Top 100 MLB Prospects for 2026

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $950K – 2024 (MIL)  | ETA: 2027

Made quickly made a name for himself with one of the best DSL showings in recent memory before following that up with a massive 2025 campaign where he climbed three levels, improving as the season progressed, finishing the year at Double-A not long after his 18th birthday. The switch-hitting shortstop could be one of baseball’s next big prospects thanks to his ridiculously quick hands and feel for the barrel paired with elite plate discipline and baseball instincts.

Offense

Starting slightly open and his feet a tad more than shoulder-width apart, Made sinks into his backside in tandem with a rhythmic barrel tip as he pulls his hands down towards his belt; the move is a little more pronounced from the left side. He will likely need to clean up such a loud move as it could be difficult to time and also puts him into a slot that is generally harder to launch from and limits his ability to elevate the ball as much as he should.

The fact that he is able to not only do plenty of damage from his launch position and consistently make contact is a testament to his freakish hands and athleticism in the box. He boasts a good feel to hit from both sides of the plate, but the left-handed bat-to-ball is particularly impressive. It’s rare bat speed from both sides of the plate, popping exit velocities north of 110 MPH from each side.

His 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 MPH is well above his peers and his improved ability to elevate in the second half of the season bodes well for his power outlook heading into 2026.

As he cleans up his operation in the box to be less dependent on raw talent and more conducive to repeating his moves and creating leverage, there should be plus game power in the tank. With his quickness, barrel accuracy and plate discipline, the elusive plus hit and power combination could be attainable for Made.

Defense/Speed

Made has good defensive tools boasting a plus arm, but his footwork and actions are a work in progress. Similar to how he operates in the box, it is natural athleticism over fundamentals at this point for Made, sometimes struggling with his first step and reading balls off of the bat. He has a knack for the acrobatic play and is comfortable charging in and throwing on the run. He has a shot to stick at shortstop but has the fallback of a quality third base or second base. An aggressive base stealer, Made swiped 47 bags on 60 tries in 2025.

Outlook

Made did everything you wanted to see to follow up an all-time DSL performance by settling into Low-A before dominating High-A and earning a Double-A cameo in a season where he was 17 years old at the start. He will start the 2026 season at Double-A with the focus on being optimizing his mechanics and approach a bit further to reach closer to his sky high ceiling. Made’s plus hit and power potential has him looking like a potential star who could debut as a teenager. There’s a lot of similarities to Ketel Marte.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (22) – 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

One of the younger prep bats in the 2023 draft class, Emerson’s strong summer circuit and performance for Team USA helped him rise up draft boards. His polish both mechanically and approach wise have helped him stand out immediately as a pro, with the only hiccups being some minor injuries. He made a mechanical adjustment mid way through the 2025 season, kicking his production into another gear as he climbed up to Triple-A.

Offense

Emerson has a smooth swing from the left-side with a good feel for the barrel. He adjusted his stride to a toe tap that helped him use the ground more consistently, resulting in additional power and a better path. After making the change in middle of June, Emerson cut his ground ball rate by nearly 20%, OPSing .920 over his final 75 games between Double-A and Triple-A.

The improved bat path also aided his ability to hit secondaries OPSing north of .800 against non-fastballs and even stronger numbers particularly against breaking balls. With his gains in that department, Emerson looks like an exciting blend of plus hit and above average power and given the fact that he was just 19 years old for the majority of the 2025 season, there may be even more power to dream on.

Defense/Speed

Nothing jumps off the page when it comes to Emerson’s defensive tools, but he is fundamentally sound and has worked hard on his first step and actions. He is at least an average runner with an above average arm and soft hands. His glove has made a huge leap since the end of the 2024 season, now looking like at least an average defender at the position. He is much more aggressive to the baseball, picking it on more opportunistic hops with an internal clock that has improved.

He moves well enough in both directions and throws comfortably enough from different angles to stick at the position. Emerson has successfully fought off the third base risk, looking like an above average defender at shortstop.

Outlook

Emerson’s feel to hit, approach and likelihood of sticking on the left side of the infield make him a high probability big leaguer while there’s enough power potential to be an impact bat. The shift he made with tangible mechanical adjustments elevated both his floor and ceiling, while expediting his timeline, finishing 2025 with Triple-A success.

His baseball instincts only help elevate his solid tools across the board along with his chances of sticking at short. How much Emerson slugs will ultimately determine his ceiling, but the exit velocities are there with the improved angles to envision 20+ homers. He’s a well-rounded player with plenty of upside. He’s the future of the shortstop position for the Mariners.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 170 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $525,000, 2023 (BOS) | ETA: 2026

Signed as a glove-first shortstop in 2023 with great bat to ball skills, Arias has moved quickly through the Minor Leagues, looking like a high-floor infielder. Added strength and an improved swing path ahead of the 2026 season has now pushed his ceiling to that of an All Star, eclipsing his career high in homers (9) in his first 34 games of the season.

Hitting

Arias showcases impressive balance and lower half control in the box, gathering into his back side with a slow, hovering leg kick. There’s a chance sharper secondaries at more challenging levels could pull him onto his front side more often, but his strong ability to recognize spin and repeat his moves has helped him fly up to Double-A as a teenager.

He boasts a great feel for the barrel, spoiling tough pitches and posting plus contact rates within the zone. Previously having the tendency to put the ball on the ground at a high clip, Arias improved his swing path and added strength, helping him cut his ground ball rate by roughly 10% from his career average while upping his exit velocities dramatically.

Through his first 40 games of the 2026 season, Arias upped his average exit velocity by 5 MPH and Hard Hit rate by 20% compared to 2025. Pair the leap in exit velocities with the drastically improved batted ball angles and Arias now projects for at least average game power.

Having flashed the ability in the past, Arias has found much more consistency with his ability to air pull as well, which could make him an extra base hit machine in Fenway Park. Plus contact skills in tandem with what could be 20-ish home run power gives Arias both a solid offensive floor and exciting ceiling.

Defense/Speed

Though he is just an average runner, Arias gets the most out of his speed thanks to his solid first step and impressive instincts. Good hands and footwork help Arias attack the baseball on the dirt with confidence and is capable of getting the ball out quick. He puts himself in position to make more difficult plays look routine with the ability to make the difficult plays thanks to his above average arm. He has far improved with some inconsistencies that he had ranging to his backhand, which has shored him up to project as a plus defender at the position. Arias is unlikely to be more than an opportunistic base stealer.

Outlook

Between the contact skills and defense at shortstop, Arias already looked the part of a high-probability big leaguer. Now providing what looks like at least average game power, Arias has All Star upside with a great chance of landing as an above average regular at shortstop. With his dominance through Double-A in the first half of his age 20 campaign, Arias could debut prior to his 21st birthday and looks to be the future for the Red Sox at shortstop.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $4.2M – 2023 (SDP)  | ETA: 2028

De Vries is a switch-hitting shortstop with an extremely advanced hit and power combo. The Athletics did not slow his timeline down after acquiring him as the headliner in the Mason Miller trade, promoting De Vries to Double-A shortly after where he continued to thrive. He should climb through the Minor Leagues relatively quickly with the potential to be a star.

Hitting

Utilizing slightly different setups from each side, De Vries starts more open from the left side with his feet about shoulder-width apart and his bat resting on his shoulder. He pushes his hands upwards in tandem with a toe tap. He has quieted his hand movement more over time with his upper and lower half much more in sync. He’s extremely advanced for a teenage hitter, already using his lower half well, along with a swing path that generates consistent lift.

From the right side, his hands start higher with a small stride. He does not quite utilize his lower half as effectively from the right side as the left, which hampers his raw power some. His Hard Hit rate was roughly 5% higher from the right side in 2025 with a three MPH gap in 90th percentile exit velocity.

De Vries has become slightly more aggressive as he has aggressively climbed levels, which is entirely understandable as the youngest prospect at each stop. He still has a fantastic feel for the strike zone–especially from the left side–walking at a 12% clip overall in the 2025 season.

With more room to fill out as he matures, De Vries should easily tap into above average power given his advanced feel to elevate. The feel for the barrel translates into the ability to spoil tough pitches and battle as well. There’s potential for at least above average hit and power with the plate discipline to complement.

Defense/Speed

Like many young, projectable shortstops, there’s a chance De Vries could fill out and lose a step, preceding a move to third base. That said, he has the components to be able to stick at the position with good instincts. He is comfortable throwing on the run and from different angles, but lacks desired carry on his throws, which can run to his arm side or sink. He can get too nonchalant at times, fielding balls off to the side or with stagnant feet which inflates the error totals. As he hones in on the fundamentals, the case for him to stick at shortstop should be stronger. An above average runner, De Vries should be a decent stolen base threat capable of grabbing at least 10-15 bags, but has struggled with efficiency.

Outlook

One of the youngest players in full season ball for the 2024 season, De Vries needed a few months to get his feet wet before really hitting his stride. It was a similar story for De Vries in 2025, even with a block buster trade and Double-A promotion in between, posting to an OPS well over .800 in his final 50 contests.

The bat is understandably ahead of the glove, but De Vries has flashed what it takes to stick at shortstop, assuming he can continue to refine the more fundamental components in the field in his age 19 season. Should De Vries slide over to third, there is more than enough offensive production to accommodate the move.

His strong finish to the season at Double-A makes a big league debut prior to his 20th birthday not seem so far fetched. For a player of his age, De Vries has the foundation to be a star, but his present skill set already gives him a great chance of at least being a quality big leaguer or a long time.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (55), 2024 (SEA) | ETA: 2028

Sloan was a first round consideration for several teams, but it was the Mariners who were able to reel in the prep right-hander with a $3 million bonus (29th pick value) in the second round. The arrow pointed upwards for Sloan as the draft approached, touching the upper 90s with a pair of intriguing secondaries.

Arsenal

Sloan is a big, powerful right hander with a strong lower half, helping him produce mid 90s velocity without major effort. He works down on the mound well, throwing from a high three-quarters release with slightly above average extension and a 5.6 foot release height. This creates a unique angle for hitters from his 6-foot-4 frame.

It can be difficult for Sloan to maintain vert on his fastball from that angle, causing the heater to flatten out some at times, but averaging 95.5 MPH in his age 19 season while touching 99 MPH with relatively light effort makes it easy to dream on the fastball. He also added a sinker heading into the 2026 season which has insulated his four seamer some while helping him pick up ground balls, especially against righties.

Sloan has a good feel for his trio of secondaries, with the sweeper and splitter standing out. His mid 80s sweeper already looks the part of a plus pitch, with sharp bite that dominates right-handed hitters, but features enough teeth to bury beneath the hands of lefties.

His preferred weapon to neutralize left-handed hitters is an upper 80s splitter that he already has a decent feel for. For it to play closer to the plus territory it flashes, Sloan will likely need to find more velocity and shape separation. He will also mix in a cutter that has become increasingly consistent and effective and he has compiled more innings.

Outlook

Sloan is the ideal template for an organization that has had plenty of success developing arms. He’s just shy of Logan Gilbert’s body with a unique release and an advanced feel to spin it. The Mariners rave about Sloan’s ability to adjust on the fly, with the addition of his sinker cited as something that came more easily to him than most.

The floor and ceiling are both so high for Sloan given the quality of his stuff already and the ability to fill up the strike zone. The delivery is smooth and easy and the more he throws, the more consistent his shapes and overall command become. Already finding success at Double-A, shortly after his 20th birthday, Sloan is moving through the Minor Leagues far quicker than most prep right-handers and appears to have a great chance of at least landing as a middle-rotation arm. If he continues on his trajectory, there’s frontline upside.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (6), 2025 (PIT) | ETA: 2028

The best arm in the 2025 Draft class, Hernandez earns high marks for his sheer stuff paired with advanced pitchability for his age and frame.

Arsenal

At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Hernandez has plenty of projection remaining to his frame, and his operation is as easy as they come. He’s very athletic and moves fluidly down the mound with loud arm speed and a methodical nature to his timing.

His fastball has sat in the mid 90s, touching triple digits. There is some concern that the fastball could be limited by its shape, but that should be guarded some by velocity that could easily be sitting in the upper 90s as Hernandez matures.

His change-up is immediately one of the best in the minor leagues, a low-80s parachute that flashes plus with a ton of sinking action and velocity separation from the heater. He’ll mix in a bigger curveball in the low-80s that dives beneath the barrels of lefties and righties.

He will also mix in a cutter/slider hybrid in the upper 80s that flashes average and has the potential to be a strong fourth offering.

Outlook

His secondary command will need refinement, but overall, he peppers the strike zone. The mix of pure stuff, projection, and athleticism makes him as exciting of an arm as there is in the lower minors, even acknowledging the risk of the prep righty archetype.

Hernandez was a bit older for the class, but has the ingredients to move quicker than his peers with a pitch mix that could give him frontline potential. Aside from the obvious caveat of pitcher health, biggest variable for Hernandez to reach that potential may be his fastball shape.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (3), 2023 (DET) | ETA: 2027

A superb athlete who gets the most out of his frame, Clark flies, has a rocket for an arm and makes plenty of contact. He made a leap in the bat-to-ball and swing decision departments heading into 2025 that has yielded impressive results.

Offense

Previously starting with a wide, crouched stance and his hands low, Clark narrowed his stance some heading into the 2025 season and raised his hands. He worked hard on his path to handle secondary offerings with more success, which has been evident by a 20% increase in contact rates against non-fastballs along with a drop in chase.

His twitch, wiry strength and athleticism help him produce plus bat speed with ease. Even if the swing is somewhat more geared for line drives, he hits the ball hard to all fields with the ability to flash some pop pull side.

Clark is compact and quick to the ball, helping him see the ball longer and make good swing decisions. His barrel enters the zone early and seems to stay for a long time, helping him make plenty of contact.

Between his quickness to the ball, simple moves and feel for the barrel, it’s easy to see a plus hit tool for Clark. His hard hit rate has jumped by nearly 10% through the first 40 games of the 2025 while walking more than he has struck out. The numbers understandably slowed some upon his promotion to Double-A, but Clark’s batted ball data was still comfortably better than his season prior.

While Clark will likely always be a hit-over-power bat, he elevated his power outlook by flashing exit velocities north of 110 MPH along with improved angles. Even if the game power lands as fringy, his improved raw power and feel to hit should make him a threat to compile plenty of extra base hits to complement his plus on base skills.

Defense/Speed

A plus plus runner with a strong arm, Clark has the tools to be a superb defender in centerfield, he just needs to iron out his routes some. Running up to 94 MPH on the mound in high school, Clark easily boasts a plus arm. With his football background and ability to get to his top speed quickly, Clark should be a menace on the bases as well.

Outlook

Clark is a workaholic who has really bought into his approach in 2025 and the results were plenty evident with leaps in the contact and swing decision departments. His mechanical adjustments helped him hit the ball harder more consistently. Still just 21 years old for the entirety of the 2026 season while getting his second taste of Double-A, Clark is ahead of schedule with more room to grow. Between the on base skills, defensive ability and speed, Clark’s floor is high, but he continues to push his ceiling higher with improved offensive consistency and impact.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 215 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (5), 2023 (MIN) | ETA: 2026

On the field, the skill set is high-floor, but injuries have been a consistent theme and Jenkins still needs to show more power to project as an All Star. His blend of bat-to-ball, approach and athleticism for his size allowed him to reach Triple-A in just 160 pro games since being drafted in 2023.

Offense

A relaxed setup with simple pre-swing moves, Jenkins is consistently on time with his sweet left-handed swing and requires little effort to hit the ball hard. His athleticism in the box is evident through his ability repeat his moves consistently.

Jenkins is still filling out, but flashes plus power to his pull side already impressively balancing his knack for driving the ball in the air with authority with his advanced feel to hit. He’s a relatively patient hitter who leverages his advantage counts well to look to do damage while showcasing the barely maneuverability to spoil a pitcher’s pitch when he’s behind.

Rarely missing fastballs, Jenkins has OPS’d north of 1.000 against heaters between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He posts competitive contact rates against secondaries, but has the tendency to get onto his front foot a little prematurely, impacting the quality of contact some.

Jenkins has yet to flash the plus exit velocities that many have expected to develop as he matures, though the amount of time he has missed due to injuries since being drafted likely makes it more challenging to develop in that regard. His average exit velocity of 87 MPH in 2025 leaves a bit to be desired, but he did showcase a knack for pulling the ball in the air.

Jenkins has the ingredients to be a consistently high OBP threat who is capable of launching 20+ home runs if that power uptick comes. Even if the power stalls, his natural ability to hit and approach would still be enough to give him a solid chance at landing as a quality bit league bat.

Defense/Speed

A good runner who has looked comfortable in center field, Jenkins has a shot to stick up the middle. Should he move to a corner, his range and above average arm would likely make him at least an above average defender. A good runner, Jenkins was held back by a hamstring issue in 2024 and ankle issue in 2025, but still swiped 34 bags on 41 tries in 166 games between the two seasons.

Outlook

An advanced swing for a prep bat that has translated into professional success despite disruptions to his play time, Jenkins is a high probability MLB regular. That said, the goals are so much higher for a 6-foot-3, 220 pound plus athlete like Jenkins.

If his exit velocities can climb above the average mark they currently sit at, he should tap into above average power thanks to his feel to elevate the baseball, especially to the pull side. Health remains the biggest concern around Jenkins as he has yet to play more than 84 games in a season.

Given his polish and the fact that he finished the 2025 season at Triple-A, Jenkins will likely reach the MLB level before he is close to a finished product with the ability to still be a quality contributor. To reach his ceiling, the hope would be with more reps, health and strength that he can grow into his power at the big league level in a way that could be somewhat reminiscent of Christian Yelich.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $5.8M, 2021 (SD) | ETA: 2027

A wunderkind of a catching prospect, Salas signed for $5.8 million as the top prospect in the 2023 IFA class and was immediately thrusted into big league spring training action, followed by a Low-A assignment prior to his 17th birthday and a High-A assignment before he turned 18. Salas got both healthy and stronger heading into 2026 while refining his swing mechanics, resulting in a major Double-A breakout in his age 19/20 season. Between his elite defense and offensive breakout, he now looks the part of one of the best prospects in the sport.

Offense

Salas made some adjustments in the box heading into 2026, starting more open and stacked on his back side, while utilizing a toe tap that seems to have helped him keep his weight back. Paired improved mechanics with a young hitter getting healthy and much stronger and you get a major offensive breakout.

Through his first 40 games of the 2026 season, Salas has improved his contact rate by 10% compared to 2024. His 90th percentile exit velocity jumped by 5 MPH as well. After never having posted an air exit velocity north of 108 MPH entering 2026, Salas posted six batted balls that fit the criteria in his first 40 games, including two 112 MPH doubles.

He already has a good feel for the zone and recognizes spin well, though his chase rate did climb by five percent to 25% at High-A. The jump was mostly predicated on a spike in chase against fastballs, not breaking balls, pointing towards a young hitter who is perhaps a little overzealous rather than challenged to recognize spin.

With Salas already showcasing a good feel to elevate, the added raw power makes above average power potential a reasonable outlook. The bat to ball looks to be above average as well, giving Salas a balanced blend of both hit and power.

Defense/Speed

It’s hard to remember a more advanced teenage catching prospect when it comes to receiving than Salas, reeling in the ball smoothly with elite hands. He moves well behind the dish making strides as a blocker in his first pro season.

The Padres brass has raved about the maturity of Salas and the way he handles bullpens since he arrived at the complex which should translate into strong game calling. Already with a well above average arm, Salas has a plus arm and his improved transfer resulted in a 28% caught stealing rate in 2024. He is still adjusting to Double-A some, with the caught stealing rate taking a bit of a hit through his first few months at the level, but the blocking, receiving and feel for the position continue to stand out as Salas projects as a special defender.

An average runner, Salas has a great feel for the game on the base paths as well, where he provides some value.

Outlook

After a phenomenal start to his pro career at Low-A, Salas struggled with unprecedentedly aggressive assignments and injury. Healthy, stronger and with his feet under him a bit more in at a Double-A level where he was still only one of two teenagers on a roster on Opening Day, Salas is realizing his offensive potential. Salas’s elite defensive ability is what maintained his cache as one of the better young catcher prospects in the sport, even with the injuries and struggles. Now looking like an above average bat with flashes of more, Salas is flat out the best overall catcher prospect in the sport.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (3), 2025 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

Anderson was a highly touted prep arm in the 2023 class, though he withdrew his name from the draft after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022. He put together a solid freshman season in 2024 before breaking out as the best arm in the country as a draft-eligible sophomore.

Arsenal

Everything about Anderson’s game screams high-floor, but there’s plenty to dream on too. He commands four quality offerings with confidence, starting with a 92-95 MPH fastball with good carry and some cut. Anderson’s frame is projectable wit a quick arm, providing optimism for more velo.

Anderson picked up plus whiff rates within the zone on the fastball, along with plenty of weak contact. Interestingly, Anderson’s fastball command can waver more than his trio of secondaries, but he still maintained a strike rate around 64% with the pitch.

Both of his breaking balls look like potentially plus pitches with good shape and velocity separation. Our Tyler Jennings referred to the slider as a “baby sweeper” with good teeth that makes it effective to hitters from both sides of the plate in the mid 80s.

His curveball has impressive tilt in the upper-70s, mixing it in evenly to hitters of each side of the plate. The depth and late bite helped him pick up plenty of contact on the ground while keeping righties in particular in check.

His changeup doesn’t jump off of the page shape wise, but averages 10 MPH in velocity separation and is extremely difficult for hitters to pick up out of the hand, especially off of his hoppy fastball. Opponents hit below .200 against the offering in 2025.

Outlook

While he does not require much development, Anderson and the Mariners are a match made in heaven. He’s likely to fly through the Minor Leagues quickly with a high probability of at least landing as a back end starter. If the anticipated uptick follows in pro ball and or his fastball execution improves, Anderson could reach closer to his No. 2 ceiling.

Film: Louisiana State/Tennessee – April 14, 2024, LSU/South Carolina

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 250 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $3.1M, 2023 (CIN) | ETA: 2027

A power-hitting catcher with hit tool concerns, Duno has flashed exciting tools both offensively and defensively, but has dealt with injuries in his first two pro seasons. A crazy athlete for his size, Duno has made up for lost time in 2025, impressing on both sides of the ball at Low-A. He picked up right where he left of in 2026, this time dismantling High-A pitching.

Hitting

A big-bodied right-handed hitter, Duno starts slightly stacked towards his back side with the bat waggling above his back shoulder before gathering with a sizable leg kick that results in him gaining plenty of ground. Often times, Duno had the tendency to gain too much ground, pushing forward onto his front side with the barrel dragging behind him.

He has cut down on the drift forward in 2025, holding his back side better, which has resulted in improved contact rates and more pull side damage. He looks even more in control of his weight and lower half in 2026, consistently punishing balls pull side, with gaudier exit velocities and a better contact rate.

Duno is powerful, registering exit velocities as high as 115 mph with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 109 mph in 2026. His approach stands out as well, recognizing spin well and running a chase rate below 20% as a pro, allowing him to walk at strong clip at each stop.

Between Duno’s 70 grade raw power and consistent ability to pull the ball in the air, he offers the potential to launch more than 30 homers annually with the on base skills to hedge whiff concern.

Defense/Speed

Duno moves well for a player of his build with a plus arm behind the dish. He DH’d in his pro debut due to an arm issue, but has since showed off the arm strength, throwing out roughly 25% of attempted base stealers as a pro. When it comes to receiving, he is still raw in terms of technique, but appears to have the skill set to be solid in that regard with the same to be said in the blocking department. He has the tools to be an average catcher. Duno can get down the line quickly for his size, sometimes posting above average run times.

Outlook

The potential for 30+ homers while sticking behind the dish gives Duno sky-high upside and he has taken a huge step in the direction of attaining that upside in 2026 by adding more power and improving his bat to ball while maintaining his stellar approach. Duno earns high marks for his makeup and the way he goes about his business as well, only helping his case at catcher and in providing value with the intangibles the position requires. Duno looks like the future for the Reds at the catching position.

Height/Weight: 6’5, 210 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round-A (35), 2023 (MIA) | ETA: 2026

The top southpaw in the 2023 class, White already has an impressive feel for a strong four pitch mix. Despite some command challenges, White has flown through the Minor Leagues thanks to his big whiff stuff, reaching Triple-A by the end of his age 20 season.

Arsenal

Towering at a lanky 6-foot-5, White produces high quality stuff without a ton of effort and held his velocity throughout the season. His long arm action can be difficult to time up for him, affecting his command but his arm path also plays into the deception he creates, hiding the ball behind him before working down on the mound. The result is a fastball that can spring onto hitters more quickly than others at the same velocity despite just average extension.

His fastball sits in the mid 90s, touching 100 mph with late life. While that is already plenty of velocity, his projectable frame and relatively low-effort delivery make him a candidate to see an uptick into the upper 90s. Regardless, it is comfortably a plus heater.

Both White’s curveball and changeup are already above average with the latter looking like a plus pitch in the early stages of his pro career. The sweeping curveball sits in the low 80s with two plane break and roughly 14 inches of horizontal break. It is a big whiff pitch left on left but he has the tendency to leave it up at times, especially to righties. That said, it is still a great third option to opposite-handed hitters, especially when he buries it towards their back leg.

White’s preferred weapon to righties is his mid 80s changeup, which mirrors his fastball well thanks to his ability to maintain his arm speed and unique arm action. Averaging nearly 15 inches of vertical separation and 13 mph of velocity separation from his fastball with a similar movement profile to Ryan Weathers’ change.

Outlook

Already flashing three plus offerings and a quality fourth from the left side, White has frontline stuff. A strikeout rate of 40% between Double-A and Triple-A in his age 20 season only backs up the stuff, but he will certainly need to cut down on his 13.6% walk rate. With only a .174/.299/.225 slash line allowed in 2025 with just two home runs, it’s clear that the only person that can beat White in the upper minors is himself. There’s shades of Blake Snell here and, if White can manage even fringy command, he could still reach towards the front of a big league rotation.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (17), 2023 (PHI) | ETA: 2026

Plus raw power and good on base skills make Miller an exciting offensive piece; his positive swing adjustments only add to the intrigue. With major improvements on the defensive side of things to pair, Miller looks like one of the best shortstop prospects in baseball. As of June, a concerning back injury has delayed the start to Miller’s 2026 campaign, before undergoing a procedure that should keep him out until the other side of the All Star Break.

Offense

Previously featuring a significant barrel tip/hitch that he could overcome thanks to his plus bat speed, Miller made things easier on himself heading into his first full pro season, starting his hands up higher and quieting his pre-swing moves. He also found a better feel for his base, narrowing his stance with more of his weight stacked towards his back side.

Simpler moves and a stronger base have helped Miller make more consistent contact and produce impressive impact. As he has tapped into plus exit velocities, Miller’s more efficient bat path has made it easier for him to do damage to the pull side in particular — something he struggled with as an amateur and in his first stint as a pro.

Miller’s plus bat speed and enhanced path really stands out in his ability to turn around velocity, running a zone contact rate north of 90% against fastballs 94+ MPH in 2025. He has the tendency to pull off of secondaries at times, but hedges with superb plate discipline, running a chase rate of roughly 17% against non-fastballs.

The overall feel for the zone is a major asset for Miller, walking at a 16% clip at the upper levels in 2025 while leveraging his ability to pull the ball in the air well in the way that he leverages his advantage counts and recognizes spin early.

He will still likely need to improve in his ability to stay on secondaries a little bit longer swing path wise to reach his ceiling, but Miller offers an exciting blend of hit, power and patience that give him both a high floor and plenty to dream on.

Defense/Speed

Miller has come along impressively at shortstop to the point that he not only projects to stick at the position, but could be comfortably above average there. His footwork is an asset, especially moving to his left where he is smooth and under control as he’ll go into a slide or spinning throw to steal a hit up the middle.

He is not quite as comfortable working to his back hand yet, but has flashed the ability to make difficult plays in the hole thanks to his strong arm and ability to get the ball out quickly. A plus runner, Miller swiped 59 bags on 74 tries in 2025, maintaining his high volume in his Triple-A cup of coffee as well.

Outlook

It’s easy to like Aidan Miller’s offensive profile. He is a young hitter with standout bat speed, an advanced approach and has already demonstrated the ability to make positive swing adjustments. Tack on the increased likelihood of sticking at shortstop and you have one of the better infield prospects in the game.

Miller has the goods to be an on base machine who can clear 20 homers annually with as many as 30 in his best seasons if it all comes together. Miller at least looks above average at shortstop, but if he slides to second base or third base due to the presence of Trea Turner, he would likely provide plus defensive value.

All that said, Miller will need to prove that he can get through a concerning back issue that popped up at the end of the 2025 season and has wiped out the first half of his 2026 season.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (87), 2024 (CIN) | ETA: 2027

Few prospects have seen their stock endure more turbulence than Sirota. Viewed as a potential top 10 pick heading into the 2024 collegiate season, he really struggled through the first half, falling to the Reds in the third round before being traded to the Dodgers along with a compensation pick for Gavin Lux. Sirota burst onto the scene as one of the best hitters in the Minor Leagues through the first several months of the 2025 season, posting significantly higher exit velocities with wood than he did with metal the year prior.

Hitting

Starting with his feet a bit wider than shoulder-width and his back foot pigeon-toed inwards, Sirota utilizes a rhythmic hand load that can be a little noisy, but he seems to time his moves well in large part to him starting his load early with good lower half balance. The more upright setup was a large shift from his crouched stance he featured at Northeastern, where he struggled to keep his weight back and had the tendency to pull off of the baseball.

The changes have yielded significantly improved results, seeing his 90th percentile exit velocity leap from 103.5 MPH with metal to 108 MPH with wood through his first 30 or so pro games. There’s still some swing and miss, with a hit tool that will likely be fringy at best, but he hedges that concern with an extremely selective approach and strong ability to recognize spin.

Now flashing what could be plus power and comfort driving the ball to all fields, Sirota could slug more than enough if he skews closer to the three trout outcome outlook offensively, though there’s still time to iron things out further bat-to-ball wise.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Sirota gets good jumps in centerfield with an above average arm giving him a good shot of sticking up the middle with the ability to be a plus defender in a corner. Stolen bases are not a huge part of his game, but he should provide some value on the base paths.

Outlook

Sirota’s outlook has shifted as he has tapped into what could be plus power, taking some pressure off of the hit tool. With his knack for drawing walks and chance of sticking in center or providing defensive value in a corner, Sirota has the potential to be an above average outfield option. His ability to mash lefties and play all three outfield spots gives him a solid floor of at least a platoon piece.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $300,000, 2024 (STL) | ETA: 2028

Rodriguez hit the ground running by mashing in the DSL to start his pro career in 2024 followed by major power surge between the Complex League and Low-A the next season launching 20 homers in just 80 games.

Hitting

Starting crouched and stacked towards his back side with the bat rested just above his shoulder, Rodriguez utilizes a simple operation. His repeatable moves with a path geared to elevate allowed for him to consistently catch the ball out front and do damage to the pull side.

His desire crush stuff in the air to left can cause him to pull off stuff breaking away from him on the outer half, but he rarely missed a hanging breaking ball and hammered fastballs on the inner half. Rodriguez generates above average bat speed with what looks like an easy stroke, boasting an average exit velocity of 89.5 MPH in his age 18 season with a max of 113.4 MPH.

Rodriguez’s ability to recognize spin and overall feel for the zone is advanced for his age, leveraging his hitter’s counts well and boasting a chase rate of roughly 18% against secondaries. While it’s not necessarily a projectable frame, Rodriguez should convert some of his mass into strength as he matures, which paired with the angles he creates, could give him the potential for plus or better game power.

Rodriguez offers an advanced blend of hit, power and approach that make him a fascinating bat with plenty to dream on.

Defense/Speed

Not the nimblest of movers, Rodriguez has work to do in the blocking and receiving department. His plus arm helps his case, throwing out 31% of attempted base stealers in 2025. Still with plenty of time to develop, Rodriguez should get plenty of runway to prove that he can stick behind the dish.

Outlook

While the ability to stick at catcher would significantly elevate his profile, Rodriguez’s bat alone was impressive enough in first season stateside to solidify him as one of the more intriguing teenage prospects in the game. There’s enough power potential for 30+ homers with the bat to ball and approach to allow him to get there or beyond if he can continue on his track.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $800K, 2024 (MIL) | ETA: 2028

An advanced offensive skillset with plus-plus wheels, Peña has the potential to be a dynamic middle infielder. He feasted on DSL competition in 2024 then hit the weight room hard heading into 2025 adding plenty of functional strength which helped encourage the Brewers to have him skip the Arizona Complex League in tandem with Jesus Made and Peña did not miss a beat in Low-A. He faded towards the end of the season at High-A, which should be far from a concern as he enters his age 19 season.

Hitting

Starting upright with his feet a little for than shoulder-width apart, Peña utilizes a medium-sized gather with his front leg as he pulls his hands back. He patterned his moves to be much more cohesive and fluid heading into the 2025 season, helping him engage his more powerful lower half more effectively, aiding an uptick in bat speed and overall impact. His exit velocities leapt from fringy in the DSL to elite for his age in Low-A in a matter of a single offseason.

As he improved his loading pattern, the contact ability has only benefitted as well, making a seamless transition to Low-A where his contact rate was comfortably above 80% through his first 30 games. His entry point is steeper into the zone, but the bat speed is easily plus, making it more manageable. His average launch angle on hard hit baseball’s is still a bit lower than desired, but should improve as he finds more depth in his swing. Between the feel to hit and bat speed there’s plus hit and above average power to dream on for what could be an electrifying offensive profile.

Peña tends to be overly aggressive, especially on breaking balls, something that held him back once he reached the High-A level towards the end of his age 18 season. The Brewers made it a point of emphasis for Peña during instructionals and Spring Training heading into the 2026 season and were encoruaged by the results.

Defense/Speed

Peña is extremely quick on the base paths, comfortably turning in plus run times, but his lateral movement at shortstop leaves a bit to be desired. The arm is plus, which could accommodate a move to third base. A menace on the base paths in the early going of his pro career, Peña only needed 55 pro games to reach 50 stolen bases and it was more of the same between Low-A and High-A, stealing 44 bags on 51 tries.

Outlook

Though he’s still somewhat far off, Peña has a relatively polished game with the tools to potentially be an All Star. The uptick in power to go with what could be a plus hit tool and plus wheels is a dynamic skill set does not come around too often. Even if Peña moves to third base or second base, his offensive ability should still make him a high-impact player who can make his mark in many ways.

Peña added even more strength heading into the 2026 season, with a focus on handling the workload that comes with a full campaign after fading some towards the end of what was by far the longest season of his life in 2025. If the added strength and improvements against spin translate, Peña could very well be one of the top overall prospects in baseball by the end of 2026.

A big left-handed slugger, Velazquez shook off a rough second half in 2024 with a very impressive 2025 that saw him sprint through the finish line by OPSing nearly 1.000 in the second half, which included a Double-A promotion. He looks like a potential middle-of-the-order masher for the Guardians.

Hitting

Starting crouched with a wide base and the bat rested on his shoulder, Velazquez features a simple load, coiling inwards as he pulls his hands backwards to his slot. The stretch and his powerful lower half help him create plenty of torque, already boasting plus power to the pull side.

Being so rotational can sometimes take Velazquez off of pitches on the outer third, but it appears to be more of a matter of an aggressive intention to pull something hard in the air rather than an inability to stay on such pitches. That said, he looked far more adjustable in 2025 and has continued to develop into a well-rounded hitter.

Velazquez destroys fastballs and was particularly impressive against higher velocity where he boasts contact rates you don’t often see from a hitter of his archetype.

He really gained comfort in getting into his power consistently in 2025, boasting a hard-hit rate of 50% and a groundball rate of 36%. His 90th percentile exit velocity in the second half climbed north of 107 mph as he had little issue adjusting to Double-A pitching.

Between the raw power and angles, it’s easy to dream on 30+ home run potential for Velazquez with the contact skills to get into it. His progress, approach-wise, has only improved, further insulating an already rock-solid power profile.

Defense/Speed

After initially drafting him as a catcher, the Guardians opted to move Velazquez to first base and allow him to focus on his development with the bat. He moves his feet well enough for his size and should grow into an average defender at the position.

Outlook

Velazquez entered the 2025 season with only Low-A success under his belt and finished the year by looking like one of the most well-rounded power-hitters in the Minor Leagues. The leap in Velazquez’s quality of contact, paired with a dwindling strikeout rate, makes it easy to buy stock in the slugger as he enters his age-21 season (he will be 20 years old for the first few months of the 2026 campaign).

Already with dominance at Double-A, Velazquez looks like a player who can debut at before his 22nd birthday. There’s 30+ home run upside for Velazquez, who also boasts the contact skills and approach to provide an extremely sound middle-of-the-order offensive profile if it all comes together.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $1.5M, 2021 (LAD) | ETA: 2027

De Paula quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in baseball thanks to his advanced nature in the box for his age. It’s a bat-first profile, but De Paula’s blend of hit, power and patience could make him a force with the bat alone.

Offense

De Paula has a simple set up and a slow, controlled load. He has no problem turning around velocity, where his operation is rhythmic with a smooth swing. The challenge for De Paula has been maintaining his posture against secondaries, particularly right-handed secondaries. He tends to struggle to hold his back side, leaking forward prematurely causing the barrel to drag behind him with a steeper path.

There’s potential for above average hit if he can iron things out against secondaries with him likely to push closer to his plus power potential as well. His reverse splits give him a lot of ground to make up against right-handed pitching, but at least squash any concern about same-handed matchups, posting an OPS north of 1.000 against southpaws in 2025.

De Paula is extremely patient–sometimes passive–drawing plenty of walks throughout his professional career. He likely settles closer to average hit and above average power, but with De Paula’s ability to draw free passes and hit left on left, that would be more than enough for him to be a very productive MLB bat.

Defense/Speed

A fringe-average runner, De Paula has improved his reads and routes in the outfield to be able to get by out there. His arm is average. He’s an instinctual base runner who provides value on the base paths with his ability to pick spots to go. De Paula swiped 32 bags on 40 tries in 2025 after nabbing 27 on 30 tries in 2024.

Outlook

De Paula’s offensive upside is immense, compensating for limited value beyond the bat. He has posted exit velocities north of 114 MPH and is still learning to convert his plus raw power into games. With some mechanical improvements, De Paula could combine enough hit, power and patience to be a middle-of-the-order masher. Until he improves against secondaries though, De Paula may have some speed bumps in the upper levels. Turning 21 years old during the first few months of 2025 season, De Paula has plenty of time to get there.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (18), 2024 (TB) | ETA: 2028

Advanced for a prep bat, Gillen slid just beyond the middle of the first round due to a rough injury history and an anticipated change from the infield dirt to the outfield as a pro. Gillen had surgery for a torn labrum in 2022 and dealt with knee and wrist issues after that with a delayed start to the 2025 season due to a calf issue. 

Gillen made up for lost time, posting a 151 wRC+ in 73 Low-A games in 2025 before taking High-A by storm in 2026 where his plus raw power has really started to translate along with more comfort in centerfield.

Hitting

Already with a smooth left-handed swing and patient approach, there’s plus power to dream on in Gillen’s 6-foot-3 frame as he matures physically and learns to utilize his lower half more effectively, something he took a huge step towards achieving heading into 2026. Through his first 40 games, Gillen nearly doubled his 2025 home run total with nine while his average exit velocity climbed by 3 MPH to 90 MPH.

Already with a handful of exit velocities north of 110 in that span, Gillen could still grow into more power as he matures and continues to be further removed from his injury history. Extremely patient in the box, Gillen has run a chase rate south of 20% as a pro. His tendency to get into deep counts and longer levers should result in a fair amount of strikeouts, but he has the bat to ball skills and spin recognition to be able to keep the whiff in check.

Defense/Speed

The Rays moved Gillen to centerfield where his plus wheels have started to shine through more as he gains comfort with his reads and routes. Gillen has started to look the part out there, working towards balls over his head much more comfortably, kicking into that last gear to close in on balls in the gap and just showing a better overall awareness for where he is on the field. There’s a chance Gillen can provide above average defense in centerfield if he continues on this trajectory.

Both an effective and efficient base stealer, Gillen gets to his top speed quickly, grabbing 36 bags on 39 tries in 2025. He should be a constant threat on the base paths.

Outlook

Health and defense were the two biggest variables for Gillen heading into his pro debut and while he missed some time in 2025 with a minor issue, he still turned in an impressive and 73 game sample where the defense steadily improved. 2026 has been even better both from a health and performance perspective, continuing to make strides in centerfield while converting his plus raw power into more actionable game power. Gillen has the tools to be a star, headlined by an elusive combination plus power, speed and plate discipline.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round, (26) 2023 (NYY) | ETA: 2027

The son of former big leaguer and second round pick George Lombard, the Yankees were intrigued by Lombard Jr.’s well-rounded game at shortstop along with plenty of physical projection. Combine the projectable frame and bloodlines with the fact that he was one of the youngest players in his class and it’s easy to see why the Yankees were eager enough to shell out $3.3M ($300K over slot) to sign him. Early returns have been validating has he showed up to camp in 2026 stronger with a better swing and the results have followed.

Offense

Starting upright with his feet a tad more than shoulder width apart, Lombard’s pre-swing moves are rather simple with a minimal leg kick in tandem with a rhythmic hand load. His swing path was somewhat steep in his first pro season, minimizing his window for contact and resulting in more ground balls, but he made some adjustments that improved both his swing path and coordination of his upper and lower half.

He already flashes good bat speed and a solid feel for the barrel as well as athleticism in the box that should help him develop into an average hitter. Where Lombard is particularly impressive is his pitch recognition and feel for the strike zone. He rarely expands the zone and leverages his advantage counts successfully, which in large part encouraged the Yankees to aggressively push him to Double-A within the first few months of the 2025 season.

With his path cleaned up and added strength, Lombard has a chance to tap into at least average power and above average hit. His plate discipline really shores up his offensive outlook.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Lombard moves his feet well at shortstop and boasts a plus arm. He is comfortable making throws on the run from different angles and off balance. He has the tendency to sit back on balls from time to time (common for young infielders with big arms), but it’s easy to envision Lombard sticking at the position with above average defense. He swiped 39 bags on 47 tries in 2024 and has been more effective in that department as he has gained more experience.

Outlook

Already with some impressive polish for one of the youngest players in the 2023 class, Lombard looks to have the ingredients of a well-rounded everyday shortstop if the bat can continue to come along. The Yankees have understandably pushed him aggressively given the superb makeup and advanced nature of his game. How much power Lombard can tap into will help elevate his ceiling, but with average or better tools across the board, he seems like a high probability regular at short with plenty more to dream on.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | PPI (31), 2024 (ARI) | ETA: 2026

A bat-first prospect who saw action all over the diamond throughout his collegiate career before settling on left field, Waldschmidt possesses intriguing offensive upside, but his limitations defensively place more importance on him tapping into more power.

Hitting

Starting wide and crouched, Waldschimdt deploys a no stride approach, shifting his weight into his back hip with a small hand load. While it is a simple operation, Waldschmidt’s swing is max effort and geared for lift, often swinging so hard his helmet nearly falls off of his head. His strong plate discipline and simple pre-swing moves aid his solid contact rates despite the violence once he launches.

Waldschmidt’s path is geared for pull-side lift can result in some challenges against softer stuff away, but he hedges that with his elite approach and pitch rec skills. Waldschmidt dismantled fastballs to an OPS north of 1.000 with a 93% Z-contact against fastballs 93+ MPH. His 15% chase rate was one of the lower figures in the minor leagues, helping him walk nearly as much as he struck out.

With his ability to drive the ball in the air consistently and slightly above average exit velocities, Waldschmitdt should provide above average power with strong on base skills.

Defense/Speed

After missing out on defensive reps in his draft year due to a torn ACL, Waldschmidt quickly flipped the script on his defense as a pro, looking good enough in the corners that the Diamondbacks gave him consistent reps in centerfield to close out the season at Double-A. He still projects as a corner outfielder, but a potentially above average one at that, now leveraging his above average wheels with cleaner routes and good jumps. He stole 29 bags in 2025, but could be more efficient, being caught 10 times as well.

Outlook

Waldchmidt was off to a fantastic start on the Cape before tearing his ACL. He still was able to return to the field for the start of the 2024 season, but the missed summer and injury did not help the already prevalent defensive questions surrounding him. As a result, Waldschmidt slipped to the Diamondbacks with the 31st overall pick.

He has quickly looked like a steal for the Diamondbacks outside of the top 30 selections, proving to be a much better defender than evaluators thought post-injury while his offensive qualities have translated seamlessly into pro ball. Mashing to an OPS north of .900 in a 68 game Double-A sample in his first pro season, Waldschmidt has really expedited his timeline and could even see big league action at some point in 2026. It’s easy to see an above average big league bat with underrated value defensively and with his legs.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (1), 2024 (CLE) | ETA: 2026

Bazzana’s bat-to-ball has not proven to be as elite as it was projected to be as an amateur, but he still offers a high-floor offensive profile thanks to his blend of at least average hit and power, seasoned by plus or better swing decisions. Bazzana has made a smooth transition to the big leagues where he has leveraged his polish at the plate successfully.

Hitting

Starting crouched with his hands relatively high and close to his slot, Bazzana gets into his back side with a leg kick and a slight pull backwards with his scap. Though it’s a big leg kick, Bazzana’s athleticism and body control allow him to repeat his moves well and consistently be on time. Though more whiff has crept into his game professionally, likely due to his max-effort swing, Bazzana has the feel for the barrel to impact the baseball at all four quadrants of the zone.

He is particularly adept at getting to pitches on the inside part of the plate, turning fastballs around in spots that would blow up a lot of hitters. He creates a great angle for pulling the ball in the air while remaining as efficient as possible to pitches in that location, showcasing comfortably above average to his pull side. He handles left-on-left matchups with ease and comfort as well.

Bazzana has a fantastic feel for the strike zone and stays committed to his approach. His willingness to get into deep counts resulted in more strikeouts at the upper levels, but he leverages his small strike zone well and will draw plenty of free passes. It’s closer to average hit and power, maximized by potentially elite swing decisions, but Bazzana flashes above-average pop to the pull side, and it would be silly to count him out from maximizing that as he gains more comfort at the higher levels.

Defense/Speed

Bazzana exclusively played second base in his draft year, where he is sure-handed with a fringy arm. A plus runner, it could be worth auditioning him in center field or left field, where his elite makeup and instincts could help him catch on quickly. He should provide value on the basepaths, swiping 17 bags on 19 tries through his first 111 pro games between 2024 and 2025.

Outlook

Though he’s maxed out physically, Bazzana leaves little on the table. His ceiling may be a bit more limited than other No. 1 overall picks, and while his first full pro season was slightly checkered due to injury, he showcased a skill set that makes him a high probability big league regular at second base. That skill set has translated into immediate big league impact where his consistent ability to put together quality at bats stands out for a rookie.

If he can lean into the pull side power a bit more, Bazzana could push closer to 25-homer upside, but he currently projects as a high-OBP second baseman who can go 20-20 in his stronger seasons while striking out a bit more than people may expect from a player of his archetype.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 1st round (1) , 2025 (WSN) | ETA: 2028

One of the younger players in the draft, the switch-hitting Willits reclassified to the 2025 class as scouts fell in love with his balanced skill set and polish at such a young age with big league bloodlines.

Hitting

A switch-hitter with a simple operation from both sides of the plate, Willits features little wasted movement leading into a quick and compact stroke. The repeatable moves and consistent timing help Willits see the ball well, boasting an advanced approach.

He’ll split the gaps regularly from both sides and projects to have fringe-average power at the next level, though there’s some more room for strength in his frame, especially considering the fact that he will still just be 17 years old when he makes his pro debut. At this stage, there’s a little bit more impact from the right side, which is common for young switch-hitters who are right-hand dominant.

Defense/Speed

A smooth defender with great instincts and an above average arm, Willits really stood out with the glove from the jump professionally. He can throw from different angles, showing comfort to his backhand thanks to his arm strength, along with the adjustability to throw across his body or on the run going glove side or crashing in. His instincts are ahead of his years making the game look much slower than it should for a 17-year-old infielder in Low-A. His plus speed should be an asset on the base paths as well.

Outlook

The son of former big leaguer Reggie Willits, it’s clear Eli grew up around the game in the way that he goes about his business and his overall feel between the lines at such a young age. Willits’ value comes from the sum of his parts, but you’d be hard-pressed to poke a hole in his game. Even if the power is iffy, the potential for a switch hitter with plus hit and speed with plus defense at shortstop gives him a great chance at becoming an above average regular with plenty more to dream on as he matures and hopefully fills out.

Film: USA 18U Trials

Height/Weight: 6’7″, 220 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (16) – 2023 (SF) | ETA: 2025

Drafted as a two-way prospect, Eldridge quickly turned heads with his bat with the Giants opting to shift his focus there. He has massive power upside while moving through the Minor Leagues quickly, making his MLB debut during his age 20 season.

Offense

Standing at a wiry 6-foot-7 with long levers, Eldridge already generates impressive bat speed and big exit velocities with a simple operation that really just sees him sink into his back side as his front foot pushes up onto his toe.

While there is hit-tool concern with any hitter with an NBA wing’s build, Eldridge has a quick bat and smooth stroke with pretty good body control already. He will whiff plenty, but consistently hitting the ball as hard as he does (his 95 MPH average exit velocity was one of the best figures in pro baseball) should allow him to make the most out of his contact, even when the ball isn’t leaving the yard.

Eldridge could be expansive with his swing decisions in 2024, but that is to be expected from a 19-year-old with a massive strike zone to have to cover who is being challenged by aggressive assignments.

In the upper minors in 2025, Eldridge’s swing decisions looked improved, particularly doing a good job of laying off of soft stuff down. The overall contact rate was just 67% between Double-A, Triple-A and his brief MLB debut, but if he can even just maintain that figure at the highest level, it should be enough to complement his elite quality of contact.

Eldridge hit 25 homers in 110 games between the three levels in 2025, putting him nearly on a 40 homer pace over 162 games. His left on left numbers were improved at the upper levels and his Hard Hit rate of 62% in 2025 was the highest among all qualified professional hitters. With the quality of contact floor so high, Eldridge is going to get the most out of things when he puts bat to ball. It will all just come down to whether he can do that consistently enough to reach his elite power upside.

Defense/Speed

A below-average runner, the Giants started Eldridge in right field defensively, but has since transitioned to first base. He is still getting his feet under him at first base, where he can ultimately be a fine defender with a plus arm.

Outlook

Eldridge has managed to keep the the swing and miss in a tolerable range with solid plate discipline, but ultimately those fears will not be fully eradicated until he enjoys success at the MLB level. He hits the ball as consistently hard as any player in the Minor Leagues, which has continued to be more rewarded as he has elevated more consistently.

Eldridge has 40 homer upside if he can maintain his contact rates at the highest level and continue his upward trajectory in the swing decisions department. Assuming he lands a bit shy of there, he’s still likely a middle-of-the-order threat who may fend off platoon risk.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/L | 1st Round (39), 2022 (SDP) | ETA: 2026

A top linebacker recruit in high school, Snelling is one of the more athletic pitchers you’ll find. After dominating to a 1.82 ERA across 103.2 IP. His stuff backed up a bit in 2024 and with that his command at points, resulting in a frustrating sophomore year before being traded to the Marlins as the headliner in the Tanner Scott/Bryan Hoeing return. Snelling worked hard in the offseason heading into 2025 to regain his stuff and optimize his mechanics, emerging with a vastly improved fastball and better overall stuff.

Check out our interview with Robby Snelling!

Arsenal

A good feel for three pitches, Snelling features a fastball, curveball and changeup. Starting with his fastball, Snelling sat more 92-94 MPH in 2023, then saw his velocity drop a tick in 2024 before making some mechanical tweaks heading into 2025 that have allowed him to tick up to 94-96 MPH with improved carry. He dominated upper minor league hitters to the tune of a batting average around .160, a strike rate north of 70% and a swinging strike rate of 15%, making it the best performing fastball in the Marlins organization.

In addition to his improved quality of fastball, Snelling’s mechanical tweaks helped him get his command back to where it typically has been, throwing strikes at an above average clip. He has leaned back into his sweeping curveball that had been effective for him early in his career, finding success with it in the upper minors both from a command and whiff perspective.

Snelling’s third offering is a changeup that is at least average and has benefitted from his improved fastball velocity and shape. He is not as consistent with it as his fastball and curveball, but it is a strong third pitch, averaging more than 13 inches of vertical separation and another six inches of horizontal.

Snelling added a gyro slider heading into 2025 which is a decent taste-breaking offering, especially left on left.

Outlook

After taking the Minor Leagues by storm in 2023, Snelling hit a wall in 2024 and was traded to the Marlins as part of the Tanner Scott/Bryan Hoeing return. As he detailed on The Call Up, Snelling worked hard in the offseason to optimize his mechanics and delivery, emerging in 2025 with the loudest stuff of his career and regained command.

Once viewed as a liability, Snelling’s fastball was one of the most effective in the entire minor leagues while maintaining his plus command. Teammates and people within the organization rave about the way that Snelling carries himself and competes. He is one of the highest floor arms in the minor leagues but has now pushed his ceiling to that of a No. 2 starter.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 4th Round-C (134), 2023 (NYM) | ETA: 2027

A speedster with advanced abilities at the plate, Ewing broke out in a big way in 2025, looking like a high probability big leaguer with some versatility.

Hitting

A simple operation, Ewing starts with his feet a little more than shoulder-width apart and the bat rested just above his shoulder. He utilizes a moderate gather as he pulls his hands back slightly. His repeatable operation helps him be on time consistently, making posting above average contact rates with good plate discipline.

Ewing has a knack for finding the barrel, producing plenty of line drives and higher exit velocities than what may be expected from a hitter of his archetype, averaging 89 MPH in 2025 with a max of 112 MPH.

His swing path can flatten out at times, with an average launch angle on hard hit baseballs of just seven degrees, but his ability to consistently spray line drives to all fields helps hedge some of that concern. Ewing is comfortable in left on left matchups, actually producing slightly better contact rates against same-handed competition.

If Ewing can generate a bit more loft to the pull side, the exit velocities are there to produce more homers, but given his speed, production and ability to find the outfield gaps, it may be more of an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” kind of thing.

As he currently stands, Ewing should still be able to mix in a hand full of homers with the ability to compile plenty of doubles and triples (he had 11 of the latter in 2025). His above average plate discipline and ability to hit lefties only helps solidify what is a strong floor for a hitter.

Defense/Speed

An elite runner, the Mets have continued to up Ewing’s reps in centerfield where his reads are improving, but his closing speed already compensates enough to get by.

While his routes can be indirect at times, Ewing’s ability to unlock another gear and athleticism to finish plays has him looking like a capable centerfielder, but with more refinement, he can grow into an above average defender out there. Ewing looks comfortable at second base, where he could also provide at least average defense.

One of five minor leaguers to steal at least 70 bags in 2025, Ewing was the second most efficient of that group and should be an elite base stealer at the highest level.

Outlook

Between the advanced offensive skill set, speed and defensive versatility, Ewing has a high floor as a player who should at least land in a utility role if the bat stalls. That said, his propensity for hitting line drives and solid exit velocities point towards what could be an everyday center fielder who can jump onto the dirt when needed. With a little bit more progress defensively up the middle, Ewing has a good chance to be an above average regular who could be an intriguing table-setter at the top of the order.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (20), 2023 (TOR) | ETA: 2027

Few prospects enjoyed more helium heading into the 2023 draft than Nimmala. One of the youngest players in the class, his present bat speed and projectable frame has evaluators dreaming on what could be. A slow start to his pro career that included a Development List stint slowed the momentum some, but he returned looking much more polished at the plate while tapping into his intriguing power potential more consistently.

Nimmala carried that momentum into 2025 before hitting a wall in the second half despite playing the entire season at the High-A level. The shortstop returned in 2026 hitting the ball much harder at High-A and Double-A, putting him right back on track as one of the more intriguing shortstop prospects in the game.

Offense

A quick stroke grooved for lift, Nimmala really began to lean into his ability to pull the ball in the air in his first full pro season. The loft in his swing resulted in some challenges with swing and miss, something he improved upon after a brief stint on the Development List to refine some of his swing mechanics. His subtle changes aided his ability to turn on velocity which spilled into his ability to recognize spin as he looked less rushed in the box.

Nimmala extended those improvements into the 2025 season where he made a seamless transition to High-A thanks to his significant improvements against secondaries and enhanced adjustability in the box, spoiling tough pitches with a tangible increase in the O-Contact department. Things went awry for Nimmala in the second half of the season though as he tended to roll over on breaking balls too frequently while finding himself in-between timing wise.

His hands could get stuck behind him, something he has improved in 2026 by managing his counter rotation as well as a more vertical bat angle. Also looking more physical, Nimmala’s batted ball quality has leapt, with an EV90 that is up four ticks to 108 MPH and a Hard Hit rate up 10%.

The hit tool will likely be fringy, but he has continued to make strides in that department while showcasing improved plate discipline to help his case. Now with plus raw power in the tank thanks to his easy plus bat speed, Nimmala has the ingredients to be an above average offensive contributor.

Defense/Speed

An average runner with good footwork and range at shortstop, Nimmala has the arm strength to stick at the position with the actions to be a good defender there. Nothing jumps off of the page, but he consistently puts himself in good positions to make plays with fluid actions and a plus arm. He’s likely to stick at the position. Nimmala’s is more of an opportunistic base stealer, likely to just hover around 10-15 bags per year if that.

Outlook

Nimmala’s improvements each season contact, approach and defense wise have helped raise his floor, but it’s the quality of contact leap in 2026 that has pushed his ceiling higher. Nimmala is still working to translate the plus raw power into more consistent game pop, though punishing the ball the way that he is in his age 20 season with continued improvements in the quality of at bats has been enough to continue to push the talented shortstop’s stock higher. Nimmala has the goods to be an above average big league shortstop.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $3.2M – 2023 (TEX) | ETA: 2027

A big-framed teenager who already produces some of the highest exit velocities in the Minor Leagues, it is just a matter of putting it all of the extremely exciting ingredients together for Walcott to reach his star ceiling. The Rangers have aggressively pushed the talented infielder, playing him at the Double-A level for the entirety of his age 19 season. Unfortunately, Walcott’s follow up campaign will have to wait until 2027 as he will miss the entirety of the 2026 season with elbow surgery.

Hitting

Walcott starts upright with his hands rested on his shoulder with a hovering leg kick that he has toned down and a quiet hand load. He generates plus bat speed and exciting power with long levers that he already controls relatively well. Already flashing double-plus power, Walcott has popped exit velocities as high as 116 MPH as an 18-year-old with a strong 90th percentile exit velocity of 107 MPH in his age 19 season at Double-A.

His flatter path has hampered the game power some, with an average launch angle of just four degrees on hard hit balls. His path also makes it difficult to produce consistently against secondary offerings, producing more ground balls and pop ups than desired as he can be shallow through the zone.

Even with some things to clean up swing wise, Walcott still turned in an above average offensive season as one of the youngest players at Double-A. There’s plenty of meat still on the bone power wise between the launch angles and the gap between his average exit velocity (88 MPH) and 90th percentile exit velocity (107 MPH). His top end exit velocities at his age imply what should be a much higher hard hit rate than 40% (his 2025 figure) as he learns to find the barrel more consistently.

It will likely always be power-over-hit for Walcott, which is just fine considering the fact that he easily has 30+ home run upside and has already posted solid overall numbers at levels where he was several years younger than the average player. Further refinement to his approach and cleaning up his bat path to raise his quality of contact floor will surely help buoy his offensive profile as he heads into his age 20 season.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Walcott is a candidate to slow down a bit as he thickens and his actions/footwork at shortstop are a bit shaky. He tends to field balls off to the glove side and relies on his natural athleticism to make plays, booting too many routine grounders. He’ll flash decent range and his easy plus arm would play well at third base, where he could develop into an average defender as he hammers down the fundamentals further. Walcott swiped 32 bags on 42 tries in 2025.

Outlook

Despite swing and miss issues in the early going of his pro career, Walcott has continued to handled very aggressive assignments well. He cut his strikeout rate to a career-low 19.6% as a 19-year-old at Double-A an incredibly impressive feat for a hitter of his archetype. While the double plus raw power did not completely convert into game power in 2025, Walcott’s step forward approach and contact skills wise was encouraging. The detour in his age 20 season from being able to follow up on those gains is frustrating, but it helps that Walcott was ahead of schedule in terms of his development track.

With improved spray angles, Walcott could easily grow into 30+ home run power, especially with his improved ability to control his at bats. Assuming Walcott moves to third base, he could provide at least average defense there with the offensive upside to be one of the more productive hitters at the position.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 4th Round (116), 2022 (MIL) | ETA: 2025

An outlier fastball and improved command helped Henderson dominate at the Triple-A level to start the 2025 season before carrying it into big league success. His heavy fastball usage makes him more of a five and dive type at this point, but he has overwhelmed hitters in that role.

Arsenal

Henderson’s fastball averages just 93 MPH but stands out as a plus or better pitch due to its elite run and ride from a 5.2 foot release height. With such a flat approach angle, hitters consistently miss under his fastball, which generates plus whiff numbers within the zone and elite chase figures at the top.

His changeup features 19 inches of total separation from his fastball playing up with the way it tunnels off of a fastball that hitters feel like they need to swing down to in order to get on top of it. His feel for the changeup has really improved in 2025, landing it for a strike at roughly a 65% clip.

Henderson does not have as much success spinning the baseball with an upper 80s cutter that of his slider that lacks teeth. He will go to both around 8-10% of the time with the cutter performing best against lefties.

Outlook

The Brewers litany of controllable arms has resulted in Henderson bumping up and down between Triple-A and the Major Leagues, but in his limited MLB action, it has been clear that his unique fastball can play like a plus pitch at the highest level. With the changeup working off of it and above average command, Henderson looks the part of a quality No. 4 starter who may need to be shielded from the third time through the order on days where the cutter and slider aren’t there. If one of the two offerings can even be consistently average, Henderson could reach towards middle-rotation upside.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 200 | Bat/Throw: L/L | CB-B (73), 2024 (ATH) | ETA: 2026

One of the most biggest breakout arms of 2025, Jump has seen his fastball velocity climb by two ticks as a pro while finding a much better feel for his breaking balls.

Arsenal

Jump’s fastball leads the way, now sitting in the mid 90s with plus carry, averaging 18 inches of induced vertical break from a below average release height. He also has a slight hesitation in his delivery that seems to only add to the uncomfortable nature of his fastball for hitters. The velocity and life it features makes it a big whiff pitch within the zone as well as a chase pitch at the top.

Working off of his plus fastball is a pair of breaking balls with the sweeper leading the way at 82-84 MPH. Jump’s breaking ball shapes have some variance that seems to be unintentional, but he still has little trouble landing them for a strike consistently. Sometimes it’s more of a true sweeper, other times it’s shorter horizontally with a bit more depth vertically.

Jump’s curveball is a bit more consistent shape wise, featuring two-plane break at 79-81 MPH. He prefers to throw it to righties, showcasing a good feel to back door it as well as bury it towards the back leg of hitters.

Lagging well behind is Jump’s changeup, which he only mixes in around five percent of the time with a strike rate below 50%.

Outlook

Jump’s uptick in stuff and improved pitchability helped him breakout in a big way in the early going of the 2025 season and he did not miss a beat after quickly being pushed to Double-A. His standout fastball will easily be a plus pitch at the highest level and with a pair of breaking balls that he has developed a great feel for to go with it, Jump now looks like a potential No. 3 starter who should at least land as a quality No. 4 option.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (31), 2021 (MIA) | ETA: 2026

After a couple frustrating seasons to start his pro career (so it goes with high school catchers), Mack broke out in a big way in 2024, launching 24 home runs while showcasing plus defense behind the dish. He followed that up with more of the same in 2025, launching 21 homers in 112 games–most of which at Triple-A–along with some of the best defense in the minor leagues.

Hitting

Starting upright with his hands high over his head and the barrel pointed towards right field, Mack pulls his hands down and back as he shifts his weight into his back side. Despite his hands traveling relatively far, Mack handles velocity extremely well, with an OPS around 1.000 against all fastballs and north of 1.000 against 93+ MPH.

On the contrary, Mack can struggle against spin. His overall production was better in 2025, but his 57% contact rate against breaking balls is something he will need to improve. A combination of pitch recognition issues and inconsistent body control likely contribute to the poor results against breaking balls, often spinning off with his front side and/or drifting onto his front foot prematurely.

His average exit velocity of 90 MPH and 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 MPH are comfortably above average and there may even be room for a bit more from Mack, especially as he finds more lower half control and balance. His feel to elevate paired with above average raw power give him 20-25 home run potential at the highest level, even if the hit tool is below average. Mack’s plate discipline has continued to progress, which could help take some pressure off of his contact skills.

Defense/Speed

Mack has all of the tools to be an elite defender behind the dish. His receiving grades out well above average while his arm is plus, throwing out 34% of attempted base stealers in 2024 and 33% in 2025, making caliber of throws that are even rarely seen at the highest level. A good blocker who is technically sound, Mack is an athletic catcher who moves well.

Outlook

With the hit tool likely to be below average, the power development has been huge for Mack’s offensive case. If Mack can improve his ability to hit secondaries, he has a chance to be an above average offensive threat which paired with his defense could make him a 4+ win catcher. Even if the hit tool is below average, his defensive ability and above average power should make him at least an average regular at the position.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 20th Round (611), 2024 (ATL) | ETA: 2029

A blazing runner who made as significant of a power leap as any prospect in Minor League Baseball heading into 2026, Hartman was a diamond in the rough find by the Braves in the 20th round out of the Canada prep ranks in 2024. Now getting more runway in centerfield as well, Hartman has a sky-high ceiling.

Hitting

After previously featuring more of a slash and dash operation in the box, Hartman improved his mechanics to more effectively engage his back side while loading his hands into a far more powerful position. The improved mechanics paired with added strength helped Hartman tap into what is now plus raw power.

The shift in batted ball data is eye-popping. Within his first 40 games of 2026, Hartman exceeded his 2025 max exit velocity of 108.5 MPH eight times, with a new max of 113.5 MPH. Harman’s 90th percentile exit velocity jumped by more than four MPH. The improved mechanics also helped Hartman slash his ground ball rate by 10%.

Unsurprisingly, the sum of those aforementioned parts is a power breakout in his what is largely his age 19 season at a new level. The swing can be a little bit rigid as he is very geared for pull, leaving him susceptible to swinging over softer stuff down. Hartman also has a good feel for laying down bunts and will steal hits that way as well given his blazing speed.

The hit tool likely lands closer to fringy, but Hartman’s newfound plus raw power and batted ball angles geared for him to be able to get into it makes it reasonable to dream on 30 homer upside. The important variable will be his swing decisions, especially given his intent at the plate. Hartman has a solid feel for the strike zone, but is still learning how to be a bit more selective against spin.

Defense/Speed

An absolute burner of a runner, Hartman was simply too fast to be splitting time between left field and second base, which the Braves acknowledged by shifting his focus entirely to the outfield and predominantly in centerfield in 2026. Hartman is still getting acclimated to the different reads in centerfield with some inconsistent jumps, but the closing speed is elite, which paired with a plus arm, should give him the chance to be an above average defender up the middle with more reps. At worst, he’ll land as an above average corner outfielder whose speed can allow him to plug in at center.

He already has a good feel for where he’s at on the field and flashes the standout athleticism to complete highlight reel plays. Truly one of the fastest runners in the Minor Leagues, Hartman swiped 48 bags on 54 tries in 2025 and has continued his high volume, high efficiency efforts on the base paths in 2026.

Outlook

Hartman’s ridiculous leap in his second pro season not only has him set as the top prospect in the Braves system, but also as one of the higher ceiling outfield prospects in the Minor Leagues. There’s checkpoints Hartman still needs to hit, but based on the skill set, there’s 30/30 upside with a chance to stick in centerfield. Suffices to say, if Hartman continues on that trajectory, he will become one of the best outfield prospects in baseball by the end of 2026.

If he doesn’t get there, it’s likely a result of too much swing and miss against secondaries and maybe the reads in centerfield not improving as expected. Even in that scenario, Hartman would have the fall back of a toolsy, but volatile corner outfield option.

Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round, (7) 2025 (MIA) | ETA: 2027

Long levered with underrated athleticism and intriguing power potential, Arquette looks the part of an above average regular, even if he slides over to third base.

Hitting

Starting with his feet a little more than shoulder-width apart and his hands just in front of his back shoulder, Arquette looks very relaxed in his setup before getting into a decent-sized leg kick. While his hands are a little noisy, he hasn’t had much trouble timing up the barrel movement with his leg kick, looking controlled and rarely rushed.

Arquette’s long levers make it easy for him to generate good bat speed, producing plus exit velocities while hitting the ball at optimal angles. His average launch angle on batted balls 95+ MPH was nearly 20 degrees in 2025, giving him the potential for plus game power at the highest level.

Despite his longer frame and loft in his swing, Arquette has a decent feel for the barrel producing solid contact rates in his draft year, providing optimism for an average hit tool. He recognized spin well as an amateur, with but it will be important to monitor if his moving parts can lead to some timing issues against higher quality stuff in pro ball.

It will likely be power-over-hit for Arquette, but his plus power potential will give him a good chance to be an above average bat, even if the hit tool is fringy. If the hit tool and plate discipline progress to average, there’s enough there to be a middle-of-the-order masher.

Defense/Speed

A good athlete for his size, the Marlins are going to give Arquette every opportunity to stick at shortstop where his range is sneaky with pretty good hands and a plus arm. It can take some time to get the ball out and he can struggle to throw from different arm angles. If Arquette moves to third base, he would easily project as an above average defender.

While he only stole seven bags on eight tries in 2025, Arquette is at least an average runner underway, sometimes turning in above average run times up the line.

Outlook

The Marlins were thrilled to land the top college bat in the 2025 class with the seventh overall selection, instantly becoming the organization’s top infield prospect. Of course, the profile is more appealing if Arquette can play an average shortstop, but even if Arquette moves to third base, his power upside and glove would give him above average regular upside.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (43), 2024 (CWS) | ETA: 2028

After a decorated high school career, Bonemer produced inconsistent results on the summer circuit, causing him to fall into late first-round consideration. The White Sox were thrilled to sign him away from a UVA commitment with first-round money ($3 million) in the second round of the 2024 draft, betting on his exciting offensive upside, which has proved to be a good call.

Bonemer had just about as strong a showing in his professional season as possible, dominating Single-A and finishing the year in High-A before his 20th birthday. He has remained productive in 2026, but the drawbacks of his relentless pursuit to pull has reared its head.

Offense

Starting upright with a slight favor towards his back side weight-wise, Bonemer utilizes a very simple operation in the box with minimal hand movement and a short stride. He can get a little stiff in the box with a rigid swing that is not just geared for pull, but pretty much solely designed for it.

The pro is, Bonemer maximizes his above average raw power already, rarely missing a fastball or hanger that is left over the heart of the zone or middle-in. He’s so adept to pulling the ball that if he can stay on a ball long enough on the outer half, he will often be able to yank it over the left field wall as well.

The con is, Bonemer has set himself up to see a lot of spin working away from him and the result has been far more whiff in 2026. In an effort to get the barrel out and catch the ball in a position where he can pull it in the air, Bonemer is often caught cheating, where a well-executed slider will get him out on his front foot waving at it.

Hitters will typically see more breaking balls from Low-A to High-A, though there is likely a game plan to attack him with spin away, resulting in a 10% uptick in breaking balls seen by Bonemer in 2026. His extremely selective approach is still evident against fastballs (20% chase), but his chase rate has climbed by roughly 7% against breaking balls while the quality of contact remains poor.

Bonemer destroys fastballs and still has a good feel for the strike zone, which paired with his ability to consistently do damage on pitches in his wheelhouse, gives him a solid foundation. Bonemer looks the part of a hitter that could easily launch 20+ homers (maybe closer to 30 in the right ballpark) with good on base skills, but with a contact rate that is down 10% in 2026 and an obvious plan of attack, Bonemer will need to shore things up in the box to attain that ceiling.

Defense/Speed

Bonemer has the arm and actions to stick on the left side of the infield, though he looks more the part of a third baseman, which is where the White Sox have started to shift his reps towards anyways.

He’s an above-average runner who was active on the bases, going 29-for-37 on stolen base attempts in 2025. Bonemer is more likely a 10-15 stolen base threat at the highest level.

Outlook

The advanced ability to pull the ball in the air bodes well for Bonemer’s power potential, however the challenge to do anything but pull the ball could also be something that limits him and is exploitable at the higher levels. Still just 20 years old for the entirety of the 2026 season, Bonemer has plenty of time to iron things out and at the end of the day, his strengths in the box are something that most hitters are consistently pursuing. Bonemer projects as an above average regular at the hot corner if he can solve his issues against spin and open up the field a little bit.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $395,000 – 2024 (PIT) | ETA: 2028

An exciting blend of hit and power, Florentino has been the biggest breakout prospect in the Pirates system in 2025, mashing his way off of the complex and not missing a beat in Low-A in his age 18 season.

Hitting

Starting with his feet a little more than shoulder-width apart and his hands far back in his stance with the barrel wagging, Florentino gets into his back side with a medium-sized leg kick as he pulls his hands back further. He has long legs and gains a fair amount of ground with his stride, but holds his back side well. Already using the ground so well while creating good separation/tension allows Florentino to tap into well above average raw power with a path that easily generates lift.

His feel to hit stands out for a tall, longer levered teenage bat, producing well above average contact rates. Florentino has had success against all pitch types between the complex and Low-A. He really caught my eye when he turned around 100 MPH from emergent pitching prospect Esteban Mejia (Orioles) with a 105 MPH shot to the pull side.

He already recognizes secondaries well too and his ability to stay back and barrel depth gives him such a wide contact range. With a hard hit rate north of 40% and 90th percentile exit velocity above 104 MPH, there’s plus raw power to look forward to when you consider how much more room for strength there is on Florentino’s frame as well, but if he stalls out in that regard, his ability to hit the ball in the air consistently–especially to the pull side–would point towards above average power.

The one small hole to poke in Florentino’s profile is his ability to hit lefties, something that he has both the bat-to-ball skills and time to rectify. Florentino has a chance to provide a valuable combination of above average hit and plus power, making him one of the more exciting teenage bats in the minor leagues.

Defense/Speed

Looks have admittedly been limited at Florentino defensively, but he appears to be more athletic than he initially received credit for. He has turned in average or better run times to first base and swiped 16 bags on 18 tries through his first 28 Low-A games at the time of this report. He has seen the bulk of his action in center field, but most expect him to move to a corner. The Pirates have also mixed in starts at first base for Florentino.

Outlook

It’s still very early in the development of Florentino, but his hot start to Low-A after mashing his way through the Florida Complex League has his stock rising quickly. The data beneath the hood and mechanical components of his swing pair to make Florentino one of the more intriguing teenage hitters in the Minor Leagues. The defensive outlook is still somewhat up in the air, though his above average hit and potential for plus power is enough to make that not matter very much.

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 175 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $297,500 – 2023 (LAD) | ETA: 2028

A well-rounded ballplayer with a chance to stick in centerfield, Quintero tore up the DSL and Arizona Complex League, reaching Low-A prior to his 19th birthday in 2024. He followed that by mashing his way to High-A in the back half of 2025 where he continued to rake.

Hitting

Starting upright with his hands high, Quintero gathers with a hovering leg kick, showcasing good athleticism and patience in the box. His upper and lower half can get out of sync, impacting his ability to tap into power consistently. He flashed average pop in his age 18 season, posting exit velocities as high as 109 MPH, but his average exit velocity of 84 MPH and elevated ground ball rate were likely a result of being out of sync.

Quintero emerged in 2025 with much more patterned swing mechanics and a path more conducive to lifting the ball. He cut his ground ball rate in 2025 while his average exit velocity jumped to 88 MPH. His sub 20% chase rate helped him walk at a 16% clip between Low-A and High-A, which paired with his slightly above average contact rates, should help him keep the strikeout rate in check.

Since the hit tool is likely closer to average than plus, it was important to see Quintero tap into more power and he did just that in 2025, launching 19 homers in 113 games. There’s room for strength within his frame, giving him the potential to push higher in the power deparment given his knack for pulling the ball in the air.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner, Quintero already looks the part in centerfield, getting good jumps with the closing speed to cover plenty of ground. With an above average arm as well, he has the ingredients to be an above average defender or better up the middle as he refines his routes a bit more. Quintero is an aggressive base runner, swiping 47 bags on 60 tries in 113 games in 2025.

Outlook

Quintero’s above average offensive skill set and potential for above average defense or better in centerfield give him a great chance of landing as a big league regular but his uptick in game power and impressive approach really elevated the perceived ceiling in 2025. Another riser in the Dodgers system, Quintero seems to get better each time you see him.

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (14) – 2022 (NYM) | ETA: 2026

Compact but explosive, Williams is a great athlete with more impact than his frame would suggest. His polish at the plate helped him fly through the minor leagues, reaching Double-A in his age-19 season in 2023, before having most of his 2024 wiped out by wrist surgery. He has returned to mashing at Double-A in 2025 before finishing the year in Triple-A. Williams was acquired alongside Brandon Sproat during the offseason in the deal that sent Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers to the Mets.

Offense

A relaxed, narrow setup, Williams uses a decent-sized leg kick to gather into his back hip, but controls his lower half well. Despite his smaller frame, Williams is strong with a powerful lower-half, using the ground well to create power.

Between his lower half control and minimal movement with his hand load, Williams is consistently on time and leverages his small strike zone well. One of the more patient hitters in Minor League Baseball, Williams has chased roughly 15% of pitches as a pro.

Producing average exit velocities, Williams consistently drives the ball in the air consistently with good carry to the pull side, giving him a solid chance to hit for average game power. There’s a decent amount of zone whiff, especially on elevated four seamers that could create some challenges for Williams, but his approach helps hedge that concern.

Williams has the angles to out-slug his average exit velocities, but there’s some concern that the bat to ball may not be proficient enough to consistently get into it, especially with his tendency to expand more against sinkers than any other pitch type.

Defense/Speed

Williams has slowed down some since being drafted, putting on some weight ahead of the 2024 season. It more effected is ability to get to his top speed than footwork at shortstop, which actually looked improved.

He works low to the ball with good hands and an above average arm that is capable of making throws from different angles. While he can make the tough throws, he has the tendency to sail a few too many relatively routine throws, especially when he sits back on the ball.

With how quickly Williams has climbed through the minors and the presence of Francisco Lindor at the highest level, the Mets mixed in center field reps where he relies on his natural athleticism to get by, but has the closing speed and arm to get by out there. With the Brewers unique infield situation, Williams is expected to see reps all over the diamond, including third base.

Williams projects best at second base, where he could be an above average defender as apposed to the average-at-best defense he’d likely provide at shortstop or centerfield. He should consistently be a factor on the base paths, swiping 34 bags on 43 tries in 2025.

Outlook

2025 was an encouraging bounce back season for Williams after losing most of 2024 to injury, but there is still a question as to where he will play long term defensively with an offensive profile that will likely be somewhat dependent on him launching 15+ homers from his 5-foot-7 frame. His versatility is still an asset, which hedges some of the long term positional concern, even if he not particularly great at a singular spot.

The Brewers are bullish on their newly-acquired prospect, who could break into the big leagues in somewhat of a super-utility role. The versatility, speed, approach and sneaky pop give Williams the foundation to be a big leaguer for a long time. The questions of how much power he can get into and how good the defense is at what spot makes it difficult to project high-end WAR outputs.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $800K, 2022 (DET) | ETA: 2026

He may not stick behind the dish, but it’s Briceño’s immense offensive upside that makes him an intriguing prospect. He showcased just that by torching the Arizona Fall League after a knee injury limited him to just 40 Low-A games in 2024 and has kept the impressive slug rolling into 2025.

Offense

Starting upright and open with his bat rested on his shoulder, Briceño gathers into his back side with a big leg kick that is slow and controlled as he pulls his hands into his slot. Already standing at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Briceño repeats his moves well for such a young, big framed hitter, posting solidly average contact rates as a pro.

The exit velocities are also comfortably plus for Briceño, which has started to translate into consistent game power as he has improved his swing path. There was a clear shift upon returning form his knee injury, as he started to drive the ball in the air more consistently at the end of the regular season and carried that momentum into the Arizona Fall League where he paced all players with 10 home runs in just 25 games, including several tape measure shots to the pull side. He also put on quite a show in batting practice, demolishing home runs to all fields.

The added loft in his swing and his longer levers will likely result in a bit more whiff as he climbs levels, but his ability to recognize spin and above average feel for the zone help hedge strikeout concerns. It’s ultimately all about the game power for Briceño anyways and he now looks like he can launch 30+ homers if it all works out.

Defense/Speed

At the edge of outgrowing the position, Briceño’s receiving and blocking are below average, though he has made some progress as a pro. His arm is average but his catch and throw can be a bit choppy. There’s a good chance Briceño ultimately moves to first base.

Outlook

It’s hard to argue against the batted ball data of Briceño and he has shown flashes of what can be an exciting offensive player. A move to first base surely puts more pressure on the bat, but with game power that could push beyond plus territory, he should be able to handle it. With what looks like at least a fringy hit tool and above average plate discipline, Briceño has the offensive ingredients to be an above average big league power bat and if he can catch once or twice per week that only helps his case.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | IFA: $2.5M, 2019 (MIN) | ETA: 2025

One of the most exciting power bats in the lower minors, Rodriguez has monster offensive upside. Injuries have slowed Rodriguez’s development a bit, but he has been fantastic when on the field and appeared to be putting the final pieces together at the upper levels in 2024 before suffering a thumb injury that limited him to 47 games. 2025 was more of the same for Rodriguez, playing just 52 games as he dealt with more injuries.

Offense

Lightning quick bat speed and an explosive lower half helped Rodriguez put up elite exit velocities as a teenager and he has continued to grow into more juice as he has matured and gotten healthy. Rodriguez unfortunately tore his meniscus in June of his 2022 campaign, cutting his coming out party short with a 1.044 OPS in 47 games. The combination of plus power and patient approach allowed Rodriguez to feast on Low-A pitchers despite a 68% contact rate.

Rodriguez had to shake some rust off in the early going of his 2023 campaign, but really hit his stride once June rolled around. One of the most patient hitters in the Minor Leagues, Rodriguez found himself bordering on overly passive at points, taking pitches he could do damage on leading to far too many deep counts.

He has since done a better job of pulling the trigger on pitches in the zone, while running an unfathomably low chase rate below 10% in 2024. He seemed to have taken another step forward overall, dismantling Double-A and Triple-A competition to the tune of a 1.045 OPS with the aforementioned chase rate resulting in a gargantuan 24.4% walk rate, before thumb issues limited him to just 47 games.

Rodriguez was hitting the ball as hard as ever in 2024, running an average exit velocity of 94.7 MPH, which would have ranked fourth in MLB among qualified hitters. With his ability to hit the ball in the air consistently and leave the yard to all fields, Rodriguez could push towards 40 home runs.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Rodriguez covers enough ground to play a viable center field. His reads have continued to improve and despite his big frame, Rodriguez has maintained more agility and quickness than many scouts imagined when he was at the lower levels. If the moves to a corner he could be a borderline plus defender. He swiped 20 bags in 99 games in 2023 and was on pace to exceed that total in 2024 before the Twins encouraged him to stay put at first base to mitigate injury risk.

Outlook

Rodriguez has enough power to clear 30 home runs easily with the athleticism to provide 20+ stolen bases and stick in center field. Pair all of that with one of the most selective approaches in the minor leagues and steady improvements to his overall offensive game and the Twins could have an All Star slugger on their hands. It will be a three true outcome profile, but maybe as exciting of an example as you can find. It’s all about health for Rodriguez in 2026.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 210 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 11th round (326) , 2023 (CHC) | ETA: 2027

Extremely toolsy with elite twitch, the Dodgers targeted Hope in the Michael Busch trade for his upside and despite injury, he flashed plenty of that in his first pro season, posting a 144 wRC+ in 61 games. Hope’s follow up campaign was productive, but with more whiff at High-A. It will come down to whether Hope can hit enough for his elite power and plus speed to translate.

Offense

Starting with his feet just wider than shoulder width with his hands relaxed just below his shoulder, Hope gets into his back side with a gathering leg kick as he coils. There’s a case that Hope may counter-rotate too much, with his chest facing towards the catcher as he finishes his load.

Hope is an explosive athlete with tons of torque and bat speed, doing plenty of damage, but the position he gets too pre-swing could make it more difficult to deliver the barrel at the top of the zone, a spot where his whiff was undoubtedly exacerbated.

That said, he crushes stuff down and has demonstrated the patience and discipline to avoid expanding at the top. It’s all fields power for Hope, with 70 grade raw power, evidenced by his 90th percentile exit velocity of 109.3 MPH in 2025.

Hope will likely need to improve upon his 66% contact rate in 2025 for his plus power to reliably translate, but that could very well come with simplifying his operation in the box. Even if the hit tool is around 40 grade, he has the power to leave the yard 30 or more times in a season.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner, Hope’s closing speed has helped him overcome slow reads and shaky routes in the early stages of his pro career. He has the ability to develop into at least an average defender in a corner where his plus arm would complement well. Hope has improved his base stealing ability, swiping 27 bags on 33 tries in 2025.

Outlook

There’s potential for a coveted combination of plus power and speed that could make Hope a dynamic outfielder with All Star upside, but he will need to prove that he can hit enough to tap into those tools. Even if the hit tool stalls, Hope has the ability to be a productive three-true-outcome hitter, with his defensive development becoming an intriguing variable from a WAR perspective.

There’s not many minor league hitters capable of doing the damage that Hope has flashed in his age 19 and 20 seasons. Set up for an age 21 season at Double-A, all eyes will be on Hope’s ability to keep the strikeout rate in check at the upper levels.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 11th Round (340), 2021 (SD) | ETA: 2024

A former two-way player at Division II UNC-Pembroke, Ryan stood out as an infielder, hitting .308 while serving as the team’s closer. It was Ryan’s electric stuff that really turned the heads of Padres officials (and Dodgers) on the backfields, shifting his focus to the mound and impressing with his feel for an impressive assortment of pitches. He missed the first half of 2024 with a shoulder issue before Tommy John surgery cut his standout MLB debut short.

Ryan returned in 2026 with the stuff right back as advertised, if anything with louder stuff, looking like a high floor rotation piece with middle-rotation upside.

Arsenal

You can tell Ryan was a collegiate infielder with the way he operates on the mound. His delivery is loose, athletic and repeatable with plus arm arm speed. The right-hander will mix in five offerings with his four seam fastball leading the way at 40% usage. The high spin four seamer has averaged nearly 98 MPH since returning from elbow surgery, generating good whiff within the zone, with a two seamer that he will mix in two ticks below.

Ryan’s slider is his best pitch, now sitting right around 90 MPH with late gyro break. The pitch dives beneath barrels making it effective to both righties and lefties while picking up plenty of ground balls. He will throw a harder bridge-cutter in the low 90s that is an above average offering as well.

The second breaking ball for Ryan is a curveball in the low 80s that he effectively separates from his slider with around 13 inches of vertical break and 11 inches of horizontal break. He will mix it in around 10% of the time overall, predominantly to lefties, with his lowest strike rate among any of his offerings.

Rounding out the arsenal is an upper 80s changeup that has looked far improved since returning from injury. It gives him another look for lefties other than his curveball, with Ryan steadily gaining more confidence in the pitch.

Outlook

Ryan’s late switch to the mound and Tommy John surgery, paired with the Dodgers pitching depth have all caused him to become the eldest top 100 prospect ever (27 years old), but there’s no denying that Ryan is a big league caliber arm with middle-rotation stuff. His athleticism on the mound, deep pitch mix and improved command give him a great chance of at least landing as a back end starter.

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 170 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $1.1M, 2022 (MIL) | ETA: 2027

A standout glove with good bat-to-ball skills from both sides of the plate, Lara offers a high-floor skill set that will almost assuredly see him fill a big league role. If he can maintain his strong bat-to-ball and find enough gaps, there’s potential for an everyday centerfielder.

Hitting

Deploying different setups from each side of the plate, Lara starts upright and slightly open from the left side with his hands rested just above the numbers before pulling his hands up and back in tandem with a gathering toe tap.

From the right side, Lara is more crouched with his hands higher and a more straight-forward stride.

Lara is more balanced from the left side, utilizing his lower half more effectively with an enhanced ability to handle secondaries. The average exit velocity from Lara was a tick harder from the left side as well in 2025, though the EV90s were identical.

Consistently posting above-average contact rates with good swing decisions, Lara will really make a pitcher work and is tough to strike out, exemplified by his 16% strikeout rate and 14% walk rate in a very difficult Double-A Southern League in 2025, in what was his age 20 season.

The main question becomes whether Lara can translate his ability to put bat on ball into sustainable production. His 5-foot-7, 170-pound frame makes it difficult to squeeze out more than 30 grade power, but he has done a good job of raising his quality of contact floor, adding strength to his lower half, which translated into an average exit velocity of 88 MPH in 2025.

To be an everyday bat at the highest level, Lara will likely need to sustain his strong contact rates and swing decisions as his margin for error is thin. With his added strength, Lara has flashed enough impact to work the gaps, and his switch-hitting profile only helps his case.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner with elite instincts and a plus arm, there’s no question about Lara’s defensive value.

An easy plus defender, those within the Brewers organization will tell you they expect him to win Gold Gloves at the highest level. Lara has improved his ability to leverage his wheels, turning in his most efficient year as a base stealer in 2025, swiping 44 bags on 51 tries.

Outlook

Lara’s glove, contact skills as a switch hitter and speed give him a very high likelihood of at least landing as a fourth outfielder. He has been aggressively pushed by the Brewers, skipping the Complex League in 2023 while consistently being at least three years younger than the competition at each stop.

Even if things stall out offensively, 1.5-2 WAR is very feasible for Lara, following the path of a Kyle Isbel or Victor Scott II. With the ability to avoid left-on-left matchups and the fact that Lara is far ahead of where the aforementioned two were entering their age-21 seasons, Lara offers some more upside.

Height/Weight: 5’10″, 170 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $1.1M – 2021 (CLE) | ETA: 2026

The prize of the Guradians’ 2021 IFA class, Genao immediately stood out with his polish at the plate and ability to pick it on the left side of the infield. He has tapped into a bit more impact as he has matured, while progressing nicely at shortstop.

Offense

A switch hitter, Genao starts slightly more crouched and open from the left side of the plate with his hands higher. He gets into a sizable leg kick from both sides with a big hand load, but has a good feel for his body and repeats his moves pretty well. As he faces more challenging pitching, he may benefit from toning down the operation, but the contact rates have been consistently strong through the lower levels. He has already flashed the ability to do so, sometimes simplifying to a toe tap with two strikes.

Power is unlikely to be a huge part of his game, but Genao has tapped into well above average raw power at the upper levels, with an average exit velocity of nearly 92 MPH at Triple-A and a Hard Hit rate north of 50%. The problem is his flat swing, that has consistently resulted in elevated ground ball rates.

He has more pop from the right side, with slightly higher exit velocities and lower ground ball rates while he makes more consistent contact from the left side. Genao has improved his plate discipline plenty as he has gained more experience at the upper levels, upping his walk rate to by far the highest of his career at Triple-A.

Defense/Speed

Comfortable actions, a rocket for an arm and solid instincts give Genao a good chance at sticking on the left side of the infield. His range is closer to average for shortstop, though the aforementioned instincts and arm strength help compensate. The sum of his parts should still result in at least an average defender at short with him likely being a net positive at the position. Genao is not a high volume base stealer, but he is an efficient one.

Outlook

The above average raw power is tantalizing with Genao, but even if he never converts it into game power, he feel to hit, approach and likelihood of sticking at shortstop give him the potential to be an above average regular. Genao has taken a small step towards tapping into his slug in game in 2026, already eclipsing his 2025 home run total (5) in less than 50 games. The the switch-hitter is already banging on the door of a big league debut in his age 21/22 season, providing a solid floor and proximity, with still more to unlock.

Height/Weight: 5’10″, 170 | Bat/Throw: L/L | IFA: $300,000, 2024 (CLE) | ETA: 2028

A left-handed hitter with the potential for above-average hit and power, Caceras was one of the best hitters in the DSL in 2024 before showcasing more of the same in the ACL, earning a promotion to Low-A prior to his 18th birthday. Caceres possesses standout bat speed for his age and good hand-eye; it’s just a matter of converting it at the higher levels.

Hitting

A somewhat noisy operation, Caceres will start with the bat on his shoulder before getting into a sizable leg kick as he pushes his hands upwards. Caceras gets by on hand-eye coordination and plus bat speed, but if he is able to smooth out his mechanics as he matures, there could be even more in the tank.

His hands can get somewhat wrapped behind him, likely causing his lower half to feel like it needs to leak out early, evident by the toes of his front foot facing the pitcher when he lands from his stride. That can cause him to pull off of stuff away and lose some power, and even then, Caceres ran a 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 MPH with a max of 111.4 MPH in his age 17 season.

With more power and refined mechanics, there could be a lethal combination of hit and power, but if he cannot clean up the mechanics, there could be some challenges against more difficult competition. There’s clearly a great feel for the barrel regardless, running a contact rate of 85% in 2025.

Defense/Speed

The bat is ahead of the glove or Caceres, who will almost surely land in an outfield corner. He is an average runner with at least an average arm, but showcases enough speed to cover ample ground in a corner as his first step and routes improve.

Outlook

It’s a projection game with Caceres, but he is easy to dream on between his plus bat speed and natural feel for the barrel. If he can refine his mechanics, there will be even more in the tank, exit velocities-wise–in addition to simply maturing–and he will likely have much more success getting the ball in the air.

With gains in those two departments, plus power is not out of the question down the line.

Even if he does not reach that ceiling, it’s easy to envision at least average hit and game power for Caceres, with his raw pop aiding both departments. There’s plenty of time for the teenager to push towards the loftier outcome as he gets his second taste of Low-A in his age-18 season in 2026.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 170  | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $3M – 2025 (SF) | ETA: 2029

A quick-twitch, switch hitting shortstop who is expected to stick, Gonzalez was one of the top players in the 2025 IFA cycle and has the upside of an above average regular at the position.

Hitting

Starting slightly wide and open with his hands rested just above his shoulder, Gonzalez gathers into his backside in rhythm with a hand pump before unleashing a quick, compact stroke. Like most young hitters, he’s still learning how to control his weight shift, fighting the tendency to teeter back forward prematurely, but his quick hands and athleticism still allow him to make plenty of contact.

As he learns to use the ground more effectively, Gonzalez will likely be able to tap into more power, though the profile will be hit over impact. His left-handed swing is comfortably ahead of his right side at this point. He has a good feel for the zone, but is still learning to recognize spin more effectively. Already popping exit velocities of 109 MPH at 17 years old, only helps facilitate optimism in that regard.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner, Gonzalez’s quickness is plenty evident both on the base paths and in the field. His actions are advanced for his age, with soft hands and comfort, throwing on the run from different angles. His arm is currently average, and the internal clock is understandably a work in progress, with the tendency to sit back on balls at times, but he has the ingredients to be above average at the position.

Outlook

As is the case with any recent IFA signing, a lot can change in regards to the outlook on the player, but early returns on Gonzales are a relatively high-floor prospect between his above-average feel to hit, defensive tools at shortstop, and speed. His right side will need to come along further, as will the overall hitting mechanics, with a solid foundation to build on. Gonzalez is a candidate to move quicker than his peers.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st round (4) , 2025 (COL) | ETA: 2028

The younger brother of 2022 first overall pick Jackson, Ethan is already more physical and displaying louder tools than Jackson did at this stage, albeit with more swing and miss concern. The positive trend hit tool wise as the draft got closer only further solidified him as the top prep player in the 2025 class.

Hitting

After struggling with some swing and miss in the summer circuit, Holliday made some adjustments to his setup and pre-swing moves that yielded much better results. He raised his hands higher while ditching the leg kick for a toe tap that helped him ride his back hip longer.

Holliday previously had the tendency to see his weight leak forward prematurely, which would cause some bat drag, missing under higher quality fastballs. After making his tweaks, Holliday not only handled velocity better, but he was more comfortably staying back on spin as well. That said, there was plenty of whiff in his 20 game pro debut (58% contact rate), which should not have too much weight placed on it, but also does not necessarily calm some of the hit tool concern that hung over him as an amateur.

The power potential is immense, already flashing exit velocities as high as 111 MPH during 18U trials with a huge frame that will only result in more strength as he matures. His swing is geared for loft, which paired with what could be double-plus raw power, gives Holliday a sky-high ceiling.

He’s patient as well, which can help hedge some hit tool concern if he stalls in that regard, giving him the fall back of a high-impact three-true outcome bat. If the hit tool is even just average, he has the upside to be a monster, but he still has a ways to go to get to average.

Defense/Speed

Given how big Holliday’s frame already is, he is not necessarily the fleetest of foot, but has improved his footwork enough on the dirt to give himself some runway to prove that he can stick at shortstop. His easy plus arm only helps his case as well, though he ultimately seems mostly likely to slide over to the hot corner, especially as he presumably adds more mass.

Outlook

Built more like his father than his brother, there’s no shortage of big league bloodlines in the Holliday family. Gunnar Henderson would serve as the lofty blue print and ceiling if everything goes perfectly, but that type of hit tool gain is rare. The most likely scenario is a solid defensive third baseman who offsets some swing and miss with power and patience, skewing towards the three true outcomes.

Film: 18U USA Trials

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st round (8), 2025 (TOR) | ETA: 2028

“JoJo” Parker stood out as one of the best pure hitters in the class with a fantastic summer, providing flashes of what could be a exciting offensive profile.

Hitting

Parker employs a narrow and open stance, coiling over his back leg as he brings himself back closed, then striding forward. He gains a lot of ground from his upright starting point, but holds his back side well. It is worth wondering if higher quality stuff could pull him onto his front side more, though he has had little issue as an amateur.

It’s a quick, compact stroke, handling heaters extremely well, boasting a 93% contact rate against them during the summer circuit. He flashes above average pop to his pull side with a smooth stroke that lives in the zone for a long time. Parker has a good feel for the zone and controls his at-bats well.

Defense/Speed

Defensively, Parker has the tools, instincts, and arm strength to give himself a shot to stick at shortstop, but his footwork and range could result in a slide over to third base or second base. Parker is closer to an average runner, turning in above average run times down the line on occasion.

Outlook

One of the best pure hitters in the 2025 prep class, Parker has a well-rounded profile with the potential for above average hit and power. Even if he moves off of shortstop, the offensive upside is there to be an above average regular. If Parker can manage his bigger pre-swing move with the same level of comfort against more challenging professional pitching, a plus hit tool could be in the cards. Should Parker stick at shortstop, his game would be enviably well-rounded.

Film: Draft Combine

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (85), 2022 (MIA) | ETA: 2026

Milbrandt is the best pitching example in the Marlins org of a prospect who pre-dated the front office and now took a leap under the new player development infrastructure. The fastball ticked up in 2025, as did the quality of secondaries. He made another leap in 2026, seeing his stuff jump another tick while making huge strides with his command.

Arsenal

Not only did Milbrandt see his fastball go from 94 MPH on average to nearly 96 MPH, but he also added an upper-80s slider that immediately became his most effective and consistent offering.

The fastball will occasionally touch 98 MPH with ride that will play up from a horizontal release. The unique look Milbrandt creates with the heater and improved velocity has made it dominant within the zone while being an excellent chase pitch at the top.

His hard bullet slider tunnels of the fastball well with short, late drop that garnered both whiffs within the zone and chase below it. Milbrandt’s feel for the slider is as consistent as any of his offerings, landing it for a strike at a high clip while varying the velocity from as low as 85 MPH to as high as 90 MPH.

Milbrandt’s sweeper has overtaken his curveball as his third most reliable offering, though the two pitches can blend together. The sweeper tends to be closer to the mid 80s while the curveball is a tick or two below, but both flash above average.

He found a bit more depth with the curveball as he has worked to separate it further from a sweeper that already has a little bit more vertical break than most. His low three-quarters release could play a part in the curveball being more inconsistent shape wise and bleeding into the sweeper. That said, the vertical break the sweeper features helps it perform more platoon-neutral in addition to a gyro slider that performs well against hitters of both-handedness.

Outlook

Milbrandt’s improved stuff resulted in a breakout 2025 season, which he followed up with a strong Arizona Fall League showing. With a middle-rotation starter’s arsenal, the key variable for Milbrandt heading into 2026 was command and particularly fastball command.

After having the tendency to spray his heater in 2025, Milbrandt has been able to fill up the zone with it in 2026. Given the velocity and shape of the pitch, Milbrandt’s improved ability to locate it has helped him both get ahead more frequently and set up his exciting breaking balls.

Even with a zone percentage that is up nearly 10% on his fastball in 2026, Milbrandt has upped the chase rate against the pitch by almost 10% as well, putting into perspective how much more effectively he his setting up hitters and executing it.

Good execution of a great fastball only helps the rest of his secondaries more while chipping away at the overall walk rate. Improving from below average command to even just fringe-average will be enough for Milbrandt to stick as a starter and reach close to his middle-rotation upside, which he appears to be well on his way to doing.

Height/Weight: 6’4, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 6th Round (187), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

The brother of outfielder T.J. Hopkins, Brody was a two-way player at Winthrop University, but struggled mightily with command issues. The Mariners drafted him as a pitcher in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, and he has since started to find the zone with a little more frequency. His stuff still far outpaces the command, but that is more a testament to his five-pitch mix from a unique slot. The Rays acquired Hopkins as part of the Randy Arozarena return. He has massive upside.

Arsenal

You can tell Hopkins had the athleticism to be a quality college outfielder by the way he used to move on the mound, turning inwards with a high leg kick before uncorking from a low three-quarters angle that has him releasing the ball at a 4.8-foot release height.

In the pursuit of more strikes, Hopkins simplified his delivery heading into 2025, staying more square as he lifts his leg while raising his arm angle from roughly 16 degrees to 30 degrees. It’s still a well below-average release height of 5.2 feet, creating a unique look for his high-octane arsenal.

Hopkins fastball jumped at tick to 97 MPH in 2025 with above average carry, topping out at 101 MPH. His most used secondary is a cutter at 91-93 MPH that he will mix in close to evenly to both lefties and righties.

The most devastating swing and miss pitch is Hopkins curveball, featuring more depth than just about any of the few curveballs you can find in the upper 80s. It’s a true 70 grade that he could probably benefit from throwing more as both lefties and righties.

Hopkins changeup has a chance to be a quality pitch, but the shape and command has been far too inconsistent to mix it in more than a handful of times per game. He also experimented with a splitter.

Outlook

Hopkins has a standout pitch mix that can miss a ton of barrels, exemplified by his 28.5% strikeout rate in Double-A in 2025. He upped his overall strike rate by 3% in 2025, but will need to improve upon his below-average command to reach his front-end of the rotation ceiling.

While there’s still some reliever risk, Hopkins continues to chip away at that through his success at each stop and steady gains in the strike department. If he were to land in the bullpen, it’s the kind of stuff that could make him an All-Star closer anyway. As is, Hopkins more likely looks the part of a volatile middle-rotation piece who could flash frontline stuff when he’s on and be frustrating when he’s not.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (56), 2022 (ATH) | ETA: 2026

An electrifying power/speed combination enticed the A’s to shell out nearly $700K above slot to sign Bolte away from a Texas commitment. The tools were been on display through Bolte’s first three pro seasons, putting up strong numbers, but not without concerning swing and miss figures as well. After a step in the right direction with his whiff and chase in 2025, Bolte has appeared to make a full leap in those departments in 2026, leading to a big league debut.

Hitting

Bolte starts with his feet a little bit more than shoulder-width apart and his hands up a tad higher than they were before, now level with the brim of his helmet. The hand load is still quiet and the stride is moderate, with Bolte relying on his athleticism and strength to generate impact. Bolte has the tendency to get spinny, flying open with his front side prematurely, which can cause the bat to drag behind him. He’s so twitchy and strong that he is able to generate elite bat speed still, but the leak does flatten his swing path.

As a result, Bolte has consistently put the ball on the ground north of 55% of the time as a pro. He hits the ball extremely hard, boasting elite exit velocities, and when he does get the ball in the air, it has a higher probability of leaving the yard than most hitters, evidenced by a HR/FB rate that is nearly double league average in his professional career.

Bolte has made strides both in the contact and swing decisions department at the upper levels, now demonstrating plus plate discipline and a contact rate in Triple-A that was more than 10% higher than what he had posted in High-A two seasons prior. If Bolte can chip away at his ground ball rate, the offensive ceiling is sky high with his 70 grade raw power, patience and now respectable contact rates.

Defense/Speed

Bolte’s best tool is his 80 grade wheels, chewing up plenty of ground in the outfield with long strides and elite closing speed. Previously relying on his closing speed a little too much, Bolte’s reads and routes have improved to the point of not being a detriment. Even with average jumps, Bolte’s speed has him grading out as at least an average centerfielder, likely reaching closer to above average as he continues to compile reps.

Bolte has been one of the most effective base stealers in the Minor Leagues swiping 139 bags on 165 tries in his 397 pro games prior to his big league call up.

Outlook

Still far from a finished product, Bolte made his MLB debut at 22 years old thanks to his elite tools and moderate smoothing out of the edges of his game. Being one of the fastest runners in professional baseball with 70 grade raw power will earn Bolte far more opportunities than the average player with some whiff concern. That said, Bolte has steadily chipped away at those concerns while hedging with what looks like plus plate discipline. If Bolte can improve his mechanics enough to get the ball in the air even 5-10% more frequently, he would comfortably profile as an above average regular. Worst case scenario, he’s a flashy fourth outfielder who consistently tantalizes.

Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (26), 2022 (CWS) | ETA: 2026

Standing at a towering 6-foot-9, Schultz throws a surprising amount of strikes with budding stuff. After a flexor issue delayed his start to his pro career in 2023, Schultz dominated the rest of the way and it was more of the same in 2024. His build, stuff and command make him one of the better LHP prospects in baseball. His stuff has backed up a bit in 2025, which is a slight concern as he has struggled to miss bats at the same clip with more free passes.

Arsenal

A tall, lanky lefty, Schultz hides the ball well until his arm whips around at a three quarter release point. Shultz sits 93-95 MPH with his fastball, touching 98 MPH with a ton of late arm side run. The late movement on Schultz’s fastball helps him get hitters to whiff or roll over it frequently. With a long, slender frame and a somewhat low-effort delivery, there’s hope that Schultz can grow into even more velocity.

Schultz’s sweeper has the potential to be a devastating pitch, averaging 16 inches of horizontal break from his low release point. He is confident during the pitch away from lefties as well as down on the back leg of righties. It was the potential to be a wipeout pitch if Schultz can command it consistently.

Rounding out the arsenal is a changeup that had really come along in 2024 but has backed up in 2025. Schultz’s ability to use his fastball and sweeper to take care of right-handed hitters takes some pressure off of the immediate need for a changeup, but even an average change would improve Schultz’s starter outlook a good bit if he can regain some of the prior form of the pitch.

Outlook

The fact that a 6-foot-9 prep southpaw has been able to pound the strike zone through his first two pro seasons really solidified his starter outlook through his first two pro seasons, though his shaky start to 2025 has stifled that momentum some, walking more batters than he did in the previous season in half the innings.

Already possessing good stuff from a tough angle to pick up with, it seems like Schultz has the fall back of becoming a lights out reliever, but he has flashed the ability to not only stick as a starter but potentially sit towards the top of a rotation.

Using his fastball to generate more ground balls will be a key to go deeper into starts and keep the pitch count down as his plus slider and changeup should help him consistently get whiffs as well as the sheer velocity on his fastball when he wants to dial it up at the top. One way or another, Schultz has a great chance of filling a big league role, but he’ll have to overcome the 2025 lull he has battled.

Height/Weight: 6’6″, 230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (71), 2023 (WSN) | ETA: 2027

A powerful prep arm who overpowered hitters on the summer circuit, the Nationals shelled out borderline-first round money to sign Sykora away from the University of Texas in 2023, and it’s paying dividends to open his pro career. The start of Sykora’s 2025 season was delayed due to hip surgery followed by Tommy John surgery just 30 innings into his return.

Arsenal

Standing at 6-foot-6 with a three pitch mix that generates plenty of whiff, Sykora really turned heads as an amateur with a fastball that can get into the upper 90s but sits 94-96 MPH. While characteristics are more generic, the pitch performs well off of the sheer velocity from his unique short arm release, setting up his secondaries well. He still has room to improve in regards to his command of the heater, tending to throw too many non-competitive fastballs well above the zone.

His slider is his go-to out pitch at 83-85 MPH with gyro break, tunneling off of his fastball well with the downward action from his tough release. The pitch picks up plenty of swing and miss (25% whiff rate) and when hitters are fortunate enough to get to it, it’s typically weak contact on the ground. He commands the pitch more consistently than his fastball at this point, landing it for a strike nearly 70% of the time.

Rounding out the arsenal for Sykora is a splitter in the mid 80s that flashes above average. He maintains his arm speed well while killing spin to around 1,200 RPM, helping it drop late. With a more consistent feel for the pitch, it could play closer to plus, racking up gaudy whiff numbers when it is around the zone. He has started to find a better feel for the pitch as the season has progressed.

Outlook

For a prep arm with such exciting stuff, Sykora has a pretty good feel to pitch and will even do little things like speeding up his delivery or slowing it down to throw off hitter’s timing. He throws enough strikes to maintain a reasonable walk rate, but he tends to mix in too many non-competitive pitches at this stage, particularly with his fastball. Sykora enjoyed quite an impressive season for a 6-foot-6 prep arm who was still 19 years old at season’s start, already flashing middle rotation upside. As he climbs levels, location and execution will become more important, but three at least above average offerings and a unique delivery makes Sykora the most exciting Nationals pitching prospect not named Jarlin Susana.

Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $10,000, 2022 (NYY) | ETA: 2026

A towering, lanky right-hander, Lagrange worked on his conditioning and delivery heading into the 2025 season and the results have followed. Lagrange is throwing harder than ever along with more strikes.

Arsenal

Lagrange looks like a giant on the mound and has worked to make his delivery more simple and repeatable, sitting in the upper 90s with what looks like minimal effort. Lagrange’s fastball has ticked up to 98 MPH on average, touching 101 MPH with some run and ride.

Working off of his plus fastball is a sweeper and a slider that have both looked much improved for Lagrange. The gyro-slider sits in the mid 80s and can be tough for hitters to pick up out of his hand, making it his preferred secondary offering against lefties. His low 80s sweeper is a well above average pitch right on right while the changeup flashes average with the chance to be a quality fourth offering.

Outlook

Lagrange will need to expand on his impressive start in 2025 to fully shed the reliever risk that came with him after being challenged to throw strikes in his first several pro seasons, but he has taken a huge step in that direction by increasing his strike rate by 13% through his first eight starts of the 2025 season. After dealing with a back issue in 2024, Yankees have let Lagrange push close to 100 pitches in his starts in 2025 and he has successfully held his velocity deeper into starts.

If Lagrange continues on his trajectory he could reach towards a middle-rotation outlook, but his improvements have him looking like at least a strong back end option with pops of more or a high leverage relief arm.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 3rd Round (94), 2024 (TB) | ETA: 2029

Young for the 2024 class, Flewelling is advanced for a teenage catcher, turning in an impressive first pro season at 18 years old at Low-A and High-A before following it up with a fantastic start to his 2026 season as well. He has the tools to be an above average defender behind the dish as well.

Hitting

Flewelling has already cleaned up his mechanics from his first pro season. He previously started with his hands low by his sternum, quickly pulling them to his launch position which can result in him looking rushed at times, leaking out with his front side to compensate, but now starts with his hands higher, helping him minimize his pre-swing movement with a load that is much more in sync with his lower half as well.

Flewelling flashes above-average power and an efficient bat path. His 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 MPH was well above average for a teenage bat in 2025 and he has held that figure in 2026. Flewelling’s approach is ahead of his years, running a chase rate below 20% in his pro debut, helping him walk nearly 100 times in 470 plate appearances, but in his follow up season, there’s been a clear plan to be less passive, upping his zone-swing rate by nearly 10%, which has come with a bit more chase.

It’s been a worthy exchange as Flewelling launched 10 homers through his first 40 games of 2026 while still walking at a 14% clip. Given the lofty nature of his swing, there’s likely going to be a fair amount of whiff in Flewelling’s game at the highest level, but he hedges the fringy hit tool with what could be plus plate discipline and above average power from the left side.

Defense/Speed

Flewelling has the ingredients to be at least an average catcher already receiving well with a plus arm. He threw out 27% of attempted base stealers in 2025 while seeing more action than any 18-year-old catcher prospect this decade, according to Baseball America. Flewelling already earns high marks for how he goes about his business and handles his pitchers.

Outlook

An advanced skill set for a teenager, Flewelling offers both a high probability of landing as a big league back stop, but also intriguing upside as a left-handed hitter with above average power and defense behind the dish. Typically, prep catchers are a slow burn, but Flewelling is on track to reach Double-A before his 20th birthday. The Alberta, Canada native is on track to become one of the better catcher prospects in baseball by the end of his age 19 season, with a chance to keep moving relatively quickly, assuming he can continue keep the whiff in check when he reaches the upper levels.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 175 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 2nd Round (48), 2021 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

Arroyo missed the entirety of the 2024 regular season due to labrum surgery during Spring Training. He turned in a fine 2025 campaign, but struggled to produce much power. Mechanical adjustments and added strength have helped Arroyo tap into much more power in 2026 as the glove and defensive versatility continue to stand out.

Hitting

A switch hitter with a similar set up from both sides of the plate, Arroyo simplified his operation from both sides. Previously featuring a very crouched setup that would cause his weight to sway, pushing onto his front side prematurely. Arroyo is now more upright with his setup, coiling over his back side, rather than teetering over it and pushing out.

Staying taller on his back side has helped him leverage the ground more effectively, aiding both his raw power and batted ball angles. His setup was even more dramatically crouched from the left side, with his front knee bowed and open. His hands are also closer to his launch position from both sides, compared to the previous lower starting point, below his back shoulder.

The quality of contact shift through the first half of 2026 is impossible to overlook, not just on the surface where he nearly matched his career-high home run total through his first 50 games, but in the raw power and batted ball angles as well.

Arroyo upped his 90th percentile exit velocity by two MPH, while cutting his ground ball rate by nearly 20% and doubling his Air Pull percentage. Previously featuring below average exit velocities, Arroyo’s now average raw impact paired with the improved angles makes 20 home runs an attainable plateau.

The contact skills are above average for Arroyo from both sides of the plate, with the aforementioned swing adjustments improving his ability to handle secondaries as well. Though the contact skills are strong, Arroyo can hurt himself with his aggressive approach, consistently running a chase rate at or around 35%.

Above average hit and leaps in the power department give Arroyo the upside to be an above average contributor offensively, but the swing decisions could hold him back some.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner and sure-handed defender with a plus arm Arroyo provides plenty of value in the infield, with the ability to play an above average shortstop with comfort moving all over the diamond. Arroyo has improved his efficiency as a base stealer and should be a threat for around 20 bags annually.

Outlook

Though losing out on his 2024 campaign was a tough blow for his development, Arroyo proved to have his feet back under him in 2025 before appearing to really put things together in his age 22 season in 2026. Arroyo’s offensive improvements give him the upside of an everyday shortstop, as even league average production with his glove and speed should give him a reasonable path to 3-WAR. If the bat stalls at the highest level (would likely be due to swing decision issues and the power uptick perhaps not translating against big league competition), Arroyo has the fallback of a quality infield utility piece, giving him a high probability of sticking on a big league roster.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 230 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 6th Round (186) – NYM (2023) | ETA: 2026

A sixth-round pick in 2023, Wenninger’s fastball jumped nearly three ticks in 2025, facilitating a breakout as he nearly halved his ERA in his first year at Double-A while tossing 135 2/3 innings.

Arsenal

After averaging roughly 92.5 MPH on his heater in 2024, Wenninger sat above 95 MPH in 2025, seeing his velocity continue to climb as the season progressed. Over his final 10 starts, Wenninger averaged 95.8 MPH with his four-seamer and a half tick below that with his sinker.

Wenninger’s four-seamer gets some run and ride, generating good whiff numbers within the zone and really crowding right-handed hitters on the inner half, hitting just .170 against the pitch at Double-A.

His best pitch is his plus splitter in the mid 80s, getting plenty of vertical separation from the fastball, often looking like it runs out of gas just before home plate. While it is his preferred secondary to lefties, the way the pitch works off of his fastball makes it effective to righties as well, generating a chase rate north of 40% while going to more than 20% of the time.

Wenninger’s go-to secondary against righties is his mid-80s gyro slider. He’ll throw it nearly 30% of the time to same-handed hitters with far better results than when he mixes it in to lefties. It’s likely an average third offering that flashes above.

Outlook

Already comfortable filling up the zone with each of his offerings, Wenninger was able to maintain a walk rate south of 8% as his quality of stuff took a massive leap in 2025. He could benefit from mixing in another secondary pitch, but the quality of his fastball and splitter takes some pressure off.

The strike-throwing ability and pitch mix give him a great chance to sit in the back of a rotation as a sturdy innings eater.

Wenninger has the upside of a middle-rotation starter and reached closer to that with the way he closed out his season at Double-A, making him a candidate to see big league action with the Mets in 2026.

Height/Weight: 6’5″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 6th Round (171), 2023 (TEX) | ETA: 2027

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Scarborough flew under the radar before the Rangers snagged him in the sixth round in 2023, signing him for early fifth-round money. He looked very raw in his first pro season, which was also disrupted by a lat strain, before bursting onto the scene in 2025 at Low-A and High-A.

Arsenal

Mostly a two-pitch mix for Scarborough at this point, the right-hander dominated lower-level hitters with his fastball and sweeper. The fastball sits 93-95 MPH, touching 97 with carry that will play up from his 5.1 foot release height and roughly 25 degree arm angle.

He also commands the fastball well, boasting a strike rate of nearly 70% in 2025 while working well to all four quadrants. He naturally creates plenty of arm-side run as well from his low slot, making it a decent ground ball pitch when he locates it at the lower half.

Scarborough’s best pitch is his sweeper in the low 80s. It averages more than 16 inches of horizontal action, which only plays up from his slot. Despite the big shape, Scarborough commands it well, generating good in-zone whiff and chase figures.

Rounding things out is a splitter that is a work in progress, but has flashed. He started to mix it in a bit more as the season progressed, with the chance to be a decent third offering.

Outlook

Scarborough’s athleticism and deception, paired with his impressive command of a good fastball and slider tandem gives him a strong foundation. The splitter coming along will surely help diversify his arsenal, but given his feel to pitch, a cutter or shorter slider shouldn’t be too big of a hurdle for him to add to the equation.

The Rangers are understandably very excited about Scarborough’s upside, and after a great first full pro season, he has a chance to truly break out in 2026.

Height/Weight: 6’6″, 235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $1.7M 2022, (SDP) | ETA: 2026

Acquired by the Nationals in the Juan Soto haul, Susana turned heads at the complex with electrifying stuff, headlined by a triple digits fastball that he struggle to reign in. Now filling up the strike zone in High-A, Susana’s stock is skyrocketing.

Arsenal

Easily some of the best raw stuff in the Minor Leagues, Susana offers two distinct fastballs: a four seamer that averages 100 mph and a two seamer at 99 mph. He can run the four seamer up to 103 mph, exploding through the zone and dominating at the top third. His two seamer averages 14 inches of horizontal run and is mostly utilized to blow up righties inside or catch them looking at the back door.

His cutterish slider at 89-91 mph has consistently left hitters baffled, with hard gyro break that dives beneath the barrels of hitters from both sides of the plate. Through his first 18 starts of 2024, opponents hit just .140 against the offering with even splits. His command of the pitch has really come along, landing it for a strike 67% of the time. The action of both his two seamer and slider result in plenty of ground balls, helping him keep his pitch count down.

Susana will also mix in a slurvy curveball in the mid 80s that flashes above average. Rounding out his arsenal is a power changeup that he will mix in a couple times per start in the low 90s. It has a chance to be a solid fourth offering if he finds more comfort and feel for it.

Outlook

Susana has exclusively worked out of the stretch for most of his pro career, however something clicked for him mid-way through his age 19 season, repeating his release point much more consistently with a delivery that does not appear high effort for the output that the 6-foot-6 power pitcher is generating. While two distinct fastballs at 100 mph and a wipeout slider gives Susana the floor of a high leverage arm, his shocking strides in the command department and ability to generate ground balls now have him tracking like a high-upside starter, albeit, still with plenty of volatility.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (2), 2025 (LAA) | ETA: 2027

Bremner offered one of the highest floors in the draft with an above-average fastball and the best changeup of the class. A strike thrower, Bremner fits the bill of the potentially fast-moving arm that the Angels like to target, but for him to consistently succeed in the big leagues, he’ll likely need to find a reliable third pitch.

Arsenal

Bremner utilized a three-pitch mix at UC Santa Barbara, dominated by his fastball and changeup. The 95-97 MPH fastball has looked the part of a plus pitch since joining the Angels org, with good run and ride from a flat approach angle.

The quality heater sets up Bremner’s wipeout pitch, a 70 grade changeup that averages 10 MPH in velocity separation and 18 inches of total movement separation. It is both a gaudy swing and miss pitch and a weak contact-inducer that is effective against hitters of both-handedness. He maintains his arm speed and release point well, making it difficult for hitters from each side of the plate to pick up.

The upper 80s slider lags far behind the fastball and changeup for Bremner, with inconsistent, often cutterish shape. He has mentioned that it is intended to be a gyro slider, but his pronation bias likely causes the pitch to stay up more than desired. There’s enough glove-side separation from his arm-side moving offerings to be an effective third pitch if he can find more consistency with it from both a shape and command perspective.

Outlook

Bremner’s fastball and changeup, paired with a track record of avoiding free passes should make him a candidate to climb through the Minor Leagues quickly, beyond the fact that he is in an Angels organization that already has the propensity to do so.

For Bremner to reach his middle-rotation upside, he will need to find more consistency with his breaking ball. The effectiveness of his changeup against hitters of both handedness helps, but he will need to find a way to get his slider to break more consistently vertically for it to be a reliable third pitch. A likely easier and more attainable addition to his arsenal given his pronation bias would be a sinker.

With the combination of a plus heater and double-plus changeup, even just an average third offering could put Bremner on track to be a middle-rotation option. Add in a sinker and a four pitch mix could push that ceiling even higher. If the third offering stalls out, Bremner’s fastball/changeup combo should be enough for him to still be a quality big league starter.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (26), 2025 (PHI) | ETA: 2027

Wood transitioned from the Arkansas bullpen to the rotation in 2025 and following a detour due to a minor shoulder issue, he sprinted through the finish line, capped off by a 19 strikeout no-hitter in the College World Series. Wood’s elite fastball gives him the floor of a big league relief arm, but if he can refine his secondaries, there’s intriguing upside as a starter.

Arsenal

Technically a four pitch mix, Wood threw his fastball 63% of the time in his draft year, which is understandable given how dominant it is. He racked up a strike rate north of 70% while opponents mustered just a 65% Z-contact rate against it with a chase rate north of 30%.

The fastball has continued to be dominant through High-A and Double-A, averaging 96 MPH with the riding life that really plays up from his extremely flat vertical approach angle, causing hitters to consistently swing under it and expand at the top. He will still use it close to 60% of the time.

Wood has significantly upped his slider usage as a pro, favoring it over his curveball that he had featured most frequently. The former has improved plenty, flashing plus at 85-87 MPH with slurvy action. The late bite paired with the way that it tunnels off of the fastball have made it an effective chase pitch for righties.

Wood will go to low 80s two plane curveball more against left-handed hitters that will dive under barrels. While it’s sharp for how big the break is, the inconsistent shape can yield inconsistent results at times which paired with the depth can make it difficult to consistently land for a strike.

He also mixed in a nascent splitter in the upper 80s which could in theory work well off of his hoppy fastball if he can harness it at all.

Outlook

There’s some reliever risk that comes with a pitcher like Wood, but his ability to dominate the zone with the fastball, proved slider and knack for generating ground balls hedge some of that concern. Wood’s slider development has been extremely encouraging, and with a 70 grade heater that can dominate hitters of both handedness, the presence of two distinct breaking balls to pair has taken some of the pressure off of the development of his splitter.

Wood will still need to find more consistency with his curveball and developing the changeup to a point where hitters at least have to think about it will significantly aid his ability to keep lefties in check. The challenge to consistently command his curveball has resulted in far more free passes and advantage counts to left-handed hitters. Wood offers middle-rotation upside with the fallback of an All Star caliber relief arm.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (21) – 2024 (MIN) | ETA: 2027

Culpepper is a high floor infield prospect thanks to his strong feel to hit and improvements defensively. He answered two big questions in his first full pro season by tapping into more game power and looking the part defensively at shortstop.

Hitting

Starting slightly open and his hands relaxed just above his back shoulder, Culpepper gets himself back even with a moderate stride and small hand load. Culpepper’s simple operation allows him repeat his mechanics and timing, resulting in well above average contact rates, especially within the zone. His swing had generally been more geared for line drives than consistent lift, but he demonstrated huge improvements in his ability to pull the ball in the air at a solid clip, resulting in 20 homers in 113 games despite average exit velocities.

Culpepper can struggle to lay off of secondaries, running a chase rate of nearly 40% against non-fastballs in 2025, but he was also productive against off-speed, with an OPS right around .800. Nothing jumps off of the page with Culpepper, but the feel to hit has translated into pro ball with improved ability to air pull that can combine to give him a productive offensive profile if the swing decisions improve some.

Defense/Speed

Culpepper proved capable of sticking at shortstop in his first pro season, continuing to make gains with his footwork and actions. He has showcased the athleticism necessary to make difficult plays paired with more than enough arm strength. Culpepper is so comfortable throwing on the run that he will sometimes do it when he doesn’t need to, rather than setting his feet and working towards his target when he can.

He would project as an above average defender at both third base or second base if he were to move off of shortstop, however he looks the part of an average big league shortstop defensively as he cleans up the little things. An above average runner, Culpepper should be a threat for around 15 bags and was an efficient base stealer in 2025, grabbing 25 bags on 29 tries.

Outlook

There may not be a clear plus tool, but it’s difficult to find a deficiency in Culpepper’s game. His 2025 season was indicative of the sum of his parts value he provides, launching 20 homers, swiping 25 bags, along with above average contact rates and decent defense at shortstop. Culpepper is a high probability big league regular who earns high marks for the way he approaches the game and his competitiveness. He could reach Minnesota as soon as the second half of 2026.

Height/Weight: 5’10″, 170 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $5M, 2026 (SFG) | ETA: 2029

A polished teenage prospect who already flashes more pop than his frame would suggest, Hernández skipped the DSL, making his affiliated debut state side where he immediately impressed.

Hitting

At just 17 years old, Hernández already has such a good feel for his swing and approach in the box. It’s a simple operation, but he uses the ground well to produce frame-defying impact and consistently good angles. Hernandez uses a toe-tap as he coils into his back side, which he holds well, aiding the consistency of his timing and batted ball angles.

Despite shorter levers, Hernández has a knack for generating back spin to all fields, also aiding his power output as the ball just seems to carry off of his bat. Those same levers allow Hernández to be quick and efficient to the ball, rarely getting beat in the zone and handling velocity well. His feel for the zone only adds to the difficulty in striking him out.

How much more Hernández may grow and/or fill out can push his power ceiling higher, but even as things stand now, there seems to be a feasible path to average game pop accentuated by a plus hit tool.

Defense/Speed

Hernández’s best tool on the defensive side of things is his plus arm, which paired with his solid hands, give him a solid chance to stick on the left side of the infield even if that means sliding over from shortstop. Roughly an average runner, there’s some concern that Hernández may ultimately not feature the range necessary to stick at shortstop, but his instincts, fundamentals and arm strength will earn him some runway where he can work to improve his first step and overall footwork.

Outlook

The clear top target in the 2026 IFA class, Hernández has quickly looked as advertised since joining the Giants organization. He has the ingredients to be one of the next quick-rising teenage prospects both from a Minor League level standpoint and prospect rankings. Compared to most teenage prospects, Hernández boasts a high floor, but that does not come at the expense of an exciting ceiling.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 220 | Bat/Throw: S/L | 6th Round (165), 2025 (CHC) | ETA: 2028

A 6th round pick in the 2025 draft, the Cubs forked over early second round money to sign him away from Texas A&M and the investment immediately appears to be paying dividends with Hartshorn taking the lower levels by storm to begin his professional career.

Hitting

Featuring a simple and similar operation from both sides of the plate, Hartshorn starts in his legs before gathering into his back side with a toe tap. His hands are pre-set to where his launch position is, with more tension being created as he coils over his back leg. The lack of variables in Hartshorn’s swing allow him to be consistently on time and see the ball well.

He has run above average contact rates and very low chase rates at the lower levels from both sides of the plate. Even with the toe tap, Hartshorn can stride out a little far, pulling his weight onto his front side against higher quality spin, which could become more of a challenge at the upper levels. A physical frame, Hartshorn is already pretty filled out, but he already gets into above average raw power exit velocities wise with good spray angles.

While he has a good feel to air pull, Hartshorn also drives the ball in the air with carry to all fields, making it easy to envision above average game power. The hit tool will likely settle closer to average against more challenging competition, but Hartshorn’s advanced ability to recognize spin and feel for the zone hedges some anticipated hurdles with secondaries, as does his simple operation. There’s the potential for average hit and above average power from both sides that is well-seasoned by plus plate discipline.

Defense/Speed

Standing at a sturdy 6-foot, 220 pounds, Hartshorn moves well, with average or slightly better run times. The Cubs have given Hartshorn reps in right field, centerfield and first base. He projects best in right field where his above average arm will fit nicely, but the versatility to be able to plug in at first base only helps his case. Hartshorn should be quick enough to swipe a handful of bags per year.

Outlook

A switch hitter with Hartshorn’s advanced abilities in the box is not easy to find, especially as a teenager. He offers both a solid floor and an exciting ceiling with his skill set. Hartshorn has the power to accommodate a corner profile with the feel to hit and approach to make him a consistent offensive threat. The next hurdle will be proving he can handle upper level spin and closing the quality of contact gap against those offerings, but Hartshorn is far ahead of his peers in the box at 19 years old.

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 185 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $997,500 – 2023 (SF) | ETA: 2029

A switch-hitter with good bat speed and intriguing tools, Level has produced at both the DSL and Complex Leagues, offering as much upside as any prospect in the system not named Eldridge.

Hitting

A switch-hitter with a good feel to hit from both sides of the plate, Level utilizes different-looking operations from each side. From the left side, Level starts more crouched and open with the bat hanging behind his back shoulder. He gets into a big, rhythmic leg kick as he pulls the nob of the bat down to get his hands into his slot. Despite the big move, Level controls his lower half well with his upper and lower half working in sync, but it may be more challenging against higher level competition.

From the right side, Level is more upright and his hands do not travel as far, but he does still utilize a sizable leg kick. It’s probably not a coincidence that Level has been more productive as a pro from the right side as the mechanics seem far easier to repeat with less variables. If Level is able to more similarly replicate his right-handed operation from the left side, there could be room for even more consistent production.

His bat speed stands out, especially from the right side, where he has posted above average exit velocities for his age. He hits the ball harder from the right side, but for right-handed throwers who are switch-hitters, that is not uncommon through the teenage years especially.

Level improved his swing path heading into 2026, helping him hit the ball in the air with authority more consistently without impeding his quality bat-to-ball skills. He can cover pitches in all different locations, with his ability to maneuver the barrel being an asset that will help him as he climbs levels.

There’s a chance for plus hit and average power from both sides of the plate with Level with futher refinement with an offensive skill set that gives him a relatively high floor.

Defense/Speed

A slightly above average runner, Level’s footwork has improved at shortstop, which paired with his hands, actions and arm strength, give him a good chance to stick at the position. The improved first step has translated in his ability to swipe bags as well, looking more efficient in that department as he has gained more reps. Level’s throwing accuracy can be a bit inconsistent at times, but he has the ingredients to be a big league shortstop.

Outlook

It’s still early in the development of Level, but he has hit at every stop and seems to get better each time you check in. Level’s solid tools, well-rounded skill set and advanced feel for the game make him a relatively high-floor prospect with upside of an above-average regular at shortstop. Given his switch-hitting ability and strong arm, he can fall back on a utility role if things stall out a bit.

Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $70,000, 2021 (CHC) | ETA: 2026

A compact, switch-hitting infielder with great bat to ball skills and defensive versatility, Ramirez added a bit more pop in 2026, pushing his outlook to that of a big league regular.

Hitting

Starting upright from both sides of the plate, Ramirez sinks into his back side while utilizing a sizable leg kick that is easier for him to control given his shorter levers and athleticism. Ramirez moves the bat quickly for a 5-foot-9, 165 pound hitter, upping his average exit velocity (90 MPH) and 90th percentile exit velocity (105.5 MPH) by two MPH in his 43 Triple-A games before his MLB call up, already eclipsing his career high in homers in a fraction of the games.

The uptick in exit velocities paired with a bit more loft discovered in what has typically been a flat swing for Ramirez gives him now an average power outlook, which paired with plus bat to ball skills and a good feel for the zone provide a sound offensive profile. Ramirez has the skill set to be a table-setting bat if it all comes together at the highest level, but if the hit tool degrades some, he should still be a pesky, switch hitting bottom of the order option.

Defense/Speed

Ramirez projects best at second base, where he is at least an average defender, and is also capable of holding it down at the hot corner. Ramirez has seen a little bit of action in the outfield, where his natural feel for the game and above average arm should allow him to get by when needed. Though closer to an average runner, Ramirez has great instincts on the base paths and has developed into a savvy and efficient base stealer.

Outlook

Heading into 2026, Ramirez was added to the Cubs 40 man roster thanks to his high-end utility profile. With the offensive improvements he has made in his age 22 season, Ramirez now looks the part of an above average regular with his switch-hitting ability and defensive versatility helping his case to keep him in the lineup. On a lot of other ball clubs, Ramirez could just profile as a team’s long term option at second base given his plus hit tool and what now looks to be around 15 home run pop of the uptick translates at the highest level.

Height/Weight: 5’10″, 180 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 5th Round (165), 2024 (TEX) | ETA: 2028

A fifth round pick in 2024 out of South Florida power house Marjory Stoneman Douglas (where his father Todd is the head coach), the Rangers gave Fitz-Gerald third round money to forego his NC State commitment and he immediately looked like a day one bat. An injury cut Fitz-Gerald’s season to just 41 games before being included in the MacKenzie Gore return.

As solid as last year was, Fitz-Gerald has blown it out of the water as a member of the Nationals organization, making the leap straight to High-A despite having only played 10 games above the Complex, where he has torched Sally League pitching to the point of doubling his previous season’s home run total in his 41 first games at the level.

Hitting

A switch hitter with a smooth, but slightly different operation from each side, Fitz-Gerald has a natural rhythm in the box that seemingly has him on time more frequently than most. From the left side, he starts in his legs, using an early toe tap into a medium stride that is reminiscent of Kevin McGonigle’s operation.

He puts himself in position to see the ball early and hammer velocity, already with a good feel to control both his body and the barrel. From the right side, Fitz-Gerald utilizes a bigger leg kick that he starts early as well. Without the check point that the toe tap provides from the left side and the larger nature of his leg kick, Fitz-Gerald can struggle to hold his weight back as consistently at times as a righty.

There is a pretty sizable quality of contact gap favoring Fitz-Gerald’s left side, which is not uncommon for young switch hitters given how many more at bats they will typically see from the left side through the early stages of their career. Fitz-Gerald will need to close the gap to reach his offensive ceiling, but his solid feel for the barrel and approach makes it reasonable to forecast improvements from the right side.

While the raw power is fringe-average, his knack for pulling the ball in the air and back spinning the ball in general makes him a candidate to out-slug his underlying exit velocities. The power is likely to hover closer to average, though he has the makings to pile up plenty of doubles. Fitz-Gerald’s quality feel for the strike zone should help him walk at a solid clip and contribute to him simply being a tough guy to punch out.

Defense/Speed

With average range and a fringy arm, Fitz-Gerald profiles best at second base where he projects as at least an average defender. An average runner, Fitz-Gerald’s instincts standout on the base paths, making him a threat for 15-20 bags annually.

Outlook

A large part of Fitz-Gerald’s appeal is his polish and high floor relative to the higher ceilings of his top 100 prospect peers. Fitz-Gerald looks like a high probability big league bat with a quality blend of above average hit and average power. He will likely squeeze out more value with his instincts and feel for the game, projecting as an above average regular at second base.

Height/Weight: 5’9″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | CB-A (41), 2025 (LAD) | ETA: 2028

Davalan’s superb bat to ball skills were his calling card at Arkansas, but he has continued to showcase frame-defying pop and elite swing decisions as a pro.

Hitting

Starting upright, Davalan sinks into his base with his hands close to his head before pulling his hands backwards in tandem with a toe tap. It seems like there’s a lot of moving parts, but it’s a rhythm and dance that Davalan clearly has no problem repeating, with an excellent feel for how he moves in the box and the barrel.

His zone-contact rate sat at 90% through his first 250 pro plate appearances (210 of which at High-A). He does a great job of spoiling tough pitches as well, but rarely chases at all as well, making him a candidate to post some of the best strikeout to walk rates at each stop.

Davalan’s impressive hit tool is further validated by his superb ability to handle left on left matchups, posting nearly identical numbers across the board with even better contact rates. Davalan of course projects more as a hit-over-power bat, but he packs more of a punch than his 5-foot-9, 190 pound frame would suggest.

He sports average exit velocities while consistently driving the ball in the air and a natural feel to air pull. The plus bat to ball and air pull combo has generated great results for hitters at the big league level, even with lighter exit velocities (See: Isaac Paredes).

Davalan’s contact skills and approach already made him a high-probability big league bat, but with what looks like fringe-average pop to pair, the outfielder has the ingredients of an above average big league bat.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Davalan has split time between left field and centerfield since being drafted. He projects best in left field, where his fringy arm can be masked a bit more, though his reads and routes in centerfield are solid, giving him a chance to be average up the middle. Even so, he would likely slide over to left in deference of a better defender, but Davalan looks capable of getting by in centerfield with more reps. He has good instincts on the base paths and should be able to grab 15-20 bags annually.

Outlook

Davalan’s offensive skill set gives him a high floor, reminiscent of Brendan Donovan. The interesting wrinkle will be the defensive side of things, where if Davalan can provide above average defense in left field, and/or average defense in center, the path to 3+ WAR becomes very attainable. Because of the feel to maximize his power output and overall approach, there’s a chance Davalan can still get there in his stronger seasons even as a neutral defender, especially with his ability to handle left on left matchups as well. Davalan has the ingredients to move through the Minor Leagues quickly.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 2nd Round (53), 2025 (TB) | ETA: 2029

Projectable with an advance and well-rounded game, Flemming provides an enticing blend of polish and upside. He made a smooth transition into pro ball in his age 19 season, immediately standing out offensively with his quality at bats and burgeoning power.

Hitting

A simple operation at the plate, Flemming features minimal pre-swing movement, with a small stride and quiet hand load before unleashing a smooth swing from the left side with some natural loft. Flemming’s barrel seems to stay in the zone for a long time, helping him post comfortably above average contact rates with the ability to drive the ball to all fields.

The top end exit velocities aren’t quite there yet for Flemming, but his knack for finding the barrel and solid bat speed provide a strong quality of contact floor, with an average exit velocity of 89 MPH through his first 50 pro games despite a 90th percentile exit velocity of just 101 MPH. Standing at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Flemming will likely add more strength, which should help push him closer to average game power.

He can get a bit aggressive in the box, but that is common for young hitters who have an easier time covering different pitch types and locations. He doesn’t seem to have much issue recognizing spin and should develop more patience as he gains more experience.

There’s a strong blend of above average hit and average power to project with Flemming, though he has plenty of time and the frame to potentially push that ceiling higher.

Defense/Speed

Sure-handed with an above average arm, Flemming has played all over the infield in his first pro season with several strong shortstop options also at the lower levels in the Rays organization. Flemming has the ingredients to be an average defender at shortstop, but his footwork looks best at third base where he could be an above average defender. He also looks the part at second base. An average runner, Flemming is a bit of a hesitant base stealer at this stage.

Outlook

Flemming was one of the more intriguing prospects taken outside of the top 30 picks thanks to his well-rounded game paired with projection. The Rays offered half a million over-slot to sign him away from Vanderbilt in the 2025 class. The investment has immediately been validated with Flemming looking more polished than his older peers at Low-A while already flashing a little bit of pop which is expected to continue to come later. If Flemming slides to third there will be a little more pressure to tap into the aforementioned power potential, but if the contact skills hold and the defense continues to progress as expected, the sum of his parts should be enough to project as an above average regular at third base.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (87), 2022 (BOS) | ETA: 2027

Eyanson was a strike thrower at LSU who worked hard to increase his velocity and improve his arsenal after being drafted, setting him up for immediate success in his pro debut.

Arsenal

Featuring an over-the-top delivery, Eyanson tends to cut his pitches, leaning into his supination bias with success with an arsenal that works well vertically. His cut-ride fastball has jumped a tick on average from his draft year, now sitting 93-95 MPH, touching 97. The cut-ride action helps him stay above barrels at the top of the zone while the variance in shape (sometimes more cut, sometimes more ride) seems to create a wide ranging spray results for hitters.

Eyanson’s gyro slider tunnels extremely effectively off of the heater as the release is nearly impossible for hitters to differentiate, staying on a nearly identical plane to his fastball before biting downwards late. As a result, Eyanson both picks up plenty of whiff on the pitch against hitters of both handedness as well as ground balls.

Working through the same vertical shoot, Eyanson’s curveball looks the part of a solid third offering, featuring a plenty of depth at 78-81 MPH. Averaging 34 inches of vertical separation from his fastball with minimal horizontal movement, the curveball gives Eyanson another platoon-neutral breaking ball, taking the pressure off of his nascent changeup.

Outlook

Between Eyanson’s track record of throwing strikes and his improved stuff, the right-hander looks like a high-probability rotation piece who should move through the Minor Leagues quickly. Though the breaking balls perform consistently well against hitters of both-handedness, there’s some concern that Eyanson’s fastball could get hit harder by left-handed hitters, especially when they run back arm-side a bit more than intended. Finding a distinct cutter that could bridge between the slider and fastball could be an effective equalizer while giving him a fourth velocity band. As he stands now, Eyanson looks the part of a high-probability No. 4 starter who likely won’t spend too much time in the Minor Leagues relative to his peers.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 1st Round (12), 2024 (BOS) | ETA: 2026

A switch hitter with big power potential and an elite arm Montgomery has the potential to be a force in a corner outfield spot assuming the hit tool continues to come along. He was acquired alongside three other Red Sox prospects as part of the Garrett Crochet haul.

Offense

Starting slightly bent at his knees before sinking further into his back side with a leg kick, Montgomery effectively gets his lower half involved, capable of producing eye-popping bat speed from both sides of the plate. While exit velocities were up across college baseball last season, Montgomery enjoyed one of the largest leaps in the country in that department, seeing his 90th percentile exit velocity jump by more than four mph at around 110 mph.

In addition to improved exit velocities, Montgomery looked much more natural with his right-handed swing in 2024, finding much more rhythm and consistency in his moves. It’s extremely difficult to sneak a fastball by him, hitting well over .400 with 7 home runs against 93+ MPH in 2024. It is a max-effort swing with violence that can work against adjustability, making him less likely to spoil tough pitches or pull out a B swing when he’s fooled. Changeups can be particularly difficult for Montgomery.

Getting his most powerful swing off consistently with quality hand-eye should allow him to continuously punish fastballs and hangers, but there’s even more importance placed on his swing decisions. While the hit tool is likely to be fringy, Montgomery’s strides with his right-handed swing and ability to tap into his game power give him 30 home run upside. He will need to improve his ability to recognize spin to reach that upside though.

Defense/Speed

Montgomery is at least an average runner who moves well enough cover enough ground in a corner, accentuated by an arm that could be 80 grade. He should be at least an average defender in either corner.

Outlook

A two-way talent through his first couple collegiate seasons, Montgomery tapped into more power as he shifted his focus predominantly to the batter’s box. Despite transferring from a hitter-friendly PAC-12 to the gauntlet that is the SEC, Montgomery increased his production, solidifying himself as a sure-fire top 15 pick. Swing and miss concerns may have caused the outfielder to slip to the Red Sox at pick No. 12 and there’s a real chance he’s fringy in that department.

Being a switch-hitter with easy plus raw power and the ability to play a solid corner helps hedge potential contact concerns, but improved swing decisions could really shore up his offensive profile. The profile could be similar to Anthony Santander offensively.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | CB-A Round (35) – ATL (2022) | ETA: 2026

A Comp A pick in the 2022 draft, the Braves handed Ritchie $2.4 million to sign him away from UCLA, betting on both his polish as an amateur and projection. Tommy John surgery wiped out most of his 2023 campaign, returning to the mound in June of the 2024 season with slightly diminished stuff, but looked more comfortable as he compiled more starts. By 2025, Ritchie’s stuff looked as good as ever, climbing nearly two ticks with his fastball along with a deeper bag of pitches.

Arsenal

Ritchie took the mound in 2025 with a fastball sitting 93-95 MPH and several new pitches. He will utilize both a four seamer and sinker, with the four seamer generating more whiff and pop ups at the top of the zone than the shape may imply thanks to his flat approach angle and execution. Paired with Richie’s sinker that he executes well, yielding a ground ball rate of nearly 70% in 2025, he is able to set the tone with two different fastball shapes.

Another Braves pitcher who works across the rubber, Ritchie starts on the first base side, but will plant his foot two thirds of the way towards the third base side of the rubber as he strides. While it’s not quite a cross-fire delivery, it does help Ritchie hide the ball longer and adds to the deception with the two different fastball shapes.

All of Ritchie’s secondaries were effective in 2025 and mixed in at similar clips. His changeup had a slight edge usage wise, generating 15 inches of arm side fade with 15 inches of vertical separation from the four seam fastball.

His new two-plane curveball in the low 80s really chewed up left-handed hitters, quickly showcasing a good feel for it for how much it breaks (more than 13 inches both vertically and horizontally), picking up good whiff and plenty of weak contact.

Ritchie added a sweeper to keep right-handed hitters at bay. His command of it is a little bit more spotty than his other offerings, but it has the looks of at least an average pitch to righties. It has surpassed his more traditional slider as his preferred weapon to righties, but the slightly harder slider is still an effective pitch to mix in.

He will also flash a cutter several times per start in the 89-91 mph range, that he will almost exclusively throw to lefties.

Outlook

As Ritchie has further distanced himself from Tommy John surgery, he has regained his impressive feel to spin the baseball and execute east and west. He seemingly has an offering that works in every direction, with his pitches working off of each other in a way that makes for a very difficult at bat for lefties and righties alike (both hit below the Mendoza line against him).

In addition to his improved velocity and added pitches, Ritchie compiled 141 innings and maintained his quality of stuff throughout the season, seemingly setting him up for the big leagues in 2025 as he did not slow down in his 11 Triple-A starts to wind down the season. Ritchie is a high floor arm who should anchor the back end of the Braves rotation for years to come, but his assortment of offerings and ability to execute could push him towards a fringe middle-rotation arm.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st round (39), 2025 (NYY) | ETA: 2029

Kilby’s 18-game pro debut was impressive enough to quickly shift the perspective on him to a player who should have been considered in the top 10 selections of the 2025 draft. There’s an exciting combo of hit and power from the left side that could make Kilby an exciting piece.

Hitting

A simple operation with minimal pre-swing movement, Kilby repeats his moves well with a quick stroke that gets on plane early. As a result, he has a natural ability to catch barrels and what looks like a high quality of contact floor.

Though there were only 56 batted ball events in his pro debut, the average exit velocity was a whopping 92 MPH. That likely wouldn’t maintain over a larger sample, but given his max exit velocity of just 109 MPH, it’s clear how consistently he was getting his A swing off as he faced the toughest talent leap of his career.

Kilby is extremely patient in the box as well, running a chase rate of just 11%. I think his discipline will continue to be an asset against more challenging competition, given how simple his operation is with a quick bat that rarely makes him look rushed.

Assuming he continues to fill out some, there should be more power in the tank for Kilby to tap into, but the strong contact skills and approach, paired with already solid exit velocities, give him a presently solid foundation.

Defense/Speed

An above-average runner, Kilby is a standout athlete in terms of explosiveness, but is still learning to convert that into quick feet and range at shortstop. His arm strength is presently fringy, which presents another hurdle in sticking at shortstop as well.

A move to second base could be in the cards, but for now, he will get plenty of looks at short. With his above-average wheels, he should be a solid stolen base threat.

Outlook

Kilby’s pro debut was brief, but his strong showing in a few weeks of games, paired with the impression he made on the Yankees during the team’s instructional camp, quickly contributed to a growing amount of buzz around the teenage infielder.

Even if he moves off of short, the blend of hit, power and patience from the left side of the plate could make him a top-of-the-order bat in a first-division lineup. The same qualities also give him a solid floor, even if the tools do not progress as envisioned.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 160 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $247,500, 2025 (KC) | ETA: 2028

Somewhat of a low key signing in the Royals 2025 IFA class, Chourio has immediately impressed with his advanced stuff and pitchability, encouraging the Royals to send him straight to the Arizona Complex League rather than the DSL, where he dominated, earning a Low-A promotion before his 18th birthday.

Arsenal

A three pitch mix, Chourio’s fastball already sits 95-97 MPH and he consistently pounds the zone with it. The shape leaves a bit to be desired at this stage, but the sheer velocity Chourio is already capable of sitting at and his command of the pitch is enough for him to dominate lower level hitters. For it to perform like a plus fastball at the highest level, Chourio may need to gain another tick or find a way to generate a bit more ride. Both seem entirely possible given how young he is and his quality feel to pitch.

Chourio’s best pitch is his upper 80s changeup with late arm side fade. He already has a pretty good feel for it, giving the pitch a good chance to land as a plus offering. The 79-81 curveball rounds out the arsenal, with two plane break, flirting with 3,000 RPM, giving him an above average third piece.

Outlook

Chourio is as advanced of a teenage arm as you are going to find and the results back it up. He’d likely benefit from adding a fourth offering, whether that be a sinker to insulate the four seamer a bit, a slider, or both. But the starting template of three above average or better offerings and a great ability to command them gives Chourio a foundation few young arms have.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 12th Round (368), 2022 (TOR) | ETA: 2027

A 12th round pick in 2022, Perry struggled through his first two pro seasons, but flashed quality stuff. Elbow surgery following the 2024 season kept Perry out in 2025 before returning to action in 2026 where his stuff has taken a huge leap, along with his command.

Arsenal

Perry boasts a quality four pitch mix, with a natural ability to spin the baseball. His high spin heater sits 93-95 MPH with good carry from a slightly below average release point. His two-plane curveball stands out as his best swing and miss offering at 78-81 MPH with sharp bite for how much movement it features, dominating lower-level hitters of both handedness.

The slider looks the part of an above average offering as well with some variance in shape and velocity as well, sometimes looking more cutterish in the upper 80s and others sitting closer to the mid 80s with gyro action. Perry’s fourth pitch is a mid 80s splitter that flashes above average but is quite inconsistent from a shape and command perspective.

Outlook

The uptick in stuff and improved command have altered Perry’s outlook to an arm that boasts middle-rotation stuff, with an importance place on being able to handle a starter’s workload and maintaining the command gains at the upper levels. The baseline of an above average heater and a pair of quality breaking balls makes it easy to envision a back-end outcome even if the command lands in the fringy department. If Perry responds well to what will be the largest workload of his professional career by a wide margin, he should see his stock continue to soar.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 220 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 3rd Round (86), 2025 (TB) | ETA: 2029

An under-the-radar prospect out of Iowa, Gray was snagged by the Rays in the third round of the 2025 class with the Rays intrigued by his switch-hitting power potential. A catcher and outfielder as an amateur, the Rays moved Gray over to first base with the focus immediately being on reaching his high offensive ceiling.

Hitting

Still just 18 years old the the majority of the 2026 season, Gray is already physical in the box, standing at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. He starts upright, with his feet shoulder-width apart from both sides of the plate and the bat rested flat just above his back shoulder. Gray will get into a big leg kick from both sides of the plate as he pulls the nob of the bat down and back slightly.

Even with the big gather, Gray’s upper body and lower half work in sync well from both sides, consistently putting himself in position to get his A swing off. Gray has already produced eye-popping exit velocities for his age, sporting a 90th percentile exit velocity of 107.5 MPH through his first 50 pro games with a max of 113 MPH.

He hits the ball hard from both sides of the plate, along with already solid contact rates for a hitter of his archetype. More whiff could creep into his game against more challenging competition, but there’s clearly a solid feel for the barrel with a patient approach to complement. There’s easily plus power to dream on with Gray, along with good enough foundational skills to tap into it consistently and get on base.

Defense/Speed

Formerly an outfielder and catcher as an amateur, Gray moved over to first base after being drafted, where he is agile for his size. He turns in average run times, though he may slow down with age. Gray should develop into at least an average defender at first base.

Outlook

Switch hitters with plus power don’t come around too frequently, especially with the ability to keep the strikeout rate in check immediately as one of the younger players at his level. There’s some early reminders of Ralphy Velazquez of the Guardians, which would be a great path for Gray to head down. There’s 30+ home run upside with good on base skills to dream on from both sides of the plate.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (28), 2025 (KC) | ETA: 2029

A standout two-way prospect out of high school, Hammond could run it up to 99 MPH on the bump, but was selected 28th overall by the Royals for his upside at shortstop, where he has a chance to both stick at the position and provide above average power.

Hitting

Starting upright and slightly open, with his feet only shoulder-width apart, Hammond uses a hovering leg kick that will bring his knee just below his belt before a long stride forwards. It can be a bit challenging for Hammond to control consistently, as he tends to step in the bucket with his landing spot which can result in him leaking open prematurely with a heavy front foot.

When he is under control, Hammond showcases comfortably above average bat speed with the ability to drive the ball with authority to all fields. There’s room for even more power for Hammond as he learns to use the ground more effectively and hold his back side, there could be plus power to dream on.

Hammond is somewhat aggressive in the box, something that should improve as he finds more consistency with his swing mechanics. It will likely be a power-over-hit profile, but Hammond has plus power potential with what looks like a good enough feel for the barrel to get into it.

Defense/Speed

A twitchy athlete with an elite arm, Hammond has split time at both shortstop and third base, but has the ingredients to stick at the former with quick feet to pair with the aforementioned arm. He can get a little gummed up with his transfer at times, which can cause the ball to come out a bit late and hurt his throwing accuracy. There’s also a tendency to sit back on balls as he learns to play the ball more aggressively.

Hammond will be a bit of a project at shortstop given the fact that he spent most of his amateur career split between the infield and the mound, but he does have the tools to stick if it all comes together. If Hammond slides over to third base, he would likely profile as an above average defender. Hammond is a slightly above average runner who may slow a tad, but should be a net-positive on the base paths.

Outlook

Hammond is a bit of a project given how much of his amateur career was spent on the mound, though a worthy one at that with plus power to dream on and a chance to provide value with the glove on the left side of the infield. He will need to clean up his mechanics in the box and simply needs more reps in the infield, but the fact that he has jumped out to such a great start to his pro career as a 19-year-old at Low-A only adds to the excitement and validates his natural ability.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 7th Round (209), NYM (2022) | ETA: 2025

Tong was the breakout arm in the Mets system for 2024, riding a nearly two tick leap with his fastball to a 3.03 ERA in 113 IP with a ridiculous 34% strikeout rate across mostly Low and High-A. The stuff was even better in 2025, catapulting Tong up prospect lists as one of the most impressive arms in the Minor Leagues. The fastball just looks somewhat subdued with the big league ball and his command has backed up, clouding his outlook some.

Arsenal

A unique, over-the-top release and slight cross-fire delivery make Tong an uncomfortable at-bat for hitters. Tong enjoyed another uptick with his fastball in 2025, now averaging 95 MPH the pitch plays up further for Tong as he averaged roughly nearly 20 inches of induced vertical break in the Minor Leagues, though that figure has sat closer to 18 inches with more horizontal movement in the big leagues.

With the carry and deception, Tong dominated within the zone in the Minor Leagues, generating elite whiff rates, while also getting chase at the top. An even bigger development than the uptick in velocity has been Tong’s changeup in 2025. Sitting in the mid 80s, the pitch is difficult to pick up out of his hand. It averages nearly 20 inches of total separation from the fastball, well above average for the big leagues, translating into what still looks like a plus pitch at the highest level.

Tong ditched his slider in favor of a cutter in 2026, which is performing as a more effective offering in the upper 80s and his third best pitch. He has commanded it as consistently as any of his offerings.

The curveball has been downgraded to more of a strike stealer, as Tong struggles to land it consistently along with variance in shape.

Outlook

Tong appeared to be on a middle-rotation starter’s trajectory, enjoying another uptick in 2025 that resulted in him dominating Minor League hitters. As a guy who really benefits from the back spin and ride on his fastball, Tong’s stuff seems to be somewhat subdued by the big league ball, which may play a part in his more sporadic control every time he gets up there. Tong still has the stuff to be a quality big league starter and the addition of the cutter is an encouraging development, but until the command and fastball execution improve, his outlook will be a bit clouded.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/L | IFA: $1.3M, 2024 (ATH) | ETA: 2027

Signed out of Taiwan for $1.3 million in 2024, Lin dominated lower level hitters with superb command of his low 90s fastball and a unique splitter/cutter combination. The A’s managed Lin’s workload as his age 19 season progressed, working him mostly in long relief at High-A before finishing the season with a pair of Double-A starts, where he continued to pitch well.

The A’s have unleashed Lin much more freely in 2026 at Double-A where he has continue to stack quality starts.

Arsenal

Lin generates some sneaky run and ride on his fastball which paired with his ability to execute the pitch, helps it play up, even as it just sits in the low 90s. His mid 80s cutter has late bite, tunneling off of his fastball well as hitters seem to struggle to differentiate it and he will also mix in a slider in the low 80s.

From a whiff perspective, his upper 70s curveball has been Lin’s most effective offering, as he has a good feel to manipulate it into a bigger two-plane bender or a bit shorter and harder of a breaking ball. Lin’s splitter flashes above average in the low 80s, with plenty of separation both horizontally and vertically, though his feel for it is inconsistent.

Outlook

Though nothing jumps off of the page arsenal wise, Lin has an extremely advanced feel for a well-rounded arsenal, giving him a very high probability of landing as a back-end starter. There’s room for more upside as the 6-foot-2, 180 pound southpaw could still grow into more velocity, especially considering how athletically he moves on the mound. As is, Lin has dominated Double-A hitters despite being one of the youngest arms in the league.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (24), 2024 (ATL) | ETA: 2027

The nephew of former MLB NL MVP Ken Caminiti, Cam reclassified into the 2024 class, making him one of the youngest players in the draft. Despite a delayed start due to forearm tendinitis, Caminiti turned in an impressive first pro season, generating plenty of momentum as a candidate to make a big leap in 2026.

Arsenal

A three pitch mix, Caminiti’s fastball leads the way, already sitting 93-95 MPH with room for more velocity in his repeatable delivery. While the characteristics on the fastball are somewhat standard, it plays up a bit from his slight cross-fire delivery. With his physicality and athleticism, it would not be surprising to see Caminiti sit in the mid 90s as he develops.

After lagging behind at points, Caminiti’s slider has come along nicely, flashing above average at around 80-82 mph. He’s still working to tighten it up some, but it has the potential to be a plus offering. His upper 80s changeup flashes as a solid third offering if he can find a bit more separation either velocity or shape wise. He flashed a good feel for it as an amateur, with the chance for it to develop into at least an average offering as he throws it more.

Outlook

Caminiti’s athleticism and easy mechanics give him the potential for above average command with an uptick in stuff easily in the tank. The top prep arm in the class, the Braves were thrilled for Caminiti to slip to them at the No. 24 selection despite the vast majority of the organization’s top prospects being arms.

They were immediately validated in Caminiti’s first pro season, as he pitched to a 2.08 ERA in Low-A, while striking out 32% of batters. He will be 19 years old for nearly the entirety of the 2026 season with plenty to dream on from a velocity and pitch shape perspective, giving him as much upside as any arm in the Braves system.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 245 | Bat/Throw: R/R | UDFA, 2023 (BAL) | ETA: 2026

Gibson is looking like a major scouting success for the Orioles, signing as a non-drafted free agent after standing out on the Cape in 2023. A deep bag of pitches and command that has made a leap in 2025 has him tracking like a potential rotation piece for the Orioles in 2026.

Arsenal

A five-pitch mix, Gibson can really spin it with plus extension. His fastball sits near the mid-90s, topping out at 98 MPH with sneaky run and ride that plays up from his nearly seven feet of extension. He utilizes his secondaries pretty evenly with a slight edge to his upper-80s cutter and low-80s curveball.

The cutter is an effective weak-contact inducer, generating a low average exit velocity and high ground ball rate. It tunnels off of his heater well, resulting in a plus chase rate. The depthy curveball may be Gibson’s best pitch, averaging roughly 17 inches of vertical break and 10 horizontal.

Despite the big shape, Gibson commands it well, landing it for a strike 65% of the time with a plus zone-whiff rate. He favors the pitch more to lefties, who have struggled to do anything against it across multiple levels, but will still mix it in to righties.

The sweeper is utilized more against righties, with plenty of movement in the mid-80s. He has the tendency to miss over the heart of the plate more frequently with the sweeper than his slider, exemplified by the slug numbers yielded, but the underlying data points towards it being at least an average pitch.

The slider is not far off in velocity from the cutter, though its slurvy shape distinguishes it with more downward action and an even higher ground ball rate. It’s his least used pitch, but not due to lack of effectiveness, generating some of the most gaudy whiff and chase numbers of his entire arsenal at just north of 10% usage.

Outlook

Gibson has all of the ingredients to be a reliable big league starter, and his leap from fringy command to above-average only helps his case. It’s a clean, repeatable delivery from a 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame with an arsenal that should give him consistent platoon splits and the ability to pitch deep into ball games with the way he can vary his looks. There’s middle-rotation upside.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $200K, 2019 (MIL) | ETA: 2026

An impressive defensive catcher with intriguing offensive tools, Quero’s success in both facets of the game at Double-A as a 20-year-old solidified him as one of the best catching prospects in the game. A torn right labrum in the first game of the 2024 season wiped out his entire year and he got a late start in 2025 due to a hamstring issue.

The residual effects of the shoulder injury are concerning. His once elite arm looked like a shell of itself when he returned and his power at the plate looked diminished until the latter third of the season.

Offense

Using a rhythmic leg kick that precedes a short, flat swing, Quero repeats his moves well and produces a ton of line drives. Quero is an aggressive hitter, but drives the ball to all fields well and is able to get to pitches in difficult locations.

Like many young hitters with a solid feel to hit, Quero can give away at bats by taking “B-swings” at pitcher’s pitches early in counts. He has chipped away at his high swing rate some at the highest level, but will seemingly always be an aggressive hitter. His ability to recognize spin is actually solid, showcasing the ability to lay off of secondaries as counts get deeper. Possessing a good feel for the barrel, Quero makes plenty of contact and projects as above average bat to ball wise.

Quero produced strong exit velocities in 2023, flashing plus raw pop that he started to tap into more consistently. In the first half of 2025, Quero’s exit velocities were clearly compromised by injury, but he started to flash above average pop again down the stretch.

If Quero can continue to refine his approach and continue to regain his strength the further he is removed from surgery, he could develop into a quality blend of hit and power. 

Defense/Speed

Viewed as a glove-first catcher because of his athleticism and maturity/energy behind the dish, Quero earns high marks for the way he commands games and works with pitchers. Quero blocks and receives well while boasting a plus arm prior to his injury. He gets the ball out quick, throwing out 35% of attempted base stealers in 2023.

His arm strength was a shell of what it once was in 2025, resulting in a CS% that was cut in half, but the Brewers are cautiously optimistic that he will make up some ground the further removed he is from such a serious shoulder injury. His defensive skillset, paired with the intangibles have Quero looking like a potential plus defender even if he can claw back just some of the once elite arm strength.

Outlook

Quero has lost roughly a season and a half since the start of the 2024 season, yet he will get his second significant taste of Triple-A at 23 years old in 2025. He has the skill set to be above average on both sides of the ball, with the two biggest variables being his arm strength and approach. Quero’s encouraging finish to the 2025 season and solid showing in winter ball give him some momentum heading in 2026 as he looks to regain his status as one of the most well-rounded catcher prospects in the Minor Leagues.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (11), 2024 (DET) | ETA: 2028

A left-handed hitting shortstop with plus power potential and the tools to stick at the six, Rainer stood out as the top prep player in the 2024 class. A shoulder injury unfortunately cut his 2025 campaign short, but he is set to return healthy in 2026.

Offense

Rainer made some swing adjustments that helped elevate him in his senior spring. He now starts with his hands higher and uses the ground much more effectively. There’s natural loft in his left-handed swing with plenty of violence, already producing exit velocities as high as 114 MPH in Low-A. Between his present raw power, ability to elevate and room for more strength, it is easy to dream on plus power with Rainer.

Even with his improvements in the box, Rainer is still looking up at an average hit tool. He can be long to the ball, wrapping the bat far behind his head as he loads, which can cause the barrel to lag behind his body. Rainer has a good feel for the strike zone and has recognized spin well as an amateur. The solid plate discipline helps, but Rainer will need to make some strides in the bat to ball department to tap into his plus power potential.

Defense/Speed

A legitimate two-way prospect, Rainer could run it up to the mid 90s on the mound, but notified teams that he would prefer to hit. After playing all over the diamond for the USA National Team, Rainer focused his attention on the shortstop position where he impressed. The game has looked a little quick for him at shortstop in the early going of his pro career, with footwork that is a tad behind, but his double plus arm plays great on the left side of the infield. An average runner, Rainer is a savvy baserunner who will pick his spots to go.

Outlook

Left-handed hitting shortstops with plus power potential and a shot at the position do not grow on trees, especially in a Tigers system that lacks bats that can stick on the left side of the infield. He will need to make some strides in the contact department and refine his defensive mechanics to attain his ceiling, but the ingredients are there for Rainer to be an everyday shortstop and borderline All Star.

Height/Weight: 5’10”, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (18), 2025 (AZ) | ETA: 2028

One of the best pure hitters in the 2025 class, Cunningham is a tough out in the box, fitting the bill of a table-setting shortstop.

Hitting

Featuring a compact frame with a great feel for the barrel, Cunningham controls his at bats really well with a knack for spraying line drives all over the yard. He’s tough to beat within the zone, but also does a great job of spoiling tough pitches and recognizing spin.

While he has progressively started to hit the ball harder as he has racked up more professional at bats, Cunningham would benefit from adding some strength, for which there is still room in his frame. Cunningham is unfazed in left on left matchups and turns around velocity with ease.

It will always be hit over power, but Cunningham can looks like he can at least work gap to gap with the ability to sneak a handful of homers out to the pull side.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner with an above average arm, Cunningham moves his feet well at shortstop and works low to the ground. His hands are reliable and he has the comfort to throw from different angles. He could benefit from being a little more consistent with his throwing accuracy, though that should come with more reps. The actions look the part of a primary shortstop with Cunningham appearing to have a good chance to stick. More quick than a burner, Cunningham should still be a steady stolen base threat.

Outlook

Cunningham’s advanced feel to hit and feel for the position at shortstop give him carrying qualities that give him a good shot of reaching the big leagues. If he can get a little more physical, there’s an Xavier Edwards type of game to potentially unlock (maybe not the 2026 form, but his career averages) with the arm that Edwards lacked to stick at short. Cunningham has the type of game that could move him through the Minor Leagues relatively quickly.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $2.5M – 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

An imposing figure with as much raw power as you’re going to see from a teenage hitter, Montes has 40 home run upside, but swing and miss concerns and limited defense put plenty of pressure on him to reach close to that power plateau.

Offense

A gargantuan human, Montes towers at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, easily producing elite exit velocities as a teenager. Starting with a wide stance, Montes utilizes a big leg kick that he controls well. For such a big frame, Montes repeats his moves well, but there’s still whiff concern, especially as he faces more challenging pitching.

Montes didn’t quite post the same gaudy exit velocities in 2024, seeing his hard hit rate drop by 7% and his 90th percentile exit velocity by a tick to 105 MPH, but that did not compromise his power as he hit balls in the air consistently as ever, cutting his ground ball rate by more than 10%.

The approach continued to come along for Montes as the 2024 season progressed, not only cutting his chase rate, but making more sound swing decisions overall. The contact rates are concerning, however Montes’ ability to consistently do damage in games and draw walks helps hedge that. The upper levels will be a very telling challenge for the power-hitting lefty, who has sky-high impact to dream on if the hit tool will allow.

Defense/Speed

Montes has worked hard on his agility and reads in the outfield, which in turn has at least placed him on a path to being passable in a corner. His arm has pushed north of average territory and he has drastically improved his ability to attack balls and make throws.

Outlook

With next to no value beyond his bat, it’s going to be important for Montes to hit enough to tap into his double plus power potential. Maintaining his ability to draw walks as he climbs levels will be key for the slugger as well, especially with his likelihood of running a high strikeout rate. If it all comes together, Montes could become one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball, but he still has a ways to go. If he can continue to cut down the chase rate, the Kyle Schwarber offensive archetype seems like his most likely path to reaching towards his ceiling.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 4th Round (127), 2022 (STL) | ETA: 2026

Crooks is a well-rounded catcher who took a big step forward offensively at Double-A in 2024 and carried that success into Triple-A in 2025, earning a late-season call-up. He is a grinder behind the dish who pitchers love working with.

Hitting

Starting very open with his front foot on the outer-edge of the batter’s box and his hands cast out in front of him. He utilizes a big leg kick to close himself off while pulling his hands back to his slot. He manages the moving parts well, starting his load early and repeating his mechanics well.

There’s some concern that big league secondaries could take him out of his rhythm and timing, especially as a hitter who likes to make contact further out front than the average hitter.

Crooks has little issue being on time for the heater, hammering fastballs through his Minor League career. While he was productive against secondaries overall, Crooks’ contact rates drop significantly.

Against non-fastballs in 2025, Crooks made contact with just 57% of pitches, but hedges that by hammering hangers and showcasing decent pitch-rec skills.

After struggling mightily against southpaws in 2023, Crooks put together respectable numbers in same-handed matchups in both 2024 and 2025. While the top-end exit velocities don’t jump off the page, Crooks’ average exit velocity of 90 MPH is comfortably above average.

Crooks tends to spray fastballs all over the field with more tendency to pull softer stuff given his out-front contact point. He likely projects for average power, but could have room for a bit more. The hit tool may be fringy at best, but he hedges that with improvements left on left and the ability to do damage against all pitch types.

Defense/Speed

It’s difficult to poke a hole in Crooks defensive game, grading out as an above-average receiver with a strong arm, throwing out a third of attempted base stealers in Double-A and Triple-A. His blocking has steadily improved since his draft year at Oklahoma, but it may be the one area where he is not clearly and comfortably above average.

Crooks earns high marks for how he works with the Cardinals’ arms.

Outlook

Crooks has the upside to provide slightly above average offense and plus defense if it all works out, but even if the production is closer to league average, Crooks has the ingredients to be a steady primary catcher at the MLB level.

With swing and miss expected to creep into his game more in the big leagues, there will be added importance for him to tap into his at least average power potential and draw walks.

Between his strike-stealing and run-stopping skills, Crooks has the floor of a backup catcher, with how much he hits likely determining whether he is a primary catcher or high-end second option.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $90K, 2024 (PHI) | ETA: 2028

An under-the-radar IFA signing in the 2024 class, Tait quickly looked like a gem of a find, mashing his way off of the complex prior to his 18th birthday. His bat leads the way, boasting plus raw power as a teenager and a good enough feel to hit to get into it, but he also has a rocket for an arm behind the dish. Tait was traded to the Twins as part of the Jhoan Duran package at the 2025 Trade Deadline.

Offense

Tait features an unorthodox set up, starting so upright he almost looks like he is leaning back against a wall with his hands just above his belt buckle. Right as the pitcher breaks from his glove, Tait pulls his hands up to his slot along with a gathering leg kick that he synchronizes well. He already flashes above average pop to his pull side, flashing exit velocities as high as 114 mph. His 90th percentile exit velocity of 104.5 mph is far ahead of his peers.

He can be a bit pull-happy at times, though he has showcased a feel for the barrel to drive the ball hard to all fields. Like many young, productive hitters, Tait can be aggressive in the box. Still, his ability to spoil tough pitches has helped him maintain a strikeout rate around 20% between Low-A and High-A in his age 18 season. Already pulling the ball in the air with frequency, Tait seems like a safe bet to develop into at least above average power with a fair shot to grow into the plus territory.

Defense/Speed

Tait has the ingredients to give him a chance of sticking behind the dish. He is advanced on the catch and throw side of things, with a plus arm that carries quick pop times. He has even flashed the ability to throw from his knees when needed. His blocking is a bit behind, as is the receiving, sometimes tardy to his spot, but he is athletic enough to improve back there.

Outlook

Tait’s age 17 season could not have been much more impressive, earning him an aggressively assigned age 18 campaign where he spent the second half of the season at High-A. The headline piece in the Jhoan Duran return for the Twins, Tait is far and away the best catcher prospect in the Twins organization and offers as much power upside as anybody not named Emmanuel Rodriguez.

Standing at 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, Tait may not have much of a positional fall back defensively, but he has the components to develop into at least a passable defender behind the dish and his plus power potential could make a part time catcher role more tolerable if the defense does stall out.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | CB-A (34), 2023 (MIN) | ETA: 2027

A big right-hander who was one of the youngest players in his draft class, Soto is raw on the mound but progressed nicely in his first pro season. Arm issues wiped out his 2025 season, but Soto should be ready to go at some point in 2026.

Arsenal

An infielder for much of his time as an amateur, Soto focused on the mound later than many of his peers, quickly turning heads with his upper 90s fastball and natural feel for a changeup. He will throw a four seamer and two seamer, both sitting in the mid 90s in 2024, but have ticked up in 2025.

His fastballs previously left a bit to be desired in terms of shape and characteristics, but he found more vert with his four-seamer, now featuring good carry in the upper 90s. His two seamer averages about seven inches less of induced vertical break and four inches more of horizontal break.

Soto’s best pitch is his plus changeup, in the mid 80s with sword-inducing fade, averaging around 17 inches of horizontal run.

The vertical drop of the pitch widens his margin for error, still getting whiffs within the zone when he leaves it higher than he intended. The movement is so difficult for hitters that Soto confidently throws it right-on-right as a put-away pitch, with same-handed hitters going 1-for-31 against it with 18 strikeouts.

Like many of the arms in the Twins organization, Soto will utilize both a slider and a cutter. They’ll morph together some, and Soto’s harder cutters in the upper 80s can back up over the middle.

His slider looks like it can be an average third offering. The effectiveness of Soto’s changeup against both lefties and righties hedges the need for the slider to be anything more than average.

Outlook

One of the youngest players in the Florida State League at the start of the 2024 season, Soto entered pro ball with fewer amateur innings under his belt than most other teenage arms as a converted shortstop. There are plenty of pitching success stories with converted shortstops hopping onto the mound, and Soto has the talent to be another.

Soto really hit his stride over the final three months of the season, pitching to a 3.67 ERA over his final eight starts while only allowing four extra base hits and he appeared to be building on that finish and them some with his strong camp and significantly improved stuff in the early going of the 2025 season before a triceps issue placed him on the IL not to be seen on the mound again during the season.

If Soto can sustain his fastball shapes and velocity, along with continued gains in the command department, there’s middle rotation upside, but at this point, there’s risk that he could become too changeup dependent. He’ll be just 19 years old for the entirety of the 2025 season, which, given his limited experience on the mound, provides optimism that he can continue to progress.

Height/Weight: 5’11″, 200 | Bat/Throw: S/S | 1st Round (15), 2024 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

An extremely athletic pitcher who can throw with both arms, Cjintje projects best as a righty, though he has only focused his energy entirely on the mound for a few years, giving him exciting upside.

Arsenal

As a right-hander, Cjintje has a four-pitch mix headlined by a lively fastball and a pair of impressive breaking balls. His fastball sits in the mid 90s with plus ride from a below-average release height.

It easily projects as a plus fastball as he gains comfort with his ability to locate it more consistently. In his first full pro season, Cijntje’s fastball command has been the most impressive leap.

The best pitch for Cjintje is his cutterish slider in the upper 80s. He commands it as well as any pitch in his arsenal. It moves most similarly to Jeremiah Estrada’s slider, allowing it to play well even when he messes up, but it can dive right off the table when he starts it in the lower third.

His ability to throw it for a strike has waned somewhat in pro ball, but it has still looked like a plus offering.

His slurvy curveball in the low 80s developed into a reliable swing and miss pitch for Cjintje later in the year, and while he only threw it about 10% of the time, it has the looks of an above-average offering that can hedge his dependence on a developing changeup to get lefties out.

While the changeup flashes average or better, Cjintje struggled to command it in 2024, and it has been spotty in pro ball, landing it for a trike hardly north of 50% of the time at around 8% usage. He is still learning how to consistently kill vert on the pitch, but it averages 17 inches of horizontal break with about 10 MPH in velocity separation.

As a left-hander, Cijntje sits in the low 90s with a fastball that is heavier with sinking action. He will throw a slider off of that, which looks like it can be an above-average pitch to lefties, but it seems as though Cijntje is more limited upside-wise as a southpaw.

Outlook

From the right side, Cijntje has middle-rotation upside. His athleticism on the mound makes it easy to forget that he has only really focused on pitching for a short period of time prior to the draft.

His ability to execute and sequence is a work in progress as he is still learning himself as a pitcher, especially since he is two pitchers in one.

The leap fastball command-wise in his first pro season stands out, especially with the fantastic characteristics the pitch possesses. With a pair of quality breaking balls to work off of it and a changeup that has at least flashes, there’s plenty to like.

He fits the bill of the low-release, high carry fastball guys that the Mariners identify well from the right side, and his secondaries give him a chance to be a strong No. 3 option as he gains more of a consistent feel for them along with locating his heater better. He may benefit from focusing entirely as a right-handed pitcher.

Height/Weight: 6’6″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (3), 2024 (COL) | ETA: 2026

Condon put up one of the best collegiate seasons of all time as a redshirt sophomore, winning the Golden Spikes Award while breaking the Georgia program record in just two seasons.

His blend of hit and power could match what the Rockies were hoping to get from Kris Bryant when they signed him to a $182 million deal. Condon was slow out of the gate and also battled a wrist issue that delayed is 2025 start, but Condon returned to action in May, looking more like the standout bat he was in college at High-A and maintained solid production at Double-A.

Offense

Starting with his hands rested just in front of his shoulder and a slight bend in his knees, Condon sinks further into his base as he loads with an early toe tap that leads into a stride. The toe tap helps Condon get his weight back and breaks up what would be a big move for a hitter with levers as long as his, making it easier to control.

Condon likes to catch the ball out front, handling velocity well, even at the top of the zone, with a contact rate of 82% and an OPS north of .900 against fastballs. His desire to catch balls out front and go pull side can cause him to lose direction and while he is able to get on plane for fastballs, he has the tendency to leave the zone too quickly on secondary stuff. That said, he rarely misses hangers and put up video game numbers against fastballs.

Despite improvements overall against secondary stuff, Condon’s contact rate drops from 82% against fastballs to just 62% against secondaries. His ability to pull velocity in the air elevates bodes well for his game power, but there’s some concern that his path is geared towards that and not much else.

6-foot-6 with a relatively slender frame, Condon has the upside to push beyond the plus power territory. He has a good feel for the strike zone for a player who has to deal with such a large zone. Continued refinement of his swing decisions would help hedge the pull-dependency concern as there are plenty of examples of hitters with far less power (I.E. Isaac Paredes) whose unrelenting approach allows them to be pull-dependent sluggers.

Condon is too good against fastballs and hanging breaking balls not to find some level of success, but to attain his lofty ceiling, he might need to make a slight adjustment path wise or reach towards the plus territory in the plate discipline department.

Defense/Speed

The Rockies have seemingly moved Condon to first base full time where he is athletic enough to develop into become an average defender. He’s not a very good runner, but not a clog either.

Outlook

Condon bounced back from his small sample struggles, overcoming a preseason wrist injury to finish with Double-A success under his belt in 2025. There may be some deficiencies swing wise that could ultimately hold him back from reaching his ceiling, but Condon’s ability to crush fastballs and hangers with an approach that continues to improve give him a good shot at developing into a quality power bat.

There could not have been a much better landing spot for him than the Rockies as his blend of big power and decent hit is easy to dream on in a cavernous Coors Field that is a mile above sea level and suppresses secondary movement. Even though he lacks some desired adjustability with his swing, Condon has flashed good enough bat to ball to get into his plus raw power enough to launch 30+ homers if it all works out.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 6th Round (182) – 2023 (MIL) | ETA: 2027

Projectable with good contact skills and a chance to stick at shortstop, the Brewers snagged Pratt in the sixth round, shelling out an over slot $1.35 million to sign him away from Ole Miss. Pratt’s polish stands out above all, with an overall game that is difficult to poke a hole in.

Offense

A simple setup with a short, direct swing, Pratt boasts strong bat-to-ball skills, especially for a hitter of his longer frame. Pratt’s path is more geared for line drives,. That said, he is comfortable catching the ball deep and can drive the ball to all fields with a hovering stride that he starts early as he pulls his hands back. His early, rhythmic move allows him to be on time with consistency, producing an in-zone contact rate of 86% in 2024 between Low-A and High-A.

Pratt leaves a bit to be desired bat speed wise at this stage, limiting his power output and resulting in some challenges against velocity. He hit just .225/.315/.337 against 93+ MPH in 2024. Pratt pulverized left-handed pitching to an OPS just under 1.000 and recognizes spin pretty well, though he can be a bit more expansive against fastballs.

Pratt has flashed some sneaky power to the pull side, but is presently below average in that department, placing more pressure on the hit tool. While he’s an above average hitter, he will likely need to tap into at least average power to carry an above average offensive profile. The good news is, Pratt has room within his frame to add more strength and boasts polish at the plate that is difficult to teach.

Defense/Speed

For as long of a frame as Pratt carries, he moves his feet well with good actions and a strong arm. Much like the offensive side of his game, Pratt is polished with advanced instincts that give him a good chance to stick at shortstop. An average runner, Pratt flexes his baseball IQ on the base paths as well picking his spots to swipe bags at a high efficiency, going 27 for 30 in 2024.

Outlook

The Brewers have enjoyed some success identifying young, but advanced hitters over the last few years and Pratt may be the latest example. His feel to hit, likelihood of sticking on the left side of the infield and baseball instincts give him a solid floor, but to comfortable project as an everyday shortstop for a first devision team, he will likely need to tap into more power. Well ahead of schedule, Pratt will begin his age 20 season at Double-A.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $350K – 2019 (BOS) | ETA: 2026

Built like an NFL running back, Garcia is physical and athletic. He could use more refinement both offensively and defensively, but his natural ability really started to shine through in his breakout 2024 campaign that saw him climb three levels.

Hitting

Starting upright, Garcia gets into his lower half with a big leg kick as he sinks into his back side. His hands are extremely quick, but his swing is grooved for lift. The loft paired with strong bat speed helped Garcia launch 23 home runs and 52 extra base hits in 107 games in 2024, but also contributed to some challenges against elevated fastballs as well as staying on spin at times.

Garcia is an aggressive hitter, with a chase rate north of 30% and fringy contact rates, providing some concern that he could be challenged to get into his power consistently enough at the upper levels, but considering the fact that he started his age 22 season at the Double-A level in 2025, Garcia has plenty of time to refine his offensive game.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Garcia can cover a fair amount of ground in center field, but his jumps could be quicker and his routes more efficient. His closing speed and ability to finish plays make him capable of potentially sticking in centerfield, but he may project best in a corner where his plus arm will play well. Garcia’s speed hasn’t yet translated into a ton of stolen bases, as he was 17 for 24 in that department in 2024. 

Outlook

After two below average seasons to start his pro career, Garcia broke out in a big way in 2024, climbing three levels while posting an OPS near .900. The power and speed combination is exciting from Garcia, but he will need to clean up his approach and sharpen his reads and routes to continue on an above average regular track, but he has a good chance of at least settling as a toolsy platoon option.

Height/Weight: 6’8″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 2nd Round, (58) 2025 (BAL) | ETA: 2028

A second round selection by the Orioles in the 2025 draft, Dzierwa sat mostly 91-93 MPH for Michigan State, but from a unique angle with plenty of projection within his 6-foot-8 frame.

Dzierwa dropped his release point a bit, flowing down the mound more athletically while adding some strength. The result has been louder stuff, which translated into Dzierwa dominating High-A to start his pro career, earning a promotion to Double-A after just 40 2/3 innings.

Arsenal

Previously sitting 90-92 MPH, Dzierwa ticked up after his first pro offseason, now hovering around 92-95 MPH with, run and ride that play up from a deceptive release. Exclusively working out of the stretch, he comes set with his back facing the hitter, hiding the ball well through his delivery.

That helps his best pitch–the changeup–play up with hitters really struggling to pick it up. Dzierwa gets 10 MPH of separation velocity-wise and 10 inches of vertical separation from the fastball, garnering plenty of swings over the cambio. Ironically, Dzierwa’s success in his through his first 10 pro starts has come without the consistent feel for his changeup he showcased as an amateur, relying on an improved cutter and newfound sweeping curveball.

The increase in velocity has also helped Dzierwa more effectively utilize a the aforementioned cutter in the mid 80s, tunneling off of his fastball well, generating plus whiff figures while pounding the zone with it. Given the 18 inches of horizontal action Dzierwa’s fastball averages, the glove side action plays up on the cutter to both tie up righties and dart away from lefties, more frequently and effectively using it against the latter.

He will mix in the sweeping curveball in the upper 70s against hitters of both handedness. The horizontal break plays up from his release point while featuring enough depth to bury towards the back leg of righties when he executes it well. It’s likely more of an early strike-stealing or taste breaking pitch, but is an effective weapon to erase hitter’s counts while the sit on presumably a different offering.

Outlook

Dzierwa left his first Spring Training with as much helium as any prospect in the Orioles organization, showcasing an uptick in stuff and a sharpened arsenal to pair with his plus command. The improvements immediately translated into his pro debut, dominating his way through High-A in 40 2/3 innings to the tune of 69 strikeouts and 11 walks before being promoted to Double-A.

Dzierwa is a high floor arm with a great chance of landing in the back of a rotation, but his 6-foot-8 frame with already improved stuff in his first pro season provides more to dream on.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 4th Round (105), 2021 (BOS) | ETA: 2026

Acquired in an always interesting Yankees/Red Sox swap that sent Carlos Narvaez the other way, Rodriguez has shed reliever risk since joining the Yankees organization, chipping away at the free passes while blending strikeouts and walks at a solid clip.

Arsenal

Rodriguez has a unique pitch mix, utilizing both a two-seam and four-seam fastball, a trio of breaking balls and a changeup that all look to be at least average. The fastball sits in the mid 90s, with the two-seamer being the more effective, with late arm side run that plays up as his arm somewhat lags behind his body in his delivery. Ripping two-seamers that can touch 97 MPH with more than 18 inches of horizontal run makes for plenty of crowded swings from righties and rollovers from lefties.

His sweeper is the ideal pitch to pair, averaging more than 15 inches of horizontal break in the opposite direction at 82-84 MPH. Averaging north of 30 inches of horizontal separation, Rodriguez works east and west effectively, creating a particularly tough look for righties. He also features a sweeping curveball that has enough vertical depth to keep left-handed hitters in check along with a changeup that looks to be at least average.

Outlook

Rodriguez had his workload somewhat managed in the early going of his pro career as be battled some elbow inflammation 2023, but he tossed nearly as many innings in 2025 tossing 150 frames across three levels, nearly as many as the previous two seasons combined.

On top of handling a much larger workload, Rodriguez also slashed his walk rate below 10% for the first time in his career. For Rodriguez to reach his middle-rotation ceiling, he will need to take another step forward command wise, though he likely lands closer to a No. 4 starter. His ability to pick up ground balls helps raise his floor as a back-end innings eater so long as the command does not back up.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (5), 2025 (STL) | ETA: 2026

A year after impressing in a starting role for Coastal Carolina, Doyle transferred to Ole Miss where he struck out 35% of batters, but with an ERA just under 6.00. He transferred again to Tennessee for his draft year where his heater ticked up to become the best in college baseball, resulting in a 43% strikeout rate and 3.20 ERA.

Arsenal

It’s all about the fastball with Doyle, averaging 96 MPH with elite carry. Doyle went to the heater north of 60% of the time, generating a zone-whiff and chase rate north of 30%. Opponents hit around .170 against it, but it was righties who were particularly overwhelmed by the fastball, with a batting average that drops below .150.

Doyle’s best secondary offering is his splitter at 85-88 MPH. It tunnels well of of his fastball with nearly 18 inches of vertical separation. His feel for the pitch improved as the season progressed picking up plenty of ground balls with it, but still only mixing the offering in just shy of 15% of the time.

His preferred secondary to lefties is a cutter in the upper 80s that flashes above average but is inconsistent and can lack some necessary bite. It has a chance to be a decent third pitch if it comes along and is well ahead of his low 80s slider.

Outlook

Doyle’s high-effort delivery and heavy fastball reliance provides some reliever risk, but even if things were to trend in that direction, he has closer-caliber stuff from the left side. His improved command and overall stuff in 2025 really helped his case to potentially be an impactful starter, and with a 70 grade fastball, Doyle could still turn lineups over with just average secondaries. It will be fun to monitor what arsenal tweaks Doyle may make as a pro, but he has a great foundation to start with.

Film: Tennessee/South Carolina (X/Twitter), SEC Tournament

Height/Weight: 6’7″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (68), 2023 (CHC) | ETA: 2026

A tall, lanky right-hander Wiggins can flirt with triple digits while flashing a pair of impressive secondaries, it’s all about finding the strike zone more consistently for the former second round pick.

Arsenal

Wiggins’ four pitch mix is headlined by his 95-98 MPH fastball with decent run and ride from a high release. Lefties particularly struggle with the heater as it runs away from them, posting above average whiff and chase rates on the pitch. His feel for the changeup is ahead of his slider, both of which hover around 85-88 MPH. It gets good vertical separation with decent arm side fade, making it an effective swing and miss offering within the zone and giving him a second plus pitch.

Wiggins’ slider features short, gyro action and while he predominantly throws it against right-handers, the shape should make it an effective offering against opposite-handed hitters as well. Wiggins clearly has more confidence in his changeup at this point, posting a strike rate 10% higher while using it more as the season progressed.

Outlook

The Cubs knew Wiggins would be a project when they drafted him 68th overall in 2023, especially considering the fact that they would be taking over the back end of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. He returned with his high octane stuff, striking out 28% of batters in his pro debut while working up to nearly 60 innings, all great indicators heading into his 2025 campaign. He has built on that momentum through his first dozen outings of 2025, cutting his walk rate below 10%.

If Wiggins cannot rein it in, it’s easy to see a transition to the bullpen where he could feature closer stuff in short spurts. Still with plenty of time before needing to force that issue, Wiggins will begin the year in High-A in 2025 and if his command can even reach fringe-average, his arsenal should allow him to stick in a rotation.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round, CB-A (36), 2024 (CLE) | ETA: 2027

An athletic right-hander with a great feel to spin it, Doughty is an intriguing balance of polish and upside for a prep arm.

Arsenal

Doughty flexes his athleticism and balance on the mound by varying his leg kick to throw hitters off, sometimes holding it at the top or hesitating, other times working quicker to home while filling up the zone at a solid clip. Out of the stretch, Doughty works extremely quick to home and holds runners on well.

A three-pitch mix, Doughty’s fastball will sit 92-94 mph, but has pushed to the mid-90s in shorter spurts. The shape is somewhat standard at this point, but Doughty generates high spin rates, providing optimism that he can create more ride as he shores up his spin efficiency.

His best pitch is his 80-82 mph curveball with two-plane break, hovering around 2,900-3,100 rpm. It already has the looks of a plus pitch with a good feel to locate it east and west. Doughty will also throw a slider in the mid-to-upper 80s, also flashing plus, but it can blend with his curveball. The fourth offering for Doughty is a changeup in the mid-80s that flashes average but has been inconsistent for him, given his limited use of it.

Outlook

Doughty’s athleticism and feel to pitch make him the ideal template for an organization like the Guardians to build on and develop. Having flashed velocities as high as 97 mph, there’s optimism for an uptick with Doughty in addition to improved spin efficiency that could have the fastball looking above average.

With his pair of quality breaking balls and a changeup that has a chance to develop into a viable offering, Doughty has the pieces to provide a quality four pitch mix that is maximized by what could be plus command. Even if Doughty’s stuff stalls, he has the pitch mix and command to land as a serviceable back end starter.

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (10), 2024 (WSN) | ETA: 2026

A first round target thanks to his loud tools and production at Wake Forest after transferring from Division II Wingate, King struggled to get acclimated in his first pro season before making improvements across the board in 2026 where his athleticism has really started to shine through.

Hitting

King struggled with both an aggressive approach and flat swing in his first pro season, resulting in plenty of groundouts and forfeited at bats. King abandoned a toe tap, starting a bit more stacked on his back side, with a hovering leg kick instead that has allowed him to utilize his lower half more effectively and create a bit more loft in his swing.

The plus bat speed has always been there for King and it translates into consistently hard hit balls, boasting plus raw exit velocities. He still could stand to improve with his ability to pull the ball more consistently, which is limiting his power output some, but the slash in King’s ground ball rate in 2026 allowed him to exceed 2025’s home run total in a third of the games.

There’s above average power potential with improved angles, but King’s ability to hit the ball hard consistently with more of a line drive angle than ground ball should bode well for his BABIP. King’s vastly improved patience at the plate and spin recognition also help his case in the box.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner with an above average arm, King is a standout athlete with the ingredients to stick at shortstop with further refinement. He moved all over the diamond during his collegiate career, but has almost exclusively seen reps at shortstop as a pro. His above average arm and twitch stand out, but he could still stand to improve on the finer things, along with overall consistency at shortstop. There’s a chance he could slide over to third base where he has the pieces to be an above average defender. He was an effective and efficient base stealer in 2025, but has struggled to match in 2026.

Outlook

King boasts loud tools across the board that he is still working to tap into more consistently, but his improvements heading into 2026 have significantly raised his floor and have him knocking on the door of a big league call up already. With continued improvements in the batted ball angle department, there’s above average power to dream on. King’s development on the left side of the infield will be important for his overall outlook with King likely looking the part of a solid regular who boasts the tools that imply more.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 4th Round (119), 2024 (NYM) | ETA: 2027

A California prep bat, Reimer was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, turned in an impressive first pro season in 2023 before injuries limited him to just 21 regular season games in 2024. The Mets sent Reimer out to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost reps, where he posted mostly average numbers, but started to make the mechanical adjustments that helped him break out in 2025.

Hitting

Reimer previously started with his weight stacked on his back side and back knee bowed out towards home. Starting so stacked with his back knee at that angle likely made it more difficult to hold his weight back as he began his launch, resulting in some drift forward.

He now starts more upright, coiling into his back side with rhythm along with his barrel getting into a slot that is much easier to get on plane (he dropped his hands too low with the bat more vertical as he loaded before).

These improvements have Reimer’s barrel living in the zone much longer while putting him in a more powerful position to hit. He has cut his ground ball rate by 10% while his hard hit rate has jumped from 33% in 2023 and 2024 combined to 43% in 2025. Even through his slow start to the 2026 season, Reimer’s exit velocities have continued to climb, though he has struggled to remain as productive against breaking balls.

While finding more barrel depth, Reimer has maintained solid contact rates while his pitch recognition skills and feel for the strike zone stand out. There’s above average power potential with the feel to hit and approach to get into it.

Defense/Speed

Not necessarily the fleetest of foot, Reimer’s range is fringy at third base, but he has an above average arm and is comfortable throwing on the run and from different angles. He may ultimately profile best at first base, but Reimer should be able to provide passable defense at third.

Outlook

Earning high marks for his work ethic and knowledge of his swing, Reimer followed an injury-riddled 2024 season with tangible adjustments in the box and added strength that have him breaking out offensively in 2025. Even if there is limited value beyond the bat, Reimer has the offensive ingredients to get on base at an above average clip and hit 20-25 homers.

After dominating Double-A for 61 games in 2025, Reimer has surprisingly struggled in his second crack at the level through the first third of the 2026 season, but the underlying batted ball quality remains evident.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215  | Bat/Throw: L/R | UDFA: $50,000 – 2023 (SF) | ETA: 2027

A unique story, Davidson played at two different junior colleges with a year off in between before the Giants identified him in the Coastal Plains League.

Davidson offers an intriguing combination of above-average power and speed, breaking out in 2024 between the complex and Low-A, capped by a solid AFL showing. He followed that up by posting a 137 wRC+ between High-A and Double-A in 2025.

Hitting

Starting slightly stacked towards his back side, with his hands relaxed in front of his back shoulder. It’s a simple pre-swing operation, with a moderate stride and a slight pull backwards with his hands.

There’s more cohesion to Davidson’s swing now, with his lower half and torso working more in tandem, aiding his timing while looking more under control against spin.

While Davidson has improved against spin, he still struggles to stay back at points. That may be why he starts stacked towards the back side, but he may need to find a move that helps him stay there longer.

Overall, 2025 has been a step in the right direction for the pop-up prospect. His bat speed is plenty evident when he is turning around velocity, punishing fastballs in the zone, which can also make him overly ambitious against heaters at the top.

He’s flashed plus power, with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 106 MPH and a max of 112.5 MPH with room for more. There’s a decent gap between his average exit velocities and the top 10%, meaning too much weak contact is still getting mixed in, predominantly against secondaries.

Even with the hit tool gains, it will be a power-over-hit profile, but there’s enough power to push towards 30 homers if it all works out.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner with a good arm, Davidson has the tools to stick in centerfield if his reads and navigation can continue to come along, but if he settles in a corner, he’d project as above average there.

There’s a chance that Davidson could slow down a tick if he continues to fill out, adding more likelihood that he pushes to a corner, the late-bloomer nature of his game, and improvements he has already made in center make it difficult to count him out.

Davidson swiped 19 bags on 25 tries in 2025 and should be a threat for around 20 bags per season as he continues to settle in as a base stealer.

Outlook

If Davidson can stick in center, that would take some pressure off the bat, but he has the power and defensive ability to be an above-average regular in a corner. If things stall defensively, he should at least be able to get by in centerfield when needed.

There’s platoon risk as he has struggled some in left-on-left matchups, though his ability to potentially play all three outfield spots–even if centerfield is not his primary position–should help him stay in the lineup. There’s plus power and speed potential with a player whose late-blooming nature and projectable frame imply potential for more in the tank.

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 6th Round (193), 2023 (PHI) | ETA: 2025

After a undergoing Tommy John surgery as a freshman at Minnesota and struggling to throw strikes afterward, Klassen saw things click in pro ball, quickly looking like a steal by the Phillies in the sixth round. Klassen was packaged as the headliner, along with Samuel Aldegheri, in the Angels return for Carlos Estevez.

Arsenal

The stuff is loud for Klassen boasting a fastball that averaged 97 MPH in 2024 along with a pair of nasty breaking balls. His fastball can flirt with the dead zone, but Klassen generates whiffs off of sheer velocity and deception, turning inwards and hiding the ball as he strides forward before uncorking somewhat of a sling shot delivery.

His breaking balls really play up from this slot, with a 90 MPH gyro slider that hovers around zero inches of vertical and horizontal break, darting sharply below bats. It was one of the best performing breaking balls in the minor leagues in 2024, holding opponents to an OPS below .400. Klassen’s power curveball at 85-87 MPH with slurvy two-plane action. He will utilize it more against left-handed hitters who OPS’d below .500 against it in 2024.

Outlook

Klassen still is below average in the command department and the maximum effort in his delivery lends concern that it may be difficult for him to consistently throw strikes as a starter. His sheer quality of stuff and pair of breaking balls that are effective to lefties and righties could continue to help him fend off the reliever risk, but he will need to take another step forward in the command department in 2025 to stick as a starter and push closer to his middle-rotation upside. If he moves to the bullpen, Klassen could be a wipeout high leverage arm.