Top 7 MLB Prospects to Watch in the Spring 2026 Season

The 2026 regular season is set to open with a bang in a standalone game between the NY Yankees and SF Giants, but what collectors are really looking forward to are 2026’s top baseball rookies. 

These players are coming in armed with their minor league talent and their eyes set on big league greatness. Find out who they are with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

Top 7 Prospects to Watch in 2026

Konnor Griffin - Pittsburgh Pirates

This MLB prospect has been ranked #1 by the league itself, and it’s easy to see why. While it’s unclear whether he’s going to play late in 2026 or if he’ll be ready for the Spring Breakout season, all eyes are on Griffin heading into next year.

What makes Griffin the player to watch for the next time you open baseball card boxes? 

He’s a player with definite five-tool potential, and even at 19, he demonstrates the ability to control the zone well. If he can build on an already impressive bat speed with better timing, you’ll be looking at a new all-star.

Kevin McGonigle - Detroit Tigers

Moving from Griffin, McGonigle’s big league debut is almost equally anticipated by fans and experts alike. This MLB prospect is slightly older than Griffin at 21, but he’s more likely to make a bigger impact and be ready sooner for the Spring 2026 season.

What makes him one of 2026’s top baseball rookies? McGonigle compensates with experience. He’s already seen significant Single and Double-A play and proven himself with a stellar batting record. 

It’ll be hard for the Tigers to resist deploying him in the big leagues this spring.

JJ Wetherholt - St. Louis Cardinals 

As a breakout pick from West Virginia in 2024, this MLB prospect has done his time in the A league with a .295/.405/.400 record across 29 games. As one of the Cardinals’ top prospects heading into 2026, all signs point to a major league debut this spring.

If you’re planning on picking up a hobby case this season, you’ll want to look out for this MLB rookie in 2026. He put up an impressive 89.7% contact rate even as a sophomore at West Virginia, and his all-fields approach makes him a safe bet for the big leagues as he gains more experience.

Sebastian Walcott - Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have a potential superstar heading into the new season with this MLB prospect. Walcott’s early plus-plus raw power and rocket arm accuracy make him a standout rookie already, and at only 19, he has a lot of room to grow still. His arsenal includes accolades like:

• All-star honors in the South Atlantic League at 18 
• Solid hand-eye coordination that lets him comfortably hit some of the trickiest pitches
• An aggressive playstyle complements his batting skills perfectly. 

If you’re looking for the best 2026 baseball rookies, keep an eye out for this one in your next Panini baseball box.

Colt Emerson - Seattle Mariners

Colt Emerson is the definition of starting strong if we’re looking at MLB prospects. He played for Team USA in the 18U World Cup before being picked by the Mariners in the first round back in 2023. Since then, he’s been honing his skills in the Arizona League, despite a string of minor injuries.

As one of the best hitters on the Mariners’ lineup, this spring 2026 season is the perfect opportunity for this prospect to make his mark. 

Walker Jenkins - Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have a potential all-star in Walker Jenkins, and they know it. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 draft, straight out of high school, one of only two high school hitters chosen that year. 

This MLB prospect started slow but has shown steady progress in the 2025 season, putting in a .303/.404/.494 line across July and August. The 2026 season might see him step up onto the big plate and onto your next Topps sports card.

Bryce Eldridge - SF Giants

Eldridge is already one of the most accomplished baseball rookies heading into 2026, as the winner of USA Baseball’s Dick Case Award in 2022. 

Among 2026’s MLB rookies, Eldridge stands out for the SF Giants with his excellent hit velocities and exceptional raw power, whether he’s facing fastballs or non-fastballs.

Get Ready for the Spring Breakout

The big season for the top MLB prospects is just around the corner. There’s no better way to prepare for a new season of baseball than with upcoming sports card releases at unbeatable prices. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ at Giant Sports Cards, the ultimate sports card store, and enjoy free shipping on US orders over $199. 

Ordering online for the first time? Check out our reviews and see what other collectors had to say!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MLB prospect?

A prospect is any player who has performed exceptionally well in the minor leagues but has yet to make their mark in the major leagues.

How do people find the best baseball prospects?

A ton of research. Avid enthusiasts track stats for hundreds of baseball players and constantly crunch the numbers to find outliers and potential future all-stars.

Who are the best baseball rookies of 2026?

While only time can tell for certain, collectors should keep an eye out for promising prospects like Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle, and Sebastian Walcott.