The MLB Futures Game is an exciting event that offers a unique opportunity for player evaluators to compare top prospects in a single game. This year's Futures Game, taking place at Citizens Bank Park, features a National League versus American League format, with former Phillies players Shane Victorino and Larry Bowa managing their respective teams. Among the players to watch are Jesús Made, Eli Willits, Franklin Arias, and more. These young talents are not only impressive for their age but also for their skills and potential. In my opinion, the Futures Game is a crucial event for MLB organizations to scout and evaluate the next generation of stars. It provides a rare chance to see these players in action and compare their abilities side by side. Now, let's dive into the details of each player and explore what makes them stand out.
Jesús Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Made is a 19-year-old shortstop with an elite hit tool and a five-tool athlete. He has already reached Double A with Biloxi in the Southern League, despite being the youngest player by nearly two years. His ability to hit for power and average, get on base, and steal bases while reducing his strikeout rate is remarkable. Made's hand-eye coordination, plate discipline, and innate internal clock make him a special talent. His quick feet and above-average range at shortstop, along with a cannon for an arm, further enhance his capabilities. Personally, I think Made is the most exciting prospect in the sport right now, and I'm eager to see how he continues to develop.
Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals
Willits, last year's No. 1 pick, is only 18 years old and has already played at two levels of A ball. He excels at both levels, hitting for average, getting on base, stealing bases, and reaching double digits in home runs. His hit tool is exceptional, and I stand by my comparison to Trea Turner and Francisco Lindor. Willits' ceiling is high, and I absolutely love this player, viewing him as a future superstar. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he has managed to excel at such a young age, and I'm curious to see how he continues to develop and improve.
Josue De Paula, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
De Paula, the best hitting prospect in the Dodgers farm system, has been as good as advertised this year with Double-A Tulsa. He's hitting well over .300 with a better than .400 OBP and 15 home runs. De Paula's efficiency as a base-stealer, despite not having elite speed, is impressive. Offensively, he could hit in the big leagues right now and do serious damage. However, his best position is designated hitter, and that's Shohei Ohtani's home with L.A. De Paula is working to improve his defense, hoping to become adequate enough to play left field. In my opinion, he'll be an offensive star at Chavez Ravine at some point.
Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics
The A's and Padres' surprising deal at last year's deadline brought De Vries to San Diego. Like Made, De Vries is a 19-year-old playing in Double A, and he's more than held his own. He's hitting for average, getting on base, stealing bases, and reaching double digits in home runs. De Vries is a switch-hitter with raw power from both sides of the plate, excellent bat speed, and exit velocity. Defensively, he has above-average range, soft hands, and plus arm strength. I find it fascinating to watch him play shortstop, and I'm curious to see how he continues to develop and improve.
Franklin Arias, 2B/SS, Boston Red Sox
Arias is Boston's top prospect and an absolute hitting machine. Through Monday, he was hitting .329/.418/.606 with 17 homers. His power is starting to arrive due to his improved launch angle and fly-ball rate, paired with consistently elite exit velocities. Arias has a tremendous eye at the plate, works counts well, and doesn't chase out of the strike zone. His bat-to-ball skills are off the charts, and he has a clean, line-drive swing with good barrel manipulation. I think Arias will hit and hit a lot in the big leagues, and I'm eager to see how he continues to develop and improve.
Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins
Jenkins has dealt with several injuries since being drafted out of high school by the Twins. However, he's healthy now and playing well in Triple A. When healthy, he has hit for average and gotten on base at a nearly 40 percent rate, while also showing his speed on the bases. Jenkins has also made headlines for his leadership skills and quick decision-making abilities. On the field, his best tool is his hit tool, which is special with elite strike zone knowledge and plate coverage. I think Jenkins is a future star and a main focal point of the Twins' future.
Charlie Condon, 1B/RF, Colorado Rockies
Condon was the third player taken in the 2024 draft and has had a successful season with Triple-A Albuquerque. He's playing in a hitter's league and an extremely hitter-friendly home park, but the underlying data is promising. Condon has improved his walk and strikeout rates and has a max exit velocity of 112.6 mph and a 90th percentile EV of 107 mph. Defensively, he has split his time between first base and right field and has played at least average defense at both spots. I'm curious to see how he continues to develop and improve, especially given the raw power he possesses.
Mike Sirota, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers acquired Sirota from the Reds for infielder Gavin Lux in January 2025. Just a year-and-a-half later, it looks like the Dodgers got a complete steal, as Sirota has become one of the best hitting prospects in their system. He started this season in High A, where he slashed .325/.478/.602 with seven homers and eight stolen bases. Sirota is a five-tool player who doesn't chase out of the strike zone, draws walks, and does serious damage to pitches he knows he can hammer. I think Sirota is a future center fielder with good reads, jumps, and routes, and I'm eager to see how he continues to develop and improve.
Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals
Rodriguez is the best catching prospect in the sport. He started the year in High A, where he slashed .311/.430/.519, before a promotion to the Double-A Texas League. The jump in competition hasn't phased him, as he's put up above-average numbers even after a slow start. Rodriguez has 25-home run power, makes advanced swing decisions, and his exit velocities give you goosebumps. I think he's really going to hit, and I'm curious to see how he continues to develop and improve defensively.
Theo Gillen, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Gillen was the Rays' 2024 first-round pick and is currently Tampa's top prospect. He started this year in High A and slashed .342/.449/.589 with 12 homers and 28 stolen bases before a recent promotion to Double A. Gillen has a short, compact swing and solid plate discipline. He also has lightning quick hands and uses the whole field, spraying line drives from foul pole to foul pole. I think Gillen is the long-term answer for the Rays in center field, and I'm eager to see how he continues to develop and improve.
