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One prospect each MLB team needs to promote

New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange (84) Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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One prospect each MLB team needs to promote

By Aaron Somers, David Hill, Eric Smithling, John Perrotto, Zachary Cariola | Last updated May 20, 2026 10:39 AM ET

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The MLB calendar continues to pass by quickly, with a third of the 2026 season already completed and teams quickly moving to assess where they stand ahead of this summer's trading deadline. A key part of that assessment can include promoting the team's top minor league prospects, as teams want to see just what some of these players are ultimately capable of against tougher competition.

Sometimes those promotions might be brief, the proverbial "cup of coffee", but there are times when these call-ups can provide a real spark to a roster.

This week, Yardbarker's team of MLB writers got together to identify one minor league player from each club that we'd like to see promoted.

(Stats and records are entering play on Wednesday unless otherwise noted.)

AL East

Tampa Bay Rays (32-15) | Outfielder Jacob Melton | The Rays outfield ranks 17th (left), 27th (center), and 13th (right) in terms of OPS this season. While the club as a whole has played above expectations, the lack of production from the outfield is a growing concern. 25-year-old Jacob Melton has shown some promise in the minors, despite a lack of power, and is slashing .231/.346/.431 in 82 PA at Triple-A this season, stealing 17 bases in 20 games while handling all three outfield positions. Melton struggled in his first MLB call-up last season, going 11-for-70 in 32 games with the Astros before he was traded to Tampa Bay this offseason.

New York Yankees (30-19) | Right-hander Carlos Lagrange | There's going to be sentiment within the Yankees' fan base wanting George Lombard Jr. to be called up soon, but it's unlikely the Yankees will look to rush their top prospect (who has just 84 PA at Triple-A). Instead, it's the high-velocity right arm of Lagrange that should get a call-up now. Lagrange was the talk of spring training for New York after impressing scouts across the league with his live arm. That effort has only continued at Triple-A Scranton this season, with Lagrange regularly lighting up radar guns (making him the hardest-throwing pitcher in the sport next to Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski). The Yanks still believe he's a starter long-term, but consideration should be given to letting Lagrange get his feet wet out of the New York bullpen this summer.

Toronto Blue Jays (21-27) | Infielder Charles McAdoo | Toronto's designated hitters have combined for a .593 OPS this season, fifth-worst in the majors. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is swinging the bat well (.280/.369/.371 in 203 PA) but has seen his power production vanish (just three homers and seven doubles). McAdoo plays the infield corners, which could let Toronto play Guerrero or Kazuma Okamoto at DH more, while providing some power potential to the bench (16 HR and 26 2B in 2025; he has already hit 7 HR and 5 2B in a third of the playing time this season).

Boston Red Sox (21-27) | UT Mickey Gasper | Okay, the 30-year-old Gasper isn't a prospect, and he's seen time in Boston already this season (going 11-for-31 in nine games), but he's arguably the hottest hitter in the organization right now outside of 20-year-old Franklin Arias (who is hitting .336/.422/.603 in 135 PA at Double-A). Gasper is slashing .296/.429/.519 in 133 PA at Triple-A this year, while leading Worcester with six home runs. Gasper can provide depth behind the plate and across the infield.

Baltimore Orioles (21-28) | Right-hander Trey Gibson | Orioles starting pitchers have combined for a 5.20 ERA, third-worst in MLB. The group has allowed the fifth-most walks (107) and ranks 18th in strikeouts (216). The O's need help here, and Gibson may be one potential answer, having already made his debut this year (4 ER in 6.2 IP). The 24-year-old has a 3.77 ERA and 30 SO in 28.2 IP at Triple-A this season.

-- Aaron Somers

AL Central

Cleveland Guardians (28-22) | Catcher Cooper Ingle | Ingle had seemingly been on the way to the majors before right hip inflammation led to a brief stint on the injured list at Triple-A Columbus. He's posted a .347/.525/.681 batting line over 99 PA, hitting seven homers and three doubles while drawing 26 walks. As none of Cleveland's options behind the plate have a track record of offensive success, Ingle should get the call sooner rather than later.

Chicago White Sox (25-23) | Infielder Jacob Gonzalez | Chicago's 24th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Gonzalez has made adjustments to his swing and setup at the plate. The results have been there thus far, as he already set a career-high with 14 homers, nearly doubling his combined total from his first three minor league seasons. While the White Sox's infield is set, Gonzalez could be an addition to the roster as a utility option, or he could see some playing time at designated hitter, letting the team remove either Andrew Benintendi or Jarred Kelenic from the lineup.

Minnesota Twins (22-27) | Infielder Kaelen Culpepper | The Twins appeared to have an opening for Culpepper when third baseman Royce Lewis was optioned to Triple-A, only for the club to select veteran Orlando Arcia instead. A consensus Top 100 prospect entering the season, Culpepper has posted a .253/.346/.469 line with nine homers and eight doubles while stealing nine bases over 188 PA. He would give the Twins another dynamic player in the lineup and could stake his place in the lineup for years to come.

Detroit Tigers (20-29) | Outfielder Max Clark | Although the Tigers have received impressive production from Riley Greene, the rest of the team's outfield has been a disappointment. Clark could join fellow top prospect Kevin McGonigle in Detroit as the team looks to claw its way back into contention.

Kansas City Royals (20-29) | Right-hander Beck Way | Most of Kansas City's top prospects are years away from making their MLB debut, leaving the upper levels of the team's minor league system without a clear fix. Way could help a beleaguered bullpen, as he's struck out 35 batters in 26 innings while generating an elite ground ball rate.

-- David Hill

AL West

Athletics (24-24) | Third baseman Tommy White | The A's have been without Opening Day third baseman Max Muncy (fractured left hand) since Apr. 26, and while he recently began a rehab assignment, it may not be until June that we see the second-year pro return. Zack Gelof has filled in well, slashing .244/.311/.512 in his last 11 starts, but White, a 2024 second-round pick, may have more upside. He moved up from Double-A to Triple-A in late April. In 15 games with the Las Vegas Aviators, White has a .343/.362/.507 slash line with as many extra-base hits as strikeouts (seven) in 67 at-bats.

Texas Rangers (23-25) | Infielder Cameron Cauley | Texas's middle infield has been tested with second baseman Josh Smith and shortstop Corey Seager both on the injured list and struggling this year when healthy. Utility infielder Ezequiel Duran has been solid as a replacement, while 2020 first-round pick Justin Foscue already has more hits (seven) in 25 at-bats than he had between 2024 and 2025 combined (three in 51 AB). It still might be worthwhile for the Rangers to give Cauley, a 2021 third-round pick with good speed, a solid glove, and decent power for a player of his size (5'10"), a call-up.

Seattle Mariners (23-27) | Left-hander Kade Anderson | With Colt Emerson having already arrived, Seattle doesn't have another top prospect ready to leap the big leagues, though that may change if Anderson continues terrorizing minor league hitters. Last summer's No. 3 pick didn't pitch in the minors after leading the LSU Tigers to a national championship. That rest has seemingly paid off, with Anderson posting a 1.84 ERA in seven starts with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, striking out 51 across 34.0 IP while allowing just 27 runners on base. Even with a strong starting rotation in place, the Mariners could find room for Anderson if Luis Castillo, who has a 6.43 ERA in nine starts, falls to regain his prior form.

Houston Astros (20-30) | Right-hander Ethan Pecko | Pitching has sunk Houston's season, but Pecko looms as a potential in-season addition who could provide stability. The 2023 sixth-round pick out of Towson has seven starts between Class-A Fayetteville and Triple-A Sugar Land this season, posting a 2.21 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 17 hits allowed over 20.1 IP.

Los Angeles Angels (17-32) | Outfielder Nelson Rada | Josh Lowe has been a disappointment after being acquired from the Rays in a Jan. 2026 three-team trade, continuing a downward trend that began in 2024. Rada, the Angels' No. 2-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, might be an immediate upgrade if brought up to the majors. The speedy center fielder has a .251/.367/.336 slash line with 12 stolen bases in 37 games at Triple-A, making the 20-year-old Venezuelan a fascinating prospect to monitor.

-- Eric Smithling

NL East

Atlanta Braves (33-16) | Outfielder Patrick Clohisy | An 11th-round pick by the Braves in 2024, Clohisy has had a solid season at Double-A Mississippi, hitting .267 with a .755 OPS in 28 games while playing all three outfield positions. Left fielder Mike Yastrzemski has had a poor start to the season, batting .232 with a .643 OPS. Giving Clohisy some playing time might not be a bad decision.

Philadelphia Phillies (25-24) | Outfielder Raylin Heredia | The 22-year-old Heredia has quietly put together a solid season at Double-A Reading, batting .276 with an .810 OPS. A corner outfielder with a plus arm, giving Heredia a call-up could provide a spark for the Phillies. Right fielder Adolis Garcia has struggled to put together consistent at-bats, hitting .214 with a .623 OPS, and the Phillies are lacking a right-handed power threat off the bench.

Washington Nationals (24-25) | Infielder Seaver King | The 10th-overall pick in 2024, King has been on a tear at Double-A Harrisburg this season, hitting .336 with a .989 OPS while reaching base in all 35 games. The production was enough to push the club to promote him to Triple-A Rochester over the weekend, putting King just one step away from joining the team in Washington, where he could play a pivotal role if the Nationals move CJ Abrams at the trade deadline.

Miami Marlins (22-27) | Outfielder Kemp Alderman | Alderman, 23, is off to a scorching start at Triple-A Jacksonville, hitting .303 with a .903 OPS and nine home runs in 40 games. Primarily a right fielder, Alderman could force his way into a lineup that is not getting much production from Owen Caissie, who's hitting .207 with a .612 OPS.

New York Mets (21-27) | Left-hander Zach Thornton | Thornton has posted strong results in five Triple-A starts, pitching to a 3.60 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 25.0 IP. The 24-year-old will reportedly make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Nationals after getting the call-up following Clay Holmes' landing on the injured list (fractured right fibula).

-- Zack Cariola

NL Central

Milwaukee Brewers (28-18) | Shortstop Jesus Made | Baseball America ranks Made as the top prospect in the game following the graduation of Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin. Made just turned 19 on May 8, but is more than holding his own at Double-A Biloxi with a .265/.343/.445 slash line, five homers, and 17 stolen bases in 37 games.

St. Louis Cardinals (28-19) | Catcher Rainiel Rodriguez | Rodriguez, also 19, was promoted to Double-A Springfield late last week after hitting .311/.430/.519 with four home runs in 28 games at High-A Peoria. There are questions about whether Rodriguez can remain behind the plate in the long run, but he has the bat to play first base or an outfield corner.

Chicago Cubs (29-20) | Infielder Jefferson Rojas | Rojas has struggled to make the jump to Double-A this season, as he's hitting .231/.322/.404 with four homers, a stolen base, and seven errors in 29 games with Knoxville. Still, the 21-year-old has a chance to be a fine all-around player.

Cincinnati Reds (25-24) | Infielder Edwin Arroyo | The switch-hitting Arroyo is having an outstanding start to the season at Triple-A Louisville, hitting .345/.409/.592 with nine homers and eight steals in 43 games. The 22-year-old is primarily a shortstop, but the dazzling fielder can also handle other infield positions. His time in Cincinnati will come soon.

Pittsburgh Pirates (24-24) | Outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez | Valdez, 22, is showing power and plate discipline at Triple-A Indianapolis, hitting .250/.380/.474 with eight homers in 44 games. The Pirates' offense has improved dramatically this season, but Valdez, who smacked 48 home runs over the last two seasons, may be ready to add more thump to it.

-- David Hill

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers (30-19) | Right-hander Lucas Wepf | The Dodgers don't have many holes on their roster, but they could use another arm in the bullpen. The 26-year-old Wepf has a deceptive delivery that allows his fastball to play up, although he's battled command issues. He appears to have taken a step forward this season, posting a 2.95 ERA and 0.873 WHIP over 18.1 IP at Double-A, striking out 28 while walking seven.

San Diego Padres (29-19) | Outfielder Jase Bowen | San Diego has received minimal production from its outfielders, ranking 29th in the majors with a .637 OPS. Bowen, a minor league free agent signing this offseason, has been hitting the ball hard at Triple-A, posting a .277/.337/.588 line with 10 homers and eight doubles in 166 PA. Bowen can handle all three outfield positions, which only helps his case for a call-up.

Arizona Diamondbacks (24-23) | Left-hander Mitch Bratt | The D-backs' rotation has struggled this season, with Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Ryne Nelson each failing to live up to expectations. Bratt, who was acquired last summer in the deal that sent Kelly to Texas, has been solid at Triple-A with a 2.70 ERA and 0.960 WHIP over 33.1 IP with 32 strikeouts and 10 walks. It may just be a matter of time before Bratt makes his debut in Phoenix.

San Francisco Giants (20-29) | Left-hander Carson Whisenhunt | Whisenhunt made his debut with the Giants last season, making five starts with a 5.01 ERA and 1.457 WHIP. He's fared reasonably well at Triple-A to start this season, and with both Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle struggling, Whisenhunt deserves another shot to stick in the Giants' rotation.

Colorado Rockies (19-30) | Utilityman Cole Carrigg | Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and outfielder Brenton Doyle were both viewed as building blocks for the Rockies, but each has taken drastic steps backward in production. Carrigg has been white-hot to begin the year at Triple-A, posting a .353/.404/.533 line in 184 PA while hitting four homers, eight doubles, and stealing 26 bases. He could be the perfect catalyst for the Rockies and could establish himself as a key piece of what is shaping up to be an intriguing roster.

-- John Perrotto

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

Aaron Somers

Aaron Somers has more than a decade of experience writing about sports and has been published in numerous outlets, but baseball is and has always been his biggest passion. You can follow him on BlueSky, @AaronJSomers.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

John Perrotto

John Perrotto has covered Major League Baseball since 1988, including over 20 World Series, All-Star Games, and MLB Winter Meetings. He has won awards at the national, state, and local levels and has been a Hall of Fame voter since 1998. Perrotto is based in the Pittsburgh area and has been inducted into the Beaver County and Geneva College sports halls of fame

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