Bowden’s Top 50 MLB Prospects: Griffin, Wetherholt, McGonigle

As the Minor League Baseball season winds down, prospect chatter is back at the center of the baseball world. Jim Bowden’s updated Top 50 MLB Prospects list puts the spotlight on the game’s most prospects-you-need-to-know-now/”>exciting young talents — from teenagers tearing up the farm system to almost-ready stars waiting for their shot.

This ranking zeroes in on players who haven’t made their big-league debut or just got called up after roster expansions. It gives fans and teams a peek at the talent that could shape the next decade of baseball.

Griffin Takes the Top Spot With Impressive Growth

At only 19, Griffin, a five-tool shortstop, has climbed to the top of Bowden’s rankings. He’s got elite speed, a strong arm, and growing power, but it’s his big jump in hitting ability — which scouts once questioned — that pushed him to No. 1.

With the way he’s developing, Griffin might end up as one of the most complete players in the sport. He’s the kind of prospect you can’t help but get excited about.

Why Griffin’s Development is So Special

Lots of prospects have raw athleticism, but Griffin’s mix of natural talent and fast skill growth really stands out. His better contact rate and more patient approach at the plate suggest he could hit for both average and power, all while playing tough defense at shortstop.

Future Stars Poised for the Majors

Several older prospects on Bowden’s list look ready to make a big MLB impact soon. A few names have already started turning heads in big-league circles.

JJ Wetherholt: Cardinals’ Next All-Star?

JJ Wetherholt, the 22-year-old St. Louis Cardinals infielder, is probably the most MLB-ready player in the rankings. He brings strong on-base skills, great bat control, and that tempting 20/20 upside — maybe 20 home runs and 20 steals in a single season.

Detroit’s Dynamic Duo: Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark

The Detroit Tigers have two of the list’s brightest offensive prospects:

• Kevin McGonigle (21) — He’s widely seen as having the best pure hit tool in the rankings. With his advanced approach, McGonigle could be chasing batting titles before too long.
• Max Clark (20) — A speedy, rangy center fielder with growing power, Clark looks like a Gold Glove defender and brings plenty of impact with his bat, too.

The Next Wave of Multi-Tool Shortstops

Bowden’s rankings show how valuable athletic shortstops have become. One name in particular has already started turning heads, even at a young age.

De Vries: Oakland’s New Franchise Building Block

The Oakland Athletics landed 18-year-old switch-hitting shortstop De Vries in a big trade with San Diego. He’s known for his advanced plate discipline and sharp defensive instincts.

De Vries might just become the centerpiece of Oakland’s rebuild. His switch-hitting and premium defense make him one of the most intriguing young infielders around.

Middle-of-the-Order Bats in the Making

Bowden’s list also features several outfielders and sluggers who could anchor future lineups. These are the bats you want to keep on your radar.

Big Bats on the Horizon

Players like Colt Emerson (Seattle Mariners), Walker Jenkins (Minnesota Twins), and Bryce Eldridge (San Francisco Giants) stand out as potential middle-of-the-order forces. Each brings plus power and the ability to adjust to advanced pitching — a must for lasting success in the majors.

The Arms You Need to Know

The top of Bowden’s rankings lean toward hitters, but several pitchers made the cut thanks to their electric stuff and long-term upside.

Lefties Leading the Charge

White (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Anderson (Seattle Mariners) headline the pitching side as dominant lefties with strikeout stuff and maturity beyond their years.

Andrew Painter (Philadelphia Phillies) is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and Pirates draftee Hernandez brings raw velocity and swing-and-miss potential that could make him an ace someday.

What This Means for MLB’s Future

Bowden’s list really shows just how much elite young talent fills the minor leagues right now. You can see it—so many of these guys look like future All-Stars or even franchise cornerstones.

Some of them are already getting their first taste of the big leagues. As these prospects keep growing and breaking in, they’ll shake up not only their own teams but the whole league’s balance for years ahead.

Honestly, for MLB fans and front offices, it feels like the message is pretty obvious: the future’s not some distant thing—it’s already arriving. The next wave of baseball superstars is basically at the doorstep.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Jim Bowden’s top 50 MLB prospects include Konnor Griffin, JJ Wetherholt and Kevin McGonigle