Pitching Prospects Shape MLB Teams' 2025 Seasons Amid Injuries

Several MLB teams are facing significant challenges with their pitching staffs this season due to injuries and performance concerns. The Minnesota Twins found a bright spot in reliever Kody Funderburk, who posted a strong 0.82 ERA over August and September, providing much-needed bullpen stability despite some underlying advanced metric concerns. The Boston Red Sox had to rely heavily on young pitchers after losing eight starters to injuries and trades; notable contributions came from Kyle Harrison and Connelly Early, with the team's player development staff praised for preparing these arms to compete effectively. The Red Sox also see promise in their pitching prospects, with some showing improvements and others needing further development or recovery from injury. The Chicago Cubs are cautiously optimistic about rookie starter Cade Horton’s postseason availability following a back and rib injury, balancing his eagerness to pitch with medical advice. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox’s top pitching prospect, Noah Schultz, dealt with knee tendinitis that affected his mechanics and performance, leading the team to prioritize his long-term health over immediate pitching opportunities.