Top 25 Outfield Prospects in Baseball Right Now

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. Jenkins added more raw power in 2026, helping push the ceiling higher on what was already a rock-solid foundation.

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 has filled out nicely, which has translated in a significant uptick in quality of contact in his age 21 season. Both his average exit velocity and 90th percentile exit velocity jumped by more than three MPH, unsurprisingly resulting in a career-high 11 homers through his first 67 games of the season at Triple-A.

Rarely missing fastballs, Jenkins has OPS’d north of 1.000 against heaters as a pro. 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. His added strength has given him a wider margin for error with more damage being done on the B swings.

Pair the bat to ball with his patience in the box and Jenkins has the ingredients to be a consistently high OBP threat who is capable of launching at least 20-25 homers with his added power.

Defense/Speed

A good runner who has looked comfortable in center field, Jenkins covers enough ground and has a good enough feel feel for the position to stick up the middle, though his long injury history could push him to a corner. Should he move to a corner, his range and above average arm would likely make him at least an above average defender. When healthy, Jenkins has been a steady stolen base threat and asset on the base paths.

Outlook

An advanced swing for a prep bat that has translated into professional success at each stop, the missing piece was Jenkins’ power which he has added plenty of in 2026. Now slugging without expensing his superb bat to ball and approach, Jenkins has a case as the most well-rounded hitter in the Minor Leagues.

It’s a matter of staying healthy for the Twins top prospect who has battled injuries in every season as a pro, but on the field, he looks like a budding star.

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″, 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. De Paula previously had struggles maintaining his posture against secondaries, particularly right-handed secondaries. He adjusted his setup and load slightly, with his hands starting lower and the bat flatter pulling them back into his slot as he loads.

It seems like the adjustment gave De Paula a counter-move to help him coil over his back side and stay back. As a result, De Paula has upped his contact rate by nearly 10% in 2026 while improving his OPS against non-fastballs by roughly 250 points.

De Paula also added strength, increasing his average exit velocity by more than a tick and Hard Hit rate by 10%. The added power to pair with what now looks like plus contact skills have helped De Paula produce the highest wRC+ in the Texas League.

His approach has improved as well, still showcasing impressive pitch selection and recognition skills while being more aggressive within the zone after previously bordering on passive. There’s an elusive combination of plus hit and power with De Paula with the approach to further solidify what is one of the safest offensive profiles in the Minor Leagues.

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 and has continued to be effective in Double-A, grabbing 29 on 38 tries.

Outlook

De Paula torched Double-A pitching in a season where he was 20 years old at the start. He has answered most every question that surrounded him, whether it be his ability to handle breaking balls or getting by in the outfield. With his mechanical improvements preceding standout contact rates and quality of contact, De Paula looks like one of the best combinations of floor and ceiling in the Minor Leagues.

The fact that he is passable in a corner with some sneaky value on the base paths helps, but at the end of the day, it is all about the bat for De Paula who could hit his way to several All Star appearances.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (3), 2023 (DET) | ETA: 2026

A superb athlete who gets the most out of his frame, Clark can motor, 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, showcasing more of the same at Triple-A in 2026, earning an August call up to the big leagues.

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.

Clark continued to make plenty of contact in Triple-A, with the power really picking up has he settled into the level. His twitch, wiry strength and athleticism help him produce above average bat speed. 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. How much power he gets into will be the question as it pertains to his ceiling, but Clark has posted exit velocities north of 111 MPH and has showcased some feel to pull the ball in the air.

Even if the game power is fringy, Clark’s strong bat to ball, approach and ability to hang in left on left give him a high offensive floor.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner with a strong arm, Clark has the tools to be a plus defender in centerfield. Running up to 94 MPH on the mound in high school, Clark easily boasts a plus arm. He gets to his top speed quickly and has steadily improved his routes. Clark is an extremely efficient base stealer, picking his spots 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 consistently harder. With progress in centerfield as well, Clark entered 2026 knocking on the door of a big league debut, where he projects as an everyday centerfielder who could push his ceiling higher if can can tap into his average power potential.

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: 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. After an injuries cut his season short, Sirota followed things up with more dominance at both High-A and Double-A, including a 72 game on base streak.

Hitting

Starting with his feet a bit wider than shoulder-width and his back foot pigeon-toed inwards, Sirota starts with the bat flat on his shoulder before pulling his hands down in tandem with a moderate stride. He’s jittery in the box, but it seems to be in an effort to stay loose, repeating 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 107 MPH between High-A and Double-A. 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 easy plus power and comfort driving the ball to all fields, Sirota could slug more than enough if he skews closer to the three true outcome outlook offensively, though he has made steady progress bat to ball wise.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner, Sirota is somewhat of a mixed bag in the outfield. Sometimes he will get good jumps with a strong beat on the ball while others he will float and look more lost. Depending on when you watch, he looks anywhere from a guy who could be an above average centerfielder to a fine defender in a corner. His above average arm would play well in a corner if he slides over, but there’s still hope that Sirota can find more consistency with his reads and routes to be a solid centerfielder or well above average defender in a corner.

Outlook

Sirota’s outlook has shifted as he has tapped into what could be plus power and showcased elite plate discipline, taking some pressure off of a hit tool that has progressed nicely as well. Sirota hits the ball hard consistently with the ability to leave the yard foul pole to foul pole. His ability to dismantle velocity while rarely expanding against secondaries has helped him keep the strikeout rate consistently at 22% at each stop with the raw exit velocities pointing towards more game power being in the tank.

It’s probably most likely that Sirota slides over to a corner, where he could be an above average defender, but if he can stick in center, the ceiling of course becomes sky high. Regardless, Sirota looks like a potential middle-of-the-order threat with his plus power potential and elite on base skills.

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: 6’1″, 185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 20th Round (611), 2024 (ATL) | ETA: 2028

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.

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 stick in center with more reps. That said, it’s still very much a work in progress. 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 up the middle. Suffices to say, if Hartman continues on that trajectory, he will become one of the best outfield prospects in baseball.

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: 5’10″, 170 | Bat/Throw: L/L | IFA: $300,000, 2024 (CLE) | ETA: 2029

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 in 2025, earning a promotion to Low-A prior to his 18th birthday. Caceres picked up where he left off at Low-A in 2026, being pushed to High-A days before his 19th birthday. He possesses standout bat speed for his age and good hand-eye; it’s just a matter of converting it at the higher levels and progressing defensively.

Hitting

Previously featuring a somewhat noisy operation, Caceres has simplified his moves in the box, resulting in continued bat to ball success, but more slug as well in 2026. Previously with the tendency to step in the bucket with hands that could get wrapped behind him, Caceres now maintains his direction much more consistently which has allowed him to cover stuff on the outer half more effectively and breaking stuff in general.

Even with some of the inefficiencies, Caceres was incredibly productive from the jump and has only continued to get better. Since debuting at Low-A, he has run a contact rate of roughly 85% to pair with above average exit velocities. His approach has steadily improved with pitch recognition skills that should only make him harder to punch out. Because the hit is so good, Caceres is likely to be a hit-over-power profile, but he has the upside for average game power as well.

Defense/Speed

The bat is ahead of the glove or Caceres, who will almost surely land in an outfield corner where it is still an uphill battle to be an average defender given his shaky reads and lack of feel for the position. He is an average runner with at least an average arm.

Outlook

Caceres is one of the most pure hitters at the lower levels which is a big reason why the Guardians have pushed him so aggressively. He walked more than he struck out in a 52 game sample as an 18-year-old in Low-A, while upping his slugging percentage by more than 100 points prior to his promotion to High-A.

He will really need to hit given his lack of value beyond the bat, but Caceres has the potential to offer plus hit and at least average pop, seasoned by good plate discipline that could may him a mainstay at the top of a lineup.

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

Now part of two major trades, Hope was initially acquired by the Dodgers shortly after his pro debut as part of the return for Michael Busch, but after growing into one of the better outfield prospects in the game, he headlined a package for Tarik Skubal at the 2026 Trade Deadline. Hope offers an exciting power/speed combination.

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. Hope has quieted the counter-rotation some, which has made it easier for him to deliver the barrel consistently on time and cover the top of the zone.

Hope is an explosive athlete with tons of torque and bat speed. He improved his contact rates against all pitch types while making the adjustment to Double-A in 2026. His standout power has been on display as well, running a 90th percentile exit velocity north of 107 MPH on his way to doubling his 2025 home run total in less games.

Hope also drastically improved in left on left matchups, which bodes well for his everyday outlook, upping his OPS by nearly 200 points against southpaws in 2026. Of course, it will always be power-over-hit for Hope who offers comfortably plus potential in that regard, but the strides with the hit tool really help his case in being able to get into that power.

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 and 22 bags on 26 tries in 2026.

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, something he took a big step towards doing in 2026. His defensive development becoming an intriguing variable from a WAR perspective. Hope looks like a solid power bat in a corner who can flirt with 30 homers and surprise you with his wheels. He could be up with the Tigers as soon as the back half of the 2027 season.

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 170 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $1.1M, 2022 (MIL) | ETA: 2026

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: 6’2″, 175 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $2.9M, 2026 (KC) | ETA: 2030

Signed for nearly $3 million out of Venezuela, Gomez immediately turned heads in the DSL with the advanced nature of his game and loud tools. Already posting exit velocities north of 110 MPH with plus speed to pair, Gomez has unsurprisingly dominated the DSL, making him the most anticipated transition stateside in 2027.

Hitting

A simple operation, Gomez starts slightly stacked on his back side, utilizing a short stride forward in tandem with a slight pull backwards with his hands. Despite minimal pre-swing movement, Gomez is able to generate standout bat speed, flashing exit velocities as high as 112 MPH with a Hard Hit rate of nearly 50% in the DSL.

The simple operation has helped Gomez consistently be on time with a contact rate above 80% and good swing decisions. The swing path is already in a great spot for a 17-year-old hitter, living in the zone for a long time with the ability to drive the ball in the air consistently and air pull.

As is the case with even the best of DSL bats, it will be important to see how Gomez’s abilities translate stateside, but it becomes easier to buy into the impressive data when the swing mechanics are in such a good place. Pair that with a projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds and it is easy to dream on plus power.

Defense/Speed

It’s difficult to get a clear idea on Gomez’s defense at this stage, but he is a plus runner with a plus who has earned high marks for his feel for the position relative to his experience. Gomez easily has the tools to stick up the middle, but if he slows down he could have plus defensive upside in a corner.

Outlook

At time of being written, Gomez is the only DSL prospect in the top 100, a testament to his sky-high ceiling. Typically prospects this far off are too difficult to project with more than a very moderate level of confidence and while there is still a lot of time for things to go any which way, the relative polish, huge present tools and room for more make Gomez one of the highest upside prospects in the game. His transition stateside in 2027 will come with a similar level of anticipation to the now No. 1 overall prospect in the game, Jesus Made.

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. Rodriguez was performing in Triple-A to start the 2026 season before thumb surgery took him out for several months again.

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. Since making his pro debut in 2021, Rodriguez has played just 339 games, across every Minor League level, but in that span he has amassed a 152 wRC+ with 59 home runs and a .423 OBP.

His minuscule chase rate has steadily been a calling card, which paired with his standout bat speed has made him one of the more extreme three-true outcome hitters you can find. From 2024 to 2026 (156 games at time of being written), Rodriguez has run a 90th percentile exit velocity of 110 MPH, a figure that would put him among some of the best in the big leagues as well.

He has a natural feel to pull the ball in the air to pair that gives him sky high power upside, but his whiff and willingness to get into deep counts will also likely keep the batting average in the low .200s, placing importance on his ability to consistently draw walks at a high clip as he has his entire pro career.

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 (a possibility given his health concerns) he could be a well above average defender with his plus arm. He had become a steady stolen base threat before injuries forced him to pull back the reins in that department, but he is still a net positive on the bases.

Outlook

Rodriguez has enough power to clear 30 home runs easily with the athleticism to 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 an extreme three true outcome profile, but maybe as exciting of an example as you can find in the Minor Leagues. It’s all about health for Rodriguez.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 175 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $40,000, 2024 (BOS) | ETA: 2028

Initially signed for $40,000 in 2024, Azocar struggled at Low-A in 2025 before breaking out in his age 19 season this year, climbing his way to High-A where he continued to rake despite being three years younger than the competition. The Sox cashed in on Azocar’s breakout by including him as a key piece in the Adley Rutschman deal.

Azocar’s age-to-level success paired with an exciting power/speed combo makes him an easy prospect to dream on.

Hitting

Azocar’s operation is simple, with little hand movement and a moderate stride, repeating his moves and timing consistently. As a result, he doesn’t get beat very often inside of the zone, but it’s not the most adjustable swing, which can result in more whiff off of the edges. Azocar punishes velocity, with a contact rate of 80% against fastballs 93+ MPH with strong slug.

Azocar brought his hands up higher at the end of the 2025 season, which helped him clean up his hand load and with that his swing path. Since then, he has cut down on the ground ball’s significantly, helping his plus raw power translate into more game pop. His standout bat speed has resulted in a 90th percentile exit velocity just above 107 MPH with a max of 113 MPH.

Where Azocar’s plate discipline lands will be imperative to his profile as his below average contact rates outside of the zone could be further exploited with more chase. He has leaned towards the aggressive side swing decisions wise, but that’s to be expected from a productive 19-year-old at High-A.

The hit tool may end up average at best, but with plus power to dream on and a big leap towards getting into that power in games in his age 19 season, it’s easy to get excited about Azocar’s offensive upside, especially if the swing decisions trend in the right direction.

Defense/Speed

A good runner, Azocar covers plenty of ground in centerfield with a good feel for the position already. Like many young outfielders, there’s some room to improve jumps wise from a consistency standpoint, but he often has a really good beat on balls, tracking them down with generally clean paths that point towards him having a chance to stick at the position. His above average arm plays well in all three spots.

Outlook

Plus power with a chance to stick in centerfield gives Azocar dynamic upside. While there’s potentially some swing and miss that could creep in at the upper levels, Azocar’s plus raw power and ability to hammer velocity bodes well for him with at least solid contact rates within the zone. The plate discipline wrinkle will be important to help stabilize what could be a volatile offensive profile, but with 30 homer pop and value with the glove, Azocar’s skill set gives him a good shot to land as an above average big league outfielder with room for more.

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (Comp-A), (43), 2025 (MIA) | ETA: 2027

Lauded for his contact skills and defense in his three years at Clemson, added power seemed to be the final piece to push Cannarella into the early portion of the first round, but labrum surgery in the offseason leading into his draft year seemed to sap his power. Cannarella slipped to the Marlins in the compensation portion of the first round, and in his first pro season, he looks like a potential steal, showcasing added impact while climbing three levels.

Hitting

Starting open and upright with his bat rested on his shoulder, Cannarella’s pre-swing moves are a bit noisy. He utilizes a big gathering leg kick into his back side along with a bit of a hand pump. As he strides back out forward, he pulls his hands far back behind him, barring out his lead arm.

The counter-move helps him keep his weight back and he still does a good job of turning the barrel from that position. That said, it does result in some barrel lag, creating more of an inside-out swing with Cannarella mostly shooting stuff the other way, even when the pitch is located on the inner third.

Regardless, Cannarella seems capable of working the middle and opposite side of the field consistently with line drives and will still surprise with a pull side shot here and there when he is able to catch the ball further out front. It will be interesting to see if Cannarella will be more challenged to make things work against big league arms, but his improved raw power and plus plate discipline help his case.

Cannarella will not flash elite top-end exit velocities, but his quality of contact floor for a player with a max exit velocity south of 110 MPH is impressive and a testament to his ability to find the barrel. Cannarella’s average exit velocity sitting north of 91 MPH is well above where most hitters sit who do not exceed 110 MPH, as is his Hard Hit rate of around 50%. His average exit velocity on batted balls north of 15 degrees leaps to 95 MPH.

It’s somewhat of an unorthodox spray profile and there is some concern that his swing path could create some challenges against sharper secondaries, but his ability to consistently hit the ball hard paired with a great feel for the zone and pitch recognition skills, really chip away at a need to air pull as much as other hitters.

If the profile holds, Cannarella has the goods to be a steady on base threat who piles up extra base hits via the gaps, but can sneak in 10-15 homers.

Defense/Speed

A plus runner who earned high marks for his defensive prowess as an amateur, Cannarella can cover plenty of ground with a knack for finishing highlight reel plays. His reliance on that closing speed and finishing ability has resulted in reads and routes that still have some room for improvement as a pro.

The delayed jumps or indirect first couple strides have become fewer and further between as Cannarella has racked up more innings in the outfield while his below average arm has started to look a bit stronger the further removed he has been from the shoulder injury. With continued progress with his jumps and routes, Cannarella still has the plus defensive potential many anticipated as an amateur.

Outlook

Cannarella’s ability to control his at bats paired with his defensive upside and speed make him a relatively high-floor piece and his sneaky quality of contact only helps his case. There is some question as to whether his slightly unorthodox moves could present some challenges against big league secondaries, but the track record contact wise is strong and aided by strong plate discipline. Cannarella has the pieces to be an everyday centerfielder.

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (7), 2026 (BAL) | ETA: 2030

Possibly the most explosive athlete in the 2026 class, Booth is physical at 6-foot, 205 pounds at 18 years old, but turns in elite run times with twitchy bat speed from the left side. There’s plenty of room for refinement, but Booth has a sky high ceiling.

Hitting

Starting upright and open with his hands out in front of his body, Booth gathers into his back side as he pulls his hands down and towards him. Booth’s bat speed stands out, but it’s a flatter, more slash-and-dash swing path that results in plenty of ground balls and some challenges to turn around harder stuff in on his hands.

Though he’s prone to putting the ball on the ground, Booth’s ability to hit the ball hard allows plenty to sneak through the infield while his elite wheels convert many that don’t into hits as well. There’s average power to dream on with Booth as he learns to use the ground more effectively through his swing and finds more loft in his path.

Booth has a great feel for the strike zone and is plenty patient which paired with his quality feel to hit makes him a tough hitter to punch out. Booth has the ingredients to be a table-setter who gets on base at a high clip, but if he can convert his above average raw power into more game pop, there’s dynamic offensive upside.

Defense/Speed

An easy 70 runner, Booth has game-changing wheels. He still needs to develop his reads in the outfield to become the above average defender he is capable of developing into, but the closing speed and ability to get to his top speed quickly gives him a much larger margin for error than the average centerfielder. The arm is fringy at this stage. The wheels should make Booth a menace on the base paths.

Outlook

An elite athlete who controls his at bats well and boasts plus bat speed, Booth is an exciting ball of clay for the Orioles to work with. If he can improve his swing path to find more loft, Booth has star upside, but even as a more slash-and-dash oriented bat who draws free passes, he has a direct path to becoming a table-setting above average regular.

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 2nd Round (56), 2025 (CHC) | ETA: 2028

A compact speedster with great contact skills, Kepley is a high floor piece with some sneaky pop.

Hitting

Standing at 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, Kepley leverages his small strike zone well with an extremely selective approach and great contact skills. His in-zone contact has hovered around 90% as a pro, which paired with a chase rate right around 15%, resulting in more walks than strikeouts.

Kepley is strong and gets the most out of his frame offensively with an explosive lower half. After hitting just three homers in his draft year, Kepley left the yard nine times through his first 100 games of the 2026 season, with the underlying batted ball data to back it up, averaging 88 MPH in the exit velocity department with a Hard Hit rate of 40%.

The sneaky raw pop paired with his ability to air pull gives Kepley the potential to hit 10-14 homers per year. Kepley handles left on left matchups well, helping his case as an old school prototypical leadoff hitter, but with some new school flare given the sneaky slug.

Defense/Speed

A double plus runner who already has a great feel for centerfield, Kepley is a sure thing to stick with a good chance to be plus. His already solid jumps paired with elite closing speed gives him a chance to run down balls few Minor Leaguers can. An absolute menace on the base paths, Kepley swiped 69 bags on 78 tries through his first 130 pro games.

Outlook

Kepley’s skill set gives him the floor of a fourth outfielder, but the tools and instincts have him looking more like that of an above average regular in centerfield. Relative to most contact, speed archetypes, Kepley has an extremely patient approach and solid quality of contact, giving him a little bit more margin for error. It’s an offensive profile that could be similar to Sam Antonacci but with more defensive utility. Kepley fits the bill of the ideal leadoff hitter who can stick in center.

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. More whiff crept into Florentino’s game as he reached High-A as a 19-year-old, but he has continued to slug.

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.

The tendency to sell out for that lift has resulted in more whiff at High-A, lacking required adjustability hit sharper breaking stuff while also being challenged to cover the top. He hedges that concern with advanced swing decision and plate discipline, consistently running a chase rate below 20% as a pro.

Even with the hit tool backing up some, Florentino has at least looked more competitive against left-handed pitching, a unique quirk given how much he struggled against them in his first pro season. Already running above average exit velocities, Florentino clearly has room for more strength in his frame, giving him plus power potential.

With the trend of Florentino’s hit tool, that plus power will be important for his profile as he likely skews towards a three-true outcome hitter, but potentially a very productive one at that.

Defense/Speed

An average runner, Florentino is still getting run in centerfield, but projects best in a corner. He tracks the ball well with an above average arm that should make him a quality defender in right.

Outlook

Young for each level he has played at, High-A presented the first pro challenge for Florentino who had some turbulent stretches through 2026, but has continued to slug and get on base. There’s still time to close the gaps in the zone he has, but given his long levers and swing path, Florentino is likely to land as more of a fringy hit tool. Even if the hit tool is shy of average, his plus power potential and superb swing decisions make him an appealing three true outcome bat who could anchor the middle of an order with the ability to play a decent corner.

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″, 185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | IFA: $2M, 2025 (HOU) | ETA: 2029

Signed for $2 million to headline the Astros IFA class in 2025, Alvarez’s polish stood out in the Dominican Summer League enough for the Astros to send him straight to Low-A to start the 2026 season. There’s plenty of projection to look ahead to, but the well-rounded nature of Alvarez’s game already stands out.

Hitting

Starting open, Alvarez gets into a slow and controlled leg kick with quiet hands. It’s a compact swing geared for lift, generating good rotational power, though with that can come him flying open prematurely on secondaries at times. Alvarez gets on plane early and already has no problem with top-end velocity, making it easy to envision an above average hit tool as he learns to recognize and stay on secondaries more consistently.

Sporting an average exit velocity of 88 MPH and 90th percentile exit velocity of 103 MPH as an 18-year-old at Low-A, Alvarez’s foundation is solid with plenty of room for more strength in his 6-foot-3, 185 pound frame. There’s potential for a blend of above average hit and power.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Alvarez currently moves pretty well in centerfield, but his reads and routes are understandably a work in progress as he made the leap from the DSL to Low-A. Alvarez can take a few inefficient steps off of the jump, but once he has a beat on it, he is more direct to the spot and has showcased the ability to unlock another gear to close in on the ball.

There’s a chance he could slow some as he fills out, which could push him into a corner, though he may give way to a superior defender up the middle anyways. He’d project as an above average defender out there where his plus arm would play well.

Outlook

Alvarez is a well-rounded player who has already shown solid present tools as an 18-year-old at Low-A with room for more. Even if Alvarez cannot stick in centerfield, he has the offensive upside to accommodate a move to a corner. Plus power can’t be ruled out, but Alvarez projects as an intriguing blend of above average hit and power with a solid glove in a corner. He has the ingredients to move through the Minor Leagues more quickly than his peers, earning high marks for his makeup while heading into his age 19 season with Low-A success under his belt.

Height/Weight: 5’9″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (8), 2026 (ATH) | ETA: 2028

Burress raked for three years at Georgia Tech, posting an OPS north of 1.100 each season on his way to 60 homers in 179 games. He’s compact, but explosive with a swing geared for lift. His development in center takes some pressure off of the stick, though the offensive profile is still dependent on whether Burress can continue to out-slug what his frame may imply.

Hitting

Burress starts upright and open with the barrel down behind his back akin to Eugenio Suarez. He pulls his hands down to get his barrel slotted in tandem with a big leg kick, but the two pieces work in sync. The move really gets Burress’ lower half involved, which paired with his lofty swing designed for pull-side damage, has helped him impact the baseball far more than his frame would suggest.

He produced gaudy exit velocities with metal, reaching north of 115 MPH with an average above 93 MPH. Some struggles on the Cape served as a caution for some evaluators on how the raw power may translate with wood. In his effort to get into his pull side pop, Burress can leave the ball prematurely with his front side and even step in the bucket as he strides, taking him off of same-handed breaking stuff.

Burress has always crushed velocity and has a good feel for the strike zone, but an adjustment period against pro spin would not be surprising as he can lack the adjustability required to spoil well-located secondaries as well.

Though it’s uncharacteristic for a hitter who looks like he does, Burress is likely a power-over-hit bat who can provide well above average game pop, assuming the collegiate exit velocities comparably translate in pro ball. Patience and leveraging his smaller strike zone will be key given the holes his swing will likely present and his obvious intent for pull side damage in the box. That said, his ability to hit velocity, above average power potential and quality plate discipline give him the ingredients to be an above average big league bat.

Defense/Speed

A twitchy athlete with above average wheels, Burress developed nicely in centerfield through his years at Georgia Tech, now looking like a player who can stick at the position. There’s always the chance he slides to right in favor of a superior defender, but Burress looks capable up the middle with his improved reads and routes. Should he slide over to right field, his above average arm and range would fit well.

Outlook

Burress’s track record of producing at Georgia Tech and improved defense made him a slam-dunk top 10 pick. Though he walked more than he struck out in college, it’s likely that more whiff will creep into Burress’s game in what could land as a fringy hit tool. If Burress is able to get into the comfortably above average power he demonstrated as an amateur, his ability to draw free passes and at least play an average center or above average corner should give him a path to being an above average regular.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: L/L | 1st Round (5), 2026 (PIT) | ETA: 2028

One of the best contact hitters in the class, Curiel who looks like he’ll stick in centerfield, Curiel offers a high floor and should move through the Minor Leagues quickly.

Hitting

Starting with his hands out in front of his chest and a somewhat wide stance, Curiel utilizes a medium-sized leg kick, pulling his hands back as he strides out. He can be a little tardy with getting his hands slotted which can cause him to be tardy at times, which paired with a flatter swing path results in a higher ground ball rate.

That said, Curiel’s hands work really well and even when he catches a pitch deep he has a feel to flick it the other way through the 5/6 hole. Curiel is tough to beat within the zone and does a great job of spoiling tough pitches on the edges. Pair the bat to ball skills with a solid approach and an impressive ability to recognize spin and Curiel should be a tough hitter to punch out who can draw plenty of walks.

There’s some room for more strength, but Curiel looks more the part of a hitter who adds 8-10 homers, spraying the ball around the yard while piling up quality at bats.

Defense/Speed

An above average runner, Curiel looks the part in centerfield, boasting a great feel for the position and natural actions. Even without top-of-the-scale speed, Curiel covers plenty of ground in the outfield with his efficient routes and smooth strides. With an arm that is at least average to pair, Curiel looks like a potentially above average centerfielder.

Outlook

Great contact and on base skills paired with the ability to stick in centerfield give Curiel a solid foundation and a high chance to fill a big league role. There’s always the chance that Curiel adds more power, but it seems like that would likely come by undermining his identity in the box as a handsy hitting, tough at bat. How much he hits will likely determine whether he’s a bottom-of-the-order centerfielder or a guy who can be more of a table-setter.

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.

After a slow start to his 2026 season at Double-A, Davidson launched 13 homers in 35 games before earning a promotion to Triple-A where he did not slow down. Davidson is knocking on the door of a big league debut.

Hitting

Starting slightly stacked towards his back side, Davidson raised his hands higher in his setup, now sitting above his back shoulder. Just before he gets into his load, Davidson will pre-set his hands by tipping the barrel towards first base with his back elbow hiking up, likely a cue to feel coiled. 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. Davidson increased both his 90th percentile exit velocity by nearly a tick (106 MPH) and average exit velocity by a tick and a half (91.5 MPH).

There was somewhat of a wide range in quality of contact in the past due to challenges to stay back on secondaries; Davidson has improved in that regard, raising his quality of contact floor with a 20% increase in hard hit rate against breaking balls.

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

As he has gained more reps up the middle, Davidson’s above speed has translated into decent range and the athleticism to make highlight reel plays. His reads tend to be inconsistent with instincts that can be lacking from an everyday centerfielder, but he at least looks capable of providing passable defense up the middle if needed. He projects best in a corner, where his above average arm should play well.

Outlook

A late-bloomer, Davidson has steadily improved in almost every facet of his game since making his pro debut in 2023. There’s platoon risk as he has struggled some in left-on-left matchups, though he may improve in that regard with more reps given his unique track.

The potential for at least above average power and speed with some defensive value in the outfield put Davidson on track to be a solid regular in the outfield assuming he can keep the whiff in check. Given the way Davidson has steadily chipped away at the hit tool concerns, the outfielder has a chance to crack the Giants Opening Day roster in 2027.

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $2.5M – 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

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 and barrel tip that when paired with his long levers can result in plenty of whiff. He also offers some of the best raw power in the Minor Leagues with a 90th percentile exit velocity north of 109 MPH with a max north of 118 MPH.

His contact rate has hovered around 60% at the upper levels which is about the barrier to entry at the MLB level, meaning Montes has almost no margin for error. His swing decisions have improved which helps his case and he is still just 21 years old, giving him time to even marginally improve bat to ball wise. When it’s top of the scale raw power, every little bit matters in the contact department.

There’s real risk Montes won’t hit enough, but his 40 homer upside makes him worth the roll of the dice.

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

If it all were to come together, Montes has the power to be a Kyle Schwarber-adjacent slugger, but Schwarber’s contact rates hover roughly 10% higher against MLB pitching. With Montes likely to only whiff more at the highest level, there will need to be some progress made in the bat to ball department, which is difficult for a player of his archetype. A Matt Wallner type of outcome seems more likely, but the pipe dream of the power ceiling, age and track record of at least consistently getting into his power at each stop makes him worth the gamble.

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $685,000 – 2024 (LAA) | ETA: 2028

A contact-oriented bat, Alvarez signed for $685,000 in the 2024 IFA class before turning in a mediocre pro debut in the DSL. His age-18 season was much more impressive, mashing his way off the complex with a strong finish at Low-A. Alvarez picked up where he left off at Low-A in 2026, but added more power without compromising his speed.

Hitting

Starting with a wide stance, slightly open, and stacked towards his back side with his hands just in front of his back shoulder, Alvarez loads early, hovering with his front foot with minimal hand movement. The simple pre-swing moves give him a repeatable operation and putting him in position to handle velocity well.

Alvarez has great pitch recognition skills, showcasing a polished approach doing a good job of laying off of spin. Alvarez added some strength to his projectable frame while adding some loft to what was previously a flatter swing which resulted in more power in 2026. There’s still room for more pop with Alvarez as he continues to mature, but his above average feel to hit and good approach help his case as well for what could be a well-rounded offensive profile.

Defense/Speed

An above-average runner, Alvarez has the long strides to potentially cover enough ground in center, though his reads are not great with routes that can take him off track. The Angels have continued to give Alvarez a steady diet of reps up the middle where he has shown signs of improvement. If he slides to a corner, Alvarez’s above average range and arm would profile well.

Alvarez is an aggressive base stealer, taking advantage of Low-A batteries, though he could be more efficient. He should be an asset on the base paths regardless.

Outlook

Standing at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds with relative polish in the box, good speed and room for more projection, Alvarez offers what could be a really well-rounded game. If he slides to a corner, there will be more pressure for him to slug, but his big step in that direction in 2026 paired with likely more strength on the way make average power attainable. If he can continue to develop in centerfield, Alvarez’s ceiling of course pushes higher, but he looks the part of a quality big league outfielder regardless.