As we roll out our Preseason Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.
Players in the Top 25 who are projected to be MLB starters right away
No. 8 Samuel Basallo, C/1B, Baltimore Orioles
Basallo enters 2026 as one of the most feared young bats in baseball. After slashing .270 with 23 HR and a .966 OPS at Triple-A Norfolk last year, he earned an August call-up and immediate security via an eight-year contract extension. His 108.2 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity proves the power is elite. While he’ll split time between catcher and first base, his middle-of-the-order presence is the centerpiece of the O’s 2026 lineup.
No. 9 Sal Stewart, 1B/3B, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart’s “All-Star-level” hit tool carried him to a late-2025 debut where he posted an .838 OPS over 55 plate appearances. Known for some of the best strike-zone discipline in the minors, he enters 2026 as a projected starter in Cincinnati. Analytical models love his low whiff rates and ability to drive the gaps. If he maintains his improved third-base defense, he’s a frontrunner for NL Rookie of the Year consideration.
No. 10 Nolan McLean, SP, New York Mets
McLean (pictured above) successfully transitioned to a full-time pitcher in 2025, and the results were staggering. Across 161.2 innings, he maintained a groundball rate over 53% and featured a 70-grade curveball with elite 3,240+ RPM spin. After finishing 2025 with a 2.06 ERA in 48 MLB innings, he is a lock for the Mets’ 2026 Opening Day rotation. His six-pitch mix makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling fantasy starter.
No. 14 Bubba Chandler, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Chandler’s rapid ascent culminated in an August 2025 debut, where he showcased a 70-grade fastball and vastly improved command. In 31.1 MLB innings, he posted a 4.02 ERA and a stingy 0.93 WHIP, striking out 8.9 batters per nine. Now part of a formidable Pirates rotation alongside Skenes, Chandler’s 2026 outlook is focused on workload expansion; he has the raw stuff to be a top-of-the-rotation force immediately.
No. 15 Trey Yesavage, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Yesavage wasted no time after being drafted in 2024, debuting in September 2025 and allowing just one run in a dominant 5-inning performance against Tampa Bay. His “splitter-heavy” arsenal generated high whiff rates (30%+) throughout his minor-league climb. The Blue Jays’ 2026 rotation plans center around Yesavage as a mid-rotation staple, relying on his advanced pitchability and 60-grade control to navigate the AL East.
No. 19 Bryce Eldridge, 1B, San Francisco Giants
The Giants’ top prospect proved his 70-grade power is real, leading all minor-league teenagers with 23 HRs in 2025 before a September cup of coffee in the bigs. Despite a 32% K-rate at Triple-A, his 107.7 mph peak exit velocity suggests a massive offensive ceiling. Following off-season wrist surgery, Eldridge is healthy for 2026 and projected to be the Giants’ everyday first baseman and cornerstone power threat.
No. 24 Jonah Tong, SP, New York Mets
Tong was the breakout arm of 2025, leading the Mets’ system with 179 strikeouts and a microscopic 1.43 ERA in the minors. His over-the-top delivery creates elite vertical break on a 94 mph heater that plays like 98. Having opted out of the WBC to focus on the Mets’ 2026 season, Tong is competing for a rotation spot. Even if he starts in a high-leverage relief role, his K-rate makes him a must-roster.
No. 25 Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals
A local product who debuted for his hometown Royals in September 2025, Jensen saw his stock explode after increasing his average exit velocity by 4.6 mph last year. He slashed .290/.377/.501 with 20 HRs across the upper minors. Jensen enters 2026 as the Royals’ primary catcher, offering a rare combination of 60-grade arm strength and a high-OBP bat that should thrive in the middle of the order.
Others moving up in the rankings
No. 32 Caleb Bonemer, 3B/SS, Chicago White Sox
Bonemer was a revelation in 2025, earning Carolina League Player of the Year honors after batting .281/.400/.458 with 10 home runs and 27 stolen bases in 96 games for Low-A Kannapolis. Analytical data highlights his plus bat speed and advanced knowledge of the strike zone. While he may eventually slide to third base, his offensive ceiling is elite. Look for him to start 2026 at High-A Winston-Salem with the potential to reach the upper minors by year’s end.
No. 40 Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners
Sloan validated the Mariners’ $3 million investment with a dominant 2025 debut, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 70.2 innings at Low-A. His triple-threat arsenal—featuring a mid-90s heater, a high-spin sweeper, and a fading changeup—all project as plus offerings. Now ranked as a top-10 right-handed pitching prospect, Sloan’s 2026 outlook includes a likely promotion to Double-A as he polishes his command and continues his frontline-starter trajectory.
No. 61 Aiva Arquette, SS, Miami Marlins
One of the biggest risers from the 2025 draft class, Arquette solidified his stock by showing improved plate discipline and a massive 93.5 mph average exit velocity. At 6-foot-5, he offers rare power for the shortstop position, backed by a 59% hard-hit rate in his final college season. Evaluators praise his “internal clock” and arm strength, suggesting he can stick at a premium position. He is expected to move quickly through the Marlins’ system in 2026.
No. 102 River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
After missing 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, Ryan is a massive “X-factor” riser for 2026. Before his injury, he flashed elite stuff, including a 70-grade fastball and plus cutter. Now fully recovered and activated from the IL, Ryan is expected to contribute significant MLB innings this year. While the Dodgers may manage his workload as a multi-inning weapon initially, his mid-rotation ceiling remains intact as he enters his age-27 season.
The Top 25 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings
The Top 50 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 | Walker Jenkins | OF | MIN | L/R | AAA | 21 |
| 5 | JJ Wetherholt | SS | SL | L/R | AAA | 23 |
| 6 | Leo De Vries | SS | ATH | L/R | AA | 19 |
| 7 | Sebastian Walcott | SS | TEX | R/R | AA | 20 |
| 8 | Samuel Basallo | C | BAL | L/R | MLB | 21 |
| 9 | Sal Stewart | 1B | CIN | R/R | MLB | 22 |
| 10 | Nolan McLean | SP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 24 |
| 11 | Max Clark | OF | DET | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 12 | Aidan Miller | 3B | PHI | R/R | AAA | 22 |
| 13 | Colt Emerson | SS | SEA | L/R | AAA | 20 |
| 14 | Bubba Chandler | SP | PIT | S/R | MLB | 23 |
| 15 | Trey Yesavage | SP | TOR | R/R | MLB | 22 |
| 16 | Thomas White | SP | MIA | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 17 | Carson Benge | OF | NYM | L/R | AAA | 23 |
| 18 | Joshua Baez | OF | SL | R/R | AA | 23 |
| 19 | Bryce Eldridge | 1B | SF | L/R | MLB | 21 |
| 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 | Bryce Rainer | SS | DET | L/R | Single-A | 20 |
| 24 | Jonah Tong | SPRP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 23 |
| 25 | Carter Jensen | C | KC | L/R | MLB | 22 |