MLB Prospects: Near Misses for 2026 Top 100 ⚾️

The arrival of Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list—a sure sign that spring training is just around the corner—has sparked debate among baseball enthusiasts. From unanimous No. 1 Connor Griffin to resurgent righthander Tanner McDougal, the rankings are ripe for discussion, dissection, and, of course, a little friendly disagreement.

Prospects Poised to Break Into the Top 100

As the big league season unfolds, established players will inevitably graduate from prospect lists, creating opportunities for rising stars to take their place.

• Twenty players are currently positioned to climb into the Top 100 rankings.
• Strong performances this spring and early in the season will be crucial for these prospects.
• Several players are returning from injury, eager to prove their potential.
• Trades have reshuffled the landscape, creating new opportunities for some.
• Offensive prowess and pitching dominance are key factors driving these players’ ascents.

Here, in alphabetical order, are 20 players who could gain Top 100 status once the season kicks off.

Michael Arroyo: A Mariner with Offensive Potential

Michael Arroyo fits the mold of a player with a solid offensive foundation, though his ultimate defensive position remains a question mark. The Mariners plan to give Arroyo a chance in the outfield this season, where his power could be a valuable asset in either corner. The 21-year-old consistently makes hard contact and demonstrates a good understanding of the strike zone, potentially earning his first taste of the big leagues with a strong spring showing.

Anderson Brito: Rising Star After Arizona Fall League Success

Anderson Brito’s stock soared after a dazzling performance in the Arizona Fall League, enough to land him in a three-way trade that also sent Jacob Melton from the Astros to Tampa Bay. Throughout his career, Brito has showcased impressive stuff, featuring a fastball and curveball with big-league potential, along with an above-average changeup and developing cutter and sweeper. While questions linger about whether his size might limit him to a relief role, the Rays will give him the opportunity to start.

Ryan Clifford: Power Potential in Queens

Lefthanded power is a highly coveted commodity in baseball, and Ryan Clifford possesses it in abundance. The former Astros prospect now calls Queens home after being traded to the Mets in the deal that sent Justin Verlander back to Houston. In 2025, Clifford made improvements across the board without sacrificing his hitting ability. Continued progress in Triple-A could lead to his major league debut before his 22nd birthday.

Ethan Conrad: A Contact Hitter Ready to Rise

Ethan Conrad hasn’t yet taken an official professional at-bat, but his stock was on the rise before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his college career. The first-rounder consistently makes contact against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers, bringing an enviable blend of contact and impact to the table. Conrad has the potential to quickly climb through the Cubs’ ranks.

Demetrius Crisantes: Ready to Return After Injury

Two seasons ago, Demetrius Crisantes and his remarkable on-base streak captivated the minor leagues. Just as he was gaining momentum in High-A, a shoulder injury required surgery and brought his season to an abrupt halt. Now, fully recovered, Crisantes and his picturesque righthanded swing are ready to return. He projects as a plus hitter with potentially average power, though his defensive position remains uncertain. Still, he’s a hitter who could quickly climb the list if he shakes off the rust in 2026.

Kevin Defrank: Dominating in the Dominican Summer League

Kevin Defrank signed with Miami in January 2025 and immediately made an impact in the Dominican Summer League. As the leader of a talented group of Miami pitchers, he blended physicality and athleticism to overwhelm opposing hitters. The only pitcher ranked higher in the DSL was Royals righty Kendry Chourio, who quickly advanced to Low-A. Defrank adds depth to a Marlins system already brimming with promising pitching prospects.

Michael Forret: A Trade Acquisition with Breakout Potential

Michael Forret was one of four prospects Tampa Bay acquired from Baltimore in the trade that sent righty Shane Baz to the Orioles. A product of a Florida junior college, Forret combined a deep arsenal with solid strike-throwing ability in a breakout season. He posted a 1.58 ERA and 0.82 WHIP between High-A and Double-A, striking out 91 hitters in 74 innings. His entire repertoire is rated at least a 50 on the scouting scale, including a curveball and sweeper that project as potential plus pitches.

David Hagaman: A Valuable Trade Piece

Like many prospects on this list, David Hagaman was talented enough to be included in a trade. He moved from the Rangers to the D-backs in the Merrill Kelly deal. The righthander possesses a prototypical starter’s frame and the stuff to match, with a fastball and curveball that could both become plus pitches, and a changeup and slider with average or better potential. He consistently throws strikes and impressed after joining his new organization.

Dasan Hill: Raw Stuff with Room to Grow

Dasan Hill’s appeal lies in his present stuff and remaining potential. The Texas-bred southpaw has added weight to his 6-foot-5 frame since signing in 2024, resulting in a velocity increase. Hill struck out a lot of batters in 2025, split between Low-A and High-A, but also issued too many walks, with a 15% walk rate. Improving his control will be key to reaching his ceiling, but his repertoire, featuring a plus sweeper and changeup, is tantalizing.

Kane Kepley: A Classic Leadoff Hitter in the Making

At North Carolina, Kane Kepley earned a reputation as a pure hitter. As a pro, he backed it up, peppering line drives, drawing walks, and stealing bases. He combines a potentially plus hit tool with similarly graded speed and double-plus defense in center field, making him a potential classic leadoff hitter.

Johnny King: Dominating in the Florida Complex League

Johnny King announced his presence with authority in the early days of the Florida Complex League, where he was among the circuit’s top pitching talents. After neutralizing FCL hitters for seven starts, King moved to full-season ball, generating plenty of swings and misses but also learning the need to refine his control and command. Armed with a 60-grade fastball and curveball, King posted a 39.5% strikeout rate in his first full professional season.

Tyson Lewis: Power Potential with a Need for Refinement

When Tyson Lewis connects, good things happen. His 90th percentile exit velocity of 109.5 mph was the highest of any teenager with 100 or more plate appearances in 2025. He continued his strong performance in Low-A, adding three more home runs. He struck out 51 times at each of his two stops and will need to reduce his strikeout rate to climb the Top 100.

Wei-En Lin: Quietly Dominating in the Minors

Wei-En Lin quietly had one of the best seasons of any minor league lefty. In his age-19 season, Lin jumped from Low-A to Double-A and racked up 117 strikeouts against just 22 walks over 87 innings. While none of his pitches project as potential plus offerings, his changeup, curveball, and fastball each could reach above-average. Adding a bit more velocity to his fastball, which sits around 91 mph and has touched 95, would further enhance his chances of becoming a starter.

Esteban Mejia: Pure Stuff with Development Needed

Few pitchers in the minor leagues can match Esteban Mejia’s raw stuff. His fastball and slider are wicked, and his changeup flashes nasty fade away from lefties. These three offerings helped him dominate in the Florida Complex League, but there’s still work to be done to reach his ceiling. Shortening his arm stroke and improving his release point would be significant steps forward.

Braden Nett: Versatile Pitcher with a High Ceiling

Braden Nett signed with the Padres as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and capitalized on his potential to become part of the package San Diego used to acquire closer Mason Miller. Nett works with six pitches, including a fastball and curveball that could reach plus, and a sweeper and cutter with above-average potential. His athleticism and velocity give him a high ceiling, but he needs to throw more strikes.

Xavier Neyens: Power Potential at Third Base

Xavier Neyens was part of a group of talented draft prospects in the Pacific Northwest in 2025. The Astros selected him in the first round and sent him to their minor league complex after signing. As an amateur, Neyens showcased power nearing double-plus, paired with a fringy hit tool. While he’s unlikely to remain at shortstop, his plus arm strength and power potential would be well-suited for third base.

TJ Nichols: Improving Results with Impressive Stuff

The Rays recognized TJ Nichols’ pure stuff at Arizona and bet they could improve his results. They were right. As a pro, the righthander slashed his walk rate and throws one of the highest quantities of strikes in the minor leagues. He’s more than just a strike-thrower, however, with his stuff remaining impressive, including a fastball and slider that each earn 60s on the scouting scale. His changeup needs further development to increase his chances of becoming a starter, but his 2025 season was one of the biggest breakouts in the minors.

Jefferson Rojas: Steady Improvement at Shortstop

Jefferson Rojas is steadily rounding into form. In his age-20 season, the Dominican-born shortstop improved his barrel accuracy and unlocked more power without sacrificing much contact. His first foray into the upper levels didn’t go as planned, but he still showed a solid understanding of the strike zone. Continued improvement could make him a well-rounded infielder at the major league level.

Kruz Schoolcraft: High Upside Lefty with Developing Breaking Ball

The Padres value upside, and Kruz Schoolcraft has plenty. The towering lefty sports a fastball that reaches the mid 90s, and has touched 99, and pairs it with a potentially above-average changeup. His breaking ball needs significant development, but he has the time and athleticism to improve it. Schoolcraft also displayed significant power as an amateur when he wasn’t pitching.

David Shields: Pitchability and Command Lead the Way

David Shields lasted just one start in the Arizona Complex League before earning a promotion to Low-A Columbia. He thrived in the Carolina League, using his stuff and savvy to dominate hitters all summer. By season’s end, he’d earned the league’s pitcher of the year honors. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but his pitchability and command should help him become a midrotation starter in a few years.