Several high picks from the 2025 MLB Draft did not play after signing and will make their professional debuts in 2026. Among them are eight Top 100 prospects with exciting tools and questions to answer. Early returns from other draftees show promise, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.
The 2025 MLB Draft produced early success for some signees, but many top selections waited to begin their pro careers. First overall pick Eli Willits, aged 17, posted a .300/.397/.360 slash line at Single-A. SEC standouts Andrew Fischer and Wehiwa Aloy achieved .848 and .856 OPS, respectively, while the Rockies' Ethan Holliday and Max Belyeu combined for six home runs.
Eight Top 100 prospects remain without debuts, including Kade Anderson (LHP, Mariners, No. 3 pick from LSU) with four above-average-or-better pitches and strong durability. Seth Hernandez (RHP, Pirates, prep standout) touches triple digits at 6-foot-4 with a plus changeup. Jamie Arnold (LHP, Athletics, from Florida State) features a fastball/slider mix compared to Chris Sale, though his command dipped in 2025.
JoJo Parker (SS, Blue Jays) excels as a left-handed hitter with potential power, but his defense at shortstop is under scrutiny. Billy Carlson (SS, White Sox) boasts 70-grade arm and glove, the best in his class. Steele Hall (SS, Reds, ninth pick) brings plus-plus speed from Alabama preps. Kyson Witherspoon (RHP, Red Sox, from Oklahoma) improved command, cutting walks from 11.2% to 5.9%. Tyler Bremner (RHP, Angels, second pick) pairs a 98 mph fastball with a devastating changeup.
Other notables include Daniel Pierce (SS, Rays, 14th pick), Jace LaViolette (OF, Guardians) with raw power despite contact issues and a recent hand injury, and Slater de Brun (OF, Rays, traded from Orioles for $4 million). Xavier Neyens (SS, Astros, 21st pick) shows bat speed but swing-and-miss concerns. Sean Gamble (OF/2B, Royals, 23rd pick) and Josh Hammond (SS, Royals, 28th pick) offer versatility. Ethan Conrad (OF, Cubs) recovers from shoulder surgery. Riley Quick (RHP, Twins, 36th pick) has untapped potential post-Tommy John. Zachary Root (LHP, Dodgers, 40th pick) mixes four pitches effectively. Aaron Watson (RHP, Reds) signed for $2.75 million with command strengths. Jordan Yost (SS, Tigers) provides lefty contact and speed. Jaden Fauske (OF, White Sox, second round) transitions from catching with a sweet left-handed swing.
These prospects bring tools like power, speed, and pitching arsenals, but areas such as command, defense, and injury recovery will shape their paths.
