We’ve reached the second month of the 2025 MLB regular season. Last month, we saw several notable prospects make the jump to the Majors and it’s likely more are on the way. And, several of those names could become impact fantasy players. Here’s our May 2025 fantasy prospects watch list.
Roman Anthony
Out of the 10 names who I listed as targets last month, four made it to the MLB level. One of the names who didn’t, however, was five-tool outfielder Roman Anthony.
No, Anthony hasn’t logged any time at first base in Worcester (AAA), for those asking. However, Anthony came into play tied with Dylan Beavers and four others for the 11th-most hits (32) in the International League. The 20-year-old notched five home runs already, along with three stolen bases and a .933 OPS.
Boston doesn’t have to rush Anthony at this point. He’s not on the 40-man roster, and the Sox have the bodies in the outfield. Yes, Ceddanne Rafaela hasn’t put up sexy numbers, as the 24-year-old came into play with a .602 OPS. But given that big contract he inked last year and his prowess in center field (+4 OAA), Boston can take their time with Anthony.
Nonetheless, it’s wise for fantasy players who have room to stash him.
Justin Crawford
One of the names on our April list was Rays outfielder Chandler Simspon, the 80-grade runner who picked up six stolen bases over his first 14 MLB contests. While Justin Crawford, the son of ex-Rays outfielder Carl Crawford, likely won’t be as impactful, the former first-round pick’s becoming an intriguing name for 2025.
Justin started 2025 in Triple-A and has been electric, as the Phillie prospect is currently fourth in the International League in hits (39). Crawford is tied for 10th in stolen bases (9), as the 21-year-old is himself an accomplished runner. He stole 89 combined bases between 2023-24.
Much like with the Red Sox and Anthony, the Phillies don’t need to rush Crawford. He’s not necessarily someone to stash away, simply because he may be a potential callup in the second half — or possibly not even in 2025. The Phillies have outfield depth between Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas in center, and Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos in the corners.
But, when Crawford ultimately gets the call, he’ll be a fantasy option. He doesn’t hit for much power but he can find holes and steal bases.
Cade Horton
While Anthony & Crawford are speculative picks, Cade Horton is far from one. That’s because Horton is a potential option for the Cubs rotation with Shota Imanaga on the injured list.
As of May 6, Horton had 33 strikeouts over 29 innings and a 1.24 ERA, the latter of which is the second-lowest ERA in the IL. Only Chris Flexen, another potential option to replace Imanaga, had a lower ERA in the International League.
As noted in March, Horton’s fastball doesn’t have great induced movement — but it plays. It primarily sits in the 92-95 MPH range but he can gas it up to 98 MPH. He’s done it multiple times in Iowa (AAA) thus far, including on some occasions in two-strike counts. On top of his four-seamer and two-seamer, Horton will use a changeup that flirts with 90 MPH and his go-to secondary offering, a slower gyro slider with a 39.3% Whiff% this season.
The big question for Horton this season is how much the Cubs want to push him. The former first-round pick hasn’t thrown more than 88 innings in a single pro season, and he’s near his innings thrown from 2024 (34.1 IP).
Jordan Lawlar
Currently, the Pacific Coast League hit king is Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar has been a menace with Reno, as he slashed .357/.441/.643 (1.084 OPS) with six home runs, 22 extra-base hits, and a PCL-best 45 hits. Not to mention, 12 stolen bases with the Aces.
Unlike the other names on this list, Lawlar previously played in the Majors. However, injuries limited him to 23 games last season, and he’s playing catch-up in 2025. Lawlar is an explosive athlete with significant promise.
But, where will he play when he ultimately returns to Arizona? It likely won’t be shortstop, his natural position, with Geraldo Perdomo now locked in long-term. Lawlar’s seen more reps at second base this season.
Jacob Misiorowski
Jacob Misirowski proved during the first month that his stuff is just about ready for the Majors. The Brewers righty struck out 43 over 35.2 IP with the Sounds (AAA). Opposing hitters haven’t had fun with Misiorowski, and the .158 batting average is proof of that.
Misirowski hit 101 MPH with his fastball this season. Although he doesn’t sit there regularly. In his most recent start, he sat more 96-98 MPH with some fastballs even lower than that. However, one thing is clear: it’s nearly impossible for Triple-A hitters to touch it. His four-seamer notched a 30.8% Whiff% as of May 6.
Milwaukee’s opted for other pitchers, like Chad Patrick and Logan Henderson, to fill their early-season rotation holes. It’s understandable, as despite Misiorowski’s plus stuff that is likely MLB-ready, command is still a sticking point. Even though Misiorowski’s pitched well with Nashville, the righty’s walked 17, tied for seventh in the International League.
Ian Seymour
The last name on our list is part of the Rays’ pitching factor. That individual would be 26-year-old prospect Ian Seymour.
Seymour was a second-round pick by the Rays in the abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft after a succesful college career at Virginia Tech. However, injuries limited him in 2021 (flexor) and 2022-23 (UCL reconstruction). He’s healthy now and… Seymour’s been electric. The 26-year-old struck out 162 over 145.1 IP last season.
This season with Durham, Seymour leads the International League in strikeouts (46), three more than Misiorowski.
Seymour is funky, with with a low-90s fastball that plays up, coupled with a changeup that’s become his primary secondary offering. Additionally, Seymour can work hitters with a sweeper and a low-70s curve with depth. He’s on the 40-man roster, so it’s a good bet Seymour gets a look this season if he stays healthy.
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