Predicting Just Baseball’s Top Prospect in 2027

When examining who could claim the top spot on our 2027 Top 100, it makes sense to begin with the safest bets. Several players currently ranked inside our top 10 aren’t expected to make their major league debuts until after the 2026 season, giving them ample time to continue developing and to strengthen their cases for the No. 1 spot along the way.

That said, not all of the safe picks are currently in professional baseball, which adds another level to the hunt for 2027’s top prospect. Without further ado, let’s meet the three safe picks.

Jesús Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers

2026 Rank: #4

The first name that immediately stands out as a potential candidate for the No. 1 spot is Brewers shortstop Jesús Made. After signing with the club for just shy of $1 million during the 2024 international signing period, Made has shot up prospect lists and put himself on a quick path to the big leagues.

In 2025, Made didn’t disappoint with his first taste of affiliated baseball. At just 18 years old, the switch-hitter slashed .285/.379/.413 with six homers, 47 stolen bases, and a 128 wRC+. Not only is this very impressive on the surface, but Made did this across three levels, making it the whole way to Double-A during his first season.

Of any player named on this list, Made has arguably the easiest path to being our top prospect in 2027. He’s already been ranked as our number four prospect, and the three names above him will likely graduate at some point during the 2026 season.

He’s already flashed potential 60 grades in both his hit tool and raw power, while maintaining positive plate discipline. As he continues to grow into himself, Made could quickly become one of the more well-rounded prospects in the minor leagues.

Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

2026 Rank: N/R (Draft Eligible in 2026)

During the MLB Draft Lottery this offseason, the White Sox front office and fanbase alike were ecstatic to land the number one pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. It was for good reason, as the top commodity in this year’s class is UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky.

If there’s been one term most synonymous with Cholowsky’s game, it’s generational talent. This is a description that isn’t used lightly, and when watching the 20-year-old play, it’s easy to see why he’s been given this reputation.

He has one of the smoothest swings in the entire 2026 MLB Draft class, and it’s helped propel him to the top of draft boards across the industry. He’s a complete offensive package with a plus hit tool and power, which should translate well to professional baseball. He’s also a great athlete with a plus glove at shortstop.

Although Cholowsky may not be a professional just yet, his skill set is certainly going to allow him to shoot up draft boards right after he’s selected. He’s already likely a top ten prospect, and with some time in the minors, he could easily take the top spot on our 2027 top 100.

Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics

2026 Rank: #9

To put it simply, the 2025 season was a whirlwind for Leo De Vries. After hitting well in High-A as an 18-year-old with the San Diego Padres, De Vries ended up being dealt in a deadline blockbuster for Athletics’ closer Mason Miller.

All together, the 2025 season was very good for De Vries. Across multiple levels and both organizations, he slashed .255/.355/.451 with 15 homers and a 125 wRC+. The switch-hitter displayed a sound offensive game wherever he went, and if this continues, he could fly up our top 100.

De Vries has already flashed plus plate discipline, a tool that helps the rest of his profile tremendously. He’s displayed above-average exit velocities for his age, with more power coming from his left side.

De Vries’ journey to the top of our list would be similar to Jesús Made’s. Many of the prospects above him will likely graduate during the 2026 season, which immediately puts him on a path to the top. However, his complete offensive package alone is enough to put him in this conversation.

Tier 2: The Maybes

Although the players listed in tier one may be the most likely picks to claim our top spot in 2027, there are several others who have a chance to take this spot as well. For these five players in tier two, it may be a bit more of an uphill climb, but it’s certainly possible that they take this jump in the next year.

Let’s meet these five players in tier two and break down why they should be worth watching over the next year.

Zyhir Hope, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

2026 Rank: #27

When it comes to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ player development successes, they’ve found another huge win through outfielder Zyhir Hope. After being a big part of their return in the Michael Busch trade, Hope has quickly blossomed into a very highly touted prospect.

Hope spent nearly the entire 2025 season in High-A before finishing the season with a week at Double-A. He hit well in both places, slashing .266/.376/.428 with 13 homers, 27 stolen bases, and a 131 wRC+ between both levels.

Hope has already displayed some of the best raw power in the minor leagues at just 20 years old. This is a huge testament to his game and the room he still has to grow next season. While there are some hit tool concerns, Hope can overcome them as he keeps refining his game.

Prior to the 2025 season, Hope peaked at the number six spot on our top 100. If he continues to boast elite power in 2026, he’s a name to watch closely.

Edward Florentino, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

2026 Rank: #31

In the prospect space, it’s well established that the international scene is quite subjective and difficult to project. Oftentimes, the international prospects who take the leap to prospect stardom aren’t the class’s top prospects, and that couldn’t be truer for Pirates outfielder Edward Florentino.

Signed for just $395,000 back in the 2024 signing period, Florentino has blossomed into one of the sport’s most intriguing prospects. After spending 29 games in the Complex League, he earned the promotion to Low-A, where he hit very well. Florentino slugged 10 homers and slashed .262/.380/.503 with 29 stolen bases and a 143 wRC+ during this 54-game stretch.

Still just a teenager, Florentino has already shown flashes of the raw tools needed to be the top prospect in baseball. He’s athletic and already boasts a very encouraging bat. He received 55 FV or better future grades on our Top 100 for his hit tool, plate discipline, and game power. This was largely due to his successes against every pitch type in the lower minors.

While Florentino still has a lot of room to grow as a prospect, he’s certainly shown the chance to become one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Bryce Rainer, SS, Detroit Tigers

2026 Rank: #35

Ahead of the 2024 MLB Draft, one of the hottest conversations in the industry surrounded the prep players in the class, and which one would go first. Although Konnor Griffin was the first prep prospect off the board, the one taken second, Bryce Rainer, has already looked very good at the dish.

In his first 35 games as a professional during the 2025 season, Rainer crushed Low-A pitching. He demolished five homers, stole nine bases, and slashed .288/.383/.448 with a 134 wRC+. Unfortunately, this positive start didn’t last for long, as Rainer went down with a season-ending shoulder injury.

As a 19-year-old, Rainer popped exit velocities of 114 mph during this span, which has produced a lot of positive discussions about his game. In fact, this was good enough to grant him a 65 FV grade for future game power on our Top 100; his raw juice is the highlight of his game.

With Rainer returning to the diamond this spring, he could turn a hot stretch into a dominant season on all cylinders. Already our No. 35 prospect, there’s a chance he moves quickly up the rankings.

Eduardo Quintero, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

2026 Rank: #40

Over the last couple of seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t just built a dominant team in the big leagues; they’ve built a strong farm system, too. While prospects such as Zyhir Hope dominate the conversation, another outfielder in their system deserves a serious look: Eduardo Quintero.

Last season, Quintero simply raked all across the lower minor leagues. Spending time between Low-A and High-A, the 19-year-old hit 19 bombs, slashed .293/.415/.508, stole 47 bases, and produced a 152 wRC+. For a teenager, this production is simply unheard of.

Signed for under $300,000 during the 2023 international signing period, Quintero has prospered into a well-rounded prospect. He boasts fantastic plate discipline, clear raw power, and he’s quick on the bases. The hit tool and glove still have room to improve, but he’s already one of the more interesting all-around prospects the game has to offer.

Of the players on this list, Quintero is currently ranked the lowest on our Top 100 at the No. 40 spot. However, with his raw skill set, he could fly up this list with a big 2026 campaign.

Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers

2026 Rank: #32

Although we’ve talked about a few international players who weren’t the top players in their respective classes, this is the complete opposite story. Signed for $3.2 million in 2023, Rangers shortstop prospect Sebastian Walcott has shown the tools to be a future star in a few short years.

Last season, Walcott was one of just two teenagers to play more than 90 games at Double-A, and he had a solid year overall. In 124 games at the level, Walcott hit 13 homers, nabbed 32 bases, and slashed .255/.355/.386 with a 110 wRC+. For a player of his age, this was quite impressive.

Walcott’s most interesting trait is by far his raw power, which has been hailed as some of the best in the minor leagues. He’s produced eye-popping exit velocities north of 115 mph, which speaks to his pop. Keeping this in mind, he still has some work to do at maximizing his swing’s efficiency and truly putting together a well-rounded game overall.

Unfortunately for Walcott, he’ll miss the majority of the 2026 season, if not the whole year, with an elbow injury he sustained in the first days of spring training. However, with him still being so young, there’s plenty of time for the shortstop to fly back up the ranks once he’s healthy.