MLB Pipeline's newsletter looks ahead to the end of 2026, forecasting each team's No. 1 prospect in their farm system. Predictions factor in recent draft picks, injuries, and potential graduations from prospect eligibility. Shortstops feature prominently across many organizations due to strong 2025 selections.
As the 2025 MLB season concludes, MLB Pipeline provides a forward-looking analysis on the top prospects expected to lead each team's farm system by the end of 2026. The predictions highlight emerging talents, particularly from the 2025 MLB Draft, and account for players who may lose prospect status through promotions or trades.
Shortstops dominate the forecasts, reflecting the premium placed on up-the-middle defenders. For the Angels, Joswa Lugo, a 6-foot-3 shortstop with above-average power potential, is projected to take the top spot after a strong full-season debut. The Astros see Anderson Brito, a right-hander who reached 100.1 mph in the Arizona Fall League, rising without 2025 shoulder issues. Oakland's Leo de Vries is expected to remain No. 1 after a potential Double-A and Triple-A stint, positioning him for a 2027 Rookie of the Year bid.
Other notable shifts include the Cardinals' Rainiel Rodriguez, a catcher with 30-homer potential before turning 20, and the Cubs' Ethan Conrad, an outfielder whose college season was cut short by shoulder surgery but boasts strong bat skills. The Dodgers project Eduardo Quintero as a 20-20 threat in the outfield, while the Nationals stick with No. 1 pick Eli Willits if he adds power.
Teams like the Twins anticipate Justin Lebron, an Alabama shortstop with 60 grades on four tools, taking over if Walker Jenkins graduates. The White Sox could select UCLA's Roch Cholowsky with the top draft pick, drawing comparisons to Troy Tulowitzki. These projections underscore the depth of recent drafts and the focus on versatile, high-upside players in MLB farm systems.