runs as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-78) finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-76) on Sunday afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: Dane Myers hit solo
Four-Run Second Sinks Elder, Stripers in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-76) struck for four runs on five hits in the second inning against Bryce Elder and rode that frame to a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (72-77) on Saturday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Bennett Hostetler homered and drove in three for
Missed Opportunities Cost Stripers in 3-2 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luke Williams homered and Drue Hackenberg tossed 5.2 one-run innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (72-76) went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (71-76) on Friday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville scored its three runs on a wild
Stripers Ride Six-Run First Inning to 9-4 Triumph in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luis Liberato launched a three-run home run to cap a six-run first inning and Luke Waddell lined a two-run single in the ninth to put the game away as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-75) earned a wire-to-wire 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-76) on Thursday night
Stripers Lose 7-3 in Jacksonville Despite Anderson’s Quality Start
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Ian Anderson struck out five over 6.0 one-run innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (71-75) on Wednesday night, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-75) scored six runs off the bullpen to win 7-3 at 121 Financial Ballpark. The final series of the year is tied at 1-1. Decisive
Albies Belts Three-Run Homer as Stripers Slip Past Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Beginning a rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Ozzie Albies went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (71-74) to a 4-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (69-75) at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the
Stripers' Offense Reemerges to Back Smith-Shawver's Quality Start in 6-2 Win Over Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves No. 2 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver turned in a sparkling start for the Gwinnett Stripers (35-34) to set the stage for an offensive resurgence to close the curtain on Coolray Field this season with a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons (30-38) on Sunday afternoon at
Stripers' Offense Out of Rhythm Again in 4-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-34) were once again stymied offensively by the Buffalo Bisons (30-37) in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett has lost four-straight games. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored first on an RBI sacrifice fly by Luke Williams in the third inning.
Offensive Woes Continue in 3-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Bryce Elder opened with 5.0 scoreless innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (34-33) did not score until the ninth inning in a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Bisons (29-37) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through in the sixth inning on an RBI
Home Runs by Baldwin, Martinez Not Enough to Back Hackenberg in 3-2 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves' No. 9 prospect Drue Hackenberg turned in his third-straight quality start but received little run support as the Gwinnett Stripers (34-32) only managed solo home runs from Drake Baldwin and J.P. Martinez in a 3-2 to the Buffalo Bisons (28-37) on Thursday night at Coolray
Stripers Run Out of Extra-Inning Magic in 6-3 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-31) overcame a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the 10th inning but were eventually put away after a three-run 11th frame from the Buffalo Bisons (27-37) in a 6-3 loss on Wednesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: After three scoreless innings opened
Monster Offensive Nights from Martinez, Anderson Drive 13-2 Blowout of Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – J.P. Martinez and Brian Anderson combined for 10 RBIs for the Gwinnett Stripers (34-30) to power a 13-2 rout of the Buffalo Bisons (26-37) on Tuesday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through for its only lead on an RBI single from Jonatan Clase in
Homestand Highlights: Stripers Celebrate “Fan Appreciation Week” for Final Homestand
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The Gwinnett Stripers are bringing the curtain down on a tremendous 15th season at Coolray Field by honoring the devoted fans that made it possible with Fan Appreciation Week from September 10-15. The final homestand of the year is a six-game series against the Buffalo Bisons. The