Top 2026 MLB Prospects To Keep An Eye On

The 2026 MLB season is already underway, and while established stars may be dominating headlines, the real fans are keeping an eye out for the new wave of elite prospects that are either making their debut right now or just getting ready to. Whether you’re a collector or just a fantasy league fan, being early and being right makes all the difference; that’s where we come in.

We’re ranking the top prospects you need to know about. For this sports blog, we’ll consider prospects based on their published prospect rankings.

The Top 2026 MLB Prospects

Konnor Griffin - Pittsburgh Pirates

As the Pittsburgh Pirates’ shortstop, Griffin sits atop virtually every prospect list as the clear #1. The 222-pound hitter has exploded as a professional, opening with an incredible debut to hit his first career homer on his 20th birthday. His .333/.415/.527 slash in his 2025 minor league season only bodes well for his first season in 2026.

Griffin’s scout grades are equally impressive, with most experts grading his tools at 60 or better on the 20-80 scale. His plus-plus speed and raw power stem from his elite bat speed and athleticism. Defensively, he’s definitely above-average if we’re comparing the top baseball prospects of 2026.

Griffin’s Performance So Far

Based on Griffin’s early-season performance as a leading 2026 MLB prospect, it could be a great time to zero in on his rookies the next time you’re opening baseball hobby boxes.

Griffin tore up Triple-A in his first five games for the Pirates this April, with experts comparing him to Tatis Jr. and Witt Jr. for his blend of power, speed, and defense. We’re expecting 20+ homers and a .280+ average if he can adjust to big-league pitching. Fingers crossed!

Kevin McGonigle - Detroit Tigers

The Tigers’ shortstop/third baseman ranks second across major lists and, just like Griffin, has already made his MLB debut in 2026. This 2026 MLB prospect is a left-handed hitter who was lauded for his elite plate discipline and barrel control, even before ever turning pro. His hit tool is graded at 70 by scouts, consistent with projections for All-Star averages.

What makes us think he’ll be a popular choice in Topps sports card unboxings? He has a preternatural ability to square up to virtually any pitch, seemingly even in the major league! 

Jesús Made - Milwaukee Brewers

This 2026 baseball prospect has seen an incredible rise in the rankings compared to our last prospect roundup, back in 2025. At just 18, he’s projected to make his MLB debut in 2027 with the Brewers. As an international signing, this 2026 MLB prospect remains in Double-A Biloxi to start the season.

Despite being one of the youngest players in the game, he stole nearly 47 bases in his Double-A climb back in 2025. His early 2026 numbers in the Southern League have been just as dominant, with exit velocities already reaching the 90th percentile. 

Leo De Vries - Athletics

The Athletics shortstop was acquired from the Padres in the 2025 Mason Miller trade, and he ranks in the MLB’s top 10 at this moment at the age of 19. This switch-hitter, who was signed for $4.2 million in 2024, is one of the most hyped 2026 MLB prospects due to his impressive offensive ability from both sides.

De Vries is a prime call-up candidate for the Athletics later this year. His advanced approach and switch-hitting profile make him a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect, something the Athletics need to leverage if they’re targeting the top spot this season.

JJ Wetherholt - St. Louis Cardinals

As a top 2026 baseball prospect, the Cardinals’ infielder cracked Opening Day 2026 rosters and ranks in the top 5 in most updates. This left-handed hitter boasts a 65-grade hit tool, making him the best pure hitter among top prospects. He’s coming off a Div 1 batting title in college and already demonstrates elite plate discipline and gap power.

This 2026 MLB prospect has large shoes to fill. Scouts are projecting consistent .300 seasons for Wetherholt, and his line-drive approach, combined with track spin ability, makes him MLB-ready immediately. JJ already hit his first MLB homer on Opening Day, so sustained performance could give him a fair shot at the top award of the season.

Key 2026 MLB Draft Prospects

Wondering about the MLB draft set for July this year? We have you covered. The next season’s biggest stars are going to be chosen this summer, and the lineup ensures it’s going to be a draft to remember.

Roch Cholowsky 

The 202-pound right-handed shortstop from UCLA is a top 2026 MLB prospect across most lists this year. You might see this prospect headlining your favorite hobby cases if he can keep up his performance from UCLA. Scouts have described him as a real five-tool talent, and potentially the best prospect since 2019’s Rutschman.

This 2026 baseball prospect’s hit tool grades are above-average, with plus power projection and an approach that can drive the ball to all fields. The only tool where he’s lagging is his run speed.

Grady Emerson

Texas’s Emerson is right behind Cholowsky as a leading 2026 MLB prospect. The left-handed hitter has been the top prep prospect in his class, with scouts praising his fast-growing power and solid plate approach. Whether Emerson can hold on to his top prospect ranking will now depend entirely on his spring performance.

Collect MLB’s Greatest

All set for the new season? Collect your favorite prospects through upcoming sports card releases at the ultimate sports card store! Enjoy lightning-fast shipping on your favorite releases, and save even more with our rewards program. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with Giant Sports Cards today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best 2026 MLB prospects?

Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle, and Jesús Made are the elite picks in terms of prospects this year. Griffin and McGonigle have both made their debuts already, but still need to play more to break out of the prospect classification.

Who is the top pitching prospect for the 2026 draft?

Jackson Flora is the top draft baseball prospect for 2026. He’s a right-hander from UC Santa Barbara with an incredible fastball that can touch 100 mph. If he can hone his clean arm action, he’s going to make a big splash in the big leagues.

When do 2026 MLB prospects graduate?

The MLB doesn’t strictly define the distinction between prospects and rookies, but prospects are typically promoted to regular players once they’ve made an impact in the major leagues.