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Thomas White #99 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch during the Futures Game at Truist Park on July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)
Baseball America’s Hot Sheet typically ranks the 20 hottest prospects from the previous week. This week’s installment considers how minor league players performed through July 27. Contributing this week were BA staffers J.J. Cooper, Josh Norris, Geoff Pontes and Jesús Cano.
The Hot Sheet simply recognizes how the hottest prospects in the minors did in the past week—it’s not a re-ranking of the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects.
We host our weekly Hot Sheet Show on YouTube at 3:30 p.m. ET on Mondays. We’ll also be answering prospect questions in our weekly Hot Sheet chat on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. ET.
1. Thomas White, LHP, Marlins
Team: Double-A Pensacola (Southern)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 14 SO, 0 HR
The Scoop: White is one of the highest-upside pitchers in the minor leagues. In his most recent start, he unleashed the full force of his upside. Facing Knoxville, White spun five two-hit shutout innings with two walks and 14 strikeouts. His eight strikeouts in a row tied a modern league record, as noted in Pensacola’s recounting of the game. He also punched out 13 of the last 14 hitters he faced, something no big league pitcher has done since at least 1961. He now has 86 strikeouts in 55 innings between High-A and Double-A. (JN)
2. Ben Kudrna, RHP, Royals
Team: Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Texas)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 11 SO
The Scoop: Kudrna delivered a lights-out July, firing 13.2 scoreless innings over three starts and solidifying his status as one of the more intriguing arms in the Royals’ system. With a strong, physically mature frame and a high three-quarters delivery, he generates natural downhill plane, giving his pitches added life. His fastball sits comfortably in the low-to-mid 90s with late carry at the top of the zone, while a sinking two-seamer adds another dimension, allowing him to jam righties and fade it away from lefties. Kudrna’s poise, physicality and growing arsenal make him a compelling option—not only for Kansas City’s long-term plans but also as a potential trade chip. With the Royals already active at the deadline—recently acquiring Randal Grichuk from Arizona—Kudrna’s recent dominance could draw interest from other clubs looking to add high-upside pitching depth. (JC)
3. Hector Rodriguez, OF, Reds
Team: Triple-A Louisville (International)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .500/.593/.773 (11-for-22), 5 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 3 BB, 4 SO, 3-for-3 SB
The Scoop: Without question, Rodriguez has been one of the biggest risers in Cincinnati’s system. He blitzed his way through the pitcher-friendly Southern League and produced an .837 OPS in the process. After moving up a level, the 21-year-old former Mets prospect has turned his game up more than a few notches. The cherry on top of his excellent week was his first Triple-A home run, which came Saturday in a loss to Iowa. The blast was 13th of the year overall, making him the fourth player in the minor leagues his age or younger to reach those heights while striking out fewer than 60 times. (JN)
4. Ryan Clifford, OF, Mets
Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .522/.645/1.130 (12-for-23), 11 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 12 RBIs, 8 BB, 6 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Clifford has enjoyed a powerful July, slugging seven home runs this month, including four this week. Clifford racked up four multi-hit games this week and a pair of three-hit efforts. Clifford went deep twice on Wednesday racking up nine total bases in that game. He continued his assault on Reading pitching on Saturday and Sunday with five hits, 12 totals bases and a home run in each game. Clifford will always have a healthy amount of swing-and-miss, but his on-base ability and plus game power might be enough to make up for it. (GP)
5. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pirates
Team: High-A Greensboro (South Atlantic)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: .435/.536/.565 (10-for-23), 5 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBIs, 2 BB, 3 SO, 5-for-5 SB
The Scoop: The Konnor Griffin Era begins now. Roman Anthony has officially graduated from prospect consideration, meaning Griffin has assumed the top spot on BA’s Top 100. This past week showed exactly why he’s earned that honor: Contact, impact, speed and the athleticism to play a premium position. In other words, exactly the kind of resume one would expect from a future superstar. Griffin has handled the move to High-A without so much as a hiccup, and has posted a .932 OPS through 33 games at the level. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Griffin become the latest teenager to reach Double-A in his first full season as a pro. (JN)
6. Luis Cova, OF, Marlins
Team: DSL Marlins (Dominican Summer League)
Age: 18
Why He’s Here: .389/.577/.833 (7-for-18), 7 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBIs, 8 BB, 1 SO, 7-for-8 SB
The Scoop: In his first taste of pro ball, Cova is showing why he stood out as a high-upside international signing. He’s been one of the most impressive players in the rookie circuit and continued his dominance this week. He’s wiry and athletic with a 6-foot-1 frame that has plenty of room to fill out, and he already looks more physical than his listed weight. At the plate, he uses a short, controlled righthanded swing that prioritizes contact for now, but there’s natural lift in the barrel and signs of emerging power, which was on display with a pair of homers. As he adds strength, the impact potential should follow. Cova also shows an advanced feel for the strike zone, staying patient and rarely chasing. His most dynamic tool is his speed, showcased by his seven stolen bases this past week. (JC)
7. Robby Snelling, LHP, Marlins
Team: Triple-A Jacksonville (International)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: 0-1, 2.70, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 11 SO, 2 HR
The Scoop: Saturday was a banner day for Marlins lefthanded pitching prospects. At Double-A, Thomas White struck out 14 in five innings. A level above, Snelling rung up 11 hitters, albeit in a loss to Durham and former top prospect Forrest Whitley. Result aside, Snelling was excellent. He reached 98 mph with his fastball and got 24 swings and misses before exiting. The former Padres prospect and 2022 Baseball America Pitcher of the Year has 101 strikeouts and just 26 walks in 88 innings this year between Double-A and Triple-A. (JN)
Robby Snelling struck out 11 hitters and got 24 whiffs tonight. Check em all out here. #Marlins pic.twitter.com/1bhWJtmR4T
— Josh Norris 🐻 (@jnorris427) July 27, 2025
8. Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles
Team: Triple-A Norfolk (International)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .600/.636/1.100 (6-for-10), 3 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 1 BB, 2 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Remarkably, the 20-year-old Basallo has already played 85 Triple-A games. His production over that time speaks for itself, as he’s hit .265/.363/.554 with 23 home runs. This week, Basallo played in just two games but his performance on Friday ranks just behind Spencer Jones’ three-homer game. Basallo went 5-for-5 with two doubles and a home run, racking up 10 total bases. Basallo is likely to debut at some point over the final two months of the season, as the Orioles will need to add him to the 40-man roster this winter. (GP)
9. Bryce Eldridge, 1B, Giants
Team: Triple-A Sacramento (Pacific Coast)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .261/.346/.862 (6-for-23), 5 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 11 RBIs, 3 BB, 8 SO
The Scoop: In any other case, the campaign to bring up Eldridge to the majors would be in full effect. But with Rafael Devers joining the Giants and making his debut at first base, the Giants’ 2023 first-rounder is blocked. Still, outings like the one he delivered this week only strengthen his case. His bat continues to flash both power and polish, and his ability to make adjustments suggests he’s not far off. If he keeps producing, the Giants may have no choice but to find room for him, especially if he stays healthy. (JC)
10. Payton Eeles, 2B/SS/OF, Twins
Team: Triple-A St. Paul (International)
Age: 25
Why He’s Here: .529/.600/.706 (9-for-17) 5 R, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 1 BB, 5 SO, 4 SB
The Scoop: After missing a couple of months with a knee injury, Eeles is back to being his pesky, pitcher-aggravating self. He’s shown very little power this year, but he is hitting .302 for St. Paul while playing all three outfield spots, shortstop and second base. Eeles’ chance of getting a callup may depend on how committed the Twins are to selling at the deadline. (JJ)
11. Tai Peete, OF, Mariners
Team: High-A Everett (Northwest)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: .333/.333/.750 (8-for-24), 5 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBIs, 0 BB, 4 SO, 3-for-5 SB
The Scoop: Peete is catching fire at exactly the right moment. With the trade deadline looming, the Mariners have made it clear they’re in win-now mode, recently swinging a deal to acquire Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks in exchange for top prospects Brandyn Garcia (No. 19) and Ashton Izzi. (No. 13) That move signals a serious push toward October—and Seattle may not be done yet. Reports indicate the Mariners are still actively exploring upgrades, with veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez among their targets. As the front office looks to bolster the roster, Peete’s surge couldn’t be more timely. (JC)
12. Drew Gilbert, OF, Mets
Team: Triple-A Syracuse (International)
Age: 24
Why He’s Here: .391/.462/.739 (9-for-23), 3 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBIs, 2 BB, 5 SO
The Scoop: Gilbert showcased the full breadth of his skill set this week, delivering one of his most impactful stretches of the season. Offensively, he was locked in, going 9-for-23 with two doubles and two home runs while maintaining his hallmark discipline at the plate. He stayed within himself, worked quality at-bats, and did damage when pitchers made mistakes—particularly when he got extended and drove the ball with authority, often to the opposite field. Any lingering effects from his earlier hamstring injury appear to be behind him. His timing is back, his swing is fluid and his overall rhythm at the plate looks sharper than ever. (JC)
13. Zyhir Hope, OF, Dodgers
Team: High-A Great Lakes (Midwest)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .368/.500/.684 (7-for-19), 9 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBIs, 5 BB, 6 SO, 2-for-2 SB
The Scoop: One of the more exciting prospects in the minors at the moment, Hope enjoyed a notable week against Marlins High-A affilaite Beloit. Hope homered and stole a base in two separate games, flashing the power and speed combination that makes his upside potential so attractive. Hope reached base at least twice in four out of the five games in which he played this week and racked up four hits on Thursday. Hope is likely a few years away from making his MLB debut but he could be a potential 30/30 candidate one day. (GP)
14. Patrick Copen, RHP, Dodgers
Team: Double-A Tulsa (Texas)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 1.80, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO, 0 HR
The Scoop: After losing sight in his right eye when he was hit by a comebacker last August, Copen has more than returned to form in 2025. He’s now sitting 97-98 mph touching 99 mph during starts, mixing a cutter and slider with higher spin rates. Copen sat 97-99 mph throughout his start against Springfield, allowing one run on four hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. Copen has serious swing-and-miss stuff but fringy command. So far, he’s been able to navigate around the walks with Double-A Tulsa posting a 2.29 ERA despite a 15% walk rate. Copen will need to show better command if he’s going to remain a starter in the big leagues. (GP)
15. Tyler Locklear, 1B, Mariners
Team: Triple-A Tacoma (Pacific Coast)
Age: 24
Why He’s Here: .500/.583/1.300 (10-for-20) 7 R, 1 2B, 5 HR, 10 RBIs, 3 BB, 4 SO, 2 SB, 2 CS
The Scoop: It was a great week and a rough week for Locklear. The trade for Josh Naylor is a clear reminder that even as Locklear hits .316/.401/.543 at Tacoma, the Mariners are not looking for him to fix the team’s woeful production at first base this year. But that’s outside of Locklear’s control. All he can do is hit, and he did exactly that this week. He’s now just one home run and two stolen bases from a 20-20 season. (JJ)
16. Spencer Jones, OF, Yankees
Team: Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (International)
Age: 24
Why He’s Here: .250/.333/1.000 (3-for-12), 4 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 5 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 SO
The Scoop: As it turns out, the only thing that can stop Spencer Jones these days is … Spencer Jones. The lefty slugger has been molten for most of his tenure in Triple-A, and all of his damage this past week came in one glorious game. Facing Rochester on Thursday, Jones homered three times. In doing so, he brought his longball total with Scranton to 13 in just 19 games. Overall, Jones has 29 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. This marks Jones’ fifth appearance on Hot Sheet this year. Will it be his last as a Yankees prospect? Time will tell. (JN)
17. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Braves
Team: Triple-A Gwinnett (International)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 1.80, 1 GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 9 SO
The Scoop: This was Fuentes’ fourth Triple-A start, which means Fuentes now has as many Triple-A starts as MLB starts. To his credit, his way-too-early emergency exposure in the big league rotation (0-3, 13.85 in four starts) hasn’t destroyed his confidence. Fuentes filled the zone with his sweeper (20 strikes in 26 pitches) with three whiffs and his 94-97 mph fastball got nine whiffs as well. (JJ)
18. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Rays
Team: Triple-A Durham (International)
Age: 27
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 SO
The Scoop: Yes, you read that name correctly. Whitley has yet to reach 50.1 innings pitched, so he’s still prospect eligible by our measurements, even if he’s many years removed from his status as one of the game’s best pitching prospects. Whitley was last seen in the majors getting shelled in a relief role. But he then cleared waivers when he was designated for assignment and has been placed in the Rays’ Triple-A Durham rotation. And if you forget everything that Whitley has done over the past few years (10.57 in 13 MLB appearances), there may still be something to watch here. Whitley is striking out 41.8% of batters with Durham while walking only 5.5% of batters. His changeup and cutter are both weapons when paired with his 94-95 mph fastball. (JJ)
Robby Snelling wasn’t the only impressive arm in Durham last night. Rays righty Forrest Whitley was dazzling as well. pic.twitter.com/ssYPDxaP0o
— Josh Norris 🐻 (@jnorris427) July 27, 2025
19. Wagnel Luna, 3B, Tigers
Team: DSL Tigers1 (Dominican Summer League)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 1.000/1.000/1.222 (9-for-9) 5 R, 2 2B, 4 RBIs, 2 BB, 2 SB
The Scoop: The Hot Sheet operates on a sliding scale, the best prospects in the game having a very good week while being quite young for their level are more likely to make the Hot Sheet than lesser prospects having a great week, especially if they are old for their level. We’re trying to spotlight the best performance by top prospects. But less-prominent prospects can make the list by doing things that are truly exceptional. Luna went 1-for-1 on Monday, 3-for-3 on Wednesday, 2-for-2 on Friday and 3-for-3 on Saturday. If you go 9-for-9 in a week where no pitcher can ever get you out, you make the Hot Sheet. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2023, Luna is in his third season in the DSL. Weeks like this could help pave his way to the States. (JJ)
20. Owen Caissie, OF, Cubs
Team: Triple-A Iowa (International)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: .391/.417/.652 (9-for-23), 5 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 1 BB, 4 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Caissie is considered one of the top prospects potentially available this trade deadline. After an excellent week by the Canadian native, he sat on Sunday, fueling further trade speculation. Whether or not Caissie is a Cub this time next week remains to be seen, but his performance on the field this week was noteworthy. He kicked off the week with a 5-for-5 game against Louisville with two doubles and homer, collecting ten total bases. Caissie is a ready made MLB prospect with a wealth of high minors experience at just 23 years old. (GP)
Helium
Juan Sanchez, SS, Blue Jays
Sanchez signed with Toronto in the international period that opened on Jan. 15, 2025. So far in his first pro season, he’s established himself as one of the biggest boppers in the Dominican Summer League. He’s already big and physical and sports a powerful, picturesque swing from the right side that’s allowed to bully baseballs early and often this summer. Seven of Sanchez’s 11 hits this past week went from extra-base hits, including a long home run in a night contest against one of Arizona’s two squads. This Blue Jay is flying high. (JN)