Three American League prospects who have earned their MLB debut

C.J. Kayfus, first base, Cleveland Guardians

2025 MiLB stats: .332/.414/.585, eight home runs and 33 RBI in 58 games

A career .302 hitter in the minors, Kayfus is having a big year in Triple-A and finds himself one step away from his MLB debut.

With veteran Carlos Santana doing a solid job at first base, the Guardians could use an upgrade at the designated hitter position with Kyle Manzardo slumping since his hot start.

That's where Kayfus enters the picture. The 23-year-old would be able to take over the duties at first base, allowing Santana to take more at-bats as a designated hitter.

Currently 9.5 games out of first place in the American League Central, the Guardians are only half a game out of a wild-card spot despite being the only team above .500 with a negative run differential at -26.

Adding a bat like Kayfus to the lineup would give the Guardians some extra thump to make a playoff push in 2025. 

Colby Thomas, outfielder, Athletics

2025 MiLB stats: .298/.355/.549, 16 home runs and 59 RBI in 65 games

After leading all minor leaguers in extra-base hits last year with 80, Thomas has followed that up by currently leading minor leaguers in base hits, extra-base hits, RBI and total bases.

While the Athletics don't have many spots to fit Thomas into the lineup, it's hard to ignore the production he is providing.

With 35 extra-base hits and 55 runs scored, he is not only driving in runs but he is consistently getting himself into scoring position for his team.

Thomas has virtually nothing left to prove at the minor league level and should get his shot in the MLB this season as the Athletics are on their way to a fifth-straight season without a postseason appearance. 

Harry Ford, catcher, Mariners

2025 MiLB stats: .319/.429/.495, eight home runs and 39 RBI in 53 games

Ford is another prospect that is having a huge year but is blocked by players at the major league level.

One of the top catching prospects in baseball over the last few seasons, Ford seems to be putting it all together in 2025. 

Currently hitting .319 with 20 extra-base hits, Ford has also displayed Gold Glove-caliber defense behind the plate. The only problem for him is that the Mariners already have the best catcher in baseball behind the plate in Cal Raleigh.

With only eight games played in the outfield, Ford is likely to remain in the minors until September callups, barring a trade or injury.