Chase Burns blasted a 98 MPH fastball in the inside corner near the top of the zone on his first pitch and never looked back. 

Fitting, because that’s how the 2024 MLB Draft Class seems to be launching its pro careers, too.

Burns followed that first pitch with a 100 MPH heater for strike two, then unleashed a devastating slider to strike out Trent Grisham—a pitch that already looks like one of the best in the National League Central, if not the entire National League. He ended the inning by striking out Aaron Judge, arguably the second-best player in the game and perhaps the best offensive force of the decade.

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It set the tone. Burns struck out the first five batters he faced and totaled six strikeouts in just two innings.

He’s the fifth first-rounder from the 2024 MLB Draft to make his debut in 2025—less than a year after the draft. The trend of fast-tracking college talent has already been seen with players like Paul Skenes, Wyatt Langford, Jackson Holliday, Nolan Schanuel, and 2023 Reds pick Rhett Lowder.

But this year feels different.

Cam Smith, the Cubs draft pick who was the key return in the Kyle Tucker trade, made the Astros’ Opening Day roster. Nick Kurtz, who began the 2024 college season viewed as possibly the No. 1 pick, was called up in April. Jac Caglianone followed and Christian Moore debuted about two weeks before Burns. 

That’s five top-15 picks already in the majors: No. 2 (Burns), No. 4 (Kurtz), No. 6 (Caglianone), No. 8 (Moore), and No. 14 (Smith).

More are coming. No. 7 pick JJ Wetherholt is hitting .314 in Double-A. No. 5 pick Hagen Smith, who had an early injury scare, is back in the Double-A rotation with a 2.10 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 25.2 innings.

It’s clear: MLB clubs are pushing elite college players through the minors faster than ever. With the 2025 MLB Draft two weeks away, here are five prospects who could follow in Burns’ footsteps and debut as early as next season—health permitting (which 2024 No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana, notably, has not been).

MLB Draft 2025: Five Prospects Who Could Debut in 2025

Note: There are only 27 official first-round picks in 2025 due to Competitive Balance Tax penalties applied to the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets.

Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State Baseball

Arnold posted an 8-2 record with a 2.98 ERA and 119 strikeouts as a junior, a nearly identical stat line to his 2024 campaign—despite throwing fewer innings. At 21, Arnold would’ve been a top-10 pick if eligible last year. He still has No. 1 overall buzz and is polished enough to earn a 2025 call-up by September.

Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M Baseball

LaViolette entered 2025 as FloBaseball’s top prospect, but a rough junior season mirrored Texas A&M’s massively disappointing year. The 6-6 slugger has elite power but must cut down on strikeouts, especially if a move to first base becomes necessary. He’s still a potential fast-tracker if he bounces back in the minors.

Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU Baseball

Anderson rocketed up draft boards after a stellar season, capped by being named Most Outstanding Pitcher at the College World Series. He’s not Paul Skenes, but with four quality pitches—including a strong fastball and changeup—he could rise quickly. His Tommy John history may give some pause, but his ceiling is high.

Andrew Fischer, 1B/3B, Tennessee Baseball

Fischer isn’t a top-10 darling, but he has pop, plate discipline, and positional versatility at the corners. His Cape Cod League performance in 2024 turned heads, and his ability to adjust his approach makes him a candidate for a rapid call-up if a club needs a bat-first option.

Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara Baseball

Once projected to go No. 1 overall, Bremner stumbled in 2025 compared to his breakout 2024—but he finished strong. He recorded 33 strikeouts and allowed just three runs in his final three starts. His 95-98 MPH fastball and elite changeup (graded by some scouts as a 70) give him frontline upside. His inconsistent slider is the question mark, but even with just two plus pitches, he could see MLB action next season.

When Is The MLB Draft? 

The MLB Draft will take place from July 13-14 in Atlanta Georgia.

2025 MLB Draft Order

Here is the first round, PPI and compensation picks and competitive balance round A order. The Dodgers, Mets and Yankees each received a 10-pick penalty on their first picks for exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax, meaning their first picks will occur in Competitive Balance Round A.

1. Washington Nationals
2. Los Angeles Angels
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Colorado Rockies
5. St. Louis Cardinals
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
7. Miami Marlins
8. Toronto Blue Jays
9. Cincinnati Reds
10. Chicago White Sox
11. Athletics
12. Texas Rangers
13. San Francisco Giants
14. Tampa Bay Rays
15. Boston Red Sox
16. Minnesota Twins
17. Chicago Cubs
18. Arizona Diamondbacks
19. Baltimore Orioles
20. Milwaukee Brewers
21. Houston Astros
22. Atlanta Braves
23. Kansas City Royals
24. Detroit Tigers
25. San Diego Padres
26. Philadelphia Phillies
27. Cleveland Guardians
28. Kansas City Royals: PPI
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Comp
30. Baltimore Orioles: Comp
31. Baltimore Orioles: Comp
32. Milwaukee Brewers: Comp
33. Milwaukee Brewers: Balance Round A
34. Detroit Tigers: Balance Round A
35. Seattle Mariners: Balance Round A
36. Minnesota Twins: Balance Round A
37. Tampa Bay Rays: Balance Round A
38. New York Mets: Balance Round A
39. New York Yankees: Balance Round A
40. Los Angeles Dodgers: Balance Round A
41. Los Angeles Dodgers: Balance Round A
42. Tampa Bay Rays: Balance Round A
43. Miami Marlins: Balance Round A

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