|

2026 MLB Prospect Report: Part 1 (A-I)

This article was published in separate parts due to the length of the original article being longer than the average read time on our website.

Introduction

For this article/series, I decided to start a fun project tracking all the prospects who’s cards I have. This will be a weekly project tracking their hopefully success as we move through the season. I love the Topps pro debut set and have a very large collection from this alone.

Here are the links to the other parts of this series to navigate and read through:

The Prospects

Aaron Parker- Parker was drafted in the sixth round in 2024 by the Blue Jays. The right handed hitting catcher found success in his first year hitting 5 home runs and posting an .899 ops in his 24 games played. 2025 in high A ball, he struggled, posting a slash line of .233, .301, .389 with a .694 OPS in high A ball. Parker did hit 8 home runs and showed off some power, but the overall numbers left a lot to be desired. Will be interesting to see if Parker can bounce back this year and move up in the system.

Adrian Santana- Santana was the Rays first round draft pick in 2023 out of high school. The Doval academy product is a defense first short stop with a ton of speed. While he will not hit for much power, he is a threat to steal any time he reaches first base. Currently the Rays number 7 prospect, he has already reached high A ball and has moved up every year since he was drafted. He has stolen 101 bases in 203 games and is an absolute menace on the bases. Last season, he finally found a little power, hitting two home runs, including a walk off grand slam after hitting 0 in his first 114 games played. If he can find any power, to add to his rising batting average (.240 to .263), he can be a real threat up the middle for the Rays. Santana played 2 games in spring this year and went 1 for 2 with a walk, getting his first taste of game action above A ball.

Aidan Miller- The Phillies drafted the right handed hitting short stop out of high school 27th overall in 2023. Miller finished 2025 in triple A. While it was only 8 games left in the season, he posted an impressive slash line of .333, .514, .519 with a 1.032 OPS. Overall, his line for the year was .264, .392, .433, with a .825 OPS. He showed his power with 14 home runs as well; Miller can do it all. Defend at short, hit for power, get on base consistently, and steal bases. He swiped 59 bags for the year which was top 15 in all of minor league baseball (13th). Miller should definitely get the call to the show this year and play a huge role for the Phillies.

Aidan Smith- Originally a fourth-round pick by the Mariners in 2023, Smith climbed into the Mariners top 15 prospects before being included in the Randy Arozerena trade. He enters 2026 as the Rays number 6 prospect as his rise continues. In high A ball last year, Smith posted solid numbers but is definitely looking to build on those. His slash line was .237, .331, .388 with a .719 OPS. He did hit 14 homers in 102 games, showing off his power. Smith turns 22 in July and looks to continue rising in the system and rankings. He is known for high exit velocities which should keep improving as he fills out his 6’2” frame. It will be interesting to see how much he can rise this year, as he has every year since being signed away from Mississippi State.

Alex Clemmey- Clemmey was drafted in the second round in 2023 by the Guardians out of high school. The 6”6” lefty sits in the mid 90’s with his fastball and has solid secondary pitches. His stuff is nasty, but walks are his Achilles heel. 136 walks in 209 innings pitched through two levels is concerning. The strike out numbers are impressive though, as he has 259 over that span. If Clemmey can get his control improved, the sky is the limit. It will be interesting to see if Clemmey can find enough success to make the jump to triple A this year. Clemmey did recently add a sinker to his repertoire which has helped keep the ball on the ground. His 52% ground ball rate is impressive. Similar profile to Mackenzie Gore, who was an All Star for the Nationals.

Alexander Albertus- The 6’1’ infielder from Aruba was signed by the Dodgers in 2022. He can play all over the infield and has found success at SS, 3B, and 2B. He was part of the three team trade that brough Michael Kopech and Tommy Edman to the Dodgers in 2024. He has had tough luck with injuries, only playing in 148 games over the last three seasons, but when he is on the field he stands out. While he does not hit for power, he also does not strike out. A high contact bat with a frame that can definitely add more power. Look out for Albertus to be healthy this year and rise due to his ability to get on base and play multiple positions.

Arjun Nimmala- Nimmala is a 6-foot right-handed short stop drafted 20th overall in 2023 by the Blue Jays. The Strawberry Crest high product made his debut at 17 years old had a lot of success early on until last year in A ball. His slash line was .224, .313, .381 with a .694 OPS. 55 walks was impressive, but 116 strike outs in 120 games is concerning. Nimmala will really need to work on cutting down the strike outs. He has shown some pop with 30 home runs in 2020 career games, but he needs to reach base more to make an impact. Defense is a struggle and he will likely be moved from short, as he has made 33 errors in 3 seasons. He is a very raw player, but the potential is sky high. Arjun turns 21 in October, so there is still plenty of time for him to grow, but he is already the Blue Jays number 3 prospect.

Bairon Ledesma- Ledesma was signed from Cuba in 2023 by the Rockies. Bairon was very impressive in the Dominican Summer League in 2023. Posting a slash line of .335, .406, .442 with a .848 OPS in 206 at bats. He also drew 11 walks and only struck out 19 times. Ledesma has spent the last two seasons in rookie ball and has struggled. Posting a .690 OPS over that span. There is no power to his game, as he is a contact hitter that draws walks and battles. 3 home runs (all in the DSL) in 121 games is a factor in his low OPS. Ledesma is only 5’9”, so it is hard to see him adding much power to his game. If he can continue to not strike out and improve his contact, he can potentially crack the Rockies top 30.

Ben Hess- The 6’5” righty was drafted 26th overall by the Yankees in 2024 from the University of Alabama. The junior arm struggled his last year in the SEC (5-5 5.8 ERA 13 home runs allowed), but the Yankees still took a flier. It seems to have paid off, as he was impressive last year through two levels. 7-4 with a 3.22 ERA last season through high A and double A put him back on the map. 131 strike outs in 103.1 innings is very impressive, but 46 walks is also impressive. If he can fix the control issues, he has a path to the show paved for him. Only 3 home runs allowed is also solid, especially if he wants to pitch in Yankees stadium. Hess throws an upper 90s fastball with impressive spin and vertical break, this can also lead to some walks, as the fastball is filthy. Hess was invited to Spring training and showed out in his two appearances. While he only pitched 5 innings, he struck out 6 batters and only gave up one run. Only two walks so far is solid, especially as he works on new grips to tighten up his secondary pitches. Will be interesting to see if he can make it to the show in 2026. He definitely has a chance.

Bernard Moon- Moon was a sixteenth-round pick for the Reds in 2023. He came out swinging out the gate, having an incredible season in rookie ball. The 18 year old started 9-25 in 7 games. At 19, he played 48 games and still put up decent numbers. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 30 runs with a .820 OPS. He stayed in rookie ball in 2024 and posted similar stats before getting the call to A in 2025 where he struggled. In 108 games, .689 OPS. 7 home runs showed some pop, but 90 strike outs really hurt. If he can cut down on the strike outs, he can definitely bounce back, as his 39 walks show he has the ability to work counts. Will be interesting to see if he can get passed A this year.

Billy Amick- Amick was drafted in the second round by the Twins in 2024 from the University of Tennessee. The right-handed third baseman went right to rookie ball where he ripped the cover off the ball. It took 5 games to move through rookie and low a to high A. In his first 53 games, in high A he posted an .873 ops. Billy should continue to show improve in the power department as he has so much raw power in his swing. He needs to improve his strike out numbers, but they are not bad currently. Always room for improvement and the 23 year old has plenty of time. Amick will play on the Twins breakout team, so it will be fun to watch him swing it against the top minor league talent in the league. He can really build his stock up this year.

Blake Burke- The Brewers selected Blake Burke with the 34th overall pick in 2024 out of Tennessee. Blake has a big power bat and has shown it. After 95 games in high A, he got called up to double A and played well. Finished the season with 16 home runs, 2 triples, and 27 doubles in 490 at bats. His line for the season was .292/378/.447 with an .832 OPS. Burke can really rise this year and fight for a 40 man spot in spring training next year. He got a taste of sping training this year, but next year is likely his best chance if he continues to perform.

Blake Wright- The Rockies drafted the Clemson infielder in the fourth round in 2024. Wright was sent right to low A where he hit 2 home runs in 16 games. In 2025, he split time between both levels of A ball. In 125 games, his slash line was .277/.339/.404 with a .740 OPS. He also hit 10 home runs and drove in 58 runs. Wright has played multiple positions and shown he can be a solid utility player. Wright is a good contact bat who does not strike out much (15.2% k rate). It will be interesting to see where the Rockies start Wright. Could see double A, but high A is also possible since he only played 58 games at the level last year. Chance to be up in late 2026 early 2027 with a good season this year.

Braden Montgomery- The switch-hitting outfielder was drafted 12th overall by the White Sox in 2024 out of Texas A&M. Montgomery is a consensus top 100 pick who has a lot of raw power. Montgomery hit 67 homer runs in three college seasons. The concern is strike outs, as his strike out rate through college and one pro season is between 22-28%. He has gap to gap power and is an extra base machine. He got a non roster invite to spring training this year and performed well (.348/.348/.652 with a 1.000 OPS). Through three levels last season, he hit 12 home runs and drove in 67 runs in 131 games. His line was .270/.360/.444 with a .804 OPS. He will return to double A to start the season with a chance to earn a forty man spot and get the call. A solid season could definitely see a chance at a September call up.

Brody Hopkins- Hopkins was a two way player drafted in the sixth round in 2023 out of Winthrop. Hopkins impressed in A ball for the Mariners, posting a 2.9 era with 95 strike outs in 83 innings. He was shipped to Tampa in the Randy Arozarena trade and sent to high A. In 2025, he was sent to double A where he was very good. In 25 starts, he posted a career low 2.72 era and struck out 141 batters in 116 innings. Hopkins received a spring training invite and made two appearances. Two strike outs, 1 hit and 0 runs allowed in 2 innings. Hopkins can definitely find a way up to the show this year with a strong showing in triple A.

Brooks Brannon- The Red Sox selected the right handed hitting catcher in the ninth round in 2022. At 18, he got right to work in complex ball. Last season Brannon made it to double A at 21 years old. He struggled a little but still showed his power. While he only slashed .221/.302/.385 with a .687 OPS, he did hit 5 home runs in 38 games. Brannon has battled injuries which has caused him to miss a decent number of games. If he can stay healthy, he can definitely build momentum and show more consistency at the plate.

Bryce Cunningham- Cunningham was selected in the second round in 2024 out of Vanderbilt. The right hander throws a mid 90’s fastball which is solid, but his best pitch is his changeup. Upper 80’s that drops off the table. There are some control problems, but when it is on, it is un-hittable. Cunningham got off to a great start in high A before missing decent time due to a shoulder injury. Returning from injury, he struggled but still finished the season with a 2.82 era in 12 appearances. His time in the Arizona fall league was a disaster. He got shelled in five starts. He allowed 20 hits and 19 runs (15 earned) in 13 innings. While he only allowed two home runs, he walked 9 batters. When healthy, he is very talented and it shows. The questions are, if he is actually healthy and recovered from the should inflammation.

Bryce Eldridge- Eldridge was drafted in the first round by the Giants in 2023 from James Madison. He destroys minor league pitching, slashing .279/.360.512 with an .873 OPS. He has also hit 54 home runs in 249 games. He does strike out a decent amount, but the power is his biggest strength. He got the call last year to the show and struggled badly. In 10 games (37 at bats), he struck out 13 times and posted a .107/.297/.179 with a .476 OPS. It was ugly, but there is only room for improvement. He has looked good in spring but still struck out 19 times in 49 at bats. He also had a barrel rate of 18.2% which is very promising. He was optioned to triple A to start the season, but should be back in the league soon.

Bryce Ranier- The Tigers selected the left hand hitting shortstop out of high school 11th overall in 2024. The smooth fielding middle infielder also had a great season at the plate in low A at 19 years old. Slashing .288/.383/.448 with a .831 OPS in 35 games. Rainer is now the Tigers number 3 prospect but could easily be number one next by mid season. He also stole 9 bases and hit 5 home runs, showing off his potential power and base running skills before season ending shoulder surgery. Rainer returned to dh in the spring breakout series and looked very good at the plate.

Braylon Payne- The Brewers drafted the speedy centerfielder 17th overall in 2024. Payne debuted at 17 and played four games in low A and had 7 hits in 19 at bats. In 2025, he played a full season and hit .240/.354/.382 with a .736 OPS. Payne hit 8 home runs and stole 31 bases in 78 games. Payne also only made 4 errors in 540 innings played in center. The concern is his 30% strikeout rate in 2025. He has a good eye and draws a decent number of walks. If Payne can cut the strikeouts, he will definitely be a riser and move quick through the system.

Boston Bateman- The 6’8” lefty was selected in the second round of the 2024 draft out of high school by the Padres. He debuted in 2025 at 19 and started 15 games in low A. before being traded to the Orioles for Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano. In those 15 games, he posted a 4.04 era. While this was not great, he struck out 75 batters in 68 innings and only walked 25 batters. For the Orioles, he started two games in low A before getting the call to double A. In those two starts, he pitched 7 innings and only allowed 2 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6 batters. In high A, he got hit a little and struggled with walks (11 in 11 innings). His fastball sits in the mid 90s and touches 98mph with great tailing action. Due to his high and release point, it is very hard to hit up in the zone. He also throws a high spin rate slider, devastating curveball, and is developing a changeup. Boston will likely be back in high A to start the season and will need to continue to grow and become more comfortable with the changeup.

Cam Caminiti- Caminiti was drafted 24th overall by the Braves in 2024 out of high school. The 6’2” lefty debuted at 17 in low and pitched 3 shutout innings. Striking out 4 and only allowing 3 hits and 1 run. In 2025 he started in rookie ball and struggled through 4 starts posting a 7.90 era in 13.2 innings. The positive was that he struck out 15 batters and only surrendered 2 walks. He moved up to high A and was incredible. Posting a 2.08 era in 13 starts (56 innings pitched). He struck out 75 batters and allowed only 25 walks. He featured a high 90s fastball and a nasty slider. While the slider is inconsistent sometimes, it is nasty when on. He also features a curveball and a developing changeup. A solid four pitch mix that is so tough from the low 3/4s arm slot.

Carson Benge- Benge was a two-way player at Oklahoma State before being selected 19th overall by the Mets in 2024. In his first year, he still kept the two way dream alive before giving up pitching for a fast track to the show. In his first season just hitting, he flew through the minors, jumping from A ball to triple A in a year. His line for 2025 was .281/.385/.472 with an .857 OPS. This was enough to earn a spring training. Benge has been incredible in spring, earning the opening day spot in right field. He is 14 for 34 (.412 batting average) with 4 walks and 6 strike outs. While he has not shown any power in spring, he has very impressive exit velocities and has sprayed the ball all over the field.

Carson Rucker- Rucker was drafted in the fourth round by the Tigers in 2023. Rucker was in complex league for two years but only played 13 games. His second season was ended early due to a dislocated shoulder he suffered on a diving catch. In 2025, he was healthy and played a full season. In 103 games he hit .235/.305/.295 with a .600 OPS. There is no real power threat, he had 17 extra base hits and stole 11 bases while driving in 43 runs and drawing 30 walks. Rucker will hope to improve the strike out numbers and draw more walks. With limited power, he will need to get on base and and contribute in other ways. Rucker got a non roster invite to spring training and had 5 at bats in 6 games. He went 2-5 with a home run and a walk. Strong showing and hopefully signs of what is to come this year.

Carson DeMartini-DeMartini was drafted in the fourth round in 2023 out of Virginia Tech. The Phillies sent the left hand hitting infielder to low A where he was solid. He hit .315/.385/.478 with a .863 OPS. In 24 games (92 at bats), he hit 2 home runs, 2 triples, and 5 doubles while driving in 9 runs, drawing 8 walks and stealing 8 bases. DeMartini was very solid in high A (.284/.402/.474) and was called up after 53 games. He struggled in double A though. Slashing .202/.291/.288 with a .579 OPS. His splits were rough, as he struggled against lefties. DeMartini will likely be a platoon bat that can rake against righties. He got an invite to spring training and has struggled in 18 at bats. He has two hits and 6 strikeouts. He did hit a home run and drawn two walks though. Big season for Carson to make the leap to triple A.

Carter Johnson- The Marlins took the left hand hitting middle infielder in the second round of the 2024 draft out of high school. He was sent right to low A ball where he hit .221/.273/.292 with a .565 OPS at 18 years old. He went back to low A in 2025 and struggled. He hit /177/.275/.261 with a .536 OPS. He will likely not stick at short and will move to second base as he made 14 errors at short last year. This could help improve the bat. Big year for Johnson as he is now 20 years old and in year 3.

Carter Mathison- The Phillies took the big swinging lefty outfielder out of Indiana University in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. Mathison played 4 games in rookie ball before moving up to low A where he played out the season. He finished hitting .200/.313/.338 with a .652 OPS. The strike out rate is concerning at 35% but he does have a good eye and walks at a decent rate. The power has not shown yet, but it is definitely there. As a freshman, he hit 19 home runs. That was his best season throughout college and the minors. If he can find that swing again, he can definitely be a big time power threat and hit a ton of home runs in Citizens Bank Park.

Casey Cook- The left handed hitting utility player was selected in the third round by the Texas Rangers in 2024 out of the University of North Carolina. In 2024 he played low A ball and struggled. Hitting .197/.293/.239 with a .532 OPS. In 2025, he moved up to high A, where he hit .205/.302/..294 with a .596 OPS. Cook is a plus defender at multiple positions and a great base runner. If he finds his bat, he could make noise in the system. Doubt he will ever be a hit first guy, but if he can improve, he can be a good spark off the bench. He has a good eye and walks at a decent rate, while also not striking out a ton. There is just no power. He hit 18 home runs as a junior, but that seems to have been a fluke as he has only hit 6 in 139 games played in the pros.

Charlee Soto- Soto was drafted 34th overall in the 2023 draft by the Twins out of high school. Soto is a 6’3’ right handed pitcher with an upper 90s fastball and an upper 80s tight slider. He is developing a changeup as well, but dealt with major injuries in year two which limited him to 3 starts. Tricep problems and then eventual elbow surgery had him on the shelf. In his three starts, he looked good in high A. Pitching 13 innings and only allowing 2 runs 9 hits. Soto has the potential to be a starting MLB pitcher, but health concerns are what may limit him to a bullpen arm. His stuff could definitely be used in the backend of the pen if his body cannot handle a starters workload. This is a big season for the hard throwing righty to get back on track.

Chase Harlan- Harlan was drafted in the third round by the Dodgers in 2024 out of high school. The 6’3” third baseman was shelved for the 2024 season for surgery to repair a nagging injury that had been a problem for years. In 2025, the 19 year old made his pro debut and shined. Through two levels (rookie ball and low A) he hit .269./.357/.442 with a .799 OPS. He was an extra base machine hitting 9 home runs and 16 doubles in 68 games. He does not strike out and has a good eye at the plate. The 19 year old even got a chance to play with the big league club in spring training this year. going 0-1 with a walk. He was also named to the Dodgers spring breakout roster and is one of the top third base prospects in baseball. Harlan has a lot of raw power that if he should tap into as he fills out his big frame and gets stronger.

Chris Cortez- The Angels drafted the right handed pitcher in the second round in 2024 out of Texas A&M. Cortez is a flame thrower with a fastball that sits in the upper 90s and touches 101 mph. The Angels believed in him and sent him right to high A where he struggled. In 28 starts, he went 3-8 with a 4.28 era. Cortez is very good at keeping the ball on the ground, but allowed a lot of hits. In 113 innings, he allowed 93 hits. The babip against him was .293 which is very solid. A 66% ground ball rate is also incredible. The problem was walks as he walked 83 batters. This is was his real issue which really made hurt him. All his other stats look very solid. A lot of weak contact and ground balls, but runners were consistently getting free passes which lead to runs allowed. Cortez got a non roster invite to spring and really struggled. In 2 appearances, he only recorded 1 out while allowing 2 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs. An ugly showing for Cortez who still is not consistently throwing strikes.

Cobb Hightower- The Padres selected the middle infielder out of high school in 2024. He debuted in 2025 for low A playing 40 games for the Padres before being traded to the Orioles. For the season, he played 64 games hitting .243/.354/.317 with a .671 OPS. The speedy shortstop stole 14 bases on 16 attempts and drew 38 walks. He only struck out 52 times and showed great discipline at the plate. Cobb sprays the ball over the field and hit the ball the other way almost as much as he pulled it. Cobb is an interesting prospect as his glove, speed, and eye are elite. If he can find any power with his bat, he could really rise fast.

Cole Fontenelle- The Angels selected the switch hitting third baseman out of TCU in 2023. Fontenelle has really struggled at the plate in his three minor league seasons. Hitting .217/.315/.341 with a .656 OPS. The ugly part is the strike out numbers. He has 235 strike outs in 169 games (595 at bats). Last season was brutal. He hit .186 with 172 strike outs in 103 games. It is not looking great for Cole, but if finds a way to lower his 40% career strike out rate, he may be able to turn things around.

Cole Carrigg- The Rockies selected the switch hitting power bat in the second round in 2023 out of San Diego State. In college, he was not much of a power threat, but since making his pro debut, he has shown impressive power. In three seasons, he has hit 37 home runs in 277 games after only hitting 7 in 133 college games. His speed is his best tool, as he is insanely fast. He has stolen 112 bases, hit 25 triples, and 44 doubles. He is an extra base machine who has gap to gap power and the speed to fly around the bases. He did get a none roster invite and looked good before going to the World Baseball Classic and being optioned to minor league camp. In 13 games, he had 31 at bats. He recorded 12 hits, 4 doubles, 2 triples, drove in 6 runs, and scored 8 runs. He showed how electric he can be not just at the plate, but on the bases. His skillset fits well in Coors Field and he can definitely shine there.

Cole Mathis- Mathis was a two way player for most of his college career before Tommy John surgery his junior season. The Cubs selected him in the second round out of the college of Charleston in 2024. Mathis debuted in 2025 but missed a lot of time due to complications from his surgery. He battled soreness which caused him to miss significant time. He did play in 29 games and hit .215/.336/.402 with a .736 OPS. Due to his missed time, he ended up playing in the Arizona Fall League where he looked good. Mathis will likely be a first baseman, but his body may limit him to being a primary dh. This is a big year for Mathis to continue battling back from his past elbow issues and soreness in recovery.

Cole Messina- The Rockies selected Cole in the third round in 2024 out of South Carolina. The catching prospect hit 38 home runs in his last two years at USC as the starter. Messina debuted in 2024 but only played 17 games. In 2025, he played most of the season in high A before getting called up to double A for 3 games. His season line was .258/.354/.378 with a .732 OPS. He hit 7 home runs and drew 51 walks while only striking out 73 times. Messina has a good arm behind the plate and receives the ball well. He is viewed as a potential above average catcher who can definitely stick behind the plate. Cole can make some noise this year as the Rockies number 21 prospect may be sneaking under the radar.

Colt Emerson- The Mariners selected the left handed hitting shortstop 22nd overall in the 2023 draft. Colt wasted no time getting into game action debuting that year. At 17 he lit up rookie ball hitting .536/.629/.786 with a 1.414 OPS in 8 games before getting called up to low A. He was impressive in low A as well, hitting .302/.436/.444 with a .880 OPS in 16 games. By 2025 at 19 years old, Emerson made it all the way to triple A. He was a non roster invite to spring this year and did everything possible to break camp with the team. He played in 18 games and hit .268/.340/.488 with a .828 OPS. Throughout his pro career, he has shown a great eye and has been one of the hardest batters to strike out in all of minor league baseball. Emerson will likely be in the bigs this year patroling up the middle for the defending Al Pennant winners.

Cooper Pratt- Pratt fell to the sixth round in the 2023 draft where the Brewers gladly took a flier on him and signed him for way above slot value. This was due to what was viewed as a very strong commitment to Ole Miss. The Brewers were able to sway him and he reported right to rookie ball. In 12 games, he had 16 hits in 45 at bats while stealing 4 bases, driving in 8 runs, and scoring 9 runs at 18 years old. In 228 games, he has 29 doubles, 5 triples 62 stolen bases, and 16 home runs. Pratt is very fast and a plus baserunner. While he has some pop, his game is more doubles and stealing bases.

Colin Houck- Houck was the Mets first round pick in 2023. The Georgia Gaterade player of the year has struggled since being drafted 32nd overall. After a disappointing 2024 in A ball, he ended up repeating low A in 2025 where he finally started to get his footing posting an .812 ops in 62 games and hitting 8 home runs. This earned him the call to high A where he really struggled. In 52 games, he posted a slash line of .198,.269,.289 with an ops of .558. Houck will likely repeat high A ball and hopefully take off. He changed his approach at the plate and added power which did show as he hit 10 home runs last year, now it is time to lower the strike out rate and watch the numbers improve. Expecting a huge bounce back season from the once highly touted prospect. We currently have his patch autographs /200 and /150.

Dillon Head- The left handed hitting outfielder was drafted was drafted in 26th overall in 2023 by the San Diego Padres. He got off to a solid start in rookie ball with the Padres before he was traded to Miami in the Araez trade. Head has struggled for the Marlins hitting, but he has shown a good eye and his walk numbers are impressive. Strike outs are not a huge weakness, but there is still room for improvement there. Still very young (20 years old) so there is still time, but this is a big year for him. Not make or break just yet, but he will need to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Drew Beam- Beam was selected in the third round in 2024 by the Royals out of the University of Tennesse. The flame throwing righty has good control and does not walk batters (30 walks in 132 inninge pitched). Not a big strike out guy, but can get them when needed. In 26 starts in high A, he posted a 3.83 era and looked good. 7-10 record, but wins are not a stats to worry about. The solid era and lack of walks is definitely the important stats. It will be interesting to see how this year plays out for the 23 year old.

Dylan Dreiling- Dreiling was a second round pick for the Rangers out of Tennessee in 2024. He has incredible power which he showed in his last college season hitting 23 home runs for the Vols. He was sent right to high A where he shined and hit 15 home runs in 110 games. Strike outs were a concern (101), but his power was on display. Unfortunately injuries ruined his 2025 season limiting him to just 14 games. Likely a corner outfielder due to his arm, but is a competent fielder out there. It will be interesting to see if the time off helped his approach at the plate. The power is there if he can just stay healthy, he should move quickly through the system.

Echendry Vargas- Vargas was signed out of the Dominican by the Rangers in 2021. In 2022 he debuted at 17 years old and excelled. Posting a slash line of .310/.368/.510 with a .878 OPS. He hit 4 home runs, 5 triples, and 19 doubles in 55 games. Showing contact skills, power, and speed. At 18, he came stateside and showed out through rookie ball and A. At 19, he still showed big power potential but struggled in the field (27 errors) and struck out 80 times in 298 at bats. Shifting full time to second base could help the numbers improve so he can focus on hitting while playing a less taxing position defensively. Vargas has the tools to be a big time hitter and has shown flashes. Hopefully the Marlins can help put everything together so he can excite the Marlins fans desperately looking for a spark.

Eddie Rynders- The Pirates selected Rynders in the fourth round in 2024 out of high school in Milwaukee. The lefty bat has struggled mightily in his first 105 games. 103 strike outs and only one home run over the span. Rynders is still only 19, so it is very early in his career and he should improve. This is a big year for him to show his talent and the power that has so far not shown in his career. He has a really nice lefty swing that shows, but the stats do not help his case.

Eduardo Quintero- The Venezuelan outfielder debuted for the Dodgers at 17 year old and has been incredible. Last year, he was still not ranked in the top 100, but to me, he should have already been on all the lists. Sure, it was the DSL, but he posted a 1.089 OPS and hit .359 as a 17 year old in 49 games in 2023. In 2024, he came stateside and tore up rookie ball (.908 OPS) at 18 years old. They moved him up to high A ball where he some growing pains but still had a great season. Finished outside the top 100. His 2025 season was incredible, and he finally started getting some love in the rankings this year (LAD#3 MLB#45). but to me, that is still low. The bat to ball skill is out of this world for such a young player. He can run the bases well and is very good in center field. A premier prospect in the league who is only just getting started. He got a taste of spring training this year and played in 5 games. Impressing with a .821 OPS. Quintero will have a long career and could be a fast riser from double A.

Eduardo Tait- Tait was signed as an international free agent out of Panama by the Phillies in 2023. The left hand hitting catcher has incredible power to all fields and this makes him a very intriguing prospect. There are questions about if he will stick at catcher, but worst case, you have a dh/1b that can hit in the middle of the order. The Phillies traded him to the Twins in 2025 for Duren and he was the headliner of the deal. He instantly slotted in as the Twins number 3 prospect. He debuted at 16 in the DSL and was incredible posting a .917 ops in 44 games. At 19, he hit 14 home runs in 112 games through A and high A with a .738 OPS. Tait has the potential to be a great bat at the big league level and is on track to be there by 2028.

Ethan Anderson- The switch hitting catcher/1b was drafted in the second round by the Orioles in 2024 out of the University of Virginia. His sophomore year, he hit 15 home runs and that seems to have been a fluke, as he has not shown much power in any other year. In two minor league seasons, he has moved through three levels, making it up to double A. His career minor league line is .256/.342/.358 with a .700 OPS. Anderson has a great eye and does not strike out much (52 walks vs 79 strikeouts). This is a skill that helps since there is not much power. Fairly new to catching, but is improving at all aspects and could stick behind the plate. He did get a non roster invite to spring training, but went 0-7 with 2 strike outs. A positive is that he did walk 3 times and show his discipline and eye at the plate. Anderson is 6’1” 215 lbs, so he definitely has the frame to add power to his game, but that is to be seen. A true project who has some upside.

Engelth Urena- Urena was signed out of Puerto Rico at 16 years old by the Yankees. At 17, he debuted in the DSL and posted a .921 OPS in 11 games. Hitting 3 home runs and drawing 5 walks while only striking out 6 times. He has a strong arm behind the plate but is still developing as a catcher overall. An intriguing prospect that is still a long way away. He has hit 20 home runs and driven in 89 runs in 3 seasons (113 games). The bat shows flashes of plus power, and he has a great eye at the plate, His walk rate is almost even to his strike out rate which is impressive for a young player (13% vs 19%). If he can continue to improve and learn the game, he has a chance to rise in the system. The Yankees added him to their spring breakout roster which shows they see his potential and would like to see him play against the top prospects in the league. This is a big year for Urena.

Fenwick Trimble- The Marlins drafted the speedy outfielder from James Madison in 2024. Trimble is a plus defender who can play all three outfield positions. In college, he showed some power hitting 34 home runs in three years (169 games). He debuted in 2024 and played 29 games in high A ball. In 2025, Trimble played 85 games through three levels reaching double A. He hit .253/.372/.407 with a .774 OPS. He also stole 31 bases on 35 attempts and only made 2 errors in 664 innings. A plus defender and baserunner with a lot of raw power which he has not shown yet. He has a great eye and does not strike out much. His minor league walk rate is 13.8% while his strike out rate is 18.3%. Trimble received a non roster invite to spring training which just shows the team believes in his potential. Trimble can definitely make some noise this year.

Franklin Arias- Arias was signed by the Red Sox out of Venezuela in 2023. He was signed as a defense first shortstop, but his bat has impressed since day one. At 17 years old, he lit up the DSL. Shining at short while hitting .350/.440/.453 with a .893 OPS. Arias came stateside the next year and was even better. The most impressive part was his surprising power. He hit 9 home runs through two levels in 86 games. Arias has an incredible eye and almost walks as many times as he strikes out (career 7.2% walk % with only a 10% strike out %). Arias has solidified himself as one of the highest ceiling prospects in baseball.

George Wolkow- The White Sox selected Wolkow out of high school in 2023. He was a steal in the seventh round. Wolkow reclassified and entered the draft a year early which caused his slide in the draft. Viewed as a potential first round talent, there were real sign ability issues. He debuted at 17 but really shined in his first full season. Between rookie ball and low A, he hit .257/.257/.451 with an .808 OPS. He also hit 13 home runs and showed his incredible power. Wolkow is a freak athlete even at 6’7” 239 lbs. While his line was not as great in 2025, he still stole 33 bases and hit 13 more home runs. The concern is his strike out rate was 33% through two seasons and he has 322 strike outs in 220 games played (801 at bats). If he can improve this, he will rise fast and could find himself in Chicago sooner than later.

Hyun-Seok Jang- Jang is a 22 year old right hand pitcher in the Dodgers organization. The Korean pitcher was signed in 2023 and has struggled in limited appearances. In 31 appearances (28 starts), Jang has a 5.35 era. At 22 years old, he has only made it to low A ball 54 batters in 48.2 innings pitched. This could be a make or break year for Hyun, as he has not found much success through 2 seasons.

Ivan Luciano- The left-handed hitting catcher was drafted in the second round by the Diamondbacks in 2023. He debuted in 2025 at 18 years old and moved through two levels. his 17% walk rate was almost equal to his strike out rate (19%). The young catcher has a great eye and does not chase. He is definitely a defense first player with a great arm behind the plate. His athleticism is impressive and he can run. If he can find any power, he could definitely be a real threat on both sides on the offense and defense.


Thank you for reading and supporting my work, if you want to read more of my work, visit my profile here on the website and subscribe to the Behind the Coaching newsletter on Substack to get weekly updates when available on what I and/or the team is working on!

More Like This

Leave a Reply