Despite being blocked by Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo enters the season as the No. 1 catching prospect in the 2025 Preseason Top 700 Prospect Rankings. At just 20 years old, the Baltimore Orioles farmhand has already turned heads and could follow Jackson Holliday’s debut last season. Standing at 6’3” and 180 pounds, Basallo possesses a powerful left-handed swing capable of generating elite exit velocities, making him a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat in the majors. Despite a slight downturn in 2024, he still hit .278/.341/.449 across Double-A and Triple-A with 19 home runs in just 128 games.
Basallo’s batted-ball metrics are among the best in the minors. His hard-hit rate consistently ranks in the 90th percentile, and he maintains a solid contact rate despite his aggressive approach. Some scouts speculate that his athleticism could also allow him to see time at first base or DH in the majors. He is expected to begin the 2025 season at Triple-A, with a potential call-up to Baltimore by midseason. His mix of elite power, improving hit tool, and defensive upside makes him one of the most exciting young backstops in the game.
Other catchers to watch in 2025:
This year’s catching class features several other exciting prospects as well.
Ethan Salas, the Padres’ teenage phenom, continues to impress with his advanced approach at the plate and defensive polish well beyond his years.
Kyle Teel, a polished hitter in the Red Sox system, combines strong plate discipline with solid defensive skills, making him a high-floor prospect.
Meanwhile, Blake Mitchell (Royals) and Dalton Rushing (Dodgers) bring power upside, though both will need to refine their contact skills to reach their full potential.
Check out the full list of top catchers in this year’s rankings HERE (subscription required).