Nacho Alvarez Jr., Atlanta Braves: After starting the year injured, third-baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr. was called up to replace Austin Riley for eight games. When Riley returned, Alvarez was optioned back down to AAA, but he remains on the 40-man roster and could get called up again at any time. Alvarez, a fifth-round pick in 2022, is still just 22 years old and ranks as the Braves’ No. 3 prospect. Alvarez has flashed great potential defensively and could potentially be a big league utility man in the future for the Braves.
Ricky Tiedemann, Toronto Blue Jays: After shooting up through the Blue Jays system, pitcher Ricky Tiedemann suffered a setback, undergoing Tommy John surgery in the summer of 2024. Tiedemann is reportedly back up to 95 MPH already and could potentially throw again towards the end of the minor league season. Tiedemann is still the Blue Jays’ top prospect at only 22 years old.
Julian Aguiar, Cincinnati Reds: Pitcher Julian Aguiar had a fantastic minor league career for the Reds, flying under the radar of prospect rankings. In 2024, the Reds called Aguiar up, and the 23-year-old made seven starts before the end of the year. Unfortunately, Aguiar underwent Tommy John Surgery shortly after the season, ruling him out for all of 2025.
CJ Culpepper, Minnesota Twins: 23-year-old pitching prospect CJ Culpepper is currently having a fantastic season at AA for the Twins. Culpepper has started eight games, pitching to a 2.78 ERA. Culpepper is the No. 13 prospect in the Twins system, and interestingly, the second-best prospect in the system with the surname of Culpepper. With the Twins committing to rebuilding around a younger core, Culpepper has a great opportunity to make a name for himself.
Other players making notable contributions are pitchers Alex Cornwell and Chandler Champlain, who have both made it to AAA. Champlain is a starting pitcher for the Royals’ AAA affiliate and has made 19 starts this year. Cornwell has split time as a reliever and a starter for the Cardinals’ AAA affiliate, throwing 70 innings so far this year.
Harrison Spohn has made it to AAA with the Miami Marlins, playing well at shortstop and filling in around the infield when needed.
Inland Valley Baseball Association 