It's time to revisit our bold predictions from two years ago and see how they hold up today! We predicted the top prospect for each team in 2026, and now we're checking in on our crystal ball skills.
First, a few caveats: 13 of our predicted top prospects hadn't even entered professional baseball yet, with 12 coming from the 2024 or 2025 drafts and one from the 2025 international signing period. One of our top picks has since been traded and is now the top prospect in his new organization. Another graduated from prospect status early, reaching the big leagues ahead of schedule. And one more is no longer a prospect, having made his MLB debut last year.
Excluding these 15 teams, we got 6 out of 15 predictions right, which is a solid .400 batting average. No one has hit that mark since Ted Williams in 1941!
Let's dive into the details, starting with the American League East:
Blue Jays: We predicted Arjun Nimmala, but Trey Yesavage is the current top prospect. Nimmala, a 20-year-old shortstop, has improved his chase rate and has the potential for 25+ homers. Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher, is ranked 12th overall and could be the future at shortstop.
Orioles: Enrique Bradfield Jr. was our pick, but Samuel Basallo, an elite defender and baserunner, has taken the top spot. Bradfield's impact has been limited by injuries, but he's still a valuable player.
Rays: Xavier Isaac, known for his raw power, was our choice. However, Carson Williams, a shortstop with a high strikeout rate, is now the top prospect.
Red Sox: Miguel Bleis, a four-tool player, was our prediction, but Payton Tolle, a left-handed pitcher, is the new top prospect. Bleis has struggled with plate discipline and adding strength.
Yankees: Roderick Arias, a highly-paid international signing, was our pick. However, George Lombard Jr., an erratic shortstop, hasn't lived up to expectations and won't make our Yankees Top 30 this year.
Moving to the American League Central:
Guardians: Ralphy Velazquez, a top first-base prospect, was our choice, but Travis Bazzana, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, has taken the top spot. Bazzana has an advanced hitting ability and solid power.
Royals: Blake Mitchell, an eighth overall pick, was our prediction, but Carter Jensen, a catcher, has risen to the top. Mitchell has shown power potential but needs a healthier 2026 to compete with Jensen.
Tigers: Max Clark, an outfielder with great speed and defense, was our pick. However, Kevin McGonigle, a shortstop with the best hit tool in the minors, has slightly edged him out.
Twins: Walker Jenkins, an outfielder, was our prediction, and he's still a top prospect despite injuries. He has the potential to reach his high ceiling.
White Sox: Noah Schultz, a left-handed pitcher, was our choice, but Braden Montgomery, an outfielder, is now the top prospect. Schultz has struggled with injuries but has a wicked slider.
In the American League West:
Angels: Nelson Rada, an outfielder, was our pick, but Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher, is the new top prospect. Rada has shown improvement, but Bremner is likely to move up quickly.
Astros: Luis Baez, an international signing with great bat speed, was our prediction. However, Kevin Alvarez, an outfielder with similarities to Kyle Tucker, is the new top prospect. Baez needs to improve his approach and conditioning.
A's: Myles Naylor, a third baseman, was our choice, but Leo De Vries, a talented shortstop, is now the top prospect. Naylor has struggled in the minors, while De Vries was traded to the A's in a blockbuster deal.
Mariners: Colt Emerson, a pure hitter and terrific shortstop, was our prediction, and he's still the top prospect. He's getting a chance to break camp with the Mariners.
Rangers: Sebastian Walcott, a precocious shortstop, was our pick, and he's still the top prospect. Walcott has plus-plus raw power and arm strength but will undergo Tommy John surgery this year.
Now, onto the National League East:
Braves: Jose Perdomo, a big international signing, was our prediction, but Cam Caminiti, a left-handed pitcher, is the new top prospect. Perdomo has struggled with injuries and hasn't shown his full potential yet.
Marlins: Noble Meyer, a highly-rated right-handed pitcher, was our choice, but Thomas White, a left-handed pitcher, has lived up to expectations. Meyer has regressed, while White has excelled.
Mets: Ryan Clifford, an outfielder, was our pick, but Nolan McLean, a right-handed pitcher, is the new top prospect. Clifford has shown quality contact rates and could play in the outfield or first base.
Nationals: Cristhian Vaquero, an outfielder with plus-plus speed, was our prediction, but Eli Willits, a shortstop, is the new top prospect. Vaquero hasn't progressed as expected, while Willits has shown improvements.
Phillies: Starlyn Caba, a top international signing, was our choice, but Aidan Miller, a shortstop, is the new top prospect. Caba has been traded, while Miller has excelled defensively but needs to improve his hitting.
In the National League Central:
Brewers: Yophery Rodriguez, an outfielder, was our prediction, but Jesús Made, a shortstop/second baseman, is the new top prospect. Rodriguez didn't live up to expectations, while Made has shown incredible potential.
Cardinals: Leonardo Bernal, a catcher, was our pick, but JJ Wetherholt, an infielder, is the new top prospect. Bernal's inconsistent offense has held him back, while Wetherholt has excelled.
Cubs: Moisés Ballesteros, a catcher/first baseman, was our prediction, and he's still the top prospect. Ballesteros is a gifted hitter but has questions about his catching ability.
Pirates: Lonnie White, a two-sport star, was our choice, but Konnor Griffin, a shortstop/outfielder, is the new top prospect. White has struggled with injuries, while Griffin has shown great potential.
Reds: Ricardo Cabrera, a shortstop, was our prediction, but Sal Stewart, an infielder, is the new top prospect. Cabrera has been moved off shortstop due to injury, while Stewart has shown promise.
Finally, the National League West:
D-backs: Druw Jones, an outfielder, was our pick, but Ryan Waldschmidt, an outfielder, is the new top prospect. Jones has struggled with swing mechanics, while Waldschmidt has shown improvements.
Dodgers: Josue De Paula, an outfielder, was our prediction, and he's still the top prospect. De Paula is an advanced young hitter with impressive swing decisions and exit velocities.
Giants: Bryce Eldridge, a two-way talent, was our choice, and he's still the top prospect. Eldridge is now a full-time first baseman and the best power prospect in the game.
Padres: Leo De Vries, a switch-hitter, was our prediction, but Kruz Schoolcraft, a left-handed pitcher, is the new top prospect. De Vries was traded, but he would have been the top prospect if he stayed.
Rockies: Chase Dollander, a right-handed pitcher, was our pick, but Ethan Holliday, a shortstop, is the new top prospect. Dollander struggled with injuries and command, while Holliday has shown great potential.
So, there you have it! Our predictions were a mixed bag, with some hits and misses. But that's the beauty of sports—it's unpredictable. What do you think of our prognostications? Did we nail it or strike out? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss!
