As the 2025 MLB season enters its final stretch, several prospects are emerging as potential game-changers for their teams and fantasy baseball managers. Here’s a closer look at some of the most exciting names to watch in September and beyond.

Sal Stewart (2B/3B, Cincinnati Reds)

Sal Stewart has been a standout in the minors this season, hitting .311/.383/.526 with 19 home runs and 17 stolen bases across Double-A and Triple-A. With the Reds in the thick of the NL wild-card race, Stewart’s contact-oriented approach could provide a much-needed boost over current second baseman Matt McLain, who has struggled with a .221/.300/.331 line.

JJ Wetherholt (SS, St. Louis Cardinals)

The No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, Wetherholt has quickly made his mark at Triple-A Memphis, posting a .328/.413/.648 line with 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases. While the Cardinals already have Masyn Winn at shortstop, Wetherholt’s versatility could see him promoted to get acclimated before a likely 2026 Opening Day debut.

Trey Yesavage (RHP, Toronto Blue Jays)

Yesavage has been a strikeout machine, fanning nearly 42% of the hitters he’s faced across four minor league levels this season. With the Blue Jays leading the AL East, Yesavage could soon find himself in the majors, even if a rotation spot isn’t immediately available.

Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat (RHP, New York Mets)

Tong has dominated at Double-A with a 1.68 ERA and 41% strikeout rate, while Sproat has been steady at Triple-A Syracuse. With the Mets struggling, these arms could join Nolan McLean in the majors soon.

Bryce Eldridge (1B, San Francisco Giants)

Eldridge, a lefty slugger, has hit 21 home runs across two minor league levels despite battling injuries. He’s seen as the future first baseman for the Giants, and that future could arrive sooner than expected.

Andrew Painter (RHP, Philadelphia Phillies)

Painter was expected to debut in July but has struggled at Triple-A Lehigh Valley with a 5.11 ERA and 1.49 WHIP. However, with Zack Wheeler sidelined, Painter could still get the call.

Konnor Griffin (SS, Pittsburgh Pirates)

Griffin has had a breakout season, hitting .332/.414/.524 with 16 home runs and 59 steals at A-ball before earning a promotion to Double-A. He’s one of several teenage shortstops on the fast track to the majors.

Max Clark (OF, Detroit Tigers)

Clark has shown power, speed, and plate discipline at Double-A Erie, hitting .274/.376/.481. He’s expected to debut next season, along with other top prospects from the 2023 draft.

JR Ritchie (RHP, Atlanta Braves)

Ritchie has pitched well at three levels this season, posting a 2.58 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, he could open 2026 in Atlanta’s rotation.

As MLB rosters expand from 26 to 28 on September 1, these prospects could make their mark in the final weeks of the season, both for contenders and teams already looking ahead to 2026.