\t\tImage credit:
\n\tJordan Walker Photo by Randy Litzinger\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
With the first in-season update of Baseball America\u2019s Top 500 dynasty rankings<\/a> for 2026 officially released, there are numerous players who have moved up and down the list. The opening month of the season can also give us insight into which prospects should be added to the list. We\u2019ll have a prospect update closer to the end of the month, but for now, 130 prospects are included in the new April list.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important not to overreact within the first month, but with more defined roles and opportunities, it\u2019s easier to make the case for movement than it was in March. Below, BA subscribers can find the top risers in our latest dynasty 500 update organize by MLB and prospects and ordered by new April rank.<\/p>\n Major League Dynasty Risers\u00a0<\/p>\n Oneil Cruz<\/a>, OF, Pirates<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 54<\/p>\n New Rank: 42<\/p>\n Movement: +12<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a banner April for Cruz, who\u2019s silenced critics with an offensive onslaught at the plate. The 27-year-old has tapped into his monstrous raw power and is posting some of the best power and speed production in the majors. Cruz\u2019s swing-and-miss and approach are still scary, but his potential to go 30\/30 this season is seeing his value peak.<\/p>\n Ben Rice<\/a>, C\/1B, Yankees<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 83<\/p>\n New Rank: 51<\/p>\n Movement: +32<\/p>\n For now, Rice retains catcher eligibility, making him one of the top fantasy producers at the position. Whether or not he maintains that eligibility will dictate his value for next season. Regardless, Rice has 30-plus home run power with elite on-base skills to carry his profile.<\/p>\n Sal Stewart<\/a>, 1B, Reds<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 104<\/p>\n New Rank: 68<\/p>\n Movement: +36<\/p>\n The potential National League rookie of the year, Stewart has been a revelation for the Reds early. Over his first month, he has eight home runs, but even more surprisingly, he has six stolen bases, too. Stewart is an advanced hitter who\u2019s tapped into his power and is enjoying the spoils of playing his home games at Great American Ballpark.<\/p>\n Cam Schlittler<\/a>, RHP, Yankees<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 105<\/p>\n New Rank: 70<\/p>\n Movement: +35<\/p>\n Schlittler has looked like a lot more than the flash in the pan many predicted after his breakout 2025 season. The 6-foot-6 righthander has taken another step forward, and his command and swing-and-miss stuff seem to have only been heightened this season, as he boasts a 31.4% K-BB% as of this update.<\/p>\n Nico Hoerner<\/a>, 2B, Cubs<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 203<\/p>\n New Rank: 144<\/p>\n Movement: +59<\/p>\n No one anticipated Hoerner coming out of the gates with a two-grade jump in game power, but here we are. Over the first month, Hoerner has slugged .533 with a .207 ISO. He\u2019s not hitting the ball any harder, though, and his barrel rate is only up slightly. Despite this, we\u2019re buying into Hoerner\u2019s rise, as the power surge comes alongside strong plate skills and baserunning ability.<\/p>\n Jose Soriano<\/a>, RHP, Angels<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 336<\/p>\n New Rank: 149<\/p>\n Movement: +187<\/p>\n It\u2019s funny to state that a 187-spot jump is too conservative, but it might be in the case of Soriano, who looks like a name that could jump another 50-plus spots in the next update with sustained success. There are multiple names ahead of him we arguably prefer Soriano to, but a little patience is warranted before proclaiming him a top 20 dynasty pitcher. He\u2019s certainly trending in that direction, though.<\/p>\n Munetaka Murakami<\/a>, 1B\/3B, White Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 223<\/p>\n New Rank: 155<\/p>\n Movement: +68<\/p>\n Murakami was a bit of an unknown heading into the season, and with serious contact questions, many wondered how his game would translate once stateside. So far, so good. The strikeouts and low batting average are there, but the eye-popping power and elite on-base skills give us a bit more comfort pushing Murakami up.<\/p>\n Shota Imanaga<\/a>, LHP, Cubs<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 192<\/p>\n New Rank: 173<\/p>\n Movement: +19<\/p>\n The downfall of Imanaga was discussed ad nauseam this offseason, but the low-launch lefty looks to have bounced back. Imanaga\u2019s fastball velocity is up by 2 mph while mixing in a sinker at a higher rate than he had previously. The value of his slider is down a little, but he\u2019s throwing everything harder in 2026.<\/p>\n Matt McLain<\/a>, 2B, Reds<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 215<\/p>\n New Rank: 179<\/p>\n Movement: +36<\/p>\n The statline to date isn\u2019t that exciting for McLain, but the underlying skill markers are all excellent and signal that he has taken a step forward. His contact rates and swing decision metrics are all up, and he\u2019s catching barrels at a higher rate. One potential concern is the drop in exit velocity after a few injury-plagued seasons.<\/p>\n Hunter Goodman<\/a>, C, Rockies<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 218<\/p>\n New Rank: 188<\/p>\n Movement: +30<\/p>\n The strikeouts remain scary, but with Goodman\u2019s power at Coors Field, his style of hitting is going to play. There are few catcher-eligible players with Goodman\u2019s upside.<\/p>\n Parker Messick<\/a>, LHP, Guardians<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 459<\/p>\n New Rank: 218<\/p>\n Movement: +241<\/p>\n Making one of the biggest jumps in the rankings, Messick is the current definition of \u201cpitchability lefty\u201d in the major leagues. His advanced command and ability to miss bats despite only so-so stuff have Messick trending up in a big way.<\/p>\n Dalton Rushing<\/a>, C, Dodgers<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 288<\/p>\n New Rank: 234<\/p>\n Movement: +54<\/p>\n What do we do with Rushing? That was a question that puzzled us as we dove into the new rankings. At the end of the day, we moved him up, as he is forcing the Dodgers to give him more at-bats. He\u2019s always been an elite hitting talent, and with more playing time, he could make another substantial jump in the coming months.<\/p>\n Moises Ballesteros<\/a>, 1B\/C, Cubs<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 308<\/p>\n New Rank: 242<\/p>\n Movement: +66<\/p>\n Entering the season, it was hard to gauge what Ballesteros\u2019 upside would be and how many at-bats the Cubs would give him. While he\u2019s been a strongside platoon bat to date, he\u2019s really produced when in the lineup. He presents elite hitting ability with potential for 25-homer power.<\/p>\n Jordan Walker<\/a>, OF, Cardinals<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 255<\/p>\n Movement: +246<\/p>\n No player has changed his narrative as quickly as Walker has in 2026. After years showing flashes of all-star potential, Walker is putting it all together, and he\u2019s produced one of the best barrel rates in the game so far. If Walker can continue to hit the ball hard in the air, the sky is the limit. His strikeouts are somewhat concerning, but it\u2019s a worthwhile trade-off to get more game power.<\/p>\n Ryan Weathers<\/a>, LHP, Yankees<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 281<\/p>\n New Rank: 265<\/p>\n Movement: +16<\/p>\n Weathers was already a climber for us the last two years, but early in 2026, he looks to be trending upward yet again. Weathers to date has made five starts for the Yankees and looked excellent, racking up strikeouts and showing advanced command. Health remains the biggest lingering question for the young lefty.<\/p>\n Justin Wrobleski<\/a>, LHP, Dodgers<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 396<\/p>\n New Rank: 320<\/p>\n Movement: +76<\/p>\n Over the first month of the season, Wrobleski has taken hold of a rotation spot with the Dodgers and looks unlikely to let go. The lefthander has shown excellent locations, though his lack of strikeouts leaves some room for healthy skepticism.<\/p>\n Landen Roupp<\/a>, RHP, Giants<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 373<\/p>\n Movement: +128<\/p>\n Roupp has been a welcomed emergence for a Giants team that has stumbled out of the blocks. He has significantly upped the usage on his cutter this season, and it\u2019s so far leading to great results.<\/p>\n Reid Detmers<\/a>, LHP, Angels<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 411<\/p>\n Movement: +90<\/p>\n Detmers\u2019 career trajectory has been a rollercoaster ride. We\u2019ve seen him climb to potential fantasy SP3 status and also fall off the list entirely. Over the first month, Detmers has looked much improved and is back in the picture of fantasy relevance. There\u2019s still some healthy skepticism among our staff, however.<\/p>\n Kyle Harrison<\/a>, LHP, Brewers<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 435<\/p>\n Movement: +66<\/p>\n It should come as no shock that a move to the Brewers might have ignited Harrison\u2019s value. So far, he\u2019s pitching at the highest level of his career, and there are reasons for excitement.<\/p>\n Chase Dollander<\/a>, RHP, Rockies<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 436<\/p>\n Movement: +65<\/p>\n When it comes to Rockies pitchers, it\u2019s always hard to know when the good times will end. With a new regime in place, there\u2019s more optimism around Dollander\u2019s ability to maintain his strong performance to date. Despite this, it\u2019s prudent to be cautious with a pitcher in Coors.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Prospect Dynasty Risers<\/p>\n Chase DeLauter<\/a>, OF, Guardians<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 197<\/p>\n New Rank: 83<\/p>\n Movement: +114<\/p>\n It\u2019s always been a matter of health for DeLauter, who has been a monster for the Guardians in the early going. While his early home run exploits garnered the headlines, he\u2019s actually been unlucky so far. DeLauter is walking more than he\u2019s striking out and putting up all-star production with poor batted-ball luck. His elite barrel rate and advanced skills should turn things around quickly, and he could surge again.<\/p>\n Josue De Paula<\/a>, OF, Dodgers<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 130<\/p>\n New Rank: 88<\/p>\n Movement: +42<\/p>\n The 20-year-old outfielder has some of the best strike-zone discipline in the minors, and his plus bat-to-ball ability only reinforces that. His power has been showing up more over the last few seasons, and De Paula should get to above-average power at peak.<\/p>\n Luis Pe\u00f1a<\/a>, SS, Brewers<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 145<\/p>\n New Rank: 89<\/p>\n Movement: +56<\/p>\n While Pe\u00f1a may get lost in the shadow of super prospect Jes\u00fas Made<\/a>, he\u2019s an elite fantasy prospect in his own right. The advanced hitting ability, power and speed to develop into a fantasy star are all there.<\/p>\n Payton Tolle<\/a>, LHP, Red Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 161<\/p>\n New Rank: 128<\/p>\n Movement: +33<\/p>\n It\u2019s only a matter of time until Tolle is back in the big leagues making starts with the Red Sox. Despite some bad luck to begin the season, he has dominated Triple-A competition.<\/p>\n Connelly Early<\/a>, LHP, Red Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 264<\/p>\n New Rank: 151<\/p>\n Movement: +113<\/p>\n At the moment, Early looks like a name the rankings will struggle to catch up to. He made a 100-plus spot jump in this update, and through five starts, he looks like a top 30 starter. The command has been somewhat worrisome, but the stuff is there, and he\u2019s getting outs.<\/p>\n Andrew Painter<\/a>, RHP, Phillies<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 263<\/p>\n New Rank: 154<\/p>\n Movement: +109<\/p>\n Painter was one of the hardest players to rank lat year as he returned from Tommy John surgery, but he has so far solidified his place in the Phillies\u2019 rotation in 2026. He\u2019s showing advanced command and swing-and-miss stuff, and to date, he has actually outperformed his ERA, with his FIP, xFIP and xERA all pointing to becoming a midrotation stalwart.<\/p>\n Seth Hernandez<\/a>, RHP, Pirates<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 289<\/p>\n New Rank: 165<\/p>\n Movement: +124<\/p>\n No player in the minor leagues has made as loud a statement to begin the season as Hernandez. The top high school pitcher from last July\u2019s draft looks like a superstar in the making, with elite stuff, athleticism and command.<\/p>\n Noah Schultz<\/a>, LHP, White Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 406<\/p>\n New Rank: 203<\/p>\n Movement: +202<\/p>\n Things are never as bad as they seem when young pitching prospects struggle. Schultz is a strong example, as tweaks to his arsenal\u2014including a new cutter\u2014have driven a major step forward in 2026. He\u2019s now in the White Sox rotation and could be a value for dynasty managers going forward.<\/p>\n Ralphy Velazquez<\/a>, 1B, Guardians<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 300<\/p>\n New Rank: 204<\/p>\n Movement: +96<\/p>\n One of the best combinations of hitting ability and power in the minors, Velazquez is picking up where he left off in 2025. At just 20 years old, he\u2019s not far from the majors, and a standout Double-A performance could accelerate his ETA.<\/p>\n Ryan Sloan<\/a>, RHP, Mariners<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 305<\/p>\n New Rank: 215<\/p>\n Movement: +90<\/p>\n Sloan was one of the hottest names in spring training<\/a>. While his early-season ERA in Double-A has been underwhelming, the traits of a frontline starter remain, making him a worthwhile bet.<\/p>\n Jhonny Level<\/a>, SS, Giants<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 366<\/p>\n New Rank: 216<\/p>\n Movement: +150<\/p>\n Few hitters on the planet have been as hot as Level to begin the season<\/a>. He\u2019s at the forefront of a young wave of exciting shortstops in the Giants\u2019 system.<\/p>\n Franklin Arias<\/a>, SS, Red Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 354<\/p>\n New Rank: 217<\/p>\n Movement: +137<\/p>\n No one doubted Arias\u2019 ability to hit, but there were questions about his overall fantasy impact. Early in the season, he\u2019s answering those by showing more game power to complement his bat-to-ball skills.<\/p>\n George Lombard Jr.<\/a>, SS, Yankees<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 342<\/p>\n New Rank: 298<\/p>\n Movement: +44<\/p>\n The long-awaited projection is beginning to materialize for Lombard. He\u2019s been on fire to open the season, answering questions about his long-term hitting ability.<\/p>\n Ronny Cruz<\/a>, SS, Nationals<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 299<\/p>\n Movement: +202<\/p>\n No prospect has seen his stock rise faster this season<\/a> than Cruz. It\u2019s difficult to fully calibrate the breakout, but the tools are present for him to develop into a top 25 prospect.<\/p>\n Devin Fitz-Gerald<\/a>, 2B\/3B, Nationals<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 367<\/p>\n New Rank: 301<\/p>\n Movement: +66<\/p>\n One of the better offseason sleepers, Fitz-Gerald looks like a legitimate top 100 fantasy prospect. He offers one of the most well-rounded hitting skill sets in the minors, pairing bat-to-ball skills, raw power, approach and angles.<\/p>\n Luis Hernandez<\/a>, SS, Giants<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 369<\/p>\n New Rank: 304<\/p>\n Movement: +65<\/p>\n The top player from January\u2019s international class, Hernandez has an aggressive developmental assignment that signals strong organizational belief<\/a>. With a strong pro debut, he could climb quickly.<\/p>\n Jamie Arnold<\/a>, LHP, Athletics<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 427<\/p>\n New Rank: 308<\/p>\n Movement: +119<\/p>\n There was some skepticism around the Athletics\u2019 first-round pick, but early returns are strong. Arnold, a low-slot lefthander, looks like a potential frontline starter and has been dominant through four Double-A starts.<\/p>\n Anthony Eyanson<\/a>, RHP, Red Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 309<\/p>\n Movement: +192<\/p>\n If Ronny Cruz is the biggest positional riser, Eyanson is the top pitching riser<\/a>. He showed improved velocity this spring and has maintained it early in the season at High-A Greenville.<\/p>\n Sam Antonacci<\/a>, 2B, White Sox<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 368<\/p>\n Movement: +133<\/p>\n Now in the majors, Antonacci is an underdog story. After standing out with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, he\u2019s carried that momentum into an everyday role with the White Sox.<\/p>\n Seaver King<\/a>, SS, Nationals<\/p>\n Previous Rank: 501<\/p>\n New Rank: 389<\/p>\n Movement: +112<\/p>\n King looked like a clear bounceback candidate entering the offseason. After poor luck and questionable swing decisions in 2025, he has cleaned up his approach and is finding success early at Double-A Harrisburg.<\/p>\n Josiah Hartshorn<\/a>, OF, Cubs<\/p>\n Previous Rank: Not Ranked<\/p>\n New Rank: 438<\/p>\n Movement: +63<\/p>\n On the cusp of the Top 100<\/a>, the Cubs\u2019 overslot bet on Hartshorn is paying off. The switch-hitter is showing strong contact skills and advanced swing decisions in the lower levels.<\/p>\n