2026 MLB Spring Breakout: AL Prospects to Watch

With the 2026 MLB Spring Breakout starting soon, we continue our preview of the event with a look at notable American League prospects to hone in on. The event will give fans a good look at many first-round picks from 2025, plus some breakout prospects from a year ago.

AL East

• Blue Jays: Arjun Nimmala, Javen Coleman, Johnny King, JoJo Parker
• Orioles: Wehiwa Aloy, Luis De Leon, Nate George, Trey Gibson
• Rays: Anderson Brito, Slater de Brun, Theo Gillen, Daniel Pierce
• Red Sox: Franklin Arias, Anthony Eyanson, Mikey Romero, Kyson Witherspoon
• Yankees: Carlos Lagrange, Ben Hess, Dax Kilby, Elmer Rodriguez

The Blue Jays are down some of their better pitching prospects thanks to injury. However, the Spring Breakout should serve as an opportunity to see Arjun Nimmala and JoJo Parker, arguably the two best position player prospects in the Toronto system. Johnny King and reliever Javen Coleman are other notables to watch.

Trey Gibson and Luis De Leon both had breakout seasons last year in the Orioles‘ system. But so did toolsy outfielder Nate George, a line-drive machine and one of the best hitting prospects for the O’s.

In terms of upside, there’s plenty to like with the Rays‘ current group of prospects. Anderson Brito is a high-octane arm, while former first-rounders Theo Gillen and Daniel Pierce have loads of potential. Gillen, in particular, is a major name to watch, as he hit very well in the Carolina League last season.

Boston‘s farm system is loaded with pitching prospects. And while Payton Tolle wasn’t on the team’s Spring Breakout roster, Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, two 2025 MLB Draft picks, are on it. Infielders Franklin Arias and Mikey Romero are among the notable position players to keep an eye on.

Dax Kilby, the Yankees‘ 2025 first-round pick, is on the Spring Breakout roster. Carlos Lagrange was hitting 102 MPH in Grapefruit League action, while Elmer Rodriguez pitched well both in exhibition and World Baseball Classic action.

AL Central

• Guardians: Jace LaViolette, Cooper Ingle, Khal Stephen, Ralphy Velazquez
• Royals: Dennis Colleran, Kendry Chourio, Sean Gamble, Josh Hammond
• Tigers: Kevin McGonigle, Cris Rodriguez, Michael Oliveto, Jordan Yost
• Twins: Marek Houston, Dasan Hill, Walker Jenkins, Eduardo Tait
• White Sox: Sam Antonacci, Braden Montgomery, Tanner McDougal, Hagen Smith

The Guardians will bring outfielder Jace LaViolette, who didn’t play last year in professional baseball after recovering from surgery. He’s one name to watch for a Cleveland who will also bring Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter, as well. Cooper Ingle and Ralphy Velasquez both had great years last year.

Kendry Chourio was dynamic as a 17-year-old last year, pumping mid-90s velocity and making it up to Single-A. He’s one of the notables on the Royals’ roster, who will include catching prospects Carter Jensen & Blake Mitchell. Sean Gamble and Josh Hammond, both taken last year, are slated to be on the roster, as well as hard-throwing reliever Dennis Colleran.

Look, at this point, you probably know about Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle if you’re a Tigers fan. But given that McGonigle is having a pretty good spring, he’s worth an extra eyeball or two. He’s one of many notables on the Tigers’ roster, which will also include slugging teenager Cris Rodriguez.

The Twins will bring former first-round picks Walker Jenkins and Marek Houston, plus Kaelan Culpepper. Houston is a name to watch, as he could have a similar rise akin to Culpepper. Minnesota fans will also get a look at Eduardo Tait, acquired last year in the Jhoan Duran trade.

Sam Antonacci continues to show that 2025 was no fluke. That was obvious when he hit a home run off Nolan McLean and Team USA in the 2026 WBC. He’s one of several notables on the White Sox’s roster, which tentatively includes Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith, two of the team’s best pitching prospects.

AL West

• Angels: Tyler Bremner, Trey Gregory-Alford, Nelson Rada, Raudi Rodriguez
• Astros: Kevin Alvarez, Ethan Frey, Bryce Mayer, Xavier Neyens
• Athletics: Jamie Arnold, Wei-En Lin, Shotaro Morii, Tommy White
• Mariners: Michael Arroyo, Kade Anderson, Colt Emerson, Ryan Sloan
• Rangers: Cameron Cauley, David Davalillo, A.J. Russell, Caden Scarborough

The Angels will bring Tyler Bremner, the second overall pick last July, to the Spring Breakout. Plus, two potential 2026 breakout players in Trey Gregory-Alford and Raudi Rodriguez. Rodriguez had his mini-breakout in the AFL this past year, while Gregory-Alford pitched well in Low-A and throws hard.

Houston will bring Kevin Alvarez, the young outfielder who may have the most upside out of any prospect in the Astros’ system, to the event. Ethan Frey hit well in pro ball late last season after the MLB Draft. Xavier Neyens is a plus power hitter who was the team’s first-round pick last July.

Speaking of first-round picks, A’s prospect Jamie Arnold co-headlines the Athletics’ roster alongside Leo De Vries. High-end pitching prospect Wei-En Lin and two-way player Shotaro Morii are listed on the roster. And how about “Tommy Tanks,” who posted a 20% Barrel% in Cactus League action as of March 16.

The Mariners will bring all of their top-tier names. Michael Arroyo, who’s already made an impact in spring games, will be on the roster. As will Kade Anderson (37.2% Whiff% in spring), drafted third overall by the Mariners last July.

No Sebastian Walcott for the Rangers, as he’s recovering from elbow surgery. Texas will bring upside arms, including A.J. Russell and 2025 breakout pitcher Caden Scarborough. Cameron Cauley (12.5% Barrel%) has had a good spring to this point.