As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.
Mariners’ Colt Emerson jumps up to the Top 15, looks to compete for big-league role
Emerson’s continued ascent in the rankings reflects what evaluators saw throughout the 2025 season: a polished offensive profile advancing faster than expected for his age. Splitting the year across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, Emerson finished with a .285/.383/.458 slash line, 16 home runs, 28 doubles, 14 steals, and 78 RBIs, consistently improving his quality of contact as he faced older pitching. His ability to control the strike zone while tapping into emerging power has pushed him firmly into the upper tier of near-ready infield prospects.
His complete performance earned him playing time on Seattle’s postseason taxi squad and an invitation to Spring Training in 2026 — rare attention for a 20-year-old prospect. Front office commentary suggests Emerson could contend for a major league roster spot in Spring Training, with the possibility of challenging for everyday playing time if he maintains his offensive profile.
18-year-old Cardinals catcher Rainiel Rodriguez slugs his way inside the Top 30
Rodriguez’s rise is one of the most eye-catching moves in this update cycle, driven almost entirely by his explosive 2025 offensive output. Across three levels, the teenage catcher (pictured above) compiled a powerful statistical package, slashing approximately .276/.399/.555 with a .954 OPS, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 63 runs in 84 total games. Included in those totals were elite exit velocities and power metrics, and he led qualified Cardinals hitters in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) at 165+ before posting his High-A numbers.
His production placed him among the most impactful power hitters in the Cardinals’ system regardless of position. For an 18-year-old catcher, the blend of patience and impact is exceptionally rare. While defensive refinement remains part of the long-term projection, his bat has accelerated his timetable and vaulted him firmly into top-tier catching prospect territory.
Yankees SP Elmer Rodriguez now inside the Top 50 after his stellar season
Rodriguez’s upward movement in the rankings is a direct response to one of the most complete pitching seasons in the minors. Working across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, he compiled an 11-8 record with a combined 2.58 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 150 innings — rates that placed him near the top of all minor leaguers in both innings and K totals. He was also named the Yankees Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America for his performance.
With his consistency against advanced competition and Triple-A experience already banked, his ranking jump reflects growing confidence in a near-term MLB role rather than pure upside speculation.
Yankees shortstop Dax Kilby up to No. 62 after the first-rounder gets a taste of pro ball
Kilby’s rapid rise may be the most projection-driven jump in this update, but the early returns justified the movement. In his first taste of professional ball, Kilby slashed .353/.457/.441, posted a 159 wRC+, and stole 16 bases — all indicators of a mature hitting approach and advanced plate discipline. His performance stood out not for raw power, but for advanced pitch recognition and bat-to-ball consistency rarely seen in a first-year pro.
Kilby has garnered attention since being selected in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Yankees and remains a top offensive prospect with a clear path as a future middle-infield cornerstone.
Top Three international signees all debut inside the Top 130
Luis Hernández, the shortstop signed by the Giants out of Venezuela, checks in at No. 118. Widely viewed as one of the most advanced hitters in the class, Hernández earns an aggressive placement thanks to his combination of bat-to-ball skill, emerging power projection, and the likelihood he remains at shortstop long term.
Francisco Renteria, the outfielder signed by the Phillies, lands at No. 125. Renteria’s ranking reflects his loud tools across the board, including plus raw power and speed, along with strong early evaluations of his bat speed and athleticism that give him a chance to develop into a true five-category fantasy profile.
Wandy Asigen, a shortstop signed by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic, debuts at No. 130. Asigen is a physical switch-hitter with above-average raw power for his age and strong defensive indicators, placing him firmly among the higher-upside teenage infielders in the system despite his distance from the majors.
The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings
The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).
| No. | Name | Pos | Team | B/T | Level | Age |
| 1 | Konnor Griffin | OF | PIT | R/R | AA | 20 |
| 2 | Jesus Made | SS | MIL | S/R | AA | 19 |
| 3 | Kevin McGonigle | 2B/SS | DET | L/R | AA | 21 |
| 4 | Leo De Vries | SS | ATH | L/R | AA | 19 |
| 5 | Walker Jenkins | OF | MIN | L/R | AAA | 21 |
| 6 | JJ Wetherholt | SS | SL | L/R | AAA | 23 |
| 7 | Sebastian Walcott | SS | TEX | R/R | AA | 20 |
| 8 | Samuel Basallo | C/1B | BAL | L/R | MLB | 21 |
| 9 | Sal Stewart | 1B/3B | CIN | R/R | MLB | 22 |
| 10 | Nolan McLean | SP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 24 |
| 11 | Max Clark | OF | DET | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 12 | Bubba Chandler | SP | PIT | S/R | MLB | 23 |
| 13 | Trey Yesavage | SP | TOR | R/R | MLB | 22 |
| 14 | Aidan Miller | 3B | PHI | R/R | AAA | 22 |
| 15 | Colt Emerson | SS | SEA | L/R | AAA | 20 |
| 16 | Thomas White | SP | MIA | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 17 | Joshua Baez | OF | SL | R/R | AA | 23 |
| 18 | Bryce Eldridge | 1B | SF | L/R | MLB | 21 |
| 19 | Jonah Tong | SPRP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 23 |
| 20 | Josue De Paula | OF | LAD | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 21 | Eduardo Quintero | OF | LAD | R/R | High-A | 20 |
| 22 | Edward Florentino | 1B/OF | PIT | L/R | Single-A | 19 |
| 23 | Carson Benge | OF | NYM | L/R | AAA | 23 |
| 24 | Jett Williams | SS | MIL | R/R | AAA | 22 |
| 25 | Bryce Rainer | SS | DET | L/R | Single-A | 20 |
| 26 | Dylan Beavers | OF | BAL | L/R | MLB | 24 |
| 27 | Carter Jensen | C | KC | L/R | MLB | 22 |
| 28 | Rainiel Rodriguez | C | SL | R/R | High-A | 19 |
| 29 | Luis Pena | 2B/SS | MIL | R/R | High-A | 19 |
| 30 | Travis Bazzana | 2B | CLE | L/R | AAA | 23 |
Coming next week: 2026 Rookie Rankings and updated Closer Rankings
Next week’s update will also bring with it the release of our 2026 Rookie Rankings, a comprehensive look at the next wave of impact fantasy baseball contributors expected to debut. Japanese signees Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto join the ranks of Nolan McLean, Carter Jensen, Owen Caissie and others.
We will also publish a fully refreshed Closer Rankings following one of the most volatile offseasons in recent memory. With trades, role changes, and several bullpens entering spring without a defined ninth-inning option, the update will focus on big-name closers changing teams and emerging relievers positioned to gain saves early in 2026.