How Strong Would a Team of Only Top MLB Prospects Be?
A fictional team fully made up of MLB's top prospects? Count us in. The question is, how would they stack up against other teams?
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On a recent episode of The Call Up, our Aram Leighton and Elijah Evans fielded questions from our audience for a fun mailbag episode. One of the more interesting questions they answered was how many games a team made up of only top prospects could win at the MLB level.
With so much young talent in the game right now, a team made up of exclusively top prospects could be pretty strong. From superstar bats like Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle to very good arms such as Nolan McLean or Trey Yesavage, this team could definitely stack up against multiple current big league clubs.
For the sake of this experiment, Aram and Elijah chose players who were closer to making a big league impact, rather than simply the top prospects in the sport. Players like Leo De Vries would have a much trickier time adjusting to the big league level than players in the upper minors, so for this reason, some of these players were left off the team.
Without further ado, let’s meet the team and attempt to determine how many games this fictional team could win during a full season.
The Rotation
Nolan McLean, NYM (JB #3)
Leading the rotation as the ace of this fictional team is none other than Just Baseball’s No. 3 prospect, Nolan McLean. A former two-way star, McLean has quickly become one of the most promising arms on the mound, as he’s kicked off his big league career in a big way.
The right-hander pitched his way into a key rotation spot for the Mets down the street last season, and he was nothing shy of dominant. McLean posted a 2.06 ERA with 57 strikeouts across his first eight starts, debuting one of the game’s sharpest sweepers along the way. With McLean already having such a refined arsenal, he’d be a perfect addition to this team.
Trey Yesavage, TOR (JB #6)
McLean is far from the only pitcher on this team who made a lasting impact during his first stint at the MLB level, as Trey Yesavage took the sport by storm. Pitching for every single Blue Jays affiliate in the 2025 season, some of Yesavage’s biggest innings came during the World Series, a truly unfathomable feat for such a young starting pitcher.
After registering an ERA of a tad over 3.20 during his three regular-season starts, Yesavage dominated during the postseason. The 21-year-old pitched to a 3.58 ERA across the entire postseason, striking out 39 batters in 27.2 innings. If this team ended up in a big-game scenario, Yesavage is the man they’d want on the bump.
Bubba Chandler, PIT (JB #11)
After spending the majority of the 2025 season in Triple-A, the Pirates finally gave flamethrower Bubba Chandler the call to the big leagues at the end of the year. Although he saw limited action as a starting pitcher, Chandler was quite impressive overall.
Just Baseball’s No. 11 prospect recorded an ERA just over 4.00 during his 31.1 innings at the level. Most importantly, Chandler trimmed down his walks tremendously, only walking four batters in this span. Given that this was his biggest weakness in the minor leagues, this was very encouraging to see. Chandler would be a dominant No. 3 starter for this team, and he could eventually become more at the big league level.
Connelly Early, BOS (JB #29)
When it came to Red Sox pitching prospects, the majority of eyes surrounded left-hander Payton Tolle. However, it ended up being a different left-hander in the system that dominated the conversation, Connelly Early.
Across his first four starts for the Red Sox, Early maintained an ERA just over 2.30 while flashing encouraging underlying numbers all-around. For example, he limited barrels at a tremendous rate, as opponents registered a barrel rate of just 4.4% against him. Early is a name to watch this season, as he could become a household name in no time.
Andrew Painter, PHI (JB #21)
The 2025 season was quite a journey for Andrew Painter during his first (full) season back in affiliated baseball since 2022. Despite struggling at the Triple-A level, Painter still shows a lot of promise and the raw metrics needed to succeed in the big leagues.
For any pitcher coming back from a major injury, the adjustment period takes some time. But in Painter’s case, this transition was even more challenging because he only recorded 28.1 innings in Double-A, meaning he essentially went from High-A to Triple-A with a multi-year gap in the middle. If he bounced back strongly, he’d be a force at the back of this rotation.
The Infield
C: Samuel Basallo, BAL (JB #8)
After emerging as one of the sport’s best power-hitting prospects, Samuel Basallo has quickly become a key piece of the Baltimore Orioles’ future. In fact, the team wasted no time locking him up after he made his debut, as they inked him to an eight-year, $67 million deal to cement this idea.
Despite struggling during his first 31 big league games, Basallo still possesses the potential to be one of the game’s best catchers. His raw power received a 70-grade on our top 100, and if he reaches this ceiling, Basallo would be one of the better overall bats on this team.
1B: Bryce Eldridge, SFG (JB #23)
As one of the most intriguing power-hitting prospects in baseball, Bryce Eldridge’s combination of size, athleticism, and raw power has made him a standout in the Giants’ system. After slugging 25 homers between two minor league levels, the Giants decided Eldridge was ready for his debut.
Although he only appeared in ten games, our No. 23 prospect struggled to put together impressive numbers on the surface. Despite this, his underlying numbers, such as his 25% barrel rate, inspire a lot of confidence in his future. While this level isn’t sustainable, Eldridge could still quickly break out in the 2026 season.
2B: JJ Wetherholt, STL (JB #9)
Prior to the 2024 MLB Draft, there were rumblings that the Cleveland Guardians could select JJ Wetherholt with the first-overall pick. Even though this didn’t happen, Wetherholt has played like a first overall draft pick since making his way to professional baseball, and this could easily translate to the big leagues in no time.
Playing between two levels during the 2025 season, Wetherholt slugged 17 homers and slashed .306/.421/.510 with a 154 wRC+. With the Cardinals recently dealing Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners, the door is wide open for Wetherholt to make the big league team on Opening Day. He’d likely be one of the best overall hitters on this top prospect team as well.
SS: Konnor Griffin, PIT (JB #1)
To put it simply, there was no bigger story in the minor leagues last season than the rise of Konnor Griffin. After being selected ninth overall by the Pirates in 2024, Griffin quickly adapted to professional baseball, working tirelessly to put himself in a position to succeed.
He finished the season slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers, 65 stolen bases, and a 165 wRC+. Griffin showcased his adaptability throughout the year, too, as he did this while moving from Low-A to Double-A as a teenager. Griffin has the chance to make the Opening Day roster this year, and he’d have a huge impact on this prospects team.
3B: Kevin McGonigle, DET (JB #2)
Few prospects in baseball can match Kevin McGonigle’s combination of polish and pure hitting ability. His advanced approach and surprising power have allowed him to fly up prospect rankings, as he’s quickly become one of the highest-floor prospects in the minor leagues.
Last season, the 20-year-old hit at a level beyond his years, slashing .305/.408/.583 with 19 homers and a 182 wRC+ between three levels. Once Just Baseball’s No. 1 prospect, McGonigle could have a big league impact immediately, rounding out a very strong left side of the infield.
DH: Sal Stewart, CIN (JB #28) or Carter Jensen, KCR (JB #14)
After piecing together a very solid infield without much hassle, the tricky part is the designated hitter spot. When it’s all said and done, it makes sense to split this responsibility between Sal Stewart and Carter Jensen, two prospects who had impressive stints in the big leagues last season.
Beginning with Jensen, the 21-year-old catcher has a legitimate chance at the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2026. During his 20-game stint last year, Jensen hit three homers, and slashed .300/.391/.550 with a 159 wRC+. He’d be a fantastic option for this role if he continues this strong offensive showing.
Moving over to Stewart, the slugging corner infielder fared well during limited action for the Reds last season. In just 18 games, Stewart mashed five homers and slashed .255/.293/.545 with a 124 wRC+. If he gets more playing time in 2026, Stewart should continue his offensive breakout.
The Outfield
Carson Benge, NYM (JB #15)
Kicking off the outfield options, Carson Benge is the first choice to join this loaded prospect team. After a flurry of moves this winter, the Benge is currently projected to make the Mets’ Opening Day roster, and it’s well deserved.
The 2024 first-rounder hit the cover off the ball during his first full professional season. Moving from High-A to Triple-A, Benge blasted 15 homers, slashed .281/.385/.472 with a 150 wRC+. Although he struggled to adjust to Triple-A pitching, Benge would be a key piece of this prospect team’s offense, and will be an important part of the real Mets, too.
Max Clark, DET (JB #10)
Although McGonigle often steals the spotlight, Tigers outfielder Max Clark put together a very good 2025 campaign that resulted in him flying up our rankings. Finishing the season as a top-10 prospect on Just Baseball’s top 100, the sky is the limit for the young left-hander.
Clark split his time between High- and Double-A as a 20-year-old, and he showed a lot of promise in both places. He walked more than he struck out, mashed 14 homers, and registered an OBP over .400. If he can adjust to big league pitching quickly, he’d be a major threat for this offense.
Chase DeLauter, CLE (JB #34)
Over the course of MLB history, only six players have made their major league debuts in postseason games. Last season, Guardians top prospect Chase DeLauter became one of these players after an encouraging stint at Triple-A.
For DeLauter, the question has never been whether his raw tools are good enough for the big league level; rather, it’s been his health. DeLauter is set up well to succeed with the Guardians in 2026, but he’ll need to avoid long stints on the injured list to do so, something he’s struggled to avoid.
Ryan Waldschmidt, ARI (JB #47)
Last season, Diamondbacks 2024 first-rounder Ryan Waldschmidt took a huge leap forward, flying up our prospect rankings in no time. Waldschmidt was arguably one of the bigger breakouts from last year’s class, as he turned into a household name.
Waldschmidt split the 2025 campaign between High- and Double-A, and he was rarely challenged at either level. He showed a well-rounded profile, slugging 18 homers, stealing 29 bases, posting an OBP of .419, and registering a 142 wRC+. Given how well he hit last season, Waldschmidt could be one of the more major league-ready players on this team.
Walker Jenkins, MIN (JB #16)
Known for having one of the more well-rounded profiles in the minor leagues, Walker Jenkins has become one of the most exciting prospects in baseball over the last few years. Last season was no different, as he continued to slug in the upper minors.
Spending the majority of his regular season action between Double- and Triple-A, Jenkins hit well. He posted a 135 wRC+ between both affiliates, inspiring hope for his future. Even though he struggled to adjust fully to Triple-A pitching, he has plenty of potential moving forward.
Key Relievers
Liam Doyle (JB #82), Jarlin Susana (JB #35), Jonah Tong (JB #37)
When it comes to this team’s relief options, the main goal was to fill the bullpen with high-octane starters who could immediately perform well in the big leagues. Even though this group may not possess the same ceiling as the rotation, it’s very strong all things considered.
Beginning with Liam Doyle and Jarlin Susana, this team picks up a pair of flamethrowers capable of getting big league outs right now.
Doyle has the potential to be a Tanner Scott-type of arm, picking up plenty of strikeouts and limiting hard contact. Susana follows more of an Andrés Muñoz mold, which would allow him to get outs in high-leverage spots late in games. Between these two arms, this team gets the perfect one-two punch.
While he may not throw as hard, Jonah Tong is another highlight of this group. With a very solid four-pitch mix and a funky motion, Tong could leave opposing hitters lost at the dish.
Other Bullpen Arms
Despite not carrying the same name recognition as the main pieces in this bullpen, Brody Hopkins and Luis Perales would round out a very strong bullpen.
Between both of these arms, this team picks up a pair of righties with refined arsenals. Also members of our top 100 prospects list, Perales and Hopkins, are both capable of getting outs in the big leagues right now if needed, and they’d be the perfect precursors to the higher-leverage arms of this bullpen.
The Verdict
After diving in and taking a closer look at this team, it’s a very well-rounded group of players overall. The team’s biggest strength is by far its starting pitching, which would likely come together to form a top-15 rotation if it were placed in the league as it stands today.
The offense could get frustrating at times, which makes it the biggest weakness this team has. However, this group of hitters possesses multiple bats that have already succeeded at the big league level, meaning it could provide extra protection to the less-ready members of this team.
The other major weakness this offense faces is the fact that it’s very left-handed heavy. Nine of the twelve hitters we included on this team are left-handers, which could create some trouble.
If this offense gets above-average production from at least three of its hitters, this team would be in a good spot. After all, the 2025 Pirates only possessed two hitters with a wRC+ over 100, and I believe this offense could easily produce four or more above league-average hitters.
On the more conservative side, this team could easily win between 55 and 60 games, and potentially push upwards if things begin to click. The lack of a veteran presence could hold them back, but it won’t keep the team from potentially reaching these win totals.
Written by
Jay Staph, a huge baseball fan and stat nerd, founded and ran his own baseball writing website, BSBWrites, at just 16-years-old. With focal points around prospects,…