The 2025 MLB Futures Game brought together some of baseball’s most promising talents on July 12, 2025, showcasing their skills in a competitive environment. The National League triumphed over the American League with a score of 4-2, largely thanks to a pivotal home run by Josue De Paula of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who earned MVP honors for his performance.
This year’s event highlighted not only standout players but also impressive scouting tools that could shape the future of Major League Baseball.
Top Players and Performances
Among the many talented athletes, George Lombard, a shortstop for the New York Yankees, emerged as the best all-around player. Lombard showcased exceptional skills both defensively and offensively, going 1-for-2 at the plate with a double hit at 104.4 mph, along with a walk against Marlins left-handed pitcher Thomas White. His defensive prowess included several smart plays that demonstrated his range and awareness.
In terms of hitting, Josue De Paula stood out with a remarkable home run that not only secured the lead for the National League but also highlighted his batting capabilities. His powerful shot came off a hanging slider from Noah Schultz, reaching a speed of 108.5 mph as it sailed into the right field bleachers.
Another notable performance came from JJ Wetherholt, a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, who displayed impressive power, hitting the ball at 105.9 mph just shy of a home run during his first at-bat.
Notable Skills and Surprises
The batting practice segment of the Futures Game featured Carter Jensen, a catcher for the Kansas City Royals, who led all participants with ten home runs. Jensen exhibited remarkable control, hitting well-placed shots throughout his rounds, eventually opting for line drives during his final session.
Defensively, Slade Caldwell, an outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, made the play of the day with a diving catch that robbed Lombard of a hit in the seventh inning. Despite striking out in his only at-bat, Caldwell’s defensive skills shone brightly.
On the mound, Jonah Tong, a right-handed pitcher from the New York Mets, impressed with his fastball, which peaked at 97.4 mph. Tong generated multiple swings and misses, demonstrating a unique combination of movement and velocity that set him apart from other pitchers.
The best breaking ball was delivered by JR Ritchie of the Atlanta Braves, whose slider effectively struck out Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia. Ritchie’s pitch, clocking in at 83.5 mph, showcased his ability to disrupt hitters’ timing.
Besting expectations, Parker Messick from the Cleveland Guardians earned accolades for his changeup. He effectively utilized this pitch to record two outs and a called strike, further solidifying his reputation as a promising pitcher.
In a surprising turn, Josue Briceño of the Detroit Tigers, known more for his power than speed, achieved a triple during the game, an impressive feat given that he had only accomplished this five times in his professional career.
The event was not without its tense moments. Konnor Griffin, a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, faced a scare when he was hit on the hand by a 97 mph sinker from Alimber Santa. Fortunately, Griffin reported no injuries after the game, allowing fans to breathe a sigh of relief.
In conclusion, the 2025 MLB Futures Game not only showcased exceptional talent and thrilling performances but also offered a glimpse into the future of baseball. With standout players like Josue De Paula, George Lombard, and others, the event proved to be a valuable platform for emerging stars to display their skills on a larger stage.
