Top Prospects to Monitor Entering the Offseason

The 2026 regular season has come and gone, and while a bitter labor battle looms this winter, it's never too early to look ahead to 2027. Last year's list included the likes of Kevin McGonigle, Konnor Griffin, JJ Wetherholt and Travis Bazzana, all of whom impressed during their rookie seasons. With that in mind, here are 10 prospects to monitor who could crack Opening Day rosters or make an early impact next season.

Thanks for reading, and keep in mind that this list (and the honorable mentions) is far from exhaustive, so feel free to reach out in the comments or on X (@jerschneid14) with any questions or thoughts!

For more prospect coverage, check out our Top 400 MLB Prospects as well as our Top 20 prospects for each team.

Jesus Made, SS, Brewers (#1, #1 SS, #1 MIL)

The consensus top prospect in baseball, Made spent the entirety of the 2026 campaign with Double-A Biloxi. The infielder hit a bit of a wall later in the summer, slashing .217/.295/.326 over his final 33 games, and his overall .774 OPS and 103 wRC+ don't necessarily stand out, but he's also just 19 years old and among the youngest players at the level. The switch hitter has room to improve in terms of translating his raw power into consistent game power, but he already boasts elite contact skills with a 14.3 percent strikeout rate (96th percentile), 19.6 percent whiff rate (93rd percentile) and 86.6 percent zone-contact rate (87th percentile). Speed is also a key component of Made's profile, as he's swiped 112 bases across 288 career MiLB games with 86th percentile sprint speed.

The Brewers, who finished with MLB's best regular-season record, are set to retain almost all of their key offensive contributors for 2027. The middle infield is seemingly secure with Cooper Pratt (.718 OPS), who inked a long-term extension before debuting in June, at shortstop and Brice Turang (.816 OPS) at second base. Third base, however, is a different story, as David Hamilton (.650 OPS) struggled at the plate and Joey Ortiz (.730 OPS) improved significantly as the year went on but is far from entrenched at the hot corner. Other infield prospects such as Andrew Fischer and Luke Adams will compete for the job, but their pedigree and long-term potential pale in comparison to Made's. Making the Opening Day roster might be a stretch with Ortiz in the fold, especially since it would require Made to fully skip Triple-A Nashville, but he's a star in the making who should debut fairly early next season.

Theo Gillen, OF, Rays (#3, #1 OF, #1 TB)

Gillen authored a meteoric rise up prospect rankings with his performance in 2026, entering the season at No. 148 and closing it at No. 3. The 21-year-old opened the year with High-A Bowling Green, where he hit .342/.449/.589 in 57 games before being bumped up to Double-A Montgomery. The increased competition didn't slow the 2024 first-round pick much, as he slashed .288/.390/.504 in 59 contests with Montgomery. The outfielder is already a very polished hitter, combining significant power with impressive contact skills and plate discipline. At Double-A, Gillen posted a 19.8 percent strikeout rate (75th percentile), 22.8 percent whiff rate (78th percentile) and 85.3 percent zone-contact rate (78th percentile), while his 13.4 percent walk rate (75th percentile) and 23.2 percent chase rate (77th percentile) further highlight his advanced approach. Gillen could benefit from cutting down on his 49.7 percent groundball rate and increasing his pulled-air output, but there's already so much to like even before factoring in his 89th percentile sprint speed and aggressiveness on the bases.

The Rays finished with the top record in the American League and have a real chance of claiming the pennant in October with a roster that wouldn't be considered star-studded. Chandler Simpson (.689 OPS) is the ultimate contact-and-speed threat and is likely to remain the starting left fielder moving forward, while right fielder Victor Mesa (.825 OPS) has broken out over a 79-game sample. Center-field production has been lackluster, however, as veteran Cedric Mullins (.628 OPS) has provided very little offensively and has a mutual option for next season that's likely to be declined by the club. Gillen has seen the majority of his action in center field throughout his minor-league career and is fairly well-regarded defensively, so there's a clear potential fit. Fully bypassing Triple-A Durham to make the Opening Day roster would be aggressive, though not impossible, and Gillen has the tools to make a major-league impact very soon.

Sebastian Walcott, SS, Rangers (#7, #3 SS, #1 TEX)

After undergoing right elbow surgery in February, Walcott didn't make his season debut until mid-July and was almost exclusively relegated to designated-hitter duties. Despite the long layoff, he looked great at the plate upon returning, posting a 148 wRC+ while spending almost all of his time (37 games) at Double-A Frisco. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, the 20-year-old has tantalizing power potential with strong enough contact skills to develop into an offensive superstar. Walcott doesn't have elite wheels, clocking in with 78th percentile sprint speed in Double-A, but he's a savvy and active baserunner with 20-plus-steal upside in The Show.

After narrowly falling short of the playoffs, it could be a busy offseason for the Rangers. As things stand, shortstop Corey Seager (.736 OPS) and third baseman Josh Jung (.827 OPS) will hold down the left side of the infield, though both have lengthy track records of injury. Ezequiel Duran (.739 OPS) emerged as a key contributor and could settle in at second base, but his defensive versatility across both the infield and outfield may have Texas shy away from keeping him at just one spot. Walcott had a two-game cameo with Triple-A Round Rock to close the campaign, but I wouldn't quite qualify that as meaningful Triple-A experience. Considering he hasn't played the keystone as a professional and barely played defense at all during an injury-shortened 2026, Walcott is likely ticketed to open 2027 in Round Rock, but his offensive firepower ought to make it hard for the club to keep him down on the farm for too long.

Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Guardians (#9, #1 1B, #1 CLE)

Velazquez was one of the more impressive power-hitting prospects throughout 2026. The 21-year-old tore up Double-A with a .317/.414/.566 slash line in 36 tilts before moving up a level. After some initial struggles with Triple-A Columbus, he found a groove, hitting .278/.363/.541 with a 133 wRC+ in 85 games in the International League. The authority with which Velazquez struck the ball at Triple-A stands out, as he posted a 13.8 percent barrel rate (97th percentile) and 105.3 mph 90th percentile exit velocity (79th percentile). The 2023 first-round pick doesn't project as a high-contact hitter, evidenced by a 32.9 percent whiff rate (10th percentile) and 77.9 percent zone-contact rate (13th percentile), but he was still able to keep his strikeout rate in Columbus at a palatable 20.6 percent (59th percentile).

As they seemingly do every year, the Guardians were able to get hot down the stretch and claim the AL Central title despite pedestrian offensive marks for most of the season. Once considered a potential cornerstone at the cold corner, Kyle Manzardo was demoted in August after the club acquired Nathaniel Lowe (.761 OPS), who has struggled to a .651 OPS in 43 games with Cleveland and is a pending free agent. Rhys Hoskins (.682 OPS) is also bound for free agency and unlikely to return given his lackluster offensive production. As such, the path for Velazquez to become the starting first baseman feels crystal clear, and I'd go as far as to say I expect him to earn that role for Opening Day.

Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox (#14, #5 SS, #1 BOS)

Arias put together a quality campaign that had some fans clamoring for the 20-year-old to get a big-league call-up. The shortstop dominated Double-A Portland, hitting .318/.407/.587 with a 153 wRC+ in 75 games and earning Eastern League MVP honors in the process. After moving up to Triple-A Worcester in late July, he slashed .331/.388/.506 with a 131 wRC+ over 42 contests. His bat-to-ball skills were on full display in Worcester, as he posted a 14.8 percent strikeout rate (89th percentile), 17.0 percent whiff rate (92nd percentile) and 91.3 percent zone-contact rate (95th percentile). The exit velocities didn't jump off the page, but Arias still produced plenty of quality contact with a 40.7 percent hard-hit rate (63rd percentile). Combined with his elite bat-to-ball skills, that gives him a formula that should translate well to the MLB level.

The infield situation in Boston is admittedly unique. Shortstop Trevor Story (.657 OPS) is under contract for at least another year but hasn't exactly lived up to his lofty contract, while third baseman Caleb Durbin (.710 OPS) is streaky but seemingly well-positioned to retain a regular role moving forward. Then there's Curtis Mead (.851 OPS), who played third base with the Nationals before being acquired at the trade deadline. The Red Sox intended to use Mead at second base, but a hit-by-pitch to his left wrist in his first game with the team landed him on the injured list and made a return unlikely even for the postseason. Throw in depth pieces such as Nick Sogard (.727 OPS) and Andruw Monasterio (.666 OPS), and it's a crowded picture. Still, Arias is a high-level prospect who doesn't appear to need much, if any, more polish at Triple-A. Whatever maneuvering the front office has to do, Arias figures to be a big part of the club's plans in 2027 and beyond.

Cam Cannarella, OF, Marlins (#28, #9 OF, #1 MIA)

Despite suffering a wrist fracture in early April, Cannarella flew through Miami's system, starting the year with High-A Beloit before closing the campaign at Triple-A Jacksonville. In 45 games at Triple-A, the Clemson product slashed .282/.393/.420 with a 125 wRC+. His quality of contact was particularly strong, as he posted a 52.4 percent hard-hit rate (97th percentile), 8.1 percent barrel rate (76th percentile) and 41.1 percent launch-angle sweet-spot rate (92nd percentile). The 23-year-old's 23.3 percent strikeout rate (40th percentile) in Jacksonville was a steep increase from previous levels, but Cannarella's discipline remained solid with a 14.1 percent walk rate (82nd percentile) and 21.3 percent chase rate (90th percentile).

The Marlins have a handful of intriguing outfielders, with Griffin Conine (.846 OPS), Heriberto Hernandez (.755 OPS) and Owen Caissie (.700 OPS) the main factors in the corner spots. After an electric 55-game sample in 2025, center fielder Jakob Marsee (.707 OPS) struggled for much of 2026 and is set to meet with Dr. Keith Meister due to left elbow soreness, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Marsee requiring surgery and missing time would create a clear opening, but even if the 25-year-old enters 2027 healthy, he hasn't done enough to solidify an everyday role for a team looking to take a step forward in competing. Cannarella has breezed through the minor leagues and should be given the opportunity to compete in spring training for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Anthony Eyanson, SP, Orioles (#53, #6 P, #1 BAL)

Eyanson got off to a fantastic start in 2026, moving up from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland and shooting up prospect rankings before ultimately being sent from the Red Sox to the Orioles as a headliner in the Adley Rutschman trade. The right-hander continued to thrive after the deal, posting a 2.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 47:9 K:BB across 31 innings (six starts) with Double-A Chesapeake. Strikeouts are a major part of the 21-year-old's appeal, evidenced by a 34.1 percent strikeout rate (98th percentile) and 38.9 percent whiff rate (99th percentile) at Double-A, where he also generated groundballs at a 51.8 percent clip (88th percentile). Eyanson utilizes up to five pitches, with his best offering being a sharp, mid-80s slider that plays well with a fastball that generally sits in the 92-to-95 mph range but can reach the high 90s.

Baltimore could find itself with multiple openings in the starting rotation for 2027. Shane Baz (4.11 ERA), Brandon Young (3.56 ERA) and Kyle Bradish (4.12 ERA) are still under contract, but Trevor Rogers (4.03 ERA) and Chris Bassitt (4.59 ERA) are pending free agents. Cade Povich (4.38 ERA) and Trey Gibson (6.13 ERA) have big-league experience but haven't been particularly impressive, opening the door for a prospect like Eyanson to get a shot. He's not the only well-regarded youngster who could factor into the mix, as lefty Joseph Dzierwa (see honorable mentions) should draw strong consideration. A taste of Triple-A Norfolk to start the season is the conservative route the Orioles may take, but Eyanson is an exciting arm who should force his way onto the mound at Camden Yards early in the campaign.

Jamie Arnold, SP, Athletics (#73, #11 P, #3 ATH)

Arnold got off to a slow start with Double-A Midland, posting a 5.21 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and 52:24 K:BB across 46.2 innings in his first 10 outings through the end of May. From there, the 22-year-old pitched to a 2.43 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 73:25 K:BB in 66.2 frames over his next 13 starts. He tossed five shutout innings in his Triple-A Las Vegas debut Sept. 1, but his season ended prematurely in his next start when he suffered facial fractures after being struck by a comebacker just two batters into the outing. There's hope Arnold will be ready for spring training. The lanky lefty lives on generating groundballs (53.9 percent at Double-A, 86th percentile) and relies primarily on a low-to-mid-90s fastball and mid-80s sweeper to attack hitters. Arnold could benefit from developing a deeper repertoire, but staying around the zone and avoiding free passes is of the utmost importance.

The hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park did them no favors, but Athletics starters struggled mightily. Luis Severino (4.16 ERA), who missed most of the season with a right shoulder strain, is likely to accept his player option and return, while J.T. Ginn (3.67 ERA) is well-positioned to remain in the rotation. From there? The rest of the rotation feels largely up for grabs. Gage Jump (5.47 ERA) is another young southpaw with pedigree who should get another chance after a cold end to his rookie season, but there's plenty of room for competition. Arnold, the club's 2025 first-round pick, is highly thought of and isn't far off from making his MLB debut.

Liam Doyle, SP, Cardinals (#87, #14 P, #5 STL)

Another southpaw from the 2025 first round, Doyle similarly overcame a slow start to find his form as the summer arrived. Spending the entirety of the year with Double-A Springfield, he saw his 5.82 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 48:19 K:BB in 34 innings (nine starts) through the end of May turn into a 2.74 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 82:35 K:BB in 69 innings over his final 14 appearances. The 22-year-old misses a ton of bats, recording a 34.0 percent whiff rate (91st percentile) and 16.4 percent swinging-strike rate (95th percentile), powered by a mid-to-high-90s fastball. The rest of his arsenal is still a bit of a work in progress, but the Tennessee product's heater is among the best in MiLB. As is the case with many young pitchers, keeping his control in check will be key for Doyle, as falling behind in counts and offering free passes will allow hitters to sit on his fastball and lead to trouble.

The Cardinals lack a true ace, but the club is slated to bring back all of its primary starters next season. Matthew Liberatore (5.23 ERA) is a weak link whose job isn't secure, while Quinn Mathews (3.83 ERA) will look to earn a full-time role, and potential trades across the staff can't be ruled out. Doyle still has some development ahead of him in terms of fine-tuning his pitch mix and cleaning up the walks, but his upside is immense and puts him on track for a big-league promotion in 2027.

Jesus Baez, SS, Cardinals (#147, #38 SS, #11 STL)

Sticking with St. Louis, Baez is a prospect outside the top 100 I felt was worthy of inclusion here. The 21-year-old was fine, if unspectacular, at High-A Peoria with a .247/.300/.489 slash line and 92 wRC+ in 54 games to start the season. Upon being moved up to Double-A Springfield in late June, however, he turned into a monster by hitting .316/.354/.679 with a 149 wRC+ and 25 homers in 59 contests. The shortstop made a ton of contact in Springfield, reflected in a 16.0 percent strikeout rate (93rd percentile), 23.8 percent whiff rate (77th percentile) and 84.3 percent zone-contact rate (76th percentile). While most batted-ball data isn't available at the level, Baez's 25 homers, .363 ISO and 25.1 percent pulled-air rate (96th percentile) do plenty to illustrate his power. The area for improvement with RotoWire's No. 147 prospect is plate discipline, as he chased at a 33.9 percent clip (16th percentile) and managed just a 3.9 percent walk rate (first percentile).

The right side of the Cardinals infield is solidified with first baseman Alec Burleson (.816 OPS) and second baseman JJ Wetherholt (.704 OPS), but there are question marks on the left side. None of Thomas Saggese (.646 OPS), Jose Fermin (.664 OPS), Nolan Gorman (.580 OPS) or Blaze Jordan (.658 OPS) have done enough to justify handling a primary role at third base, and while Masyn Winn (.625 OPS) is an elite defender at shortstop, his offensive output has declined steeply. I don't think Baez will fully bypass Triple-A Memphis, but his 2026 outburst has generated plenty of excitement about his major-league potential, and carrying that momentum into next season could necessitate an early call-up to St. Louis.

Honorable Mentions/Other Names to Monitor

Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (#2, #2 SS, #1 ATH)

Mike Sirota, OF, Dodgers (#5, #3 OF, #2 LAD)

Ryan Sloan, SP, Mariners (#10, #2 SP, #2 SEA)

Jarlin Susana, SP, Nationals (#22, #4 SP, #2 WSH)

Joseph Dzierwa, SP, Orioles (#56, #7 SP, #2 BAL)

Seaver King, SS, Nationals (#58, #23 SS, #3 WSH)