MLB Pipeline highlights six under-the-radar prospects outside their teams' top 10 who might climb into the 2026 Top 100 Prospects ranking. These players showed promise in 2025 through strong performances in the minors and the Arizona Fall League. The full Top 100 list will be revealed on MLB Network on January 23.
As MLB Pipeline prepares its annual prospect rankings, attention turns to emerging talents who could break into the prestigious Top 100. The process begins with positional top 10s next week, followed by the Top 100 broadcast on January 23 and organization Top 30s in early March.
In 2025, five players achieved this feat: White Sox infielder Caleb Bonemer, Pirates' Edward Florentino, Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange, Dodgers outfielder Mike Sirota, and Red Sox hurler Payton Tolle, all starting outside preseason top 10s.
This year, six candidates stand out:
Josh Adamczewski (OF, Brewers): A 15th-round pick from Indiana high school in 2023, signed for $252,500. Despite back issues limiting him to 71 games in 2024, he hit .320/.420/.490 across three levels in 2025 and impressed in the Arizona Fall League. He offers a well-rounded bat with power potential and has transitioned to left field.
Joshua Baez (OF, Cardinals): Selected second round in 2021 with a $2.25 million bonus for his raw power, Baez overcame a wrist injury and swing issues. In 2025, he posted .287/.384/.500 with 20 homers and 54 steals over 117 games at High-A and Double-A, bolstered by plus arm strength for right field.
Luis De León (LHP, Orioles): Signed for $30,000 from the Dominican Republic in 2021, he features a mid-90s sinker, mid-80s slider, and upper-80s changeup. He recorded a 3.30 ERA, .203 opponent average, and 107 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings, advancing from Single-A to Double-A, and excelled in the AFL.
Parker Messick (LHP, Guardians): A 2022 second-rounder from Florida State for $1.3 million, known for his elite changeup. In seven late-2025 MLB starts, he achieved a 2.72 ERA and 38/6 K/BB over 39 2/3 innings, enhancing his low-90s fastball and mid-80s slider.
Brendan Summerhill (OF, Rays): The 42nd overall pick in 2025 from Arizona for $1,997,500, he hit .343/.459/.556 in college with an advanced left-handed stroke, solid speed, and center-field potential.
Esmerlyn Valdez (OF/1B, Pirates): Signed for $130,000 from the Dominican Republic in 2021, he led Single-A Florida State League with 22 homers in 2024 and the AFL with eight in 2025. His 2025 stats: .286/.376/.520 with 26 homers in 123 games at High-A and Double-A, showing plus power and plate discipline in right field.
These prospects exemplify how scouting and development can uncover hidden gems for MLB teams.
