MLB rookies to watch this spring: 20 players poised to make an impact in 2026
The MLB rookie class of 2026 has the potential to be special, with numerous impact talents who could compete for Rookie of the Year awards and significantly contribute to postseason races.
This spring, there are 20 young talents in major-league camps that are particularly exciting to scout over the next two months. Seventeen of them either played in the minor leagues last year or were selected in the MLB Draft, while three are making their MLB debuts after careers in Japan. The group is impressive, and the anticipation is high for which players will make their teams' opening-day rosters and which ones will be promoted during the regular season.
The Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) rule, which awards an extra draft pick to teams if their rookie makes the roster out of spring training, adds an extra layer of significance to these decisions. Last season, the Atlanta Braves earned a draft pick (No. 26, right after the first round) in the 2026 draft because NL Rookie of the Year award winner Drake Baldwin was on their roster on Opening Day. Conversely, the Athletics' Nick Kurtz won the AL Rookie of the Year, but his debut with the A's in April meant the team didn't earn an additional draft pick.
With the PPI in mind, clubs are more inclined to take a chance on rookies who are on the bubble of making the major-league team out of spring training. If they find the player over-matched, they'll option them out in a few weeks or the following month, hoping it won't hinder their development. This strategy is worth the risk, especially with the potential draft pick as a reward if the decision is close.
Given this context, we could see a lot of rookies on Opening Day rosters. Here's a look at 20 of the best potential rookies in this year's class, along with scouting notes and quotes from their organizations on their potential.
- Nolan McLean, RHP, New York Mets
- Kevin McGonigle, SS, Detroit Tigers
- JJ Wetherholt, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
- Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
- Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals
- Kazuma Okamoto, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
- Munetaka Murakami, 1B, Chicago White Sox
- Samuel Basallo, C/DH/1B, Baltimore Orioles
- Tatsuya Imai, RHP, Houston Astros
- Konnor Griffin, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Chase DeLauter, CF, Cleveland Guardians
- Carson Benge, RF, New York Mets
- Bubba Chandler, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Sal Stewart, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
- Moisés Ballesteros, C/DH/1B, Chicago Cubs
- Payton Tolle, LHP, Boston Red Sox
- Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners
- Walker Jenkins, OF, Minnesota Twins
- Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers
- Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners
