When a Draft list gets its first update since December, it’s expected to see significant shifts in the rankings, and this year’s updated Draft Top 150 reflects just that, highlighting the unpredictability beyond the top 11 prospects. The new list showcases numerous first-round potentials, with several players making significant strides to elevate their draft prospects.
This year’s list is particularly remarkable, with eight players breaking into the current top 50 who weren’t even in the Top 100 back in December. This surge surpasses the previous record of five newcomers in 2021, far exceeding last year’s tally of just three.
Among the notable climbers are two players who have jumped from the 50-100 range into the top 25, with one breaking into the top 20—a feat achieved only once in the last five years by current MLB top prospect Jackson Holliday in 2022.
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout risers in the class and their impressive improvements in Draft stock, as discussed in the recent MLB Pipeline Podcast:
James Tibbs, an outfielder from Florida State, has surged to a current ranking of 22 from his previous position at 81. Tibbs’ exceptional hitting prowess, demonstrated by his impressive stats and performance, particularly this season, positions him as a likely mid-first-round pick.
Billy Amick, a third baseman from Tennessee, has climbed to a ranking of 15 from 50. Despite a slow start at Clemson, Amick’s remarkable turnaround, marked by his outstanding batting and power, especially after transferring to Tennessee, has significantly boosted his draft potential.
Bryce Rainer, a shortstop from Harvard-Westlake (CA), has risen to the top 10 from 39. Rainer’s standout performance at the National High School Invitational and his impressive hitting abilities have drawn comparisons to top players like Corey Seager and Colson Montgomery.
Trey Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher from East Carolina, has ascended to 11 from 36. Yesavage’s consistent improvement, highlighted by his diverse pitching repertoire and enhanced fastball command, has propelled him up the rankings.
In addition to these climbers, several newcomers have also caught the attention of scouts and analysts:
Theo Gillen, a versatile infielder from Westlake (TX), boasts impressive hitting abilities despite overcoming injury setbacks, positioning him as a potential offensive force in the draft.
Kash Mayfield, a left-handed pitcher from Elk City (OK), has impressed scouts with his high velocity and advanced pitching repertoire, making him a formidable prospect on the mound.
Kellon Lindsey, a shortstop from Hardee (FL), stands out for his exceptional athleticism and speed, making him a versatile defensive asset with potential to impact both offensively and defensively.
Jurrangelo Cijntje, a unique switch-pitching prospect from Mississippi State, offers versatility on the mound, showcasing impressive pitches from both sides, although some scouts favor his right-handed pitching over his left-handed deliveries.
These remarkable risers and newcomers underscore the dynamic nature of the draft landscape and the potential for unexpected talent to emerge as top prospects.
