Get ready for an exciting 2026 baseball season! We're kicking things off with a bang, fresh from our annual Executives Survey series, which has everyone buzzing about the upcoming campaigns. As we gear up to unveil our new Top 100 list, let's dive into some burning questions about the future stars of the diamond.
The Race to the Big Leagues: Who Makes the Cut?
@andrewhirsch89 and @brutalcocacola on X are curious about which top infield prospects will crack Opening Day rosters. We're talking about some serious talent here: Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle, JJ Wetherholt, and Travis Bazzana. These guys are at the top of their game and could be making their MLB debuts very soon.
In the Executives Survey, Wetherholt took the lead for National League Rookie of the Year, while McGonigle tied with Trey Yesavage for the American League honor. Griffin, our No. 1 prospect, finished third, and Bazzana, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, also got a mention. This survey gives us a glimpse into the minds of front-office execs, but it's not a definitive prediction of who will shine when.
Of this talented bunch, Wetherholt seems like the safest bet to make an Opening Day roster. I'd say he'll debut first and be a part of that 26-man squad. Bazzana, on the other hand, might start the year in Triple-A after a rough injury-interrupted season. But don't count him out; he could quickly work his way up to Cleveland.
McGonigle and Griffin, who haven't played above Double-A, will get a long look this spring. Both have a shot at making their respective clubs, but the Tigers' win-now mode and the Pirates' hopes of competing in the NL Central might give them an edge. Griffin, despite his youth and limited pro experience, could be the Pirates' best option at shortstop.
So, my prediction is that Wetherholt will be on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster, while Griffin and McGonigle are still in the running. Wetherholt is a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year, and he's my pick for the best season overall. McGonigle's bat could surprise us, and Griffin's tools are impressive, but I'm hedging my bets due to his age.
The Prospects We're Dying to See In-Person
@blahbla2point0 asks a question that's on everyone's mind: Which prospect are you most eager to watch live in 2026? Every year, we make it a goal to catch more games and see these young stars in action, but time is limited. I've been lucky enough to see some of the top prospects, like Griffin and McGonigle, in action, but there's one amateur I'm particularly excited about: Roch Cholowsky.
Cholowsky, the best prospect in the Class of 2026, is a UCLA shortstop who hit an impressive .353/.480/.710 with 23 homers as a sophomore. He's a clear-cut No. 1 Draft prospect, but as we've seen with Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr., nothing is set in stone until the pick is made. The White Sox, who hold the top pick, could face a tough decision between Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, a high school shortstop from Texas.
While Cholowsky is the favorite, it's important to remember that a lot can change between now and July. The White Sox will thoroughly evaluate their options, and Cholowsky will be under intense scrutiny. Any slip-up or question marks could see him drop from the top spot. It's a fascinating situation, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it unfolds.
So, there you have it! We've got some incredible talent on the horizon, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling one. Stay tuned for more insights and predictions as we count down to Opening Day!
