One prospect from every MLB team who will make an impact in 2026

The Yankees have long been waiting for the Major League debut of uber prospect Spencer Jones, and it would be hard to fathom it not coming early in 2026. At 6'7 and 240 lbs, Jones is a behemoth of a man, but is far more athletic than his frame would indicate. In just 116 minor league games a season ago, he slashed .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs, 80 RBI, 23 doubles, and 29 stolen bases. Jones is a plus defender at all three outfield positions, and while the Yankees have a logjam on the grass with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham---as well as Giancarlo Stanton at DH---the team is going to have to either create a big league pathway for Jones or trade him in the very near future. 

Boston chose University of Virginia lefty Connelly Early in the 5th round of the 2023 draft, and he ascended his way through the team's minor league system very quickly. Splitting most of last season between Double-A and Triple-A, Early delivered a stellar 2.60 ERA in 21 outings. He earned a late September Major League promotion and was excellent in his first four career starts. The Red Sox added veterans Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez to their rotation this winter, which means Early is likely headed back to Triple-A to begin 2026, but I'd expect him to be back sooner rather than later.

The Rays have made a calling card out of developing high-level starting pitching, and righty Brody Hopkins looks poised to be the next arm they promote. The 24-year-old was a 6th-round pick of the Mariners coming out of Winthrop in 2023, and was the centerpiece of the return the Rays brought back in the Randy Arozarena trade a year and a half ago. In 25 Double-A starts last season, he was fantastic, working to a 2.72 ERA with a .204 batting average against, while striking out 141 hitters in 116 innings. Hopkins will begin the 2026 campaign in Triple-A, but don't be surprised if he forces his way to the Show soon after. 

Blue Jays righty Trey Yesavage may be the early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year. After dominating his way through four minor league levels in 2025, Toronto promoted the 22-year-old in late September, and he played a huge part in the team's run to the American League pennant. In game five of the World Series, he threw the game of his life, going seven innings and striking out 12 Dodgers while allowing just a single run. That outing garnered him immense publicity on the national level, and heading into 2026, the Blue Jays anticipate him being an integral part of their rotation for years to come. 

It's certainly been a winding road for right-hander Trey Gibson the last few years, but heading into 2026, he's on the precipice of making the Major Leagues. Gibson was suspended from Liberty University during his Junior season for reasons that were never made public. Liberty still did want him to return the following year, but he declined, and instead pitched in the Cape Cod league and then entered the professional pool as a free agent rather than the draft. The Orioles signed him in August '23 in what looks to be a fortuitous decision. Gibson dominated the Double-A level a season ago, and while he struggled a bit in Triple-A, it looks like it will only be a matter of time until he forces his way to Camden Yards. 

After a fantastic minor league season in 2024, southpaw Noah Shultz was the White Sox entry on this list last year, but his '25 campaign did not exactly go as planned. After graduating the Double-A level, Schultz struggled through five Triple-A starts, posting an ERA of nearly 10. The White Sox still have a ton of faith in Shultz--their first-rounder from the 2022 draft--, and if he can pitch well early in 2026, Chicago's Major League rotation does not include arms that will block his potential promotion. 

Outfielder Chase DeLauter has long been touted as one of the premier prospects in our sport, and the only thing that's delayed his ascension has been an unfortunate series of injuries. He was on the field for only 138 minor league games from '23-'25---in which he slashed an impressive .302/.384/.504. The Guardians made the unorthodox decision to promote DeLauter to make his MLB debut during the playoffs last October, and while he received only six at-bats, it had to be a surreal experience for him. Heading into 2026, Cleveland is anxious for the 24-year-old to grab control center field, and provided he can stay healthy, he should stay there for years to come. 

The Twins took outfielder Walker Jenkins 5th overall in the 2023 draft, and despite being a high schooler when they selected him, he's rapidly ascended his way through their system. In 192 minor league games to date, Jenkins has slashed .295/.399/.464 with 73 extra-base hits and 40 stolen bases. He reached Triple-A in late August and was not overmatched, and if he gets off to a nice start in St. Paul this season, I'd expect the Twins to give him a chance pretty early. 

With Salvador Perez now 35-years-old the Royals have needed a succession plan behind the plate, and it's safe to assume that's exactly what young Carter Jensen has become. The 22-year-old was chosen by Kansas City in the 3rd round back in '21, and his climb through its system has been steady and consistent. The 2025 campaign was easily his best as a pro, as he slashed .290/.377/.501 with 20 homers, 20 doubles, and 76 RBI in only 111 minor league games. He essentially forced his way into being a September call-up, and in 60 MLB at-bats, he hit .300 with three long balls. It would be hard for the Royals to leave him behind when they break camp next month, and I'd look for Jensen to get plenty of playing time both behind the plate and at DH. 

The Tigers' top prospect is 21-year-old shortstop Kevin McGonigle, who, provided he can stay healthy, could reach Detroit at some point here in 2026. In 88 minor league games across three different levels in '25, McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs, an incredible 80 RBI, 31 doubles, and 10 stolen bases. There are some questions about whether he can stay at shortstop long term or has to move to a different infield position, but this kid has superstar written all over him, and Tigers fans are anxious to see him in the Show. 

The Angels could use an exciting young player their fans can get excited about, and to me, center fielder Nelson Rada certainly fits the bill. At just 20 years old, Rada has breezed through Los Angeles' system at an impressive clip, and heading into 2026, he's poised to impact the big league club sooner rather than later. In 135 minor league games last season, Rada slashed .292/.398/.360 with 25 extra-base hits and 54 stolen bases. His ability to get on base and use his legs causes havoc for the defense, and this is a guy that should be hitting towards the top of LA's order very shortly. 

The Mariners used their 1st round pick in the 2023 draft to select shortstop Colt Emerson out of Glenn High School in New Concord, OH, and they're getting close to collecting their first dividend check from that investment. In 130 minor league games last season, Emerson slashed .285/.383/.458 with 16 homers, 78 RBI, and 28 doubles. He reached Triple-A in September, and his ability to play shortstop, third base, and second base positions him well for a call-up as soon as a need arises. 

The Astros rotation looks quite a bit different with Framber Valdez now in Detroit, and there is going to be a healthy competition in West Palm Beach during spring training for some of the backend spots. One of the names that will be in the mix is right-hander Ethan Pecko, who, whether he makes the team out of camp or not, will almost certainly impact the Major League club at some point in 2026. In 20 minor league outings across three different affiliates in '25, the Towson University product put up a 3.83 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. Opponents hit .243 against him, he punched out 95 hitters in 80 innings, and he impressively allowed only six home runs. 

The best prospect in the Texas Rangers system is shortstop Sebastian Walcott, who, although he may be young, is likely to force his way to the Majors sooner than previously suspected. Walcott will turn 20 in March, but has already put up eye-catching numbers in the lower levels. In 124 games in 2025---all of which came in Double-A---he slashed .255/.355/.386 with 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 19 doubles, and 32 stolen bases. He's developed more power as his frame has filled out---a trend Texas expects to continue---and if he gets off to a fast start in the minors in 2026, the Rangers could be tempted to pull the trigger on his promotion. 

The A's have a few pitchers who could have represented them on this list, but I chose to go with southpaw Gage Jump, who really impressed last year in his first season as a professional. In 26 outings (24 starts), the LSU product delivered a 3.28 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .214 batting average and striking out 131 hitters in 112.2 innings. He spent the majority of 2025 at Double-A and should begin this season in Triple-A, and if he pitches well there, the A's likely won't wait long. 

The Mets' entry on this list was probably the easiest of all of them to project. New York made overwhelmingly wholesale changes this offseason, and in so many ways, the team reporting to Port St. Lucie is unrecognizable. One of the biggest moves the club made was trading fan favorite outfielder Brandon Nimmo to Texas, a deal that paves the way for the team's top position player prospect, Carson Benge, to make the team out of camp. Benge slashed .281/.385/.472 with 15 home runs, 73 RBI, 25 doubles, and 22 steals in 116 minor league games last season, and the Mets have publicly stated all winter that they'll give him a chance to grab hold of the starting left field position in spring training. If that comes to fruition, there's a good chance this kid becomes a strong NL Rookie of the Year candidate. 

Phillies fans have been waiting years at this point for right-hander Andrew Painter to make an impact at the Major League level, and barring something unforeseen, that should finally happen early in 2026. Painter was Philly's first-round pick in the 2021 draft and was instantly being touted as the club's future ace. Injuries threw an enormous wrench into that idea as he missed all of 2023 and 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. The 22-year-old returned last year but admittedly did not pitch well, posting a 5.26 ERA in 118 innings mostly at the Triple-A level. Philadelphia is counting on a return to form as he puts more distance between himself and the surgery, and the organization is still hopeful he can be a difference-making big leaguer.

Young Harry Ford was chosen 12th overall by the Mariners in the 2021 draft, and after five impressive seasons in Seattle's system, the team dealt him to D.C. this winter. On the surface, the move seemed strange, but with Cal Raleigh's emergence as the best offensive catcher in baseball, Ford was always going to be blocked in Seattle. The M's chose to reallocate their assets and acquire a high-leverage reliever via trade, and the Nationals were thrilled to be the ones adding Ford. In 454 career minor league games, the Atlanta, GA native slashed .266/.405/.428 with 52 home runs. In Washington, he'll certainly put pressure on Keibert Ruiz's hold on the starting job. 

The Braves are one of the most consistent organizations in baseball at developing their own players and promoting from within, and righty JR Ritchie is next in line to make a difference at the Major League level. The 22-year-old is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign in which he finished with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 26 starts across three levels. Ritchie struck out exactly one hitter/inning, held opponents to just a .175 batting average, and impressively induced nine double-play ground balls. 

The Marlins acquired lefty Robby Snelling in the deal that sent Tanner Scott to San Diego a year and a half ago, and that trade is looking very one-sided now. Scott left the Padres after just a few months to join their arch rivals in LA, while Snelling now looks like a legitimate ace in the making. In 25 minor league starts last season, the 22-year-old posted a 2.51 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .222 batting average and striking out 166 men in 136 innings. Snelling will almost certainly go back to Triple-A to begin 2026, but I wouldn't expect Miami to wait long to promote him. 

Just like I mentioned about New York's Carson Benge being a possible NL Rookie of the Year candidate, the same can certainly be said for St. Louis' JJ Wetherholt. The Cardinals selected the 23-year-old 7th overall coming out of the University of West Virginia in 2024, and his stay in the minor leagues is going to be short-lived. In 109 games split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, Wetherholt slashed .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 28 doubles, and 23 stolen bases. He's a legitimate five-tool talent who will push to make the Cardinals out of camp, likely at second base. 

The Cubs got enormous contributions from young righty Cade Horton in their rotation last season, and this year, fellow righty Jaxon Wiggins will look to do the same. The University of Arkansas product pitched for three different Chicago affiliates in '25, and impressed across the board. In 19 cumulative outings (18 starts), Wiggins delivered a 2.19 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Opponents managed just a .161 batting average against him, and he punched out an eye-opening 97 hitters in 78 innings, while surrendering only four home runs. The Cubs will start him in Triple-A this season, but this is a big-league promotion that will likely not take long. 

Right-handed swinging Sal Stewart reached the Majors with the Reds last September, and a strong late-season showing positions him to take over a starting job from the outset here in 2026. In just 55 Major League at-bats, Stewart crushed five home runs, after slashing .309/.383/.524 with 20 bombs and 80 RBI in the minors. He can play both corner infield positions, and he's projected to be Cincinnati's opening day first baseman in just a few weeks. 

Right-hander Bubba Chandler has carried an exceptional amount of hype for several years now, and 2026 looks like the season he's poised to make an impact at the Major League level. In 89 career minor league outings, the Lawrenceville, GA native pitched to a 3.73 ERA with an 11.06 K/9 ratio. The Pirates promoted him to the Majors late last August, and he pitched well in seven games, working to a 4.02 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP. Chandler is positioned to pitch out of Pittsburgh's rotation from the beginning of the 2026 campaign, and it will be exciting to see how he does with the opportunity.

It's always disappointing when a smaller market team has to trade away one of their stars because they don't feel they can afford to retain them when they hit free agency, and I'm sure fans in Milwaukee are upset the team moved Freddy Peralta. But the trade could really end up working out for the Brewers. Brandon Sproat is a legitimate high upside pitching prospect. I'm extremely confident that fans in Wisconsin will grow to love Jett Williams. The 22-year-old brings flashiness, energy, and excitement, and can do everything on a baseball field well. In 130 minor league games a year ago, he slashed .261/.363/.465 with 17 home runs, 52 RBI, 34 doubles, seven triples, and 34 stolen bases. He's an above-average defender at all of the premium positions up the middle---shortstop, second base, and center field, and he's somebody that will likely become a key cog in Milwaukee's core as early as this year. 

The Dodgers are clearly loaded everywhere, but if there's one prospect who is best positioned to make an impact for them in 2026, it is likely right-hander River Ryan. The UNC Pembroke product was on the verge of a career breakthrough in 2024, as he dominated his way through eight minor league starts, earned a promotion, and pitched well in four outings for the Dodgers. Unfortunately, that's when he went down with Tommy John surgery that kept him out for the rest of '24 and all of '25. Ryan is healthy now, and while he'll understandably need to reestablish himself in the minor leagues, look for him to make his mark in LA sooner rather than later. 

San Francisco's Bryce Eldridge has long been touted as arguably the top first base prospect in the sport, and it would be stunning if 2026 wasn't the season he made his mark at the sport's highest level. The Giants took the enormous Eldridge 16th overall in the 2023 draft, and he essentially dominated their minor league system from the get-go. In 249 career minor league games, the 21-year-old slashed .279/.360/.512 with 54 homers, 194 RBI, and 53 doubles. San Francisco brought him to the Show late last September, and while he didn't hit much during his brief cameo, that did nothing to diminish the way the organization views him. Heading into '26, Eldridge and Rafael Devers are projected to handle the Giants' first base and DH roles, and it will be fun to see what the youngster can do with his opportunity. 

The Padres made young Bradgley Rodriguez a reliever very early in his professional career, and it certainly looks like that decision is working out for all parties involved. In 88 career minor league games, the Venezuelan-born righty delivered a 3.52 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP, while holding opponents to a minuscule .190 batting average and striking out 140 hitters in 122.2 frames. San Diego gave Rodriguez a brief cup of coffee in the Majors last season, and he impressed, allowing just one run in 7.2 innings across seven outings. Heading into 2026, he's projected to be a member of the Padres opening day bullpen and should end up carving out a nice role for himself. 

The Diamondbacks made University of Stanford star Tommy Troy the 12th overall pick in the 2023 draft, and the expectation all along was that he'd make his way through the Arizona system quickly. Nothing he's done so far has changed that assertion. In 125 contests split between Double-A and Triple-A a season ago, the 24-year-old slashed .289/.382/.451 with 15 homers, 66 RBI, 28 doubles, and 24 stolen bases. He played primarily second base---which is not going to be possible in the big leagues given the presence of Ketel Marte---so the Diamondbacks did start getting him reps in both center field and at shortstop. 

Tarzana, CA native Roc Riggio was the player the Rockies brought back from the Yankees in the trade that sent Jake Bird to the Bronx last July, and Colorado is now hopeful the high-intensity youngster can emerge as a key contributor for it in the near future. In 88 total minor league games in 2025, Riggio slashed .262/.363/.517 with 20 home runs, 59 RBI, and 20 doubles. He's been primarily a second baseman with limited experience at shortstop during his professional career, and if he can get off to a strong offensive start in Triple-A this spring, look for the Rockies to get him to Coors Field quickly.