Here are the Top Ten prospects in the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings who have officially secured their spots on 2026 Opening Day rosters.
No. 3 overall Kevin McGonigle (SS, Tigers)
After a stellar spring where he showcased an elite hit tool and surprising defensive versatility, McGonigle has officially been named the Tigers’ starting shortstop. He beat out several veterans by posting a .923 OPS in the Grapefruit League while proving he could handle both short and third base at a high level. The reigning Arizona Fall League MVP is expected to be a cornerstone of the Detroit lineup immediately and challenge for AL Rookie of the Year.
No. 5 JJ Wetherholt (2B, Cardinals)
After the Cardinals cleared a path by trading away several veterans this winter, Wetherholt officially secured the starting second base job and is expected to serve as the team’s primary leadoff hitter. He posted a remarkable 20.5% walk rate during Grapefruit League play, proving that his elite plate discipline and “hit-everywhere” reputation from the minors have translated seamlessly to the big-league environment. As a consensus top-10 prospect, he enters Opening Day as a frontrunner for NL Rookie of the Year and a foundational piece of the new-look St. Louis infield.
No. 7 Samuel Basallo (C/1B, Orioles)
Basallo (pictured above) forced the Orioles’ hand this spring by mashing three home runs and maintaining a 1.114 OPS over 15 games. While Adley Rutschman remains the primary backstop, Basallo will break camp as the team’s everyday DH to keep his high-impact bat in the heart of the order. His rapid ascent through the system culminates in a high-leverage role for a Baltimore team with World Series aspirations.
No. 8 Sal Stewart (1B/3B, Reds)
Stewart capitalized on a massive 2025 debut to secure a full-time role in the Reds’ infield, likely splitting time between first base and DH. He dominated the Cactus League with a 1.065 OPS, proving his advanced approach and raw power are more than ready for Great American Ball Park. The 22-year-old is penciled in as a middle-of-the-order run producer for a Cincinnati club looking to contend for the NL Central.
No. 9 Nolan McLean (SP, Mets)
After a breakout 2025 where he posted a staggering 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in just 46 innings, McLean has officially entered 2026 as the Mets’ “ace of the future.” While he faced some hurdles pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, his dominant spring has solidified his spot in the rotation and made him one of the most compelling players to watch in the league. Though insider reports suggest no serious long-term extension talks have begun yet, the 24-year-old remains under team control through 2031, giving New York a perennial All-Star anchor for their staff.
No. 13 Bubba Chandler (SP, Pirates)
Chandler won the final spot in the Pirates’ rotation with a dominant spring performance that featured a triple-digit fastball and much-improved command. He is scheduled to make his MLB debut on March 31, joining a young, high-velocity rotation that has become the envy of the National League. His transition from a two-way player to a full-time pitcher appears complete as he looks to stabilize the back end of the Pittsburgh staff.
No. 14 Trey Yesavage (SP, Blue Jays)
While Yesavage is technically on the 26-man roster, he will begin the season on the 15-day Injured List due to a right shoulder impingement. The Blue Jays are taking a cautious approach with their top pitching prospect, though he is already throwing in minor league games and is expected back by mid-April. Once healthy, he will immediately rejoin a Toronto rotation that views him as a future frontline anchor.
No. 15 Carson Benge (OF, Mets)
By securing the starting right field job for Opening Day, Benge becomes the first Mets position player since Pete Alonso in 2019 to make his Major League debut in the starting lineup. He forced the front office’s hand by slashing .366/.435/.439 during the Grapefruit League, demonstrating the same elite contact skills and plate discipline that allowed him to rocket through three minor league levels last season. While he’ll likely begin the year in the bottom third of a deep New York lineup, his 60-grade arm and high on-base upside make him a legitimate NL Rookie of the Year candidate alongside his college roommate and teammate, Nolan McLean.
No. 25 Carter Jensen (C/DH, Royals)
Jensen won the backup catcher and occasional DH role in Kansas City by showing off a revamped swing that led the majors in barrel rate during spring training. He is expected to provide significant offensive depth behind Salvador Perez, likely seeing starts against right-handed pitching to maximize his OBP profile. His inclusion on the 26-man roster signals the Royals’ confidence in his ability to contribute to a winning environment right away.
No. 28 Dylan Beavers (OF, Orioles)
Beavers navigated a crowded Orioles outfield to secure a spot as a versatile starting option and high-upside run producer to begin the year. Despite a brief late-spring scare with knee discomfort, he proved his health and readiness by posting a .485 slugging percentage in the Grapefruit League, carrying over the momentum from his impressive 2025 debut. His elite plate discipline—highlighted by a 19% walk rate in his first taste of the Majors—combined with 20/20 potential makes him an invaluable asset for an Orioles squad aiming to return to the postseason.