Although the American League West produced just one playoff team last year, the future is bright across the division.
Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries, just 19, already profiles as one of MLB‘s top prospects, while Houston Astros infielder Brice Matthews might be ready for an extended stay in The Show after debuting last season.
Advertisement
The Los Angeles Angels are excited about a bevy of young arms, led by right-hander Tyler Bremner. The Seattle Mariners have a budding star in 20-year-old infielder Colt Emerson. Finally, the Texas Rangers have a pair of promising young shortstops in Sebastian Walcott and Gavin Fien.
Athlon Sports identified each team’s top 10 prospects heading into this season for our 2026 MLB Preview magazine. The results are below.
More MLB top prospects lists:
American League East
American League Central
NL East: March 3
NL Central: March 5
NL West: March 7
Advertisement
Athletics
Athletics shortstop Leo de Vries prepares to play in his team’s exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on Feb. 23, 2026.Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
(Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)
Leo De Vries, SS (19) Considered the top international player in 2024, he has defensive range and a strong arm and seems likely to settle at SS.
Jamie Arnold, LHP (22) Scouts liken him to a young Chris Sale thanks to strikeout-inducing high-80s slider.
Gage Jump, LHP (22) Displayed a 97 mph fastball and crisp breaking pitches at High-A and Double-A.
Braden Nett, RHP (23) Can hit 99 mph with his fastball. Also has a cutter, slider, curve and change.
Henry Bolte, OF (22) Has a strong arm and great speed that translated to 44 steals in 46 attempts in ’25.
Devin Taylor, OF (22) Showed power promise during his debut at Single-A Stockton.
Tommy White, 3B (23) The A’s went over slot to sign him for $3 million in 2024. Nicknamed “Tommy Tanks” for his power.
Henry Baez, RHP (23) Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the Padres organization in 2024.
Mason Barnett, RHP (25) Has four pitches (a mid-90s fastball, curve, change and sweeper).
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, SS (23) He has the range and the instincts of a shortstop, but his arm strength may see him settle in at 2B.
Houston Astros
Brice Matthews, INF (24) Houston’s readiest infield prospect must make more contact than in his brief 2025 debut.
Xavier Neyens, INF (19) 2025 first-round pick touted for potential power and strike zone awareness.
AJ Blubaugh, RHP (25) Shone as a bulk reliever/spot starter with the Astros down the 2025 stretch.
Walker Janek, C (23) Defense-first receiver and 2024 first-rounder spent his first full season at High-A.
Kevin Alvarez, OF (18) Signed for $2 million, left-handed hitter had a strong introduction to rookie ball.
Ethan Pecko, RHP (23) Product of Astros pitching development could provide major-league depth this year.
Miguel Ullola, RHP (23) High strikeout and walk numbers mark his path to the cusp of the majors.
Ethan Frey, OF (22) Astros believe the 6-foot-6 third-round 2025 pick has “some big boy juice.”
Bryce Mayer, RHP (24) Named the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2025.
Alimber Santa, RHP (22) Had a 2.31 ERA in 70 relief innings and reached Triple-A last season.
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ryan Johnson delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 26, 2025.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)
Tyler Bremner, RHP (21) The second overall pick in last year’s draft, Bremner possesses an impressive changeup and sharp command.
Ryan Johnson, RHP (23) A 6-foot-6 righty with a deceptive delivery, Johnson made his big-league debut last March.
George Klassen, RHP (24) Acquired from the Phillies in a 2024 trade, Klassen got roughed up at Double-A last season.
Johnny Slawinski, LHP (18) One of the better left-handed pitching prospects in the 2025 draft.
Nelson Rada, OF (20) The team’s top position player prospect hit .323 in 42 Triple-A games in 2025.
Chase Shores, RHP (21) Another 2025 draftee, Shores underwent Tommy John surgery during his time at LSU.
Joswa Lugo, SS (19) Lugo was a big signing for the Angels in the 2024 international class.
Gabriel Davalillo, C (18) Another top international signing, Davalillo projects as a good-hitting catcher.
Denzer Guzman, SS (22) Touched the majors last year and could compete for a spot on Angels’ bench.
Sam Aldegheri, RHP (24) Aldegheri has gotten big-league time each of the past two seasons.
Seattle Mariners
Colt Emerson, SS (20) Will have a chance to make the Opening Day roster at third base and take over at shortstop in 2027.
Ryan Sloan, RHP (20) Has a mature mentality with an advanced pitch repertoire.
Jonny Farmelo, OF (21) Fully recovered from 2024 knee surgery; a breakout season is expected.
Kade Anderson, LHP (21) Third overall pick in the 2025 draft has the talent to make his MLB debut in 2026.
Lazaro Montes, OF (21) The best pure power-hitting prospect in the Mariners organization.
Jurrangelo Cijntje, SHP (22) Has the unique ability to throw from both sides; may move to right-handed pitching only in 2026.
Michael Arroyo, INF/OF (21) Mariners hope a switch from second base to left field will alleviate some of the defensive issues.
Felnin Celesten, SS (20) Switch-hitter projects to remain at shortstop, but can he stay healthy enough to accelerate development?
Luke Stevenson, C (21) An elite defensive catcher with power from the left side. K’s are a concern.
Tai Peete, OF (20) A switch from infield to corner outfield has brought stability to his overall performance.
Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers first-round draft pick Gavin Fien throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Athletics at Globe Life Field on July 22, 2025.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sebastian Walcott, SS (20) Profiles as a middle-of-the-order bat with some speed. May end up at third or in the outfield.
Gavin Fien, SS (19) Another big shortstop who could end up at another position.
Jose Corniell, RHP (22) Early candidate for the bullpen but was also a starter in the minors.
Winston Santos, RHP (23) Gets swings and misses but also needs better command.
AJ Russell, RHP (21) Second-round pick last year has a chance to come quickly as a reliever.
Alejandro Rosario, RHP (24) Missed all of last year because of Tommy John surgery but has swing-and-miss stuff when healthy.
David Davilillo, RHP (23) A 2.73 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 3.41 K/BB ratio in 12 games (11 starts) at Double-A last year raised his stock.
Caden Scarborough, RHP (21) Will be tested at Double-A after a strong year at Single-A last season.
John Owens, SS (19) Has speed, and at 6-foot-3 should develop some power.
Elorky Rodriguez, 2B/OF (18) Good bat skills, but position remains unknown.
Related: Athlon Sports 2026 MLB Preview Magazine Available Now
Top MLB Salaries in 2026
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.