The RotoProspects.com Fantasy Baseball Rookie Rankings for 2026 underscore what has become a defining theme of the modern rookie class: a convergence of high-end pitching, advanced international hitters, and young players already impacting big-league rosters.
Here’s a quick look at a few players who are outside the Top 50 but could move up quickly.
Click here for the Top 100 Fantasy Baseball Rookie Rankings
Yankees OF Spencer Jones has doubters, but his talent is pushing for a debut soon
Jones (pictured above) put together one of the most eye-catching power-speed campaigns in the minors in 2025, slashing .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs, 80 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases across Double-A and Triple-A in 116 games, finishing second among all qualified minor leaguers in homers and ranking among the leaders in slugging percentage as well. His performance earned him protection on the Yankees’ 40-man roster heading into 2026.
Analytically, Jones’ profile blends plus raw power and rare baserunning threats with a major swing-and-miss issue — he struck out at a roughly 35% rate across the upper minors in 2025. A true 30/30 profile backed by real performance data makes Jones one of the most intriguing high-volatility, high-upside bats outside the top 50. If he can bring his contact rates closer to average, his impact could rival several Top 50 rookies in 2026.
Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland‘s balanced profile in the minors earned him a debut
Freeland’s 2025 Triple-A campaign solidified him as a well-rounded offensive and defensive prospect. Across 88 Triple-A games, he slashed .263/.384/.451 with 16 home runs, 82 RBI, and 18 stolen bases, showing excellent plate discipline (16.3 BB%) and contact quality.
His defensive versatility — capable at shortstop, second and third base — adds real organizational value. Freeland ultimately earned his MLB debut in 2025, where he logged a .190/.292/.310 slash line with 2 homers in limited big-league at-bats, a small sample that highlighted the adjustment needed at the highest level.
A balanced offensive profile with strong OBP skills and multi-position defensive value makes Freeland one of the more intriguing 2026 breakout candidates — especially as he continues translating his minor-league success into meaningful MLB playing time.
Pirates 2B Nick Yorke should be able to translate versatility into playing time
Yorke’s 2025 season offered a tale of two levels. In Triple-A Indianapolis, he posted a solid .287/.348/.406 slash line with 7 home runs, 59 RBI and 17 stolen bases across 103 games, displaying strong plate discipline and base-running instincts that pushed his wRC+ slightly above league average.
In Pittsburgh, his first extended MLB action saw a .232/.264/.319 line with 1 home run and 8 RBI over 22 games. Yorke’s minor-league track record and versatility (having seen time at second base, first base, corner outfield and designated hitter) give him multiple paths to playing time in 2026, with upside tied to closer replication of his Triple-A production at the MLB level.
A quick look at the Top 10 Rookies for 2026
| No. | Name | Pos | Team | B/T |
| 1 | Munetaka Murakami | 1B/3B | CHW | L/L |
| 2 | Nolan McLean | SP | NYM | R/R |
| 3 | Kazuma Okamoto | 3B | TOR | R/R |
| 4 | Trey Yesavage | SP | TOR | R/R |
| 5 | Samuel Basallo | C/1B | BAL | L/R |
| 6 | Chase DeLauter | OF | CLE | L/L |
| 7 | Bubba Chandler | SP | PIT | S/R |
| 8 | Sal Stewart | 1B/3B | CIN | R/R |
| 9 | Dylan Beavers | OF | BAL | L/R |
| 10 | Carson Benge | OF | NYM | L/R |
The 2025 graduates (due to service time) who would have been in the Top 50
Chase Burns (RHP, CIN): The 2024 #2 overall pick wasted no time. He debuted with the Reds in June 2025 and flashed elite “front-of-the-rotation” stuff, striking out 67 batters in just 43.1 innings. He enters 2026 as a dark horse NL Cy Young candidate.
2025 Stats: 13 G (13 GS) | 43.1 IP | 4.57 ERA | 1.32 WHIP | 67 SO
Marcelo Mayer (SS/3B, BOS): Mayer finally stayed healthy enough to force the Red Sox’s hand. He debuted in May and played in 44 games, primarily at third base.
2025 Stats: 44 G | 127 AB | .228 AVG | 4 HR | 10 RBI | .674 OPS
Roki Sasaki (RHP, LAD): After a high-profile move to the Dodgers, Sasaki lived up to the hype. He dominated the 2025 postseason (0.84 ERA) and has officially cemented himself as one of the best pitchers in the world, let alone a “rookie.”
2025 Stats: 10 G (8 GS) | 36.1 IP | 4.46 ERA | 1.43 WHIP | 28 SO
C.J. Kayfus (1B/OF, CLE): Kayfus climbed three levels in 2025, ultimately spending enough time in Cleveland to graduate. His elite plate discipline remains his calling card as he competes for the full-time 1B/DH role.
2025 Stats: 44 G | 123 AB | .220 AVG | 4 HR | 19 RBI | .707 OPS
Colby Thomas (OF, OAK): Thomas was a revelation in 2025, hitting 6 HRs in his short MLB stint. He spent nearly 100 days on the active roster, officially moving him into the “young veteran” category for the Athletics’ rebuild.
2025 Stats: 37 G | 120 AB | .225 AVG | 6 HR | 19 RBI | 2 SB | .684 OPS
Luis Morales (RHP, OAK): Another A’s graduate, Morales brought triple-digit heat to the Oakland Coliseum late in the year. He is viewed as a foundational piece of their 2026 starting five.
2025 Stats: 10 G (10 GS) | 48.2 IP | 3.14 ERA | 1.15 WHIP | 43 SO
Mick Abel (RHP, MIN): Following a trade from Philadelphia to Minnesota, Abel finally got his extended look. While his 6.23 ERA was rocky, his 9.0 K/9 suggests the ceiling remains high as he settles into the Twins’ 2026 rotation.
2025 Stats: 10 G (10 GS) | 39.0 IP | 6.23 ERA | 1.51 WHIP | 39 SO
Jordan Lawlar (SS, ARI): After a stint in Triple-A Reno, Lawlar returned to the desert in May. He remains a premium speed/power threat, though he’ll start 2026 looking to lock down a permanent everyday spot.
2025 Stats: 22 G | 66 AB | .182 AVG | 0 HR | 5 RBI | 2 SB | .545 OPS
Christian Scott (RHP, NYM): Note: Scott actually missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. He is expected to be fully healthy for spring training. Based on his 2024 data, he remains a “Command Artist” with a 5.6% walk rate.
2025 Stats: N/A (60-day Injured List)
Jack Perkins (RHP, OAK): A surprise “steady hand” for the A’s, Perkins exceeded rookie limits by mid-summer. He posted a respectable 4.19 ERA and proved he can handle both starting and bulk-relief roles.
2025 Stats: 12 G (4 GS) | 38.2 IP | 4.19 ERA | 1.16 WHIP | 37 SO