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Unveiling MLB Prospects on the Cusp: Why Caissie, Saggese, and Others are Worth Watching
2025-01-29
Author: Wai
As the MLB prospect rankings are prepared each year, it's an intricate process that identifies the most promising young talent in baseball. However, there are always players on the brink who, for various reasons, just miss out on the coveted top 100 list. While the cutoff seems somewhat arbitrary—rooted in our decimal system—these athletes are undoubtedly noteworthy.
This year's selections highlight several significant prospects who deserve attention despite their exclusion from the main rankings. Here’s a closer look at why these players, including Owen Caissie and Thomas Saggese, are critical to the future of their respective teams.
Sean Burke, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 230 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 25 Despite an injury-riddled past, Sean Burke made his MLB debut in September with standout performances. His arsenal includes a four-seamer that can reach 99 mph and a curveball that scouts rate as potentially elite. If he can improve his control and health, Burke has the potential to develop into a solid No. 3 starter.
Owen Caissie, OF, Chicago Cubs
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190 | Bats: L | Throws: R | Age: 22 Owen Caissie has shown remarkable growth since joining the Cubs from the Padres. Transforming from a poor outfielder to a plus runner and average defender, he possesses tremendous power, with exit velocities reaching up to 115 mph. The key for him will be cutting down on his strikeout rates to harness his power effectively.
Jonny Farmelo, OF, Seattle Mariners
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205 | Bats: L | Throws: R | Age: 20 Farmelo's potential is bright, but injuries have stalled his progress. Prior to tearing his ACL, he showcased impressive skills, including a powerful bat and speed on the base paths. If he can return to form, he could emerge as a top prospect once more.
Brady House, 3B, Washington Nationals
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 208 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22 Brady House faced challenges in Triple-A, struggling with high strikeout rates that are concerning for his development. Despite strong raw power, he needs to refine his plate discipline to secure a prominent role in the Nationals' future.
Xavier Isaac, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 240 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 21 Isaac has demonstrated plus power potential but struggled against left-handed pitching. His brief time in Double-A left questions about his ability to make consistent contact, but after a strong showing in High-A, there's still hope for his development.
Kyle Karros, 3B, Colorado Rockies
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22 The son of MLB player Eric Karros, Kyle made waves with an impressive performance in High-A after his 2023 draft. With strong defensive skills and an ability to hit for average, he has the potential to see significant playing time in the near future.
Thomas Saggese, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 23 Saggese had a solid transition to the majors and proved to be a potent hitter in the minors. However, his tendency to chase pitches out of the zone could hinder his progress. With focus on swing decisions, he could establish himself as a regular at the major league level.
A Look at the Future
These players signify the depth of talent waiting to make their move in Major League Baseball. Some may evolve into stars, while others face challenges that could impede their paths. The unpredictability of player development means that a year from now, we could see many of these names elevating into the spotlight.
With the season underway, fans should keep their eyes on these rising stars—they could be the game-changers of tomorrow.