The 2026 MLB Draft is just around the corner, and with it comes the anticipation of the All-Star Futures Game and the trade deadline. As we approach these pivotal moments, it's time to take a closer look at the updated Top 100 Prospects list, with a focus on the highest risers, new faces, and biggest droppers. This year's list showcases the talent that is shaping the future of Major League Baseball, with a mix of power hitters, speedsters, and pitching prospects. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and insights.
Highest Risers
- Theo Gillen, OF, Rays (39 to 10): Gillen's power surge in his 20s, with 12 homers and a .589 slugging percentage, earned him a promotion to Double-A. His plus speed and solid defense in center make him a Top 10 talent.
- Mike Sirota, OF, Dodgers (38 to 12): Sirota's performance in High-A, with a 63-game on-base streak, earned him a promotion to Double-A. His plus run tool and above-average defense make him a rising star.
- Luis Lara, OF, Brewers (89 to 69): Lara's high-contact switch-hitting and speed-and-defense make him a prospect to watch. The Brewers' seven-year, $31 million contract shows their belief in his long-term potential.
- Felnin Celesten, SS, Mariners (96 to 76): Celesten's continued momentum in his age-20 season at High-A, with solid splits, suggests a real breakout rather than a mirage.
- Karson Milbrandt, RHP, Marlins (98 to 78): Milbrandt's impressive performance at Double-A, with a 1.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts, earned him a spot in the Top 100. His pitches profile as potential above-average offerings.
New Faces
- Christian Zazueta, RHP, Dodgers (92): Zazueta's mid-90s fastball and above-average control make him a promising addition to the Dodgers' pitching rotation.
- Francisco Renteria, OF, Phillies (96): Renteria's power-speed combo and $4 million signing bonus make him a breakout bat for the Phillies.
- Josh Adamczewski, OF, Brewers (97): Adamczewski's selective approach and improved line drive contact make him a high-average hitter.
- James Tibbs III, 1B/OF, Dodgers (98): Tibbs' power numbers and exit velocities suggest a potential power hitter, despite questions about his ability to handle upper-level velo.
- Caden Bodine, C, Rays (99): Bodine's switch-hitting and low strikeout rate make him a promising catcher for the Rays.
Biggest Droppers
- ** Jonah Tong, RHP, Mets (32 to 83):** Tong's cutter hasn't found consistent results, and he needs to find a third pitch to keep his spot on the list.
- Jett Williams, 3B/SS/OF, Brewers (55 to 84): Williams' exit velocity and defensive work at third base have taken a negative trend, impacting his overall value.
- Elmer Rodríguez, RHP, Yankees (58 to 79): Rodríguez's six-pitch arsenal hasn't caught on in the Majors, and he's walked more batters than he's struck out.
- Aidan Miller, SS, Phillies (14 to 31): Miller's recurring back issue and lack of playing time make it difficult to rank him among the top prospects.
Moving Out
- Blake Mitchell, C, Royals (from 50): Mitchell's contact rate has taken a step back, leading to more strikeouts. His power, patience, and ability to lift the ball remain tantalizing.
- Brody Hopkins, RHP, Rays (from 79): Hopkins' average of almost one walk per inning in Triple-A has impacted his role and performance.
- Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Red Sox (from 81): Witherspoon's mid-90s fastball hasn't missed bats as hoped, and he'll need a longer stretch of success to return to the list.
- Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP, Cardinals (from 82): Cijntje's lack of consistent strikes and flyball tendencies have been tested in the Texas League, impacting his results.
- Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Padres (from 86): Schoolcraft's walks have been a large obstacle in Single-A, impacting his overall performance.
- Wei-En Lin, LHP, Athletics (from 88): Lin's Tommy John surgery and recovery process dropped him from his initial spot on the list.
