In this issue, Baseball America ranks the Top 10 Prospects in each of the 15 National League organizations.
But before looking ahead to the rookie class of 2025-and beyond-let's reassess the graduating NL prospects of 2024 by ranking the top 10 based on projected peak value. Each player is ranked in order of his updated, endof-season BA Grade, which is presented on the 20-80 scale, and risk.
Note: We no longer rank foreign professionals as prospects. This applies to Shota Imanaga, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee.
This ranking was developed by the BA editorial team.
1. PAUL SKENES RHP | PIRATES 2025 AGE: 23
Preseason: 65/High Updated: 80/Medium
As much as we loved Skenes heading into 2024, we were way too light. His 99 mph fastball and mid-80s slider created a foundation for ace status. But Skenes went over the top in his brilliant rookie season by broadening his attack to include a 94 mph sinker or "splinker" because of his split-finger grip-curveball, sweeper and changeup. That level of dominance and unpredictability resulted in a season with few equals among pitchers so young. His 1.96 ERA was tops for any pitcher with at least 120 innings in 2024, while his 214 adjusted-ERA+ is the second-best mark since integration for a pitcher 22 or younger. Only one rookie ever has bettered his 26.8 K-BB% in so many innings. With continued health, Skenes could front a championship rotation.
UPSIDE ROLE: No. 1 starter
2. JACKSON CHOURIO LF | BREWERS
2025 AGE: 21
Preseason: 70/High Updated: 70/Medium
Chourio did things that are seldom done. He is the third 20-year-old to go 20-20, and the first to do it without turning 21 during the season. He batted first or second in the Brewers' postseason lineup and wowed with a two-home run game. His .914 OPS in the second half ranked 12th in MLB. Chourio has all five tools and is poised to be a star.
UPSIDE ROLE: Franchise OF
3. JAMES WOOD LF | Nationals 2025 Age: 22
Preseason: 65/High Updated: 70/High
When the Nationals traded Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022, the return was commonly framed around first-rounders CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. History might disagree. Wood shredded Triple-A competition for the first half of 2024, ascended to No. 1 prospect in the game and then rose to Washington on July 1.
He showed stellar bat speed, hard-hit data and swing decisions in MLB. As his strikeout rate decreases, his output will increase.
UPSIDE ROLE: Perennial all-star LF
4. JACKSON MERRILL CF | Padres 2025 Age: 22
Preseason: 60/High Updated: 65/Medium
The seventh high school shortstop drafted in a 2021 first round overflowing with them, Merrill vaulted to the front of the line with a spectacular rookie season. The 21-yearold adapted quickly to center field and showed a knack for impact and timely hitting. Merrill's youth, offensive production and defensive skill point to a bright future.
UPSIDE ROLE: Perennial all-star CF
5. SPENCER SCHWELLENBACH RHP | Braves 2025 Age: 25
Preseason: 50/High Updated: 60/Medium
Schwellenbach worked as a two-way player at Nebraska, had Tommy John surgery after being drafted in 2021 and made just 24 minor league starts over two seasons. That didn't prevent him from stepping up as a key rotation piece for the Braves. Schwellenbach works fast, throws strikes, misses bats and suppresses hard contact. He fields his position well and allowed just five stolen base attempts in 21 starts. He has a well-rounded profile and quality stuff. If he learns to more effectively contain lefthanded hitters, he could reach another level.
UPSIDE ROLE: No. 3 starter
6. JARED JONES RHP | Pirates
2025 Age: 23
Preseason: 55/High Updated: 60/High
A right lat strain interrupted Jones' rookie season for eigh...
But before looking ahead to the rookie class of 2025-and beyond-let's reassess the graduating NL prospects of 2024 by ranking the top 10 based on projected peak value. Each player is ranked in order of his updated, endof-season BA Grade, which is presented on the 20-80 scale, and risk.
Note: We no longer rank foreign professionals as prospects. This applies to Shota Imanaga, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee.
This ranking was developed by the BA editorial team.
1. PAUL SKENES RHP | PIRATES 2025 AGE: 23
Preseason: 65/High Updated: 80/Medium
As much as we loved Skenes heading into 2024, we were way too light. His 99 mph fastball and mid-80s slider created a foundation for ace status. But Skenes went over the top in his brilliant rookie season by broadening his attack to include a 94 mph sinker or "splinker" because of his split-finger grip-curveball, sweeper and changeup. That level of dominance and unpredictability resulted in a season with few equals among pitchers so young. His 1.96 ERA was tops for any pitcher with at least 120 innings in 2024, while his 214 adjusted-ERA+ is the second-best mark since integration for a pitcher 22 or younger. Only one rookie ever has bettered his 26.8 K-BB% in so many innings. With continued health, Skenes could front a championship rotation.
UPSIDE ROLE: No. 1 starter
2. JACKSON CHOURIO LF | BREWERS
2025 AGE: 21
Preseason: 70/High Updated: 70/Medium
Chourio did things that are seldom done. He is the third 20-year-old to go 20-20, and the first to do it without turning 21 during the season. He batted first or second in the Brewers' postseason lineup and wowed with a two-home run game. His .914 OPS in the second half ranked 12th in MLB. Chourio has all five tools and is poised to be a star.
UPSIDE ROLE: Franchise OF
3. JAMES WOOD LF | Nationals 2025 Age: 22
Preseason: 65/High Updated: 70/High
When the Nationals traded Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022, the return was commonly framed around first-rounders CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. History might disagree. Wood shredded Triple-A competition for the first half of 2024, ascended to No. 1 prospect in the game and then rose to Washington on July 1.
He showed stellar bat speed, hard-hit data and swing decisions in MLB. As his strikeout rate decreases, his output will increase.
UPSIDE ROLE: Perennial all-star LF
4. JACKSON MERRILL CF | Padres 2025 Age: 22
Preseason: 60/High Updated: 65/Medium
The seventh high school shortstop drafted in a 2021 first round overflowing with them, Merrill vaulted to the front of the line with a spectacular rookie season. The 21-yearold adapted quickly to center field and showed a knack for impact and timely hitting. Merrill's youth, offensive production and defensive skill point to a bright future.
UPSIDE ROLE: Perennial all-star CF
5. SPENCER SCHWELLENBACH RHP | Braves 2025 Age: 25
Preseason: 50/High Updated: 60/Medium
Schwellenbach worked as a two-way player at Nebraska, had Tommy John surgery after being drafted in 2021 and made just 24 minor league starts over two seasons. That didn't prevent him from stepping up as a key rotation piece for the Braves. Schwellenbach works fast, throws strikes, misses bats and suppresses hard contact. He fields his position well and allowed just five stolen base attempts in 21 starts. He has a well-rounded profile and quality stuff. If he learns to more effectively contain lefthanded hitters, he could reach another level.
UPSIDE ROLE: No. 3 starter
6. JARED JONES RHP | Pirates
2025 Age: 23
Preseason: 55/High Updated: 60/High
A right lat strain interrupted Jones' rookie season for eigh...
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Baseball America (Digital) - 1 Issue, November 2024