ESPN Unveils Bold 2026 MLB Season Projections for Top Rookie Prospects
With spring training approaching, ESPN has released its most ambitious projections for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The analysis focuses on American League and National League prospects who are expected to make significant leaps into the big leagues, competing for Rookie of the Year honors and climbing industry rankings. Following recent publications of Top 100 lists and farm-system evaluations, ESPN analysts have condensed their insights into specific player-by-player predictions, painting a picture of an unusually talent-rich rookie class.
American League Prospects Backed by ESPN
Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers, No. 2): Projected to become an everyday player by midseason after splitting time between shortstop and third base. ESPN's Buster Olney praised McGonigle as a player who excels in multiple areas, including command of the strike zone, bat speed, and baserunning. His impressive triple slash line in the Arizona Fall League—.362/.500/.710—hints at future greatness.
Leo De Vries (Oakland Athletics, No. 11): On track for a big league debut at age 19, following a strong .281/.359/.551 slash line in Double-A as an 18-year-old. Although his long-term role may shift from shortstop to third base, ESPN indicates a clear future for De Vries in Oakland's developing lineup.
Kade Anderson (Seattle Mariners, No. 16): Viewed as a potential October contributor if Seattle accelerates his timeline. ESPN's Jesse Rogers compared Anderson's rise to that of Paul Skenes, highlighting a four-pitch mix that is nearly major-league ready.
National League Rookies and Breakout Prospects to Watch
Sal Stewart (Cincinnati Reds, No. 17): Projected to become the best hitter in Cincinnati, with a solid .860 OPS in late-season action. Stewart hits the ball hard (51.3% at 95+ mph) and at optimal angles (16.5° on 95+ mph), making his contact data elite in the minors and positioning him as a staple in the middle of the order.
Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh Pirates, No. 1): ESPN's David Schoenfield expects Griffin to make the Opening Day roster and achieve a rare 3-WAR rookie season, setting him up as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Aidan Miller (Philadelphia Phillies, No. 10): According to ESPN predictions, Miller could secure the third base job in Philadelphia by Memorial Day, potentially forcing a trade of Alec Bohm after a projected stretch run of .280 batting average, 20 home runs, and 25 stolen bases.
Bubba Chandler (Pittsburgh Pirates, No. 12): Another NL Rookie of the Year candidate after a strong finish to 2025, including four wins in seven appearances and a 1.57 ERA, excluding a rocky start.
JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals, No. 7): With infield versatility, a polished bat, and 20-20 upside, Wetherholt is expected to translate his skills to the majors quickly. ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel noted that teams often face decisions between breaking camp with elite prospects or delaying their call-up until September to optimize Rookie of the Year campaigns.
Edward Florentino (Pittsburgh Pirates, No. 78): ESPN's Jeff Passan predicts a leap into the Top 10 prospects, citing Florentino's center-field defense, Corey Seager-like swing, and 35 steals in Low-A.
Carlos Lagrange (New York Yankees, No. 159): Tipped to be this year's Cam Schlittler after posting a 3.53 ERA and 33.4% strikeout rate, with a chance to join the Yankees' bullpen late in the season. ESPN's Tristan Cockcroft emphasized that improved control will be critical to Lagrange's big-league success, noting that Schlittler made similar adjustments in 2025.
Potential Impact on the 2026 MLB Season
If these projections materialize, the 2026 season could feature one of the most intriguing rookie classes in recent baseball history. Multiple prospects are poised to reshape big league rosters well before the autumn months, bringing fresh talent and excitement to the sport. ESPN's analysis underscores the depth and potential of this upcoming class, highlighting players who could make immediate impacts and redefine team dynamics across both leagues.
