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.
Hillsboro Hops, City of Hillsboro and Mortenson celebrate “Topping Out” of new Ballpark
HILLSBORO, Ore – On Friday, March 7, The Hillsboro Hops, in collaboration with the City of Hillsboro and leading developer and design-builder Mortenson, celebrated the “topping out” of the Hillsboro Hops Ballpark located at 4450 NE Century Blvd. in Hillsboro’s Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. The event commemorated the structure reaching
Hillsboro Hops Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
Hillsboro, Ore. (January 14, 2025) – It was announced today by the Hillsboro Hops and Arizona Diamondbacks that Mark Reed will be managing the Hops in 2025. Reed, a coach on the Hops’ 2024 staff was a third-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2004. Also returning to Hillsboro is
New Ballpark Waitlist Now Open
Hillsboro, Ore. (November 14, 2024) – The Hillsboro Hops announced on Thursday that waitlist deposits for the new Hillsboro Hops Ballpark are now available. The Hops’ new ballpark is scheduled to open in April of 2026 and will be a premier year-round baseball and concert venue. This is the first
2025 Hillsboro Hops Home Schedule Released
Hillsboro, Ore. (October 21, 2024) – The Hillsboro Hops announced their full 66-game home schedule for 2025 on Monday. The final season in Hillsboro Ballpark will be headlined by 36 weekend games, Star Wars Night, two Craft Beer Nights and 7 Soñadores games. Opening Weekend is highlighted by Opening Night
Hillsboro Hops Fund Banquet Panel Announced
Hillsboro, Ore. (October 17, 2024) – The Hillsboro Hops will host the 11th annual Hillsboro Hops Fund Banquet on Saturday, November 23rd at NW Events & Environments in Hillsboro. The event, which is presented by Barclays, will be headlined by a featured conversation “Future is Female” from four prominent women
Haruki Mukohchi Named NWL Trainer of the Year
September 24, 2024 (Hillsboro, OR) - It was announced by The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) that Hillsboro Hops' trainer Haruki Mukohchi has been named the 2024 Northwest League Athletic Trainer of the Year. "I am very honored to receive this award," said Mukohchi. "I would like to thank
Construction Milestone for Hillsboro Hops New Ballpark
Hillsboro, Ore. (September 20, 2024) – A major milestone was reached in the construction of the new Hillsboro Hops Ballpark on Thursday as the first concrete pour took place. 250 cubic yards of concrete was poured onto the new site on the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. The footings poured on
Hops Split Friday & Saturday games at Tri-City, Set for Sunday Season Finale
PASCO, WASH. (Sept. 8, 2024) --- The Hillsboro Hops played one of their poorest games of the year on Friday night at Gesa Stadium in a 7-3 loss to Tri-City, followed by a crisp 2-1 victory over the Dust Devils on Saturday. And on Sunday night at 6:30, Hillsboro will
Hops' Dramatic Victory Isn’t Enough
PASCO, WASH. (Sept. 5, 2024) --- Junior Franco’s top-of-the-eighth-inning heroics and a clutch save by Yordin Chalas led to a 2-1 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils on Thursday night at Gesa Stadium. The tense victory kept the Hops’ slim postseason hopes alive… until about 45 minutes later, when Vancouver
Hops Lose at Tri-City, Elimination Number Falls to One
PASCO, WASH. (Sept. 4, 2024) --- Hillsboro wasted several early opportunities on Wednesday night at Gesa Stadium, including leaving the bases loaded in the second and fourth innings, en route to a 5-2 loss to the Tri-City Dust Devils. Vancouver lost 10-7 at home to Eugene, delaying the Canadians’ playoff-berth
Hillsboro Hops Partner with Intel to Support STEM Education in Oregon as Part of Strikeouts for STEM Program
Hillsboro, Ore. (September 4, 2024) – In collaboration with the Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops), Intel, the Oregon-based semiconductor manufacturer, is donating $40,000 to the Hillsboro Schools Foundation to support future STEM opportunities for the children of Hillsboro. Intel has committed to donate $30 for every strikeout by a Hops pitcher this
Hops Lose at Tri-City, Playoff Hopes Shrink
Pasco, Wash. (Sept. 3, 2024) --- With the Hops’ epic six-run, ninth-inning Sunday comeback win over Vancouver now in the rear-view mirror, Hillsboro came to the Tri-Cities for the season’s final series, trailing Vancouver by three games with six to play. Alas, the Hops’ playoff hopes took a major hit
Biggest Comeback in Team History Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
September 1, 2024 (Hillsboro, OR) - The Hops entered the final home game of the 2024 season on Sunday at Hillsboro Ballpark with their season on the line and needing a win versus Vancouver to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Trailing 8-3 with two outs in the ninth inning
Hops Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with 5-2 Win
August 31 (Hillsboro, OR)- The Vancouver Canadians and Hillsboro Hops battled for the second playoff spot on Saturday night at Hillsboro Ballpark. The Hops beat the Canadians 5-2 tonight, but Vancouver still holds a four-game lead in the standings over Hillsboro with seven games left to play. Avery Short had
Hillsboro's Friday Night Hitting Frenzy
Hillsboro, OR (August 30)- The Hillsboro Hops had a dominant win over the Vancouver Canadians on Friday at Hillsboro Ballpark, taking the game 9-3. Jose Cabrera, 2.44 ERA, went up against Kendry Rojas, 2.70 ERA, on the bump in the high-scoring game. Coming off of 8.2 innings of a no-hitter
Hops’ Pitching Staff Allows Ten Earned Runs in Loss to Canadians
August 28 (Hillsboro, OR)—For the second game of the series, the Vancouver Canadians and Hillsboro Hops met at Hillsboro Ballpark. The Canadians started off hot and kept it that way, with the Hops never gaining a lead. Vancouver won 10-5. Although the loss was a tough one, a highlight of
Eighth Inning Explosion Powers Hops to 9-5 Win
Hillsboro, OR (August 27, 2024) – The Hops trailed the Vancouver Canadians by seven games for the final Northwest League playoff spot entering play on Tuesday. Hillsboro needs to win at least five-of-six games from Vancouver to keep hopes alive heading into the final series of the season and they
Gavin Conticello's Clutch Two-Run Homer leads Hops to 5-4 Victory
Hillsboro, OR (August 25, 2024) – The Hillsboro Hops are the only team in the Northwest League to have a winning record against the Spokane Indians in 2024 and they would add to that win total in the series finale. After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss last night, the Hops had
Hops Suffer 1-0 Loss Despite Taking A No-Hitter into the Ninth
August 24 (Hillsboro, OR)- Jose Cabrera made his ninth start of the year, facing off against Yunjanyer Herrera for the Spokane Indians at Hillsboro Ballpark. In one of the best pitching games of the year, Jose Cabrera got charged with the loss despite not allowing a hit for 8.2 innings.
When it Rains it Pours, Hillsboro loses 7-2 to Spokane
August 23 (Hillsboro, OR)- The Spokane Indians and the Hillsboro Hops met up at Hillsboro Ballpark on a rainy Friday night. Hillsboro took a brutal 7-2 loss to Spokane. In the past three games, Hops' pitching staff had only given up three hits combined, and tonight they allowed ten. With
Hops' Pitching Brilliant Again, Holds Spokane to Just Two Hits in 8-2 Win
Hillsboro, OR (August 22, 2024) – A night after Hillsboro held the best hitting team in the Northwest League to just one hit, they would again silence the Indians’ bats. The combination of Jacob Steinmetz, Carlos Rey, Zane Russell and Alfred Morillo allowed just two hits and two runs in
Roman Angelo Throws Seven No-Hit Innings
Hillsboro, OR (August 21)- Hillsboro pitching dominated over the Spokane Indians at Hillsboro Ballpark in the Hops 4-1 win. Roman Angelo had a legendary outing, becoming only the second Hops pitcher to throw seven innings of a no-hitter. Angelo struck out nine batters in his appearance and was pulled from
Hops Earn Split, Take Season Series From Eugene
EUGENE, Ore. --Another strong outing from Jose Cabrera, another strong finish from the bullpen and a strong swing from Jose Fernandez. Those three things added up to a 5-1 Hillsboro win at Eugene Sunday as the Hops (23-25 second half, 58-55 overall) salvaged a series split with back-to-back wins on
Lightning Strikes Twice As Hops Snap Skid
EUGENE, Ore. --One night after losing three runners on the bases in a one-run defeat, the Hops were not deterred in their pursuit of extra bags on a stormy Saturday in Eugene. Successfully pulling off two first-and-third double steals, Hillsboro (22-25 second half, 57-55 overall) closed out a 4-2 win
Steinmetz Dazzles; Bullpen Frazzled
EUGENE, Ore. -- What more does Jacob Steinmetz have to do to get his first Hillsboro win? The 6-7 hurler from Long Island was nothing short of brilliant Friday night, but the slim lead the Hops gave him dissipated quickly upon his departure. The Eugene Emeralds scored three runs in