Top Prospects To Stash for After the Trade Deadline

Now that the 2025 MLB Draft has passed and farm systems have been replenished, the focus shifts to the upcoming trade deadline — a pivotal moment for many of baseball's top prospects. Some could be moved in deals for veteran talent aimed at bolstering playoff pushes, while others may get the call to the majors as rosters undergo late-season reshuffling. This article spotlights 10 prospects who could make an impact over the rest of the 2025 season and are worth monitoring as stash candidates in redraft leagues.

Stats updated through the morning of July 28. For more prospect coverage, check out our Top 400 MLB Prospects as well as our Top 20 prospects for each team.

Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles (#6, #1 C, #1 BAL)

Basallo is a consensus top prospect, and for good reason. The 20-year-old catcher has consistently been an above-average hitter at every stop in the minors since turning pro. While his 2024 season was viewed by some as a disappointment, he still slashed .288/.353/.463 with an .816 OPS, 21 doubles, 16 home runs and 53 RBI over 105 games at Double-A Bowie. He has taken things to another level in 2025, slashing .280/.394/.615 with a 1.009 OPS, 13 doubles, 20 home runs and 50 RBI in 64 games at Triple-A Norfolk. The only setback this season was a brief oblique issue, but he returned July 25 against Lehigh Valley in style, going 5-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and two RBI. 

Basallo looks fully ready for the big leagues—it's just a matter of the Orioles finding the right role to get him consistent at-bats. Adley Rutschman (oblique) just returned from the injured list, while Gary Sanchez and Maverick Handley remain sidelined. Current catching options Jacob Stallings and Alex Jackson offer limited long-term upside. Basallo won't be the everyday catcher with Rutschman healthy, but a trade involving Ryan O'Hearn could open the door for regular at-bats at first base or designated hitter. The transition to the majors is never easy, but few prospects appear more equipped to handle it than Basallo.

JJ Wetherholt, SS, Cardinals (#10, #7 SS, #1 STL)

Wetherholt starred at West Virginia, prompting the Cardinals to take him No. 7 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Since joining the organization, the shortstop has torn up every level, quickly emerging as one of the fastest rising prospects in the game. He earned a promotion after slashing .300/.425/.466 with an .891 OPS, 14 doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 34 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 62 games with Double-A Springfield. Since moving up to Triple-A Memphis, he's been even more impressive, slashing .333/.391/.762 with a 1.153 OPS, four doubles, one triple, four home runs and five RBI in just 11 games. 

There is little doubt the 22-year-old is ready for the majors, it's just a matter of the Cardinals finding room for him. While technically in the wild-card race, St. Louis is more likely to be a seller at the deadline. Masyn Winn appears entrenched at shortstop thanks to his reliable glove, but potential trades involving Brendan Donovan or Nolan Arenado could create openings. With elite contact skills, solid power and strong athleticism, Wetherholt looks ready to make an impact at the big league level sooner rather than later at any position.

Bubba Chandler, SP, Pirates (#19, #4 P, #2 PIT)

Chandler entered the 2021 MLB Draft as a two-sport athlete and two-way player, but the Pirates prioritized his future on the mound, and he's since developed into one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His signature weapon is a high-90s fastball with elite vertical break, considered one of the most dominant pitches in the minors. The 22-year-old has also made notable strides with his secondary pitches, with both his slider and changeup evolving into strong complements to his fastball. 

In Triple-A Indianapolis this season, the right-hander owns a 3.27 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 82.2 innings (20 starts), with an impressive 11.4 K/9 but a less refined 4.5 BB/9. With Pittsburgh likely to sell at the deadline and rotation arms like Mitch Keller, Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter potentially on the move, Chandler would be a logical call-up. His command still needs polishing, but Chandler's electric fastball and improved arsenal suggest he has the tools to compete at the major league level.

Jordan Lawlar, SS, Diamondbacks (#28, #12 SS, #1 ARI)

Lawlar has carried top-prospect status since being selected No. 6 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and has backed it up with strong performances at every minor-league level. In Triple-A Reno this season, the shortstop is slashing .319/.410/.583 with a .993 OPS, 19 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 18 stolen bases and 45 RBI over 53 games. He has looked like the total package in the minors, but that success has yet to carry over to the majors. The blame, however, doesn't fall solely on him. Lawlar has appeared in just 22 MLB games between 2023 and 2025, posting a .080/.179/.080 slash line with no extra-base hits, no RBI and only one stolen base across 56 plate appearances. The numbers are rough, but the Diamondbacks haven't helped by giving him sporadic call-ups without consistent playing time. 

A hamstring injury has sidelined Lawlar in Triple-A since June 27, but the projected timeline suggests he could return soon. Arizona already dealt first baseman Josh Naylor to Seattle and is expected to move third baseman Eugenio Suarez before the deadline, opening up multiple lineup spots. While Geraldo Perdomo seems locked in at shortstop, Lawlar could see time at third base in Suarez's absence and possibly at second when Ketel Marte is used as the designated hitter. A call-up and everyday role aren't guaranteed, but if Lawlar gets consistent playing time, his elite speed and offensive tools make him an intriguing fantasy pickup.

Dylan Beavers, OF, Orioles (#104, #23 OF, #4 BAL)

Beavers continues to impress in the Orioles' farm system as a true jack of all trades, grading out above average in all five tools. His improved plate discipline is a major reason scouts are high on him, with a 15.8 percent walk rate and 17.5 percent strikeout rate in 2025, both steady improvements since his first full minor-league season in 2023. 

The outfielder spent most of last year at Double-A Bowie, where he slashed .237/.339/.407 with a .746 OPS, 19 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 31 stolen bases and 49 RBI over 120 games. The 23-year-old has elevated his game in 2025, slashing .303/.414/.498 with a .912 OPS, 13 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 21 stolen bases and 41 RBI in 80 games at Triple-A Norfolk. There isn't necessarily an immediate spot for Beavers on a crowded Orioles roster, but potential trade deadline moves involving Ryan O'Hearn, Ramon Laureano or Cedric Mullins could create a path for him to make his MLB debut.

Robby Snelling, SP, Marlins (#125, #43 P, #4 MIA)

Snelling made his way to the Marlins organization in the trade which sent Tanner Scott to the Padres at the 2024 trade deadline. He struggled a bit in 2024 but has found his footing in 2025, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 in 14 starts across 72.1 innings in Double-A Pensacola, with a 2.82 FIP suggesting he was even better than the listed output. The southpaw was moved to Triple-A Jacksonville, where he owns a 2.30 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 in his first three starts. 

His fastball isn't overpowering, typically sitting in the low 90s, so Snelling often relies on his breaking balls to generate whiffs. The 21-year-old doesn't necessarily project as a future ace, but he profiles as a serviceable middle or back-end starter. If the Marlins trade Sandy Alcantara as expected, and possibly Edward Cabrera as well, Snelling would be a strong candidate to earn a look in the rotation for the remainder of 2025.

Justin Crawford, OF, Phillies (#168, #37 OF, #7 PHI)

The son of former big leaguer Carl Crawford, Justin has mostly lived up to expectations since being selected No. 17 overall by the Phillies in the 2022 MLB Draft. The outfielder has spent all of 2025 at Triple-A Lehigh, where he's slashing .327/.409/.430 with an .839 OPS, 18 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 31 stolen bases and 31 RBI across 81 games. The most notable development in his age-21 season has been his improved plate discipline, as seen in his 12.3 percent walk rate — nearly double the 6.6 percent mark he posted at Double-A Reading last year. 

Crawford doesn't profile as a major power threat, particularly in terms of home runs, but he has enough gap power to rack up doubles and triples. His standout tool remains his speed, as the 70-grade runner has collected 112 stolen bases over 294 career minor-league games. At the major-league level, both Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have underwhelmed at the plate. While both offer strong defense and speed, Crawford brings those same traits — with arguably even more upside. There is no guarantee his hit tool will carry over right away, but his elite speed and overall potential make Crawford a compelling call-up candidate with the potential to offer immediate fantasy value through stolen bases.

Hunter Barco, SP, Pirates (#204, #67 P, #8 PIT)

Barco may not generate the same level of prospect buzz as Bubba Chandler, but he's another Pirates arm who could be in line for a promotion after the trade deadline. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s and doesn't overpower with velocity, but it's proven effective at generating ground balls. What sets him apart is his impressive offspeed mix, highlighted by a wipeout slider and a newly added splitter that's quickly become a key part of his arsenal. 

The lanky left-hander opened the year with 25.2 scoreless innings over six starts at Double-A Altoona before earning a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis. Since moving up, he's posted a 3.97 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 47.2 innings (12 starts). After a rough start at the level, he's settled in over his last six outings, recording a 2.89 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 28 innings. Though his pitching profile differs from Chandler's, Barco's strikeout and walk rates are in a similar range, albeit slightly less favorable at 10.3 K/9 and 5.9 BB/9. A call-up isn't guaranteed, but with his recent form and advanced offspeed repertoire, Barco is a strong candidate to fill a spot in Pittsburgh's rotation when one opens up.

Ian Seymour, SP/RP, Rays (#318, #117 P, #16 TB)

Seymour isn't a highly touted prospect, but he's been nothing short of dominant in the minors since 2023. The southpaw earned a spot in the Rays' bullpen after posting a 2.62 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 10.9 K/9 over 16 games (15 starts) for Triple-A Durham this season. Since joining the big league club, he's continued to impress, logging a 1.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 9.2 innings in six appearances, with five of those outings coming without an earned run. 

While the 26-year-old has been effective in relief, his arsenal, headlined by a standout changeup, along with his stamina and deceptive delivery, still projects well in a starting role. Joe Boyle appears set to take over a rotation spot in the wake of Taj Bradley's demotion, but one injury or trade (and the Rays are often active at the deadline) could open the door for Seymour to get a shot as a starter. His short-term value may be limited, but given his track record and the support of one of baseball's best pitching development systems, Seymour offers intriguing upside if he moves into the rotation.

Jakob Marsee, OF, Marlins (NR)

Marsee is a bit of a wild card, as he doesn't appear in RotoWire's top 400 prospects, but his path to potential big-league playing time makes him worth watching. A contact-over-power hitter, he stands out for his patience, athleticism and elite speed. One of the savviest baserunners in the minors, he's tallied 155 stolen bases in 389 career games. Traded to the Marlins in 2024 as part of the Luis Arraez deal, Marsee struggled last season, slashing .200/.345/.315 over 137 games, but still swiped 51 bases. He's bounced back in 2025, slashing .243/.372/.434 with an .806 OPS, five triples, 13 doubles, 14 home runs, 37 RBI and 44 steals in 96 games at Triple-A. 

While his power ceiling is limited and his bat may need time to adjust to major-league pitching, Marsee's speed and plate discipline should translate. With Kyle Stowers locked into left field and Heriberto Hernandez producing in a limited sample, center field remains a weak spot with Dane Myers and Derek Hill (finger) struggling at the plate. If Jesus Sanchez, a top trade chip, is dealt, Marsee could have a real shot to crack the Marlins' outfield.