By: Michael Kurtz | Publish Date: March 30th, 2026
The 2026 Major League Baseball season is here, and while Opening Day brings renewed focus to the stars already on big-league rosters, every organization knows the long-term success of a franchise depends on what’s coming next. Across the league, front offices spend countless hours scouting, developing, and evaluating the talent rising through their farm systems; players who could soon become the next faces of their franchises.
Spring training is not just about preparing veterans for a 162-game grind; it’s also a window into the future. Top prospects arrive in big-league camps looking to make an impression, whether that means competing for a roster spot or simply showing they’re one step closer to the majors. For fans and executives alike, the development pipeline is just as important as the present-day roster.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the top prospect for every Major League Baseball team heading into the 2026 season. This article will cover the 15 teams in the National League, including our very own New York Mets. Earlier today, we published the first half of this story covering the American League.
NL East
Atlanta Braves: LHP Cam Caminiti: Drafted in the first round out of Saguaro High School in 2024, Caminiti has quickly become one of the most intriguing young arms in Atlanta’s system. The left-hander features a fastball that already sits in the mid-90s with late life, making it difficult for hitters to square up, particularly at the top of the zone. His slider flashes plus potential and serves as his primary swing-and-miss pitch, while his changeup continues to develop into a reliable third offering against right-handed hitters. Caminiti’s smooth mechanics and advanced feel for pitching allow him to repeat his delivery and throw strikes consistently for a pitcher his age. As his command sharpens and his secondary pitches mature, the Braves’ No. 1 prospect and No. 68 across baseball via MLB Pipeline has the ceiling of a high-impact starter in the Braves’ future rotation.
Miami Marlins: LHP Thomas White: White has quickly emerged as the top pitching prospect in Miami’s system since being selected 35th overall in the 2023 Draft. The 6-foot-5 left-hander brings an intimidating presence on the mound, attacking hitters with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and can reach the upper 90s. His sharp slider serves as his primary strikeout weapon, consistently generating swings and misses thanks to its late break and depth. White’s size and extension help his fastball play up even further, allowing him to overpower hitters throughout the minors. He also flashes a developing changeup that could become a legitimate third pitch. If he continues refining his command, Miami’s No. 1 prospect, and #17 across baseball via MLB Pipeline, has the potential to develop into a frontline starter in the Marlins’ rotation.
New York Mets: RHP Nolan McLean: An ultimate power pitcher. Nolan McLean quickly established himself as one of, if not the Mets’ most electric young arms. He relies on a three-pitch mix: a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a power curve, all three of which generate plenty of swings and misses. His athletic background as a position player allows him to maintain consistent mechanics and keep his velocity deep into outings. McLean’s strikeout ability has fueled a rapid rise through the Mets’ system, and continued improvements in command will be key to determining his long-term role. With his power arsenal and competitive approach, the Mets’ No. 1 prospect and No. 6 across baseball via MLB Pipeline, projects as a potential top-end starter in New York’s rotation.
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Andrew Painter: Painter remains one of the most talented pitching prospects in baseball when he stays healthy. The towering right-hander combines size, command, and elite stuff, highlighted by a fastball that can reach the upper 90s with excellent life. His slider and changeup both project as plus pitches, giving him a complete three-pitch mix capable of generating swings and misses against both right- and left-handed hitters. Painter’s advanced command and feel for pitching have long separated him from other young arms. Although injuries have slowed his path to the majors, the Phillies still view their No. 2 prospect as a future frontline starter capable of anchoring their rotation for years to come.
Washington Nationals: SS Eli Willits: Willits has quickly gained recognition as one of the most advanced young hitters in the Nationals’ system. The switch-hitting shortstop stands out for his excellent bat-to-ball skills and mature approach at the plate, consistently working deep counts and making quality contact. While power isn’t currently the centerpiece of his offensive game, his ability to spray line drives and get on base at a high rate gives him strong offensive value. Defensively, Willits shows reliable hands, good instincts, and the range necessary to remain at shortstop long term. With his high baseball IQ and polished offensive approach, Washington’s No. 1 prospect projects as a steady everyday player in the middle of Washington’s infield.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: C Moises Ballesteros: Ballesteros has become one of the most productive hitters in the Cubs’ farm system thanks to his exceptional contact ability. The left-handed catcher rarely swings and misses, consistently putting the ball in play while generating strong exit velocities for his size. His offensive profile centers on high contact rates, solid plate discipline, and growing power that could allow him to develop into a run-producing bat. Defensively, his receiving and framing continue to improve behind the plate, though his offensive ability remains the main driver of his value. If his defense progresses enough to stick at catcher, Northside’s No. 1 prospect could become a highly valuable offensive presence at the position.
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Sal Stewart: Sal Stewart has steadily climbed the Reds’ system thanks to a well-rounded offensive approach. The right-handed hitter combines strong plate discipline with the ability to drive the ball to all fields, producing consistent hard contact. Stewart shows a mature understanding of the strike zone, frequently working deep counts and posting strong on-base percentages. As he continues to develop physically, his power output has begun to grow, giving the Reds’ No. 1 prospect the potential to evolve into a middle-of-the-order threat. Defensively, his arm strength and instincts allow him to handle third base effectively, making him a strong candidate to become Cincinnati’s long-term option at the position.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Konnor Griffin: The No. 1 prospect in all of baseball, Konnor Griffin, has quickly lived up to the hype after being selected 9th overall in the 2024 Draft. A rare five-tool talent, Griffin combines elite athleticism with impact ability on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he features explosive bat speed and growing power, giving him the potential to hit for both average and 25+ home runs annually while using the entire field. He pairs that with plus-plus speed, making him a constant threat on the bases and a candidate for 30+ steals. Defensively, Griffin’s range, instincts, and strong arm give him the tools to stick at shortstop long term, though his athleticism would allow him to excel anywhere on the field. With his blend of tools, makeup, and overall upside, Griffin projects as a franchise cornerstone and one of the most dynamic players in the game.
Milwaukee Brewers: Jesus Made: Made is widely viewed as one of the most exciting young prospects in Milwaukee’s organization. The shortstop showcases impressive bat speed and advanced bat control for his age, allowing him to consistently square up the baseball. As he continues to fill out his frame, scouts expect his raw power to grow, potentially turning him into a dangerous offensive threat. Made’s athleticism also translates well defensively, where his quick hands, range, and arm strength give him the tools to remain at shortstop. With his combination of offensive upside and defensive ability, Milwaukee’s No. 1 prospect has the potential to develop into an impact player on both sides of the ball.
St. Louis Cardinals: SS J.J. Wetherholt: Wetherholt entered professional baseball with a reputation as one of the most advanced hitters in his draft class. The left-handed infielder features excellent bat speed and a natural feel for the barrel, allowing him to consistently produce hard contact and high batting averages. His disciplined approach at the plate and ability to control the strike zone make him difficult for pitchers to exploit. While his hit tool is his standout attribute, Wetherholt also shows enough power to develop into a well-rounded offensive player. Defensively, the Cardinal’s No. 1 prospect has the athleticism to handle shortstop but could also move around the infield depending on the Cardinals’ roster needs.
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks: OF Ryan Waldschmidt: Drafted 31st overall out of Kentucky in 2024, Waldschmidt quickly established himself as one of Arizona’s most polished offensive prospects. The right-handed hitter stands out for his disciplined approach, consistently working deep counts and drawing walks while maintaining strong contact rates. He generates solid bat speed and has shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields, with growing power that could translate into 20-home run production as he continues to add strength. Waldschmidt also brings above-average athleticism and baserunning instincts, making him a threat to contribute in multiple ways offensively. Defensively, he has experience in both center and right field, with enough range for center but a profile that may ultimately fit best in a corner. With his combination of on-base ability, developing power, and overall feel for the game, Arizona’s No. 1 prospect projects as a well-rounded everyday outfielder.
Colorado Rockies: SS Ethan Holliday: Holliday, the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday and brother of Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, has quickly become one of the most intriguing young talents in Colorado’s system. The left-handed hitter possesses impressive raw power and strong bat speed, giving him the potential to grow into a middle-of-the-order slugger. The Rockies’ No. 1 prospect pairs that offensive upside with athleticism and a powerful throwing arm, allowing him to handle shortstop early in his career. As he continues to develop physically, his offensive ceiling remains extremely high, and many evaluators believe he could eventually become one of the most dangerous power hitters in the minors.
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF Josue De Paula: Signed out of the Dominican Republic, De Paula has quickly emerged as one of the most advanced young hitters in the Dodgers’ system. The left-handed outfielder shows impressive plate discipline for his age, consistently controlling the strike zone and producing high on-base percentages. His smooth swing generates natural loft and strong exit velocities, giving him significant power projection as he continues to fill out his frame. De Paula already demonstrates the ability to drive the ball to all fields while maintaining a patient, mature approach at the plate. Defensively, he brings solid athleticism and arm strength, profiling best in right field long term. Still very young, the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect’s combination of approach, power upside, and offensive consistency gives him the ceiling of a middle-of-the-order bat in Los Angeles.
San Diego Padres: LHP Kruz Schoolcraft: Schoolcraft immediately stands out on the mound thanks to his towering frame and power arsenal. The left-hander features a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, using his size and extension to create difficult angles for hitters. His breaking ball flashes sharp movement and serves as his primary swing-and-miss pitch, while a developing changeup could eventually give him a complete three-pitch mix. San Diego’s No. 1 prospect possesses raw stuff, which gives him enormous upside, though continued refinement of his command will be important as he progresses through the Padres’ system. If everything comes together, he has the potential to become a high-impact starting pitcher.
San Francisco Giants: 1B Bryce Eldridge: Eldridge has developed into one of the most powerful young hitters in the Giants’ organization. The left-handed slugger generates impressive exit velocities and has the strength to drive the ball out of the park to all fields. His combination of size, bat speed, and natural leverage allows him to produce easy power, giving him the potential to develop into a middle-of-the-order run producer. While he initially developed as both a pitcher and hitter, his long-term future appears focused on offense, primarily at first base. If his bat continues progressing, the Giants’ No.1 prospect could become one of San Francisco’s most dangerous offensive threats in the coming years.
Stay tuned to the MLB to watch all these young rising stars in action throughout the 2026 season and for years to come.
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