May 13-19, 2025

Easton McGee (RHP, MIL)

The players covered in this column are only those who still have rookie status as determined by MLB, and who have not already been written up earlier in 2025. Find previous Call-up profiles on the Content tab of the player's PlayerLink page. 

Contributing writers: Jeremy Deloney, Nick Richards, Matthew St-Germain, and Jesse Severe

 

May 19, 2025

Easton McGee (RHP, MIL)
The Brewers purchased the contract of the 27-year-old from Triple-A and will likely use him as a long reliever for the foreseeable future. McGee was initially a 4^th round pick of the Rays in 2016 and eventually reached the majors briefly in 2022 as a member of that organization. He later signed with the Mariners where he made a spot start in April 2023 before succumbing to Tommy John surgery in May. The Brewers then signed him in November 2023 and facilitated his rehab and eventual return to pitching in June 2024. McGee is a very tall (6’7”), strong RHP who doesn’t have big velocity but has exquisite excellence in execution. He likes to throw his 88-93 mph sinker early in the count to either get ahead or induce groundballs. He also mixes in a four-seamer, cutter, slider, curveball and change-up. None of his pitches grade out as anything more than average but he is able to locate all of them impeccably. Rarely does McGee walk hitters, though he can be susceptible to high oppBA due to his inability to miss bats. Moved to the bullpen full-time in 2025 after mostly being leveraged as a starter, his strikeout rate has increased, but he’s generally throwing with the same velocity. For his career, McGee has a 4.39 ERA, 1.8 BB/9 and 6.9 K/9. 
STATS: McGee Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Long reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: #5 starter / Swingman
RATING: 6D

 

May 18, 2025

Mick Abel (RHP, PHI)
After placing RHP Aaron Nola on the injured list, the Phillies filled the open roster spot with Abel, a former first round pick from 2020. The 23-year-old has shown dramatic improvement after a horrendous 2024 campaign in Triple-A. Everything about his game is better in 2025. From his cleaner, smoother delivery to the effectiveness of his secondary offerings, Abel has certainly taken a significant step forward this year. Not many pitchers in the minors can match his tall, athletic frame. As a first round selection out of high school, his upside was as high as any. After several mediocre to poor seasons, the shine on his prospect status dimmed. Now, he’s showcasing the fastball, secondary offerings, and sequencing that the Phillies have been hoping for. He posted a 6.46 ERA, 6.5 BB/9 and .279 oppBA in 2024 and has completely turned it around this season – 2.53 ERA, 3.7 BB/9 and .215 oppBA. Abel owns a 94-97 mph fastball that has touched 99 and his extension has been a sight to behold. He complements the heater with a solid-average 81-84 mph curveball, mid-80s slider and fringe-average change-up. He has shown greater aptitude and feel for pitching, including mixing his pitches and changing speeds effectively. Granted, he has only started 8 games in 2025, but he’s still young enough that this may not be an anomaly. Abel has a career 4.53 ERA, 5.1 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9. 
STATS: Abel Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 11 on PHI Org Report
CURRENT ROLE: Spot starter – will return to Triple-A after one start
POTENTIAL ROLE: #4 starter
RATING: 7C

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Carson McCusker (OF, MIN)
The Twins continue to be beset with injuries and after placing OF Byron Buxton on the 7-day concussion list, they needed to bring up another youngster from the minor league ranks. McCusker has been promoted to the majors for the first time and he’s expected to see some time against left-handed pitching until Buxton is able to return. The 26-year-old was drafted in the 26^th round in 2017 by the Brewers but he didn’t sign and went to college at Oklahoma State. After college and three years in independent league baseball, McCusker signed with the Twins in 2023. All he’s done is hit since inking his contract. The right-handed hitter has been one of the best hitters in Triple-A, batting .350/.412/.650 with 10 HR in 137 AB. On the downside, he has also fanned 46 times. McCusker has a huge frame at 6’8” 250 pounds and has obvious holes that pitchers can exploit. If the Twins can live with his strikeouts, they can also benefit from his brute strength and power. He has massive strength and a vicious uppercut stroke that allows him to hit any velocity up in the zone. His shortcomings are predicated from his long arms and inability to read spin out of the pitcher’s hand. Until he learns to consistently hit breaking balls, McCusker may optimally be a 4^th OF or journeyman. Then again, his power and solid hitting skills could give him promise. He has a career .290/.358/.528 line in the minors. 
STATS: McCusker Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Backup LF/RF
POTENTIAL ROLE: Starting 1B/LF/RF
RATING: 7E

 

May 17, 2025

Carson Palmquist (LHP, COL)
The 24-year-old has been recalled to make his major league debut with a start on Friday, May 16. Palmquist was a 3^rd round pick in 2022 and has steadily risen thru the organization. He has a long, lean frame and operates from a low ¾ slot that is nearly sidearm. None of his pitches are considered plus offerings but he leverages his unusual delivery, short arm action and deception to keep hitters at bay. Not blessed with a high-octane fastball, Palmquist must rely on pitch location and sequencing. He has been stingy against hitters from both sides of the plate in 2025, holding batters to a .179 oppBA while fanning 45 in 35 innings. His fastball sits between 90-93 mph and it features good arm side run and carry. Palmquist owns complementary offerings such as a sweeper, slider, curveball and change-up. The slider and change-up are his most effective pitches. Despite the lack of plus pitch, he has been a high strikeout pitcher. If he follows a path similar to other soft-tossing, deceptive-oriented pitchers, it will be challenging for him to repeat his strikeout rate and success from the minors. He will need to continue to focus on changing speeds while sharpening his overall command and feel. He has a career 3.91 ERA, 4.3 BB/9 and 11.8 K/9. 
STATS: Palmquist Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 14 on COL Org Report
CURRENT ROLE: Spot starter
POTENTIAL ROLE: #5 starter / Swingman
RATING: 6B

Cole Winn (RHP, TEX)
The former first round pick has been summoned to the majors after not allowing an earned run in his first 23.1 innings at Triple-A in 2025. Winn was a highly regarded high school arm when he was selected in the 2018 draft. Shoddy command and injuries derailed his progress before he broke through with his first major league appearance in 2024 with the Rangers. The 25-year-old pitched 17 innings with Texas last season. He’s spent the last 3+ seasons in Triple-A and was moved to the bullpen full-time in mid-2023. Winn still looks the part of a promising arm as he carries a strong frame at 6’2” 190 pounds. He is able to reach back and hit 98 mph with his fastball on occasion and comfortably sits between 93-95 mph. There was optimism that he might throw harder in short stints but that hasn’t materialized. His other pitches consist of a sinker, slider and splitter. All of his offerings show flashes of being solid average at the big league level. Winn has experienced challenges with his command and control. As a result, he often pitches behind in the count and is susceptible to hard hit balls. His walk rate has improved over the last two seasons but his fastball location still leaves lots to be desired. For his career, Winn has a 5.02 ERA, 5.4 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9. 
STATS: Winn Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Middle reliever
RATING: 6C

Christian Montes De Oca (RHP, ARI)
After placing Joe Mantiply on the injured list, the Diamondbacks purchased the contract of Montes De Oca from Triple-A. The big-bodied (6’4” 230 pounds) RHP will be making his major league debut when he gets into a game. The career reliever was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 and has spent his entire career in the bullpen. The beginning of the 2025 campaign may be his best season to date – 19 innings, 2.37 ERA, 17 strikeouts, 4 walks. Montes De Oca has spent the last two seasons entirely in Triple-A. With a fastball that can touch the high-90s and a strong, durable arm, he brings some excitement to the mound, though not necessarily in high leverage situations. He complements his heater with a hard 85-87 mph slider. Over the last two years Montes De Oca has established a quality sinker that has morphed him into more of a groundball-inducing guy. Despite a solid-average pitch mix, he doesn’t dominate as much as he possibly could. His strikeout rate is good (career 9.8 K/9) but his lack of fastball command can hinder his ability to get ahead in the count. To go along with his strikeout rate, he has a 4.37 ERA and 3.2 BB/9. 
STATS: Montes De Oca Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Middle reliever
RATING: 6D

Dylan Dodd (LHP, ATL)
The third-round pick from 2021 has been in the majors on multiple occasions between 2023 and 2024 and now is back in 2025 after getting the call from Triple-A. The 26-year-old was a starter for his entire career upon signing until this year when Atlanta moved him to the bullpen. Thus far, he’s struck out out more hitters but his ERA has been less than stellar. Dodd has a durable frame but doesn’t leverage his natural strength as much as expected. His below average extension leaves his 91-94 mph fastball a little short. Compounding matters is the fastball lacks riding life and subjects him to a lot of contact. He has allowed a .275 oppBA in his minor league career but the Braves are encouraged by an uptick in his secondary offerings in 2025. Dodd has enhanced his 80-85 mph slider as it features better late-breaking action. Additionally, his cutter and change-up have both flashed as average. Dodd’s best attribute is his control. He is able to locate his pitch mix to all quadrants of the strike zone consistently. As more of a pitchability guy with a lack of knockout offering, Dodd has seen his upside fall into more of a middle reliever type. He has a career 4.79 ERA, 2.5 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9. 
STATS: Dodd Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Long reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Middle reliever
RATING: 6C

Ryan Fitzgerald (INF, MIN)
The Twins placed Carlos Correa on the 7-day concussion injured list and purchased the contract of Fitzgerald to take his place. This will be the 30-year-old’s first promotion to the majors. Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Red Sox in 2018, the left-handed hitter spent six years in that organization before he moved to Kansas City for the 2014 campaign upon being selected in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft. Fitzgerald later signed with the Twins for 2025. He is having a solid year thus far - .336/.431/.541 with 4 HR while mostly playing SS. This is his fourth year in Triple-A and is likely only up until Correa returns in a week. He gets on base consistently and has some pop but is mostly a gap-to-gap guy. He makes minimal contact as he strikes out far too often. Fitzgerald can play a variety of positions and has spent most of his time between SS and 3B. For his career, he has a batting line of .260/.341/.434 with a high of 16 HR (2021 and 2022) and 11 SB (2023). 
STATS: Fitzgerald Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Backup infielder
POTENTIAL ROLE: Backup infielder
RATING: 5D

Ryan Loutos (RHP, LA)
The Dodgers recently acquired the 26-year-old from the Cardinals in early May and have now brought him to the big leagues to pitch in the middle innings. Loutos appeared in three games with St. Louis in 2024 and has spent the majority of his career as a reliever. With a big frame at 6’5” 240 pounds, the non-drafted free agent has an average pitch mix and has thrived as a groundball pitcher who limits the long ball. Loutos operates mostly with a low-90s fastball with big sink and he is able to keep the ball down in the zone. His other offerings include a hard cutter and nifty low-80s knuckle curveball. Because of his pitch mix, he’s actually been more effective against left-handed hitters. He’s never able to solve his control woes, often pitching behind in the count and not being able to leverage his knuckle curve. With no knockout offering, Loutos profiles best in the middle innings. He has a career 4.75 ERA, 3.9 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 in his minor league career. 
STATS: Loutos Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Middle reliever
RATING: 6D

Anthony Maldonado (RHP, OAK)
The 27-year-old finds himself back in the majors after the Athletics purchased his contract from Triple-A. He will provide a fresh arm for the middle of the bullpen. Maldonado has long been a prized arm but he just hasn’t been able to master fastball command in order to be trusted to retire big league hitters. His first foray in the majors was in 2024 when he pitched in 16 games with the Marlins. He originally was an 11^th round pick in 2019 and has been a big-bodied reliever ever since. Spending the last three years in Triple-A, Maldonado continues to post high strikeout totals by mixing and matching with his dynamic slider/cutter combination. Both are legitimate out pitches with the slider being the more potent offering. Despite his 6’4” 220 pound frame, he doesn’t have premier velocity but he can hit the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball. Maldonado doesn’t walk many hitters but his command can be a tad short. If he can enhance his pitch location and find a tick or two more with his fastball, he may have some promise as a late-innings, high-leverage arm. He has a career 3.02 ERA, 3.1 BB/9 and 12.0 K/9. 
STATS: Maldonado Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Setup reliever
RATING: 7E

Matt Krook (LHP, OAK)
The Athletics shook up their pitching staff by recalling multiple pitchers, including the 30-year-old from Triple-A. Signed by Oakland in November 2024, this is his fifth organization since signing as a 4^th round pick by 2016 of San Francisco. He has also spent time with the Rays, Yankees and Orioles, including time in the majors with the latter two. Krook has been in Triple-A since 2021 and has the reputation of a deceptive, high strikeout pitcher but with horrendous control. He stands 6’4” 225 pounds but rarely hits 90 mph with his fastball. It is sneaky quick, however, as he hides the ball well in his delivery and has outstanding extension. Throwing from a ¾ slot, Krook is very tough against left-handed hitters. As someone who lives on the lower half of the strike zone, he induces a high number of ground balls. Krook will also throw a cutter and sweeper to round out his arsenal. His inability to throw strikes is predicated on his inability to place his slider within the strike zone. He does get hitters to chase it on occasion, but the inconsistency has been maddening. For his career, Krook has a 4.00 ERA, 5.8 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9. 
STATS: Krook Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL ROLE: Middle reliever
RATING: 7E

 

May 16, 2025

No call-ups today.

 

May 15, 2025

Dalton Rushing (C, LA)
Another quality catching product out of the Dodgers mill, Rushing has consistently shown a keen eye at the plate and has started flashing more above-average power as he's reached the high minors. 5'11" and 220 pounds, the native Tennessean has the requisite frame to work behind the dish and has improved his all around game there, but with Will Smith under contract until 2033, he's gotten more and more reps in the OF corners where his above-average arm works. At the plate, Rushing has long provided high OBP due to his propensity to not chase, a rate which is at a sterling 13% this season. Rushing's bat speed is merely good as opposed to excellent and he's had a bit of difficulty with premium velocity up in the zone, as his below-average 77.1% zone contact rate this year attests to. Still, he's adept at making solid contact across all pitch types—.411 wOBA against breaking balls is his lowest rate—and his 105.4 mph 90th%EV suggests 20+ HR are in the tank. One bit of concern is Rushing's extremely low 40.4% swing rate, suggesting more than just selectivity is going on. His 37.3% hit rate and 41.8% GB% rate also suggest some concern as he's due to face premium velocity and stuff across the board, but his 8.3% SwK and .356 xwOBA suggests he should transition in time as an above-average regular with the hopes he gets enough reps as a backup C to qualify long term there.
STATS: Rushing Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 29 on LA Org Report, No. 1 on LA Org Report
CURRENT ROLE: Backup OF/C
POTENTIAL: Starting OF
RATING: 9D

Chayce McDermott (RHP, BAL)
Acquired as the return for Trey Mancini in 2021, McDermott is due for his second stint in the majors after last year's brief—and humbling—cup of coffee. 6'3" and 197 pounds, the 26-year-old sets up on the extreme 1B-side of the mound and fires 95-mph four seamers from an easy 3/4 delivery. His fastball works well in the zone and also generates a fair amount of chase above it, though a lat injury seems to have sapped some velocity off the pitch this year as it is sitting more 93 mph. Still, the pitch gets an excellent 19" of IVB and nearly 7" of horizontal break from a -4.9 VAA, generating a 28% whiff rate in 2025. McDermott also throws a curve, slider, and splitter, all of which sit around average, and his ability to land them in and around the zone is advanced. He's difficult to square up and has the potential for high strikeout totals but his command in the zone can come and go. There have also been an elevated amount of injuries over the years so while he's up in a spot start capacity, he'll need to continue to show health down at Triple-A Norfolk to get an extended opportunity with the parent club. Long term he's got mid-rotation upside.
STATS: McDermott Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 5 on BAL Org Report
CURRENT ROLE: Starting Pitcher
POTENTIAL: No. 3 Starter
RATING: 8C

Colton Gordon (LHP, HOU)
Lets not bury the lede here: Gordon, despite continued stellar performance up the entire ladder, routinely gets downgraded and doubted due to poor fastball metrics, so much so that there are many scouts who do not believe he'll have success in the majors as a starting pitcher. 6'4" and 225 pounds, the 26-year-old certainly looks the part of a workhorse starter, operating from the 3B side of the mound with an extremely easy and fluid low 3/4 delivery alongside solid extension—6.8'–down the mound. Stuff models hate Gordon's four-seamer, which sits 91 mph with only 14" of IVB. Even his -4.8 VAA is higher than one would assume from his arm slot. It's a low-spin affair that hitters do not chase (21%) nor strike out much on (23.2%), but the contact against it does not scream disaster. Gordon throws a change-up, curveball, sinker, and cutter, but it's his slider that generates the most excitement, though its metrics this year are not all that great, with a .443 xwOBA against. Everything in his repertoire is below average velocity-wise and doesn't grade all that well, which makes the fact that he was 12th overall in strikeouts at Triple-A last year all the more confusing. How did Gordon do it? Plus command. Gordon posted a solid walk rate last year for Triple-A Sugar Land in the PCL and has even improved on it in 2025 with a 4.7% BB%. The Astros currently employ another LHP who scouts did not believe had the requisite stuff to make it in the majors in Framber Valdez, so there's precedent here in the organization for a guy like this to transcend his scouting reports though Valdez certainly had better secondaries and more velocity at the same point in his career. If he makes it, he projects as a backend starter.
STATS: Gordon Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Starting Pitcher
POTENTIAL: #5 Starter/Swingman
RATING: 7E

Daniel Robert (RHP, PHI)
For a second year in a row, the 30-year-old Robert has seen real gains in his command metrics while continuing to strikeout a high amount of batters. 6'4" and 210 pounds, he's long had ample stuff in pocket, but walks really damaged the profile upon hitting Triple-A in '22. Something clicked last year for him across his 4-pitch reliever arsenal and he's seen those gains hold here and then some. Robert goes to his 83-mph sweeper the most, with nearly 14" of horizontal break. He's in the zone with it nearly 58% of the time, a real testament to his improved command ability. His 96-mph four-seamer also is in the zone a heavy amount—60%—impressive for his primary swing-and-miss offering at 42.2%, though the .568 wxOBA against is a bit concerning. He rounds out his arsenal with an average cutter and sinker, but it's those first two pitches that will make or break him in the majors. There isn't much extension here—5.9'—considering his frame, but the results speak for themselves: 20 K, 4 BB, 13 H, 0 HR in 15.0 IP. So much so that he was traded at the start of May for Enrique Segura. It may be late in his career, but Robert does have some bullpen upside, he'll just need to stick up this time to get his shot.
STATS: Robert Baseball-Reference page
CURRENT ROLE: Middle Reliever
POTENTIAL: Middle Reliever
RATING: 6C

 

May 14, 2025

Moisés Ballesteros (C, CHC)
While only 21 years old, Ballesteros is already a professional hitter. Gifted with excellent bat speed, sound plate awareness and decision making, and above-average power, the young Venezuelan has all the hallmarks of an exciting major league bat. 5'8" and 195 pounds, Ballesteros is stocky and slow, and will need to make it work at C otherwise he's a DH all the way. He broke out in a big way in 2024 and that has only continued in 2025 upon repeat of Triple-A, upping his marks across the board where it matters most: .363 xwOBA, 46.6% hard hit, 106.5 mph 90th%EV, 85.2% zone contact, 71.4% out-of-zone contact, 10.7% K%, 19.2% whiff, 8.2% SwK. While Ballesteros is adept at waiting for his pitch to hit and routinely uses the whole field, he does chase on fastballs (36.1%) and off speed (30.4%) stuff, and his barrel rate is below average at 5.1%. He's also driving the ball into the ground 47.9% of the time and running a fairly high 39.3% hit rate. His ability to do damage on fastballs (.500 xwOBA) and breaking balls (.446) should put him in line for success right away, however, his relatively weak impact on off-speed (.256) pitches suggests MLB pitchers are due to throw him lots of change-ups once he arrives. As for his defense, while Ballesteros has done well improving behind the plate, he remains below average both in receiving and throwing, so much so that while this is likely an above-average regular, he's looking more and more like a primary DH who works as a back-up C. Case in point: He's already at 5 E in 23 g and has a paltry 13% CS% (27 SB on 31 SBA), a long term issue that has not improved. It's too soon to give up on him behind the dish but right now one should bet the under on him sticking there long term. If he hits, however, it won't matter.
STATS: Ballesteros Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 51 on HQ100, No. 3 on CHC Org Report, Eyes Have It (April 25, 2024), Eyes Have It (September 24, 2023)
CURRENT ROLE: Starting DH
POTENTIAL: Starting C
RATING: 9D

 

May 13, 2025

Jordan Lawlar (SS, ARI)
This is one of the big ones. When the top prospect was first called up in September 2023, he got to be part of the Diamondbacks' improbable playoff run. While he only got two plate appearances in the playoffs, he did draw a walk and score a run in the World Series. 2024 was a lost year for Lawlar, as injuries to a thumb and a hamstring permitted only 85 AB for the year. That was only the latest in a string of injuries that have also included shoulder surgery. Now Lawlar is healthy and hitting a red-hot .336/.439/.592 at AAA. Lawlar is a 6'0", 190lb 22-year old who was drafted out of high school in the first round four years ago in 2021. Lawlar is the total package. While injuries have limited his time at upper levels, the early sample this year solidifies the confidence scouts have long had in his ability to hit. Lawlar's bat speed and smarts at the plate portend continued hitting success at the Major League level. Lawlar possesses elite speed and the ability to convert it into stolen bases. The piece waiting to materialize is power. While there is reason to hope for growth, 44 HR in 1048 minor league AB show the power is not there yet. As Lawlar continues to mature, the power may yet emerge. It appears Lawlar will be eased in slowly to major league action. While he profiles as an above-average shortstop, Geraldo Perdomo's emergence at that position has led Arizona to play Lawlar at 2B, SS, and 3B at AAA this year. Early expectations are that Lawlar will only play part time and at multiple positions at the beginning. In the long term, Lawlar is expected to be a star.

STATS: Lawlar Baseball-Reference page
OTHER COVERAGE: No. 1 on ARI Org Report; No. 7 on HQ100, Minor Leaguers with Preseason Questions
CURRENT ROLE: Part-time IF
POTENTIAL ROLE: Starting SS
RATING: 9B

 

PLAYER POTENTIAL RATING
Scale of (1-10) representing a player’s upside potential
10 - Hall of Fame-type player
9 - Elite player
8 - Solid regular
7 - Average regular
6 - Platoon player
5 - Major League reserve player
4 - Top minor league player
3 - Average minor league player
2 - Minor league reserve player
1 - Minor league roster filler

PROBABILITY RATING
Scale of (A-E) representing the player’s realistic chances of achieving their potential
A - 90% probability of reaching potential
B - 70% probability of reaching potential
C - 50% probability of reaching potential
D - 30% probability of reaching potential
E - 10% probability of reaching potential

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