{"id":641381,"date":"2026-03-24T21:20:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T21:20:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/641381\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T21:20:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T21:20:34","slug":"top-15-mlb-prospects-to-watch-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/641381\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 15 MLB Prospects To Watch In 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Source: <\/p>\n

Top 15 MLB Prospects To Watch In 2026<\/p>\n

The future of Major League Baseball is brighter than ever, with a new wave of young talent ready to take the sport by storm. <\/p>\n

As we head into the 2026 season, fans and scouts alike are talking about the next generation of stars poised to make their mark. <\/p>\n

From power-hitting phenoms to dominant pitchers and versatile defenders, these prospects represent the best of what\u2019s to come. <\/p>\n

Whether they\u2019re climbing the ranks of the minor leagues, dominating at the collegiate level, or already knocking on the door of the majors, these players are the ones to watch. <\/p>\n

Take a look below at the Top 15 MLB Prospects To Watch In 2026.<\/p>\n

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1. Konnor Griffin (SS\/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates)<\/p>\n

\"MLB:Source: Icon Sportswire \/ Getty<\/p>\n

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Overview: Griffin is the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, combining elite athleticism with a rare blend of power and speed. At just 19 years old, he\u2019s already making waves in the Pirates\u2019 system.
Strengths: Exceptional bat speed, strong arm, and the ability to play multiple positions (shortstop and outfield). His 6\u20193\u2033, 222-pound frame gives him the physical tools to dominate at the plate and in the field.
ETA: Expected to debut in 2026, Griffin is seen as a cornerstone player for the Pirates\u2019 rebuild.<\/p>\n

2. Kevin McGonigle (SS, Detroit Tigers)<\/p>\n

\"DetroitSource: Chris Coduto \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: McGonigle is a polished hitter with an advanced approach at the plate. At 21 years old, he\u2019s already knocking on the door of the big leagues.
Strengths: Known for his high contact rate and ability to hit to all fields, McGonigle also boasts solid defensive skills at shortstop. Scouts praise his baseball IQ and leadership qualities.
ETA: Likely to break camp with the Tigers in 2026, with Rookie of the Year potential.<\/p>\n

3. Jes\u00fas Made (SS\/2B, Milwaukee Brewers)<\/p>\n

\"MilwaukeeSource: Norm Hall \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: At just 18 years old, Made is one of the youngest players on this list but has already shown incredible promise. A switch-hitter with versatility, he\u2019s a key piece of the Brewers\u2019 future.
Strengths: Excellent bat-to-ball skills, quick hands, and smooth fielding mechanics. His ability to play both shortstop and second base adds to his value.
ETA: Expected to reach the majors by 2027, but his rapid development could accelerate that timeline.<\/p>\n

4. Leo De Vries (SS, Oakland Athletics)<\/p>\n

\"SanSource: Justine Willard\/Athletics \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: De Vries is a 19-year-old shortstop with a strong defensive profile and a developing bat. He\u2019s part of the Athletics\u2019 effort to rebuild their farm system.
Strengths: Slick fielding, quick footwork, and a strong arm make him a standout defender. Offensively, he\u2019s shown flashes of power and the ability to hit for average.
ETA: Likely to debut in late 2026 or early 2027 as he continues to refine his offensive game.<\/p>\n

5. JJ Wetherholt (INF, St. Louis Cardinals)<\/p>\n

\"SpringfieldSource: Braeden Botts \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: Wetherholt is a 23-year-old infielder who has already made the Cardinals\u2019 Opening Day roster. His well-rounded skill set makes him a valuable asset.
Strengths: High baseball IQ, consistent hitter, and solid defender. Wetherholt\u2019s ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a safe bet for early success.
ETA: Already in the majors, Wetherholt is expected to make an immediate impact in 2026.<\/p>\n

6. Chase DeLauter (OF, Cleveland Guardians)<\/p>\n

\"ClevelandSource: Brandon Sloter \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: DeLauter is a power-hitting outfielder with All-Star potential. At 23 years old, he\u2019s ready to take the next step in his career.
Strengths: Tremendous raw power, strong arm, and good plate discipline. When healthy, he\u2019s one of the most exciting young players in the game.
ETA: Expected to be a key contributor for the Guardians in 2026, provided he stays healthy.<\/p>\n

7. Max Clark (OF, Detroit Tigers)<\/p>\n

\"DetroitSource: Mark Taylor \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: A former No. 3 overall pick, Clark is a five-tool outfielder with superstar potential.<\/p>\n

Strengths: Elite speed, strong arm, and a smooth left-handed swing. His defensive skills in center field are already MLB-ready.<\/p>\n

ETA: Expected to debut in 2026, Clark is a key part of the Tigers\u2019 future.<\/p>\n

8. Samuel Basallo (C, Baltimore Orioles)<\/p>\n

\"BaltimoreSource: Diamond Images \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: A power-hitting catcher with a strong arm, Basallo is one of the most exciting young players in the Orioles\u2019 system.<\/p>\n

Strengths: Massive raw power, good defensive skills behind the plate, and a strong work ethic.<\/p>\n

ETA: Expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027.<\/p>\n

9. Roch Cholowsky (SS, UCLA)<\/p>\n

\"COLLEGESource: Icon Sportswire \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: Cholowsky is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft and a standout collegiate player at UCLA. His combination of tools and polish makes him a can\u2019t-miss prospect.
Strengths: Smooth swing, excellent defensive instincts, and a strong arm. Cholowsky has the potential to be a franchise shortstop.
ETA: Likely to be drafted in July 2026 and could reach the majors within a few years.<\/p>\n

10. Grady Emerson (SS, Texas)<\/p>\n

\"MLBSource: Tyler McFarland \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: Emerson is a high school phenom committed to the University of Texas. At just 17 years old, he\u2019s already drawing comparisons to some of the game\u2019s greats.
Strengths: Advanced approach at the plate, quick hands, and strong defensive skills. His maturity and work ethic set him apart from other players his age.
ETA: Depending on whether he honors his college commitment or goes pro, Emerson could be a top draft pick in 2026 or 2027.<\/p>\n

11. Justin Lebron (SS, Alabama)<\/p>\n

\"COLLEGESource: Icon Sportswire \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: Lebron is a consistent performer at the collegiate level, showcasing a well-rounded game that has him climbing draft boards.
Strengths: Excellent plate discipline, gap-to-gap power, and reliable defense. Lebron\u2019s leadership and work ethic make him a standout prospect.
ETA: Expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, with a quick path to the majors.<\/p>\n

12. Jackson Flora (RHP, UC Santa Barbara)<\/p>\n

\"UCSource: Scott Marshall \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: Flora is a dominant pitcher with a strong arsenal, making him one of the top pitching prospects for the 2026 draft.
Strengths: Mid-to-upper 90s fastball, sharp breaking ball, and excellent command. Flora\u2019s ability to miss bats and control the game makes him a future ace.
ETA: Likely to be drafted in 2026 and could reach the majors within two to three years.<\/p>\n

13. Drew Burress (OF, Georgia Tech)<\/p>\n

\"COLLEGESource: Icon Sportswire \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: A standout collegiate outfielder, Burress combines power and speed with a strong work ethic.<\/p>\n

Strengths: Explosive bat speed, excellent baserunning instincts, and solid defensive skills.<\/p>\n

ETA: Likely to be a top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.<\/p>\n

14. Derek Curiel (OF, LSU)<\/p>\n

\"NCAASource: Jay Biggerstaff \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: A highly touted outfielder with a polished game, Curiel is one of the most exciting prospects in college baseball.<\/p>\n

Strengths: Strong contact skills, good plate discipline, and above-average speed.<\/p>\n

ETA: Expected to be drafted in 2026 and could rise quickly through the minors.<\/p>\n

15. Liam Peterson (RHP, Florida)<\/p>\n

\"COLLEGESource: Icon Sportswire \/ Getty<\/p>\n

Overview: A power pitcher with a deep arsenal, Peterson is a top collegiate arm to watch.<\/p>\n

Strengths: High-90s fastball, sharp slider, and excellent mound presence.<\/p>\n

ETA: Likely to be a first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Source: Top 15 MLB Prospects To Watch In 2026 The future of Major League Baseball is brighter than…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":641382,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2276],"tags":[5,2291,4,1586],"class_list":{"0":"post-641381","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mlb-draft","8":"tag-baseball","9":"tag-major-league-baseball-draft","10":"tag-mlb","11":"tag-mlb-draft"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/116286248689408573","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=641381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641381\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/641382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=641381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=641381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=641381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}