Tonight, the excitement in the baseball world reaches a fever pitch as MLB Network prepares to reveal its 2026 Top 100 Prospects list at 8 p.m. ET. For the 23rd consecutive year, fans and analysts alike will get a glimpse of the players who are poised to shape the future of the sport.
In a special one-hour broadcast on both MLB Network and MLB.com, hosts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo will dissect this highly anticipated list, alongside their colleague Greg Amsinger and analyst Steve Phillips. Additionally, MLB Pipeline reporter Sam Dykstra will contribute exclusive digital content following the live show, ensuring viewers have access to comprehensive coverage.
Why does this list matter so much? Historically, being named a Top 100 prospect is often a strong indicator of future success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many renowned players began their careers on this prestigious list, including notable Hall of Famers like Joe Mauer and future legends such as Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Today’s stars, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bobby Witt Jr., and Gunnar Henderson, also emerged from previous rankings. It’s worth noting that last year’s Rookie of the Year finalists included five players from the 2025 Top 100 list, showcasing the reliability of these predictions in forecasting talent's potential impact on the game.
So, which rising star will claim the coveted No. 1 spot this year? And who stands out as your favorite team’s top prospect? The anticipation is palpable!
How Are the Rankings Crafted?
The compilation of the Top 100 Prospects list is no simple task. The MLB Pipeline team meticulously gathers insights from various industry experts, including scouts, scouting directors, and other evaluators. This collective intelligence yields an aggregate assessment, taking into account each player's unique skill set, their potential for growth, how close they are to joining the Major Leagues, and the immediate contributions they could make to their respective teams.
An important detail to remember is that this list exclusively features players who qualify as rookies in 2026. This means that any player who debuted in 2025 but did not meet the service time requirement (a minimum of 45 days on the active roster), or did not accumulate enough at-bats (130) or innings pitched (50) is still eligible. However, first-year players who fall outside the restrictions of international pool money rules—specifically those aged 23 and older who have played in professional leagues abroad—are not counted. Therefore, many older rookies from leagues like those in Japan, Korea, and Cuba may be excluded from consideration.
Position-Specific Highlights:
• RHP (Right-Handed Pitchers): View Here
• LHP (Left-Handed Pitchers): View Here
• C (Catchers): View Here
• 1B (First Basemen): View Here
• 2B (Second Basemen): View Here
• 3B (Third Basemen): View Here
• SS (Shortstops): View Here
• OF (Outfielders): View Here
• Complete Top 100: Airing Friday
A Look Back at Former No. 1 Prospects
The history of former No. 1 prospects is filled with incredible names like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Joe Mauer—each boasting impressive accolades, including MVP and Cy Young awards. Notably, Paul Skenes, who clinched the NL Cy Young Award last year, was ranked No. 3 in the 2024 version of this list.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of MLB's Preseason No. 1 Prospects
- 2025: Roki Sasaki, RHP, Dodgers
- 2024: Jackson Holliday, SS/2B, Orioles
- 2023: Gunnar Henderson, 3B/SS, Baltimore
- 2022: Bobby Witt Jr., SS/3B, Kansas City
- 2021: Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay
- 2020: Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay
- 2019: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Toronto
- 2018: Shohei Ohtani, RHP/OF, Los Angeles Angels
- 2017: Andrew Benintendi, OF, Boston
- 2016: Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2015: Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota
- 2014: Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota
- 2013: Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas
- 2012: Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay
- 2011: Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels
- 2010: Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta
- 2009: David Price, LHP, Tampa Bay
- 2008: Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati
- 2007: Delmon Young, OF, Tampa Bay
- 2006: Delmon Young, OF, Tampa Bay
- 2005: Delmon Young, OF, Tampa Bay
- 2004: Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota
What do you think about the process of selecting these prospects? Do you agree with the criteria used, or do you believe there should be some adjustments made? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!
