The overall depth of the American League prospect corps is heavily skewed toward lower-level hitter talent, with less depth at the upper levels. While the AL lacks the quality that the National League offers, some of the top prospects in baseball reside in AL organizations and are on the cusp of making an impact at the major-league level. Here is a look at hitting prospects who should debut in 2026.
To go along with this year’s article, we tagged each player with a “tier”. This tier is meant to signify to fantasy managers what the expectations should be once this player is promoted to the major leagues.
- Star – This player will be an impactful fantasy asset for years to come and is worth grabbing as soon as he is promoted. They have a chance to be an elite fantasy asset
- Starter – This player is a solid overall prospect and projects to be fantasy-relevant. They are worth adding in most leagues, but are not a “can’t miss” prospect
- Replacement Level – This player is a fine prospect, could stick around at the major-league level, but is not going to take your fantasy team to the next level. They will have value in deep leagues and in certain situations for standard leagues
- JAG – “Just a Guy”. This prospect provides organizational depth but does not project to be fantasy relevant
American League East
Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, Age: 24, AAA, Starter
There are a few things Bradfield can do consistently: run and play defense. Those carrying tools will ultimately be his ticket to the majors. The 24-year-old outfielder has 80-grade speed, and he’s used that to his advantage. Bradfield has swiped 135 bags in three MiLB seasons, including 36 in 2025. Any batting average success has come with an inflated BABIP, once again due to the speed factor. The problem, though, is that he’s got no power, and his inability to make hard contact will severely limit his batting average potential. With a max exit velocity of 103.8 mph in 2025, Bradfield is barely hovering above the MLB league average… for the 90th percentile EV. If Bradfield is to have any success in the majors, it’s going to come by hitting line drives, something he does just 20% of the time. In a best-case scenario, Bradfield is a fourth outfielder who plays twice a week, or is a late-inning pinch runner or defensive replacement.
Reed Trimble, OF, Age: 25, AAA, JAG
Trimble is entering his sixth season as a pro, all of them in the Orioles organization. He spent the majority of 2025 split between Double and Triple-A, posting an .827 OPS with 17 homers and 21 steals. Trimble makes above-average contact, shows decent plate discipline, and has gotten to some in-game power. His batted-ball profile is hefty on fly balls (48% fly-ball rate) and distributed to the pull side (49%). That would typically bode well for Trimble, a switch-hitter, but his best power comes from the right side, and Camden Yards is not exactly home-run-friendly for right-handed hitters. Trimble has a chance to be a fourth outfielder in Baltimore this season.
Austin Overn, OF, Age: 22, AA, Starter
Overn was a hot name to close out 2024. The USC grad got off to a hot start as a pro, posting an .865 OPS in a tiny sample following his selection in the third round of the 2024 Draft. He failed to build off that success and struggled at both stops this past season. His profile doesn’t differ much from Bradfield’s, as Overn has good speed and is an excellent defender. The 22-year-old has at least flashed power, having belted 13 home runs in 2025. His potential role with the Orioles will be very similar to what Trimble and Bradfield have, as the trio will be competing to become a fourth outfielder.
Mikey Romero, INF, Age: 21, AAA, Replacement Level
Romero was the third, and final, of a string of prep shortstops the Red Sox took in the first round from 2020 to 2022, following Nick Yorke and Marcelo Mayer. Romero is the only one of the group who has yet to debut in the majors, but that could change in 2025. Lingering back issues have slowed his development, but Romero had his best and healthiest season in 2025. He hit .245 with 17 homers and five steals between Double and Triple-A, showing improved quality of contact, including a 91.7 mph average EV. There are underlying issues with the plate discipline and making consistent contact, but Romero at least looked like a player worthy of a first-round pick. When he does make the majors, he will likely serve in a super-utility infield role, with experience at shortstop and second base. However, his bat and arm can’t handle the expectations of being a third baseman.
Brooks Brannon, C, Age: 21, AA, JAG
Brannon has the skills to become a backup catcher in the Show, as he’s got quick feet, receives the ball well, and has the arm to control the run game. Offensively, he’s flashed raw power, but it hasn’t always come through in-game. A series of injuries wiped out most of 2023, his first pro season. In two seasons, he’s failed to play in more than 100 games, and his offensive production reflects that. Brannon spent the latter part of 2025 in Double-A, most likely his destination to open this coming season. But, with the nature of catcher injuries, he’d project to be a potential call-up to replace Carlos Narváez or Connor Wong on the MLB roster.
Spencer Jones, OF, Age: 24, AAA, Star
It’s a foregone conclusion that, if he’s healthy, 6’7″ outfielder Spencer Jones will debut at some point for the Yankees in 2026. His physical traits earn him comps to Aaron Judge, but while the profiles both feature incredible power and athleticism, Jones is very flawed in his approach. Strikeouts have plagued the 24-year-old, as his strikeout rate often mirrors his home run total, as it did in 2025 (35 HR, 35.1% K-rate). His range of potential outcomes is vast, pushing him from a possible AL ROY to spending 95% of the season in the minors. There’s not much in between. But Jones is an elite source of power, and if he can even make league-average contact, there is 40-20 upside.
YES, he did!@Yankees top @MiLB prospect Spencer Jones walks it off in Somerset! pic.twitter.com/jUlztJ9FVo
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 29, 2024
T.J. Rumfield, 1B, Age: 25, AAA, Replacement Level
Rumfield is a repeat offender from my list in 2025 as the 25-year-old first baseman never surfaced with the Yankees despite an .825 OPS at Triple-A. At 6’5″, 225lb, Rumfield is a big, physical kid with the body for power, but a stroke for average. The power will come in time, but right now, Rumfield is a line-drive machine, generating 48 extra-base hits across 138 games last season. Defensively, he’s serviceable and could fill a bench role, or see at-bats as a DH for the Yankees in 2026.
Brendan Jones, OF, Age: 23, AA, Starter
Jones is a fast-rising prospect who has really blossomed in his first season as a pro. The Kansas State University product split his debut between High-A and Double-A, slashing .245/.359/.395 with 39 extra-base hits (11 HR) and 51 stolen bases. Jones maintained a respectable strikeout rate of 19.9% but also walked nearly 15% of the time. The 22-year-old moves quite well, evidenced by his outstanding stolen base totals and propensity for extra-base hits. His plate skills are excellent, rarely expanding the zone and making above-average contact. Jones’ speed also helps him excel as a defender in center field, and he’s got the ability to stick there in the majors. The outfield is quite crowded for the Yankees. Still, with Aaron Judge’s and Trent Grisham’s injury histories and many questions about Jasson Domínguez’s status, the Yankees will be keeping up with the Joneses (Spencer and Brendan) this season.
Tre’ Morgan, 1B, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
Nothing about Morgan’s offensive skills is exciting. He’s a boring, yet reliable source of excellent batting average and plate discipline, but his power has yet to blossom, if it ever will. Defensively, he’s a potential Gold Glove-caliber first baseman who has also spent a little time in the outfield. His glove and consistency at the plate are his calling card and what will push him to the majors. Morgan was injured for part of 2025, but still logged over 400 plate appearances, batting .274 with eight homers and steals. Playing at Triple-A, his strikeout rate did spike a bit (19.2%), but it’s due to his passive approach, taking called strikes at a rate of over 11%. You never know when or why the Rays will tap into their system, but with his reliability at the plate and on the field, Morgan is certainly a guy who will get a look in 2026.
Cooper Kinney, INF, Age: 22, AA, JAG
While I do not share the same enthusiasm about Kinney as PL Dynasty Manager Matt Heckman, the 22-year-old infielder has a real shot to take meaningful at-bats for the Rays this season. Kinney had a decent year for Double-A Montgomery, batting .242 with 13 homers. But his strikeout rate continues to tick up, and his walks are down as he continues to lose the luster of his first two seasons. Kinney did find a bit more power in 2025, but it also came at the expense of his already low contact rates. His profile still fits what the Rays want, though, as Kinney provides defensive versatility with an offensive profile that won’t kill you. Aside from Junior Caminero, there is a lot of volatility in the Rays’ infield. After starting the season at Triple-A, Kinney is a guy you should see get the call in the second half of 2026.
Dominic Keegan, C, Age: 25, AAA, JAG
Keegan is the anti-Rays as his bat is more advanced than his glove. The 25-year-old backstop is a solid receiver and game-caller, but his inability to control the running game will likely prevent him from being a serviceable backup in the majors. Would-be base stealers converted just under 85% of their attempts last season, a mark that is well below the league average. Keegan has shown a decent bat; however, he hit .245 with 12 homers last season at Triple-A. If you look at his near-30% strikeout rate, it gives pause for concern. But under the surface, he’s taking called strikes at a rate of over 21%, which has heavily inflated his strikeout rate. Keegan is one of three catchers currently on the team’s 40-man roster, only increasing the likelihood that he will debut at some point in 2026.
Xavier Isaac, 1B, Age: 21, AA, Star
Let’s start with our well wishes for Isaac, who underwent life-saving brain surgery in July. The injury was undisclosed, but now we understand why he played just 41 games at Double-A. Knowing that he’s expected to be 100% for spring training pushes him to this list. Isaac may have the best raw power in all of the minors, but continued issues with contact have limited the potential for a breakout. The strikeout rate dipped below 30% for the first time in 2025, and Isaac had a walk rate of just under 20%, albeit in less than 200 at-bats. He probably needs a full season of continued development before he gets a shot in the majors. But his game-changing power could play a factor late in the season if the Rays want to get aggressive with his ETA.
RJ Schreck, OF, Age: 25, AAA, Replacement Level
Schreck is a steady performer, having posted consecutive seasons with at least 17 homers, nine steals, and a batting average of .250. The 25-year-old is a bit older for a prospect, but after a five-year collegiate career, he didn’t debut until the age of 22. His bat-to-ball skills are solid, with an advanced, patient, calculated approach at the plate. Despite double-digit homers, his in-game power is marginal, but his all-fields approach allows him to go more gap-to-gap with extra-base hits. Defensively, Schreck is average, yet usable in a corner outfield spot. When Schreck debuts, his role will almost certainly be as a fourth outfielder with the Jays.
Josh Kasevich, 2B/SS, Age: 24, AAA, Replacement Level
With Bo Bichette potentially leaving in free agency, the Blue Jays’ infield has plenty of uncertainty. Kasevich is a four-year pro with a full season of experience at Triple-A and the expertise to serve in multiple defensive roles if needed. The 24-year-old is a ball player. Kasevich played collegiately at Oregon and was a second-round pick in 2022. His performance has been steady, not unspectacular, as a pro. His hit tool is advanced, as Kasevich makes above-average contact with a line-drive approach but not much power. He fits the typical build of a utility infielder, providing a serviceable bat and rock-solid defensive abilities. He did have a back injury that limited him in 2025, but the team anticipates him as a full-go for spring training and a potential dark horse to make their Opening Day roster.
Yohendrick Pinango, OF, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
Pinango was not selected in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, so he’s staying in Toronto, and he’s got the power stroke to be an impactful MLB hitter. Pinango was originally a Cubs prospect, making his way to Toronto for Nate Pearson in 2024. Although he’s undersized, the 23-year-old packs a punch. His quality of contact metrics at Triple-A was strong, as he posted a 91.9 mph average EV with a max of 115.4. If you pair those EVs with a pull-side rate of over 42%, it’s easy to see why Pinango has consecutive seasons with double-digit homers. If he sticks with the Jays, he should be one of the first call-up options this summer. If he goes in the R5, Pinango could be in line for regular at-bats elsewhere.
American League Central
Braden Montgomery, OF, Age: 22, AA, Star
Braden Montgomery was the Red Sox’s first-round pick in 2024, only to be traded the following offseason in the Garrett Crochet deal. Montgomery has experienced fluky injuries collegiately (an ankle injury in 2024) and now, as a pro, has suffered a broken foot this summer. When he’s healthy, Montgomery has some very loud tools. The 22-year-old has a power first profile, having flashed impressive EVs throughout his career and tapping into his 60-grade raw power. His hit tool is inconsistent; he tends to swing and miss in the zone more often than you’d like, and he’s struggled with breaking stuff. As a switch-hitter, Montgomery is much more advanced from the left side and could ultimately make a permanent move exclusively to that side. The White Sox could benefit from having a consensus Top 20 prospect in their lineup, and Montgomery can provide that.
Jacob Gonzalez, INF, Age: 23, AAA, Replacement Level
2023 first-round pick Jacob Gonzalez hasn’t been a bad pro, but his performance is far from where he was selected as #15 overall. The 23-year-old from Ole Miss has shown excellent contact rates and a career strikeout rate below 20%, but a .232 career average doesn’t reflect the bat-to-ball abilities. The gap for Gonzalez has come with virtually no power, as the 25+ homers he mashed in college are a thing of the past. Still, he’s an above-average defender with multi-position potential, so he could carve out a role at some point in 2026.
Sam Antonacci, INF, Age: 22, AA, Starter
Antonacci is an interesting kid. He was the D-III player of the year before transferring to D-I Coastal Carolina, a perennial contender. He performed well for Coastal and parlayed a strong final season into a fifth-round selection in 2024. In his first pro season, Antonacci hit .291 with five homers and 48 steals, while posting nearly identical walk and strikeout rates (13.3% v 14.1%). His contact skills are near-elite, with an overall rate of almost 87% and an in-zone rate well over 93%. There is also an element of passivity in his profile as he swings less than 40% of the time. Power may never come for Antonacci, but his overall feel to hit and baseball IQ will give him a shot at the highest level.
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Age: 23, AAA, Star
It’s been an underwhelming start to Bazzana’s pro career after a historic performance at Oregon State. The Australian-born former #1 overall pick has been slow to adjust to the American game, but still has a career wRC+ over 130. It’s not that he’s been bad, but, like Gonzalez, his performance hasn’t matched his pedigree. There is no sense in giving up on Bazzana, however, as he’s getting on base at a very high rate, posting better than league-average EVs, and really cutting back on his groundballs in 2025. The middle infield in Cleveland is quite underwhelming, and even if he falls short of expectations, his offensive skills still represent a clear upgrade for the Guardians.
Cooper Ingle, C, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
The Guardians love the offense of Bo Naylor and the defense of Austin Hedges, but at some point, they need to create at-bats for Cooper Ingle. Ingle is a top-150 prospect in baseball and has a nice blend of offensive potential and defensive talent. He hit .260 with ten homers between two levels, while also walking more than he struck out. Ingle’s hit tool is solid, but anything more than 8-10 homers would be a plus. He should hit for a reasonable average, provide quality defense, and have a chance to become a starting catcher in the big leagues.
Angel Genao, 2B/SS, Age: 21, AA, Starter
Genao is a highly regarded middle infielder who has consistently ranked in the top 100 on most prospect lists. The 21-year-old switch-hitter is skilled from both sides of the plate, but what little power he has comes as a right-hander. Currently, his offensive potential has a higher floor with little upside, though if he can develop additional power, the combination of bat and glove should give him just enough to be a long-term MLB shortstop.
Juan Brito, 2B/SS, Age: 24, AAA, Starter
I really love Brito, like a lot. He made my list last season, but an early-season thumb injury and a late-season hamstring injury prevented his MLB debut. Brito has a much higher offensive ceiling than Genao and most of the middle infielders in that system, not named Bazzana. His ability to shoot the ball to all fields with power, plus an outstanding feel for hitting, gives me Asdrúbal Cabrera vibes. If Brito is healthy this spring, it wouldn’t surprise me if he were the Opening Day second baseman in Cleveland, or at least a super-utility guy to open 2026.
Kevin McGonigle, SS, Age: 21, AA, Star
The Tigers’ top prospect is the #2 overall prospect in baseball and is generally regarded as the best pure hitter. His 2024 season was cut short by a broken hamate bone, but the 21-year-old completely dominated at three different levels this season and won MVP of the Arizona Fall League. The hit tool is easily plus, and he’s got more power than people give him credit for. McGonigle has primarily been a shortstop to this point, but saw plenty of action at the hot corner during the AFL. The Tigers are being coy about their plans for 2026, but it’s hard to imagine them playing with 26 guys better than McGonigle.
Mets RHP Jack Wenninger was so darn good down the stretch in Double-A and this sequence to Kevin McGonigle in the playoffs is a prime example.
Two gyro sliders through the back door, then a disgusting changeup on the same line just fading away. Also averaged 97 MPH in this one. pic.twitter.com/8zEroUocH4
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) November 3, 2025
Hao-Yu Lee, INF, Age: 22, AAA, Starter
Lee was originally an international free agent in the Phillies system but joined the Tigers in 2023. His first full season with the Tigers was a massive success as Lee slashed .298/.363/.488 with 12 home runs and 16 stolen bases in just 87 games at Double-A. The surface stats at Triple-A Toledo in 2025 weren’t inspiring, although Lee did make gains in contact rate and found a bit more power. He was particularly successful against left-handed pitching, posting a .918 OPS, which aligns closely with his career norms versus southpaws. With experience at second base, shortstop, and third base, Lee gives the Tigers a few different options to squeeze him into the lineup. I expect Lee will be up at some point near the All-Star Break.
Max Anderson, 2B, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
Although Anderson was far from an afterthought in the AFL, McGonigle’s MVP performance outshone an otherwise excellent showing from the 23-year-old. Anderson hit .296 with 31 doubles and 19 homers in the regular season, then went to Arizona and slashed .447/.609/.809 with four homers, five doubles, and twice as many walks (18) as strikeouts (9). Anderson showed strong bat-to-ball skills and was as polished as any hitter out there. With Torres back in the mix in Detroit, Anderson’s timeline is likely to be pushed back a bit. Based solely on experience, he should be up before McGonigle, but his floor and ceiling are significantly lower. I’d love to see him compete for a utility spot this spring, or get traded to a place where he can see regular at-bats.
Eduardo Valencia, C, Age: 25, AAA, Starter
One of the sneakier plays in fantasy this season could be Eduardo Valencia. The 25-year-old backstop had a monster season in 2025, belting 24 homers with a .311 batting average across two levels, including his final 50 games at Triple-A. Valencia’s breakout coincides with a significant drop in groundball rate and the subsequent power surge that followed. His batted ball data and metrics have always been quite solid, so if these gains stick, he’s a legitimate C2. The only thing holding him back is veteran Jake Rogers, who has consecutive seasons with a 70 wRC+. It may not be on Opening Day, but Valencia will be the backup in Detroit at some point this season.
Carson Roccaforte, OF, Age: 23, AA, Replacement Level
Once Caleb Jensen arrived last season, the Royals’ prospect corps was top-heavy on low-minors or DSL talent, leaving just a pair of hitters with MLB aspirations for 2026. One is Carson Roccaforte, a 23-year-old outfielder known more for his defensive prowess than offensive production until recently. Roccaforte slashed .258/.373/.470 last season with 18 homers and 46 steals, split between High-A and Double-A. He also appeared in the AFL, hitting eight doubles with two homers, but led the league with 28 strikeouts. Much of his elevated strikeout rate can be attributed to being too patient at the dish, taking a called strike rate of 18% and swinging less than 38% of the time. With his glove and improved offensive profile, Roccaforte should be among the first names called up in 2026.
Gavin Cross, OF, Age: 24, AAA, Replacement Level
At some point, the Royals are going to give Cross a shot. The ninth overall pick in 2022 has battled inconsistency throughout his career, but played all of 2025 in Double-A, which puts him on the precipice of an MLB debut. In 114 games at Northwest Arkansas, Cross hit .241 with 17 homers and 23 steals, but continued struggles with contact have plagued an otherwise productive career. If one thing gives a bump to his resume, the 24-year-old can play all three outfield positions and is considered at least a league-average defender at all of them.
Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF, Age: 22, AAA, Star
Rodriguez has long been considered among the best overall hitters in the minors, but injuries have severely delayed his MLB debut. Dating back to 2022, ERod has played in just 258 games, never once reaching 100 in a season and only once exceeding 65. When healthy, the 22-year-old is an OBP monster, posting a career mark of .424, drawing 278 walks against 389 strikeouts. The power output has fluctuated, but with most of his injuries in the lower half of his body, those tend to sap power. The Twins should take a similar approach to Rodriguez that the Guardians took with Chase DeLauter: don’t waste already limited at-bats in the minors. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rodriguez is on the Opening Day roster in Minnesota.
Walker Jenkins, OF, Age: 20, AAA, Star
Like Rodriguez, injuries have slowed the development of Walker Jenkins, who was the fifth overall pick in the Class of 2023. There is no doubting his talent, but durability is a big concern as he enters year three as a pro. Through it all, Jenkins has a .295/.399/.464 slash line with 73 extra-base hits (19 HR) and 40 steals in 192 career games. Even with the injuries, Jenkins has already reached Triple-A and figures to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. If he’s left off, an early-season call-up is well within reason, assuming health.
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Age: 22, AA, Star
It’s rare for a top-50 prospect to soar completely under the radar, but Kaelen Culpepper has done just that. The first-rounder from 2024 has little fanfare but continues to produce at a very high level. In 113 games this season, he hit .289 with 20 homers and 25 steals, split between High-A and Double-A. His feel to hit, excellent plate skills, and outstanding athleticism have vaulted Culpepper into the discussion as an early-season call-up for a rebuilding Twins club. His long-term future as a shortstop is in question, but scouts believe he could be an elite defender at third base, which would likely move Royce Lewis to another organization or a permanent DH role. Either way, once Culpepper is ready, he will be an everyday major leaguer.
Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Age: 21, AAA, Starter
Gonzalez was originally a Mariners farmhand, having signed with the club during the 2021 international free agent class. In two-plus seasons with the M’s, the 21-year-old flashed a strong hit tool, but never really tapped into any power. Following the trade to Minnesota, the bat-to-ball skills continued to thrive, and this past season, he reached 15 homers between Double and Triple-A. His batted-ball data (89.7 avg EV, 7.9-degree LA) isn’t indicative of more than 12-15 homers as a pro, but given his ability to hit for average, Gonzalez’s bat will play at the highest level. He is a distant third in the pecking order, but I would be surprised if Gonzalez isn’t up some time this summer.
American League West
Henry Bolte, OF, Age: 22, AAA, Starter
If you read any of Matt Heckman’s work, you already know that Bolte is a future Hall of Famer. All kidding aside, the 22-year-old has been productive as a pro, posting three straight seasons with an OPS over .775 and two straight with a wRC+ over 120. Bolte gets to his power frequently, draws plenty of walks, and makes an immediate impact on the bases. Still, a career strikeout rate of 32.8% has many, including me, wondering if he’ll ever be anything more than a fourth outfielder. But the A’s love that type of player, showing continued support for guys like JJ Bleday and Denzel Clarke, two hyper-productive minor leaguers with the same high ceiling, but rock-bottom floor that Bolte offers. After an early stop in Triple-A, Bolte should make an early summer arrival.
Ryan Lasko, OF, Age: 22, AA, JAG
Lasko is a defensive-minded outfielder with excellent glove skills and a strong arm, traits that will carry him to the majors despite a slow-developing bat. The 22-year-old has played two full MiLB seasons, batting just .234 with 12 homers and 48 steals. His walk and strikeout rates are fine; Lasko just isn’t an offensive star. But defense plays and is the reason why guys like Kevin Kiermaier had 15-year MLB careers. Even if Lasko is an 80 wRC+ player, adding his glove as a late-inning replacement or a fourth outfielder is a big boost for the A’s. He should be up sometime late in 2026.
Leodalis De Vries, SS, Age: 19, AA, Star
The ultimate wild card is now 19-year-old Leo de Vries, the A’s top prospect and a consensus top-10 guy in the minors. De Vries came to the Athletics from San Diego in the Mason Miller trade last summer, but changing organizations didn’t stop his production. In 118 games between two levels and organizations, he slashed .255/.355/.451 with 28 doubles, 15 homers, and 11 steals, doing all of that as an 18-year-old. He shows elite plate skills, headlined by above-average contact, no chase, and plus raw power. De Vries is a premium athlete with the skills to play anywhere on the diamond, but likely a second baseman with Jacob Wilson set as the primary shortstop. The A’s won’t rush de Vries, but make no mistake, he’s their best minor league talent and a guy they’re highly excited about getting to the majors.
Joseph Sullivan, OF, Age: 23, AA, Starter
The more I dig into Sullivan, the more I love the profile. If you just look at the surface stats, you’ll come away underwhelmed. A .220 average last season plus a 27.7% strikeout rate screams Henry Bolte, but that’s not the case. Suliivan has a keen eye for pitch recognition and not chasing, but his passivity is next level. He had a called-strike rate of over 21% last season, while his swinging-strike rate was below 10%. That’s the level Roman Anthony was at before his call-up. I’m not saying they’re the same, but elite plate skills show how advanced a hitter is. Even with the elevated strikeouts, Sullivan hit 17 homers and stole 42 bases in his first season as a pro. His journey in 2026 will start at Double-A, but with his ability to get to his pull-side power and get on base at a very high rate, his profile screams Astros, and I’ll be very excited for his arrival.
Lucas Spence, OF, Age: 22, AA, Replacement Level
Spence is an interesting story. He played collegiately at a very small community college before transferring to D-II Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and starring there. Despite his performance, Spence went undrafted but climbed to Double-A in 2025, his first year as a pro. He hit .244 with ten homers and 27 steals, showing a little bit of everything along the way. Spence is an on-base machine, walking at a rate of just over 14% and showing a strong feel for pitch recognition. His bat won’t win a home run derby, but he’s flashed enough contact ability and speed to become a fringe fourth outfielder. The earliest we could see Spence is late 2026.
Collin Price, C, Age: 26, AAA, Replacement Level
Mercer University product Collin Price is a big, physical backstop, standing 6’5″ and 225 lbs. He played all of 2025 at Triple-A Sugar Land, hitting .235 with 18 homers and a .757 OPS. Offensively, he has more power than anything, as the hit tool lacks consistency. Price has plenty of swing-and-miss, including in-zone, but when he does make contact, he’s frequently tapping into some raw power. His swing creates a lot of natural loft, and that will play for a right-handed hitter at Minute Maid. The Astros have just two catchers on their 40-man, so barring a free-agent acquisition this offseason, Price looks to be third in line at the position entering camp.
Nelson Rada, OF, Age: 20, AAA, Starter
The Angels are notorious for rushing prospects, especially guys with pedigree. Rada falls into that group, having earned a $1.85M bonus as part of the 2022 international class. Since coming stateside, Rada has hit and hit often. His career batting average is .273 with an OBP of .384. There is almost no power in the profile, but he’s got elite speed, and when you factor in his contact skills, he’s a beneficiary of high BABIP and creates a lot of extra-base hits. On the bases, the 20-year-old has tallied 171 steals in just over three seasons, including 54 in 2025. Defensively, he uses his speed and athleticism to patrol center field and has just enough to stick there long term. While it would be highly aggressive for the Angels to make Rada their primary centerfielder as a 20-year-old, it would also be shocking if they didn’t.
Ben Gobbel, SS, Age: 26, AAA, JAG
One of the best post-Thanksgiving names is Ben Gobbel, an undrafted free agent, who has become a steady force in the Angels system. The 26-year-old has played three full seasons in the organization, batting .258 with some power and a bit of speed, while playing solid defense. In 2025, Gobbel hit .268 with 17 homers and 11 steals at Triple-A Salt Lake, adding a .783 OPS. There’s nothing overly exciting about his profile. Still, with the injury history of Zach Neto and the anticipated retirement of a specific high-priced third baseman, Gobbel could get a decent amount of at-bats in the Majors in 2026.
David Mershon, OF, Age: 22, AAA, Replacement Level
The Angels grabbed Mershon in the 18th round of the 2024 Draft, the same year they took fellow SEC-er Christian Moore in the first round. Like Moore, Mershon was First Team All-SEC at Mississippi State. The Angels aggressively pushed him to Double-A right off the jump, where he played 29 games to close out 2024. After returning to the same level last season, Mershon was eventually promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake, where he played the final 14 games. His performance in 2025 was not great as he hit .182 with one homer and 27 steals. Speed is a big part of his game and will be his carrying tool if he makes the majors. Given their rapid promotion of Mershon, the Angels clearly see something in the profile that they’re excited about. Don’t be surprised if he rejoins Moore as his teammate for the Halos later this season.
Colt Emerson, SS, Age: 20, AAA, Star
20-year-old Colt Emerson is one of the most highly-regarded prospects in the minors and a guy the Mariners have very high hopes for. The 22nd overall pick in 2023 has had an inauspicious start to his pro career, as injuries plagued him in 2024. But Emerson got healthy and reached Triple-A by the end of 2025, slashing .285/.383/.458 with 28 doubles, 16 homers, and 14 steals across three levels. Considered to be one of the best pure hitters in his class, Emerson has flashed an above-average blend of contact and power as a pro, while also maintaining excellent walk and strikeout rates. Emerson will turn 21 in late July, but could celebrate a monumental birthday as a big leaguer with the Mariners.
The Mariners Colt Emerson was the standout of yesterday's AFL games going 5-for-6 with four doubles. Emerson is the Mariners No. 1 prospect and arguably the top prospect in the AFL in 2024. pic.twitter.com/uKrjW6LVIU
— Geoff Pontes (@GeoffPontesBA) October 9, 2024
Michael Arroyo, 2B, Age: 21, AA, Star
Arroyo is a quiet assassin in the Mariners system, lost among the hyper-toolsy prospects like Emerson and Lazaro Montes, but producing at a similar rate. As a 20-year-old in 2025, Arroyo hit .262 with 17 homers and an .834 OPS between two levels, finishing his season with Double-A Arkansas. His power took a dip after his promotion, but Arkansas is a poor-hitting environment, and very few have sustained success at that stop in their system. Arroyo lacks the physicality (5’10, 170) of the “premium prospects,” but his offensive tools are quite loud, and he’s got the potential to be an everyday player in the majors. There is still a lot to work through logistically, but for now, only Cole Young stands in the way of Arroyo as the primary second baseman in Seattle.
Lazaro Montes, OF, Age: 21, AA, Star
Including Montes on this list is aggressive, but his upside and proximity to the majors make me think the Mariners may push him if they get into a pinch. Montes is an exciting young hitter, flashing off-the-charts raw power and elite batted-ball data. As a 20-year-old last season, Montes mashed 32 homers between two levels, including 14 in just 240 at-bats for Double-A Arkansas. Getting on base has never been a problem either, as he walks over 13% of the time, but it comes with a considerable amount of swing-and-miss. Throughout his career, Montes has had a 27% strikeout rate, which has continued to rise as he moves up levels. With all that in mind, the 6’5″ slugger is an offensive force that the Mariners could absolutely benefit from. But will they pull the trigger in 2026?
Victor Labrada, OF, Age: 25, AAA, Replacement Level
Labrada’s profile is significantly different from Montes’s, focusing more on the contact piece while also adding a very exciting speed element. The Cuban-born outfielder is also just 5’8″, a less imposing physical figure but equally effective in his own way. Labrada reached Triple-A in 2025, playing 61 games at the level. He hit .265 there with a homer and 14 steals, drawing 37 walks against just 42 strikeouts. With a career OBP of .365 and his speed, the 25-year-old has managed consecutive 40+ stolen base seasons and figures to be an impactful runner in the majors. Although his offensive ceiling is relatively low, Labrada could fill a role as a fourth outfielder used for pinch running and late-inning impact.
Sebastian Walcott, SS, Age: 19, AA, Star
Walcott has some of the best tools in the minors, quickly becoming a top-5 all-around talent with upside to dream on. As a 19-year-old this summer, Walcott hit .255 with 13 homers and 32 steals playing exclusively at Double-A. A nearly 13% walk rate was impressive, but lowering his strikeout rate to below 20% was the most significant gain year-over-year for Walcott. His inclusion in the Arizona Fall League this year signaled that the Rangers were going to be aggressive with him in 2026, but he played just one game before an elbow injury. It’s hard to imagine the Rangers leaving him in the minors all season long, especially now that Marcus Semien is in New York and second base is wide open.
Abimelec Ortiz, 1B, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
Ortiz had a 33-homer breakout in 2023, but after a batting average and power dip last season, his stock dipped with it. He bounced back in 2025, however, mashing 25 homers across two levels and seeing his average tick up to .257. The 23-year-old has big-time power, and we finally have data to back it up. Ortiz had a 53.8% hard-hit rate at Triple-A, which included a 91.7 mph average and 112.1 max EV. He goes to the pull side nearly 50% of the time and has consistently been over 40% with his fly ball rate. Ortiz has also cut back his strikeouts, which have hovered around 22% for consecutive seasons. The recipe for a slugging first baseman is all there for Ortiz, who should make his MLB debut sometime mid-summer.
Cameron Cauley, UTIL, Age: 22, AA, Starter
It’s hard to pinpoint just one position for the versatile Cam Cauley. After all, he’s played a little second base, a little shortstop, and some outfield over his four-year MiLB career. The 22-year-old is a solid offensive contributor as well, producing a .253 average with 15 homers and 28 steals in 2025, eventually reaching Double-A. Strikeouts have been a concern for Cauley, but his contact rate isn’t far from the league average. Offering a combination of a serviceable bat plus multi-position defense should give Cauley a path to playing time in the majors in 2026.
Aaron Zavala, OF, Age: 25, AAA, Replacement Level
There was a time in 2022 when Zavala was trending toward a top-100 prospect. But a UCL injury that required the internal brace procedure and consecutive disappointing seasons in 2023 and 2024 left Zavala as an afterthought. Now 25, the former Oregon Duck returned to form last season, batting .242 with 16 homers and ten steals. His .354 OBP was his best since that 2022 season, and although his strikeout rate continues to hover around 30%, he’s at least flashing some of the potential we saw before the injury. Zavala will be a corner outfielder in the majors, which puts quite a bit of pressure on the bat. I still think he gets his shot in 2026 and has the skills to become at least a league-average big leaguer.
