The 2025 MLB Draft is in the books, and with it comes the launch of our 2026 First-Year Player Draft Rankings, featuring the top 100 names fantasy managers and dynasty league owners need to know. The FYPD rankings represent the most comprehensive look yet at how this year’s draft class stacks up in terms of long-term fantasy value, future grades, and development timelines.
👉 Click here to see the full 2026 FYPD Top 100 rankings
A quick look at the Top Five
1. Ethan Holliday (SS, Colorado Rockies, Drafted No. 4 overall)
Holliday (pictured above) headlines our 2026 FYPD rankings as a generational talent with the tools, bloodlines, and polish to anchor fantasy lineups for years to come. The Rockies’ first-round pick combines a smooth left-handed swing with elite pitch recognition and burgeoning power that projects well for Coors Field. Scouts rave about his ability to drive the ball with authority to all fields, and while he may shift off shortstop long-term, his strong arm and instincts make third base a likely fit. Holliday posted exit velocities north of 110 mph this spring and enters pro ball as the consensus top prep bat in the class.
2. Kade Anderson (LHP, Seattle Mariners, Drafted No. 3 overall)
Anderson has the type of polish and pitchability that should accelerate his rise through Seattle’s system. His low-to-mid 90s fastball plays up thanks to deception and command, and he complements it with a swing-and-miss curveball and a solid slider. His competitive demeanor and feel for sequencing give him a high floor as a mid-rotation starter, and his uptick in velocity during SEC play this spring has raised his ceiling. Scouts praised his maturity on the mound, and he already looks like a strong bet to debut in 2026 — possibly sooner if he keeps dominating early pro assignments.
3. Eli Willits (SS, Washington Nationals, Drafted No. 1 overall)
The Nationals shocked many by selecting the 17-year-old switch-hitting shortstop with the No. 1 pick, but the bold move underscores just how special his upside could be. Willits boasts an elite internal clock defensively, quick-twitch athleticism, and a fast, compact swing from both sides. His mature approach at the plate and advanced barrel control have drawn comparisons to other recent prep risers like Marcelo Mayer and Jackson Holliday. Scouts were especially impressed by his performance at the National High School Invitational, where he showed poise and power against top arms. Though still raw in some areas, Willits has the tools and makeup to become a star.
4. Seth Hernandez (RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates, Drafted No. 6 overall)
No pitcher in the draft may have had more helium late than Seth Hernandez, who is in the top 5 thanks to a dominant spring and a four-pitch mix that includes a devastating changeup — graded as a rare 70. His fastball touches 96 with late life, and both his slider and curveball are above average, giving him a complete arsenal. Hernandez earned All-American honors and was the most efficient college starter in the country over his final 10 starts, walking just eight batters in 60 innings. The Pirates believe they landed a frontline arm with durability, command, and strikeout stuff — and he could leap up Top 100 prospect lists early in 2026.
5. Aiva Arquette (SS, Miami Marlins, Drafted No. 7 overall)
Arquette isn’t just another tall infielder — at 6’5″ and 220 lbs, he brings a powerful, multi-tool presence to the heart of the Marlins’ system. After transferring from Washington to Oregon State, he smashed a .354/.461/.654 slash line with 19 homers and 66 RBIs over 65 games, earning All-America honors and becoming a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes and Brooks Wallace Awards. Scouts label him the top college position player in the draft, praising his plus arm (60 grade), smooth defensive actions, and impressive bat speed. On the field, he’s been likened to Troy Tulowitzki for his blend of power and infield defense. The Marlins’ brass calls him “one of a kind,” hailing his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism that could allow him to stick at shortstop or settle at third base long‑term. With polish and upside, Arquette lands squarely among the draft’s elite.
A quick look at the Top 25 players
| No. | Name | Pos | Team | B/T | Level | Age | ETA |
| 1 | Ethan Holliday | SS | COL | L/R | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 2 | Kade Anderson | SP | SEA | L/L | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 3 | Eli Willits | SS | WAS | S/R | n/a | 17 | 2028 |
| 4 | Seth Hernandez | SP | PIT | R/R | n/a | 19 | 2027 |
| 5 | Aiva Arquette | SS | MIA | R/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 6 | Liam Doyle | SPRP | SL | R/L | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 7 | JoJo Parker | SS | TOR | L/R | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 8 | Steele Hall | SS | CIN | R/R | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 9 | Jamie Arnold | SP | OAK | L/L | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 10 | Kyson Witherspoon | SP | BOS | R/R | n/a | 20 | 2026 |
| 11 | Kayson Cunningham | SS | ARI | L/R | n/a | 19 | 2028 |
| 12 | Ike Irish | C/OF | BAL | L/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 13 | Tyler Bremner | SP | LAA | R/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 14 | Marek Houston | SS | MIN | R/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 15 | Billy Carlson | SS/SP | CHW | R/R | n/a | 19 | 2028 |
| 16 | Gage Wood | SP | PHI | R/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 17 | Jace LaViolette | OF | CLE | L/L | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 18 | Andrew Fischer | 1B | MIL | L/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 19 | Xavier Neyens | 3B | HOU | L/R | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 20 | Kruz Schoolcraft | 1B/SP | SD | L/L | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 21 | Gavin Fien | 3B | TEX | R/R | n/a | 18 | 2028 |
| 22 | Ethan Conrad | OF | CHC | L/L | n/a | 21 | 2027 |
| 23 | Gavin Kilen | 2B | SF | L/R | n/a | 21 | 2027 |
| 24 | Wehiwa Aloy | SS | BAL | R/R | n/a | 21 | 2026 |
| 25 | Brendan Summerhill | OF | TB | L/R | n/a | 21 | 2027 |
What’s Next?
As these players begin their pro careers, expect volatility — some will climb fast while others take time to develop. We’ll continue updating the rankings regularly, adjusting based on early performances, scouting feedback, and development path projections.
👉 Click here to see the full 2026 FYPD Top 100 rankings
Start your scouting now — and stay ahead of the curve.