Predicting the future is impossible. Even still, this article is going to give it a shot. There are a ton of prospects out there. Unless you are a dynasty die-hard, keeping track of which prospects project to be relevant for fantasy baseball can be an exhausting task. The goal of this article is to help simplify that for fantasy managers. Below is a brief introduction to each hitting prospect in the National League who could be expected to make their major league debut next season. The list will inevitably be incomplete due to some fast-rising and unexpected prospects flying through systems, but hopefully, this list covers most of the prospects set to debut in 2026.
To go along with each ranking, a “tier” was included to detail what kind of prospect fantasy baseball managers should expect this player to turn into. The tier list is as follows:
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.
2026 Hitting Prospects to Debut: National League
Aidan Miller – SS/3B, Age: 21, AAA, Star
In a similar sense to last year, the Phillies have come out vocally stating that they cannot run back the same team and expect different results in 2026. Enter the team’s top prospect, Aidan Miller, who has been nothing but sensational since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft. Miller has exclusively played shortstop since being drafted, but could get a chance to play either second or third base depending on how the off-season goes. He is an excellent athlete with strong baseball instincts. Miller stole 59 bases in the minor leagues last season and profiles as a 30-steal player at the major-league level. He has plus contact skills, good batted ball distributions, and excellent plate discipline. The only thing left to fully unlock is more game power, which could turn him into an elite fantasy asset.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. – OF, Age: 24, AAA, Replacement Level
Gabriel Rincones Jr. Jr has shown off an intriguing blend of power and speed throughout his minor league career. Despite hitting 18 homers and stealing 21 bases last season in Triple-A, Rincones is still overlooked amongst the dynasty community. The 6’3″ lefty posted an average exit velocity of 92.4 mph with a max EV of 116.4. The power is legit. The biggest issue is a significant platoon risk. In 65 plate appearances against lefties last season, Rincones slashed .107/.215/.107. The sample size was small, but this has been a consistent theme throughout his professional career. He profiles as more of a fourth outfielder than a true star. He is likely to make his major league debut next season, but is not somebody that dynasty managers should be overly excited about.
Justin Crawford – OF, Age: 21, AAA, Starter
Justin Crawford is a player that dynasty managers cannot seem to figure out how to value. On the surface, the stats are excellent. For the third time in three professional seasons, Crawford once again finished with a batting average north of .300. On top of his .334 batting average, Crawford also stole 46 bases. His pure speed and contact skills are definite plus attributes. The issue is a 59.4% ground ball rate. Despite being the lowest mark of his career, this is still too high to find sustainable success at the major-league level. Unlike Chandler Simpson, there is some raw pop in his profile (110.6 max EV), but his current approach prevents him from getting to it consistently. The Phillies are looking to mix things up in their outfield, and Crawford should have a chance to earn a starting role in spring training of 2026. The speed is enough to earn him a look in fantasy drafts, but there are more concerns than positives in his profile right now.
Carson Benge– OF, Age: 22, AAA, Star
Carson Benge is looking like a home run pick for the Mets already. The team’s first-round pick from 2024 wasted no time making a name for himself in 2025. Benge finished the season with a .281/.385/.472 slash. He played at three different levels, making it as high as Triple-A in his first season. The 15 homers and 22 stolen bases are impressive, but it is the underlying metrics and projections that make Benge such an enticing prospect. For starters, his floor projects extremely high. His contact rate last season was north of 80% and he showed off excellent plate discipline. He has plus speed and projects for 20+ steals a year. On top of that, there is significant power projection. Benge stands at 6’1″ and has a pretty left-handed swing. He controls the barrel well and posted an average exit velocity north of 92 mph. He has five-category potential and could make his major-league debut in 2026. Once promoted, he projects as a must-roster player.
Ryan Clifford – 1B/OF, Age: 22, AAA, Starter
Ryan Clifford joined the Mets organization at the 2023 trade deadline. After struggling in his first year and a half with the team, Clifford came on strong in 2025. From June 6 forward, Clifford crushed 21 home runs. His 600-PA pace over that stretch would have been 41 homers. Although strikeouts and batting average have been issues for Clifford in the past, he improved upon his strikeout rate as last season moved along, and he posted a respectable 74.9% contact rate. A below-average BABIP and a sometimes overly patient approach are the biggest factors driving his low batting average, rather than an actually poor hit tool. There is a platoon concern in his profile (.204/.273/.381 against lefties last year), but his power makes him an intriguing dynasty prospect. Now that Pete Alonso has left the Mets, Clifford could get a chance to earn significant playing time in 2026.
Jett Williams – 2B/SS/OF, Age: 22, AAA, Starter
Size has been the biggest knock on Jett Williams throughout his professional career. Standing at just 5’7″, projecting Williams to hit for power at the major-league level has been the biggest concern amongst critics (myself being one of the largest). While those concerns persist, Williams continues to perform well in the minor leagues. In 2025, Williams hit 17 homers and stole 34 bases. Speed is a definite plus tool for Williams, and he projects to have an above-average hit tool as well. A 34-game sample in Triple-A to end last season gave us a glimpse into what his batted ball data looks like. An average EV of 86 mph and a max EV of 108.4 is nothing to get excited about. His defensive versatility should open up playing time at the major-league level in 2026, but fantasy managers should proceed with caution when setting expectations.
Jacob Reimer – 1B/3B, Age: 21, AA, Starter
Jacob Reimer’s success was one of the bigger surprises from the Mets’ farm system in 2025. A fourth-round pick back in 2022, Reimer has struggled to produce consistently and stay healthy since being drafted. In 2025, Reimer did both. He finished the season with 17 homers, 15 steals, and a .282 batting average. Although Reimer played most of his games at third base, he also spent some time at first, which could be his long-term home. For dynasty managers, Reimer projects as a fine prospect. There is plus power upside, thanks to his ability to consistently get to his pull side. He has quick hands and excellent bat speed. The 15 stolen bases were nice, but with fringe-average speed, Reimer does not project to be a major stolen base threat at the major-league level. His contact skills are solid, and he hits a ton of line drives, which creates a stable floor. While he lacks any one elite tool, Reimer projects to be a solid all-around player. The Mets have a deep infield, but his performance in 2025 puts him on the radar to make his major-league debut next season.
Kemp Alderman – OF, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
On the surface, Kemp Alderman has a lot of the tools that fantasy managers seek in a prospect. Standing at 6’3″, Alderman’s athletic build and physical projection give him plus power and speed. In 130 games split between Double and Triple-A, Alderman hit 22 home runs and stole 22 bases in 2025. The most impressive part of Alderman’s 2025 season was the massive improvement in his batting average. After batting .242 in 2024, Alderman’s average rose to .285 last season. Even with Jakob Marsee and Kyle Stowers locked into the lineup, the Marlins still have an outfield spot up for grabs in 2026, and Alderman is a candidate to earn that role. While his surface stats, athleticism, and raw power are reasons to be excited, there are concerns in his profile that fantasy managers should be aware of. For starters, Alderman is aggressive at the dish and has suspect contact skills, especially against breaking balls. Alderman also hits a lot of ground balls, limiting how consistently he taps into his raw power.
Joe Mack – C, Age: 22, AAA, Starter
Catching prospects, especially those taken out of high school, tend to move slowly through farm systems. That has been the case for Joe Mack, who was a first-round pick by Miami back in 2021. Having worked his way up to Triple-A, Mack seems destined to make his major-league debut in 2026. Mack’s defense is excellent and should quickly earn him regular playing time behind the dish. Offensively, Mack is a two-sided coin. The power upside in his profile is significant. He hits a lot of line drives, gets to his pull side well, and has posted above-average home-run-per-fly-ball rates throughout his professional career. The high line drive rate helps inflate his BABIP and batting average, but also masks a concerning approach and hit tool. Mack is aggressive and struggles to hit anything other than the fastball. This could become an issue at the major-league level.
Deyvison De Los Santos – 1B/3B, Age: 22, AAA, Replacement Level
The crazy part about Deyvison De Los Santos is that he is still only 22 years old. For those in the dynasty community, DDLS seems to have been around forever. Many expected to see him make his debut last season, but the team opted to keep him in Triple-A for the entirety of the year. 2025 was more of the same offensively. He flashed significant raw power with good exit velocities, but his game power continued to be hampered by a high ground-ball rate. His in-zone contact rate did jump significantly last year, marking a noticeable improvement to his hit tool. However, even with these improvements, his wRC+ was only 85 last year. He spent the majority of the season at first base last year and feels like more of a AAAA player than a true difference maker for Miami. He is on the 40-man roster and is likely to get a chance at some point in 2026.
Jacob Berry – UTIL, Age: 24, AAA, JAG
Since being drafted sixth overall in 2022, Jacob Berry has been largely regarded as a bust by those in the scouting industry. While his results have been underwhelming, Berry quietly worked his way up to Triple-A last season. In 123 games, Berry hit .267 with eight home runs and 27 stolen bases. Defensively, Berry got playing time all over the field, including first base, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. A utility player is the most likely outcome for Berry at this point. He has good contact skills and a smooth swing path, which produces a lot of line drives, but fails to impact the ball with consistency. His power upside is limited, and despite 27 stolen bases last year, he does not project as a major stolen base threat at the major-league level. The draft pedigree is there, but Berry’s limited offensive upside prevents him from projecting as a reliable fantasy asset.
Atlanta
Ethan Workinger – OF, Age: 24, AA, JAG
Atlanta lacks much depth amongst their hitting prospects. One player who could get a look in 2026 is Ethan Workinger. Workinger went undrafted in 2020 and has worked his way slowly through the Braves’ system since being drafted. Although he was not added to the team’s 40-man roster this offseason, he still is one of the closest bats to the major leagues should the team need an outfielder. In 2025, Workinger spent the entire season at Double-A, where he hit 16 homers and stole 12 bases. His .224 batting average is underwhelming, but that can be explained by his .246 BABIP. Despite the low BABIP, Workinger showed off a strong ability to hit line drives and get to his pull side with consistency. He finished the year with a 77.9% contact rate. Workinger does not hold any dynasty value and is unlikely to ever hold much fantasy value, but he still could earn a major-league promotion with a strong start to 2026.
Patrick Clohisy – OF, Age: 24, AA, JAG
Nobody batted an eye when Atlanta selected Patrick Clohisy out of St. Louis University in the 11th round of the 2024 draft. Despite the lack of attention, Clohisy played well in his first professional season last year. What really stands out in Clohisy’s profile is his speed. In 131 games last season, Closhiy stole 79 bases. This offers instant intrigue to fantasy managers should he earn a promotion. While the rest of his stat line is underwhelming, Clohisy projects to have some upside. He has quick hands from the left side and a smooth swing path designed to hit line drives. Clohisy is unlikely to become a reliable fantasy asset, but his speed makes him a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Yohandy Morales – 3B/1B, Age: 24, AAA, Replacement Level
In terms of raw power, Yohandy Morales has some of the best in all of Minor League Baseball. Power was his calling card coming out of the University of Miami in 2023, and he started to show it at the professional level last season. Morales stands tall at 6’3″ with a built-out frame. At the plate, he has quick hands and uses a small leg kick to tap into even more power after starting from a closed stance. Morales gets to his pull side well, but there are times when his swing can get a bit handsy. This has led to inconsistent contact rates and higher ground-ball rates than are desirable for a power-hitting corner infielder. He has split time at third and first base, although it is likely his future home is at first or DH. This adds more pressure on his bat to play up to achieve fantasy relevance. Having made it to Triple-A last season, there is a chance we see Morales up at the major-league level in 2026. He will need to make significant improvements to his hit tool before becoming a fantasy-relevant prospect.
Christian Franklin – OF, Age: 26, AAA, Replacement Level
With the hustle and bustle of trade season, the Nationals’ acquisition of Christian Hernandez from the Cubs did not make any headlines. Hernandez, now 26, was a fourth-round pick by the Cubs back in 2021. He spent the entirety of 2025 in Triple-A, where he finished with 12 home runs, 19 stolen bases, and a .272 batting average. There is not one thing that Hernandez excels at, but he does a lot of little things well. He has 10-15 home run upside, good speed, plus plate discipline, hits a lot of line drives, and strong contact skills. If given regular playing time, he could hold value in OBP leagues, where his batting average and walk rate will provide significant value. Franklin is unlikely to ever become a difference maker, but he holds sneaky value as an older prospect on a rebuilding team.
Seaver King – 2B/3B, Age: 22, AA, Starter
Seaver King was a somewhat surprising selection at 10th overall in the 2024 draft. The Nationals clearly liked what they saw out of King during his time at Wake Forest, but that skillset has yet to translate to the professional level. In 125 games, King hit .244 with six home runs and 30 stolen bases. A bit on the smaller side, King lacks much physical projection. His all-fields approach, combined with aggressive swing patterns, makes it unlikely he ever hits for plus power at the major-league level. King is a good runner and makes contact at a high enough rate to be relevant. Most encouraging were the results from this year’s AFL, where King really seemed to settle in. There, King slashed .359/.468/.563. King also walked 11 times in 54 plate appearances after walking only 32 times all of last season. If this new approach sticks, King could move quickly and find himself in Washington at some point in 2026.
Caleb Lomavita – C, Age: 23, AA, JAG
With the major league catching situation unsettled, there is a chance Caleb Lomavita could have his name called upon at some point in 2026. The team’s fourth-round pick from 2024, Lomavita put up solid numbers in his first full professional season. Splitting time between High-A and Double-A, Lomavita slashed .275/.340/.374 with a 115 wRC+. A strong defensive catcher, this could help Lomavita push through the minor leagues. For fantasy managers, there is not much appeal here. He has below-average game power and is not a threat on the basepaths. His strong batting average from last season can be attributed to a .339 BABIP despite a ground-ball rate north of 50%. Lomavita could capitalize on an opportunity for playing time at catcher in Washington; however, he is unlikely to be worth adding in any fantasy leagues if promoted.
Pedro Ramirez – 3B, Age: 21, AA, Replacement Level
Since signing with the team back in 2021 out of Venezuela, Pedro Ramirez has not received much attention from those in the dynasty community. In 2025, Ramirez played well enough for the Cubs to add him to their 40-man roster this offseason. In 129 games with Double-A, Ramirez hit .280 with eight home runs and 28 stolen bases. He split time defensively between second and third base, showing the ability to play both positions. The switch-hitting infielder has a profile carried by his hit tool. Truth be told, his contact skills and batted ball distributions are some of the best in all of Minor League Baseball. He is not overly aggressive, uses the whole field, and has great pitch recognition. Ramirez is not a “zero” in the power department, but does not project to be a difference maker for fantasy managers. If given regular playing time, he could hold some value, but profiles as more of a utility infielder.
James Triantos – 2B/OF, Age: 22, AAA, Replacement Level
James Triantos‘ dynasty stock has fallen significantly over the past couple of seasons. Triantos was dominant in the lower levels of the minor leagues, showing off great contact skills, low strikeout rates, and elite speed. Triantos also flashed power upside, which created optimism that he could at least hit for average power in the future. Unfortunately, Triantos’ power has never fully developed. He has never hit more than seven home runs in a season. Triantos also saw his stolen base success rate decrease last season. His aggressive approach and high chase rate resulted in a 77 wRC+. He also continued to post a ground-ball rate north of 50%. Triantos has failed to make the adjustments necessary to elevate his profile. He is likely to make his major-league debut in 2026, but is not somebody fantasy managers should pay much attention to.
Jonathon Long – 1B/3B, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
People are talking about Jonathon Long’s 2025 season, but it seems like nobody is ready to fully buy into the numbers he posted. The team’s ninth-round pick from 2023 built on an impressive 2024 with a successful 2025. He hit a career high 20 home runs with a .305 batting average. The difficult part for fantasy managers is that Long is not your typical first-base profile. While he has average pop, his swing and approach are not designed to drive the ball out of the park. Instead, Long takes what pitchers give him, focusing on contact and driving the ball into the gaps. He is a doubles machine who should hit for high batting averages in the future. The Cubs do not have a clear path to playing time for Long, but he could force their hand if he continues playing at a high level in Triple-A.
Jesus Made – SS, Age: 18, AA, Star
The rumor is that Jesus Made is on the Jackson Chourio path. The Brewers followed a similar progression timeline while Chourio was working his way through the minor leagues with a late-season promotion to Double-A in 2022. Chourio then split 2023 between Double and Triple-A before making his major-league debut in 2024. That would put Made on the 2027 timeline, but he is still worth mentioning here. Made is one of the game’s top prospects at only 18 years old. He has already shown off a great hit tool, excellent plate discipline, and plus-plus speed. His game power is still a work in progress, but he has the physical projectability for 20-25 homers in a season. If Made plays well enough to earn a promotion in 2026, he will become an instant fantasy asset. He is a player worth knowing and keeping tabs on throughout the 2026 season.
Brock Wilken – 3B, Age: 23, AA, Starter
Brock Wilken’s profile has not changed one bit since being drafted 18th overall in 2023. The big 6’4″ third baseman has significant power. His approach at the plate is calm and consistent. He does not have much movement, but connects his hands to his body well to drive the ball with force. He hits a lot of fly balls and gets to his pull side well. The flip side of that is a poor batting average stemming from an overly patient approach. Wilken is going to work walks, but he also strikes out a lot and is unlikely to ever hit above .250. The Brewers have an obvious need at third base, and Wilken should get his chance at some point in 2026. His power is enough to warrant attention in fantasy once he is promoted.
Mike Boeve – 1B/3B, Age: 23, AA, JAG
The Brewers took Mike Boeve in the second round of the 2023 draft. Boeve put up strong numbers in 2024, showing off excellent contact skills. He hit .338 with six home runs and an excellent walk rate. The team decided to send Boeve back to Double-A for 2025, and the results paled in comparison. Boeve finished the season with only five home runs and a .239 batting average. While he continued to show off strong contact skills, Boeve’s power failed to develop to the level many had hoped. His left-handed swing can get long at times, and although he flashes decent pop, it is difficult to imagine him hitting 20+ homers at the major-league level. With below-average power and little speed, projecting fantasy value at a corner-infield position is unrealistic.
Luke Adams – 1B/3B, Age: 21, AA, Starter
This list makes it obvious that the Brewers’ biggest need is at corner infield. Wilken is the most likely candidate to claim a spot, but Adams is the prospect who has the most sneaky upside. Adams’ swing and stance are a bit unorthodox. That, paired with inconsistent results, keeps him from headlining any prospect lists, but he has the fantasy upside managers love to target. For starters, Adams has plus power. Adams stands at 6’4″ and gets to his pull side well. He is yet to top 11 homers in a season, but has posted above-average home-run-per-fly-ball rates each of his first three seasons. Adams is also a threat to add 10-15 stolen bases, posts excellent walk rates, and finished 2025 with a contact rate of 78.6%. From an underlying metrics standpoint, Adams does just about everything well. If the baseball card stats start to show up in 2026, Adams could find himself in Milwaukee quickly.
Héctor Rodríguez – OF, Age: 21, AAA, Starter
Héctor Rodríguez is not the biggest. He is not the most athletic. Rodriguez does not have the most raw power, the best speed, or the most projectability. However, all Rodriguez does is hit. Since joining the Reds organization in the middle of the 2022 season, Rodriguez has put up impressive numbers at every level he has played at. In 2025, he split time between Double and Triple-A, finishing the season with 19 home runs and 15 stolen bases. The one thing that Rodriguez does really well is hit line drives. His left-handed swing is smooth and consistent. He takes what pitchers give him, prioritizing contact and dropping balls into the gaps. Although power does not project to be his calling card, playing his home games in Great American Ballpark should at least help him to post average power numbers. Rodriguez should get a chance in 2026 and is worth taking a shot on once promoted. He is a fringe top-100 prospect.
Cam Collier – 3B/1B, Age: 21, AA, Starter
Injuries derailed what was supposed to be a breakout 2025 season for Cam Collier. The team’s first-round pick from 2022 has shown flashes but has failed to fully put everything together. In 95 games, Collier hit just four home runs. For a player whose profile hinges on power output, seeing Collier healthy will be the biggest thing to look for in 2026. Outside of power, Collier walks a lot and hits a lot of line drives. Despite a 40-grade hit tool on FanGraphs, Collier has improved his contact skills over the past few seasons. Although it does not show up in his season totals, the power in his profile is what will carry Collier to fantasy relevance. If he proves healthy in 2026, he could move quickly and find himself in Cincinnati.
Edwin Arroyo – SS, Age: 22, AA, Replacement Level
Back when he was traded to Cincinnati as part of the Luis Castillo trade, Edwin Arroyo was a big-time prospect for Seattle. Since joining the Reds, Arroyo has struggled to find consistency offensively and missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn labrum. He returned in 2025 and looked unspectacularly solid. The switch-hitting shortstop posted strong contact rates, despite an uber-aggressive approach. His batting average was inflated by a .339 BABIP, and he finished with only three home runs. The power potential many saw early in his professional career seems to be a distant memory, capping his future fantasy value. Now on the 40-man roster, Arroyo could earn a promotion at some point in 2026. He does not project as a reliable fantasy asset at this point.
Blaze Jordan – 1B/3B, Age: 22, AAA, JAG
Blaze Jordan came to St. Louis from Boston at last year’s trade deadline. As a prospect, Jordan has been known to have significant raw power, but has struggled to translate that to game power in his professional career. The issues are two-fold. First, he is extremely aggressive at the plate. This produces the weak exit velocities you see in his profile. The second issue is a high ground-ball rate that prevents him from getting to his game power consistently. At this point, Jordan is a fine prospect. His contact skills are solid. He has the raw power to drive the ball. Jordan could get some run at first base or DH with the Cardinals in 2026. However, at a position with a high replacement level, Jordan does not project as a viable fantasy asset.
Joshua Baez – OF, Age: 22, AA, Starter
A second-round pick back in 2021, Joshua Baez struggled to find his footing at the professional level. The biggest issue for Baez was limiting his strikeouts. As is the case for most projectable high-school athletes, Baez’s aggressive approach and big swing came with plenty of holes. After struggling again in 2024, Baez made significant changes, leading to a breakout 2025 season. At the plate, he calmed down his stance, started his hands in an already loaded position, and let his massive raw power do the work. The adjustments to his stance helped his contact rate improve by 11% up to 76% on the season. By improving his contact rate, Baez saw his average jump up to .287. This, paired with huge power potential and plus speed (54 stolen bases last season), should give fantasy managers something to be excited about. The team saw enough to add him to their 40-man roster this winter, making a 2026 debut realistic.
JJ Wetherholt– 2B/3B/SS, Age: 23, AAA, Star
One of the most anticipated 2026 debuts is JJ Wetherholt. The Cardinals selected Wetherholt seventh overall in 2024. The jump from West Virginia to the pros did not slow down Wetherholt’s production one bit. Wetherholt certainly looked the part in his first full season of professional baseball. Splitting time between Double and Triple-A, Wetherholt finished the year with a .306/.421/.510 slash. He posted an 80.8% contact rate, walked 14.5% of the time, struck out only 14.7%, hit 17 home runs, and stole 23 bases. Wetherholt is as complete a player as there is. He has a chance to be a five-category contributor for fantasy baseball. Any trade of Brendan Donovan or Nolan Arenado would open up playing time for Wetherholt as soon as Opening Day. He can play all three infield positions, which will only help his case for making a debut early in 2026.
Termarr Johnson – 2B, Age: 21, AA, Starter
There has always been a lot of hype around Termarr Johnson. Johnson, who was selected fourth overall back in 2022, has put up solid numbers throughout his professional career, but has failed to truly breakout to the level many expected. The smaller second baseman has incredible bat speed, which can produce some highlight reel home runs. For much of his professional career, the power numbers have been there, but his batting average has struggled. The two flipped in 2025, leading to even more confusion over how to project Johnson’s future value. He is a strong athlete with good speed. He hits a lot of line drives, gets to his pull side well, and is coming off a career-high 75.1% contact rate. There is a lot to like in Johnson’s profile, but in three full seasons, he has yet to fully put everything together. Johnson is not yet on the 40-man roster, but besides Konnor Griffin, he has the most upside of any hitting prospect in the system. If everything clicks, he will likely earn a major-league debut in 2026.
Konnor Griffin – OF/SS, Age: 19, AA, Star
The Pirates have already come out and publicly stated that they are going to give Konnor Griffin a chance to earn an everyday role in spring training of 2026. Griffin set the dynasty world on fire in 2025 with an electric debut performance. After starting the year in Low-A, Griffin climbed his way up to Double-A by the end of the year. He finished with a .333/.415/.527 slash. He hit 21 home runs and stole 65 bases, quickly turning himself into the top prospect in all of baseball. The raw skills Griffin showed off are rare. He is a great athlete with tremendous speed and the ability to play both shortstop and center field. He generates plenty of raw power from his 6’4″ frame and drives the ball with consistency. There are really almost no flaws in his profile. Whether it is on Opening Day or soon thereafter, Griffin should be expected to have a major fantasy impact on the 2026 season.
Esmerlyn Valdez – 1B/OF, Age: 21, AA, Starter
One of the bigger pop-up prospects from the 2025 off-season has been Esmerlyn Valdez. Valdez has been part of the Pirates’ farm system since signing with the team out of the Dominican Republic back in 2021. Power has been his calling card since joining the organization, and that was on full display once again in 2025. The 6’2″ first baseman/corner outfielder hit an impressive 26 home runs last season. There is 35+ home run upside in his profile, which would turn him into an instant fantasy asset once promoted. Valdez hit .286 last season, but his hit tool projects as fringe-average. A high BABIP inflated his stat line this past season, and there are still improvements to be made to his contact skills. Although his long-term home is likely at first base, his ability to play both corner outfield positions should help accelerate his path to the major leagues in 2026.
Charlie Condon– 1B/OF, Age: 22, AA, Starter
Charlie Condon seems destined to make his major-league debut in 2026. Whether or not Condon lives up to the expectations placed coming out of college remains to be seen. Condon’s professional career has been filled with ups and downs already. In 99 games last season, Condon posted a respectable 131 wRC+ with 14 homers and a .268 batting average. The power output was disappointing after the home run totals Condon posted while at Georgia. This clouds his fantasy outlook, but his raw power playing in Coors Field still holds plenty of upside. Condon primarily shifted to first base in 2025, which puts more pressure on his bat to play up. That being said, first base is also the path of least resistance to earning everyday playing time in Colorado. The Rockies have a clear need at first base. When given the opportunity, Condon will be a fantasy-relevant prospect worth taking a shot on.
Cole Carrigg – OF, Age: 23, AA, Starter
Cole Carrigg’s professional career got off to a blazing start in 2024 before coming back down to earth in 2025. Carrigg posted excellent numbers during his time at San Diego State, but lacked much in terms of power production. Since joining the Rockies organization, Carrigg has seen his power numbers tick up as he has hit 32 home runs over the past two seasons. His speed is what will earn him the most fantasy value. Carrigg is a great runner with good baseball instincts. With regular playing time, he is a threat for 30-40 stolen bases a season at the major-league level. Facing Double-A competition for the first time in 2025, holes in Carrigg’s swing were exposed. His strikeout rates led to his average plummeting to .237. How Carrigg bounces back in 2026 will determine how aggressive Colorado is in promoting him through their system.
Sterlin Thompson – OF, Age: 24, AAA, Replacement Level
Prospects who disappoint dynasty managers early in their professional career never fully recoup the value they once had, no matter how well they play. That seems to be the case with Sterlin Thompson, who is quietly coming off a career season. Playing the entire season in Triple-A, Thompson finished with a career-high in home runs with 18. He also saw his batting average bounce back to an impressive .296. Thompson has lightning-quick hands and controls the barrel well. He makes contact at an above-average rate, and his swing produces a lot of line drives. Thompson’s glove is the biggest thing holding him back. The team has tried him all over the field, but his long-term home projects in left field or DH. Now on the 40-man roster, Thompson should get a chance to prove his bat is enough to earn him everyday playing time in 2026.
James Tibbs III – OF, Age: 23, AA, Starter
James Tibbs III was traded not once, but twice during the 2025 season. Despite teams’ willingness to trade Tibbs away, dynasty managers should still be excited about the potential his bat brings offensively. Coming out of Florida State, Tibbs showed off a mature and patient approach at the plate in his first season. He walked 16% of the time with a contact rate of 75.6%. His patience helps Tibbs get more pitches to drive. This is where his power really kicks in. Tibbs has quick hands and controls the barrel well. He has 25+ home run potential with significant fantasy appeal. How Tibbs improves defensively is the key factor in determining how quickly he moves through the Dodgers’ system. He should be a step ahead of top prospects like Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope, and has a chance to earn playing time as early as 2026.
Josue De Paula – OF, Age: 2o, AA, Star
Josue De Paula is one of those prospects who has a low probability of making his major-league debut in 2026, but will be a difference maker if he is promoted. De Paula is considered to be one of the game’s top prospects. At 20 years old in 2025, De Paula slashed .250/.391/.400 in 102 games. While the stat line does not jump off the page, the improvements to De Paula’s swing were enough to keep his value high. De Paula showed an increased ability to elevate the ball with consistency; his swing can still be choppy at times, but he showed that the potential for improvement was there. De Paula’s raw power is substantial, and further improvements to his swing consistency can turn De Paula into an elite future fantasy asset. He is a plus base stealer, has good contact skills, and excellent plate discipline. He is not a finished product, but has the potential few other prospects have. If everything clicks, that could be enough to propel De Paula to a 2026 major-league debut.
Ryan Ward – OF, Age: 27, AAA, Replacement Level
After hitting 33 home runs at the Triple-A level in 2024, Ryan Ward went undrafted in the Rule 5 Draft. Ward proceeded to hit another 36 home runs in 2025, and the Dodgers were not willing to take the same risk. Now that Ward has been added to the 40-man roster, a major-league debut in 2026 feels inevitable. The power in Ward’s profile has always been obvious, but the improvements to his hit tool in 2025 are what stand out. This past season, Ward adjusted his stance to be more closed off and stood more straight up. The changes helped Ward’s bat get through the zone faster and helped close some of the glaring holes in his swing. The results were his contact rate jumping from 74.1% up to 80.9%, his chase rate reduced by 10%, and his batting average soared to .290. Ward is now 27, so he needs to prove he can maintain these strides at the major-league level. If he can, he has the power upside to turn into a significant fantasy asset.
Zach Ehrhard – OF, Age: 22, AA, Starter
Zach Ehrhard was the lesser-known of the prospects to be acquired by the Dodgers for Dustin May (James Tibbs III being the other). Despite only playing in one full professional season, Ehrhard is the exact prospect who could fly through the minor leagues. While he lacks any one elite skill, Ehrhard is overwhelmingly solid at everything. Ehrhard is a plus runner with good baseball instincts that should lead to stolen bases and strong defense. He projects to have a plus hit tool thanks to strong contact skills and good swing decisions. If you are looking for a deeper dive into Ehrhard’s profile and 2025 season, check out this article here, written earlier this offseason.
Ivan Melendez – 1B, Age: 25, AAA, Replacement Level
Ivan Melendez has been praised for his power potential since being taken in the second round of the 2022 draft. Nothing in his power profile has changed over the past three years. Melendez has some of the best raw power in all of Minor League Baseball and is a 30+ homer threat. The biggest change has been the improvement in his strikeout rate and contact skills. In 2025, Melendez posted a career-best 24.5% strikeout rate fueled by a career-best 71.7% contact rate. Melendez’s hit tool still projects as below average, and Arizona decided not to add him to its 40-man roster this offseason. However, first base is a clear need in Arizona’s lineup. It is not likely that Pavin Smith will maintain an everyday role in 2026, and Melendez should get a chance. His power potential is enough to warrant attention in fantasy baseball leagues once promoted.
Gavin Conticello – 1B/OF, Age: 22, AA, JAG
Gavin Conticello did not play first base in 2025, has not been added to the 40-man roster, and is a level behind Ivan Melendez. However, Conticello is the other internal option for the team at first base should they need a replacement. The 22-year-old was an eighth-round pick back in 2021 and has posted solid offensive numbers in each of the past two seasons. Despite standing at 6’3″, Conticello has failed to turn his physical size into meaningful power production. His aggressive approach leads to weak contact at times, but when he connects, the home runs are majestic. He will need to refine his approach to find success at the major-league level and will need to show improvements against lefties. He could debut in 2026, but profiles as more of a platoon outfielder than an everyday option.
Ryan Waldschmidt – OF, Age: 23, AA, Star
Ryan Waldschmidt’s name is gaining some steam in dynasty circles. He is a prospect everybody should be in on. Waldschmidt’s profile has an extremely safe floor while also possessing the ceiling that dynasty managers chase after. Selected 31st overall in 2024, Waldschmidt was excellent in his first full professional season. He hit .289 with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. Waldschmidt’s power output was modest, but that is by design. His consistent swing prioritizes taking what the pitcher gives him and drives balls into the gaps. He has excellent pitch recognition and great barrel control. He walked more than he struck out and seemed to get even better as the season moved along. Waldschmidt only has 66 Double-A games under his belt, but it would not be surprising to see him push his way to the major leagues next season.
Tommy Troy – SS, Age: 23, AAA, Starter
After a disappointing start to his professional career, Tommy Troy broke out in 2025. Troy posted career-best numbers in nearly every major category. From 2024 to 2025, Troy lowered his hands a bit in his setup, which seems to have improved his timing. This led to a reduced strikeout, better contact skills, and an increased line drive rate. Troy’s swing looks more consistent and fluent, with the 2025 results backing that up. The more Troy can get on base, the better his fantasy production will be. Troy is a plus-plus runner who is a threat to steal 25+ bases a season at the major-league level. Troy lacks the same ceiling as some other top prospects, but he feels underrated considering he was the 12th overall pick in 2023. The ability to play both shortstop and second base (Ketel Marte trade?) while also being more than capable in center field will help him earn a major-league roster spot at some point in 2026.
Ethan Salas – C, Age: 19, AA, Starter
Ethan Salas has seen his value plummet in dynasty communities over the past two seasons. Despite hitting just .206 with four home runs for High-A in 2024, the Padres continued to move Salas aggressively through their system in 2025. Injuries wound up limiting Salas to only 10 games with Double-A, but those 10 games felt like more of the same. Salas’ offensive production since joining the Padres has always felt underwhelming. The excuse has been his age to level production, but Salas is now 19, with three years of professional experience under his belt. Despite the struggles, the prospect pedigree and defensive talent are still there. The Padres lack much in terms of catching depth at the major-league level. If Salas enters 2026 healthy and if (big if here) he finally produces, the team will not be shy about moving him quickly through the system and to the major leagues.
Carlos Rodríguez – OF, Age: 25, AAA, JAG
The Padres signed Carlos Rodríguez as a minor-league free agent in November of this season. Rodriguez, now 24, has spent time in both Milwaukee and Atlanta’s farm system over the past eight seasons. Rodriguez has never quite done enough to make it to the major leagues, but he is now on a 40-man roster and could earn a role as a fourth or fifth outfielder with the Padres. For fantasy managers, Rodriguez is never going to earn much value. He has below-average power and is not a huge threat with his legs. His best skill is certainly his hit tool. His contact rate has been above 85% for each of the past three seasons. If an injury opens up regular playing time, fantasy managers should expect him to hit for a strong average and steal a handful of bases. He is a high-floor, low-ceiling asset who should benefit from the lack of minor-league depth ahead of him.
Jesus Rodriguez – C/3B, Age: 23, AAA, Replacement Level
There really are not a whole lot of arguments against Jesus Rodriguez. All Rodriguez has done since entering professional baseball is hit. He joined the Giants’ organization as part of the Camilo Doval trade last July and proceeded to hit .322 in 39 Triple-A games. The issue is that his profile is a bit weird to evaluate. His swing looks like it is designed for power. He fully torques his mid-section, loads his hands, and fires them through the zone. However, he has never topped 10 homers in a season. Instead, Rodriguez drives line drives into the gaps, uses the entire field, and runs elite contact rates. Although he stole 21 bases last season, he does not project as a reliable base stealer at the major-league level. Ultimately, his fantasy value will come down to his defensive position. At catcher, there is value to be had, but many are skeptical of his ability to stick behind the plate. He has shown an ability to play third, but a low-power, low-speed option is not very exciting for fantasy managers. Rodriguez is on the 40-man roster and should earn a chance to debut next season. He is a name to watch, but not somebody that you actively need to target in 2026 drafts.
Victor Bericoto – 1B, Age: 24, AAA, JAG
The Giants decided to leave Victor Bericoto exposed in this year’s Rule-5 Draft instead of adding him to the 40-man roster. This makes his path to playing time a bit more clouded in 2026. Not to mention the Giants have their long-term first baseman already in Bryce Eldridge. That being said, Bericoto should open the year in Triple-A with a strong chance to debut next year. Bericoto has been splitting his time between first base and right field defensively, but is more of a fit for first base long term. He does not have great speed and generates most of his offensive production via the long ball. Bericoto hit 15 homers last season, but has hit as many as 27 in years past. He profiles as a platoon option at first base with limited upside.