Which Top 5 overall prospects will make big league debuts in '26?
This was a big year for top prospect promotions. Along with the dozens of Top 100 prospects to reach the Majors, four of the five that headlined MLB Pipeline's list at the beginning of the season were soon in the big leagues (Roki Sasaki, Roman Anthony, Dylan Crews, Jackson Jobe), remaining there throughout the summer.
The question now is: What does 2026 have in store?
On the latest MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra made projections (using the 20-80 scouting scale, of course) about which of the current top five overall prospects we’ll see in the big leagues next season. Let's take a closer look at the players and their chances.
Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pirates (PIT No. 1/MLB No. 1)
Likelihood grade: 80 (Callis), 80 (Dykstra)
At this rate, the experts see Griffin reaching the big leagues next season as a foregone conclusion. That's how rapid his ascension since the Pirates made him the ninth overall pick in the 2024 Draft has been. Griffin rocketed up three levels during his pro debut and finished with a standout performance in the Double-A playoffs as a 19-year-old. All told, Griffin hit .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, 65 steals and a .942 OPS this season. He isn't blocked in Pittsburgh and, so far, has proven to be the best player at every level he's reached. The game's top prospect might be too good for the Pirates to hold him back.
This browser does not support the video element.
Kevin McGonigle, SS, Tigers (DET No. 1/MLB No. 2)
Likelihood grade: 80 (Callis), 80 (Dykstra)
The experts are similarly sold on McGonigle, who as a 21-year-old this season emerged as probably the best pure hitter in the Minors. Older and more experienced than Griffin, his trajectory feels more traditional; McGonigle already had parts of three pro seasons under his belt as he finished '25 at Double-A. More than anything, the experts believe he'll see the bigs in '26 because his best tool is one teams cannot ignore: the bat. McGonigle proved he's one of the game's toughest outs this season, hitting .305/.408/.583 with 19 homers and more walks (59) than strikeouts (46). The Tigers won't be able to resist that sort of professional at-bat very long in '26.
This browser does not support the video element.
Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (ATH No. 1/MLB No. 3)
Likelihood grade: 60 (Callis), 55 (Dykstra)
De Vries is only 18 years old and has only played only 21 regular-season games at Double-A. But if there was any doubt about his trajectory, his performance in the Texas League playoffs put that to rest. De Vries dominated the postseason, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three homers and 17 total bases in four games in a performance that seemed to scream "I'm coming." The A's have no need to rush De Vries after acquiring him in the Trade Deadline blockbuster for Mason Miller, but he's somebody you make room for if his bat begins to dictate things, and it looks like that is beginning to happen.
This browser does not support the video element.
Sebastian Walcott, SS/3B, Rangers (TEX No. 1/MLB No. 4)
Likelihood grade: 50 (Callis), 45 (Dykstra)
Unlike anyone else in this group, Walcott spent the entire year at Double-A as a 19-year-old. And though he flashed his considerable ability, the numbers were good but not eye-popping (.255/.355/.386, 13 HR, 32 SB), and he is preparing to head to the Arizona Fall League next month. The contending Rangers have plenty of star power on the infield and no need to rush Walcott, though injuries could change that calculus down the road. In any event, it's not unreasonable to see them thinking he needs a little more seasoning, though a 2026 debut remains possible.
Jesús Made, SS, Brewers (MIL No. 1/MLB No. 5)
Likelihood grade: 30 (Callis), 40 (Dykstra)
The 18-year-old Made may be the game's top overall prospect at this time next year, but the experts don't see him as likely to reach the big leagues in 2026. That's no slight. Made began this season as a 17-year-old at Single-A, reaching Double-A for the Southern League playoffs down the stretch and holding his own. For what it's worth, Made seems to be on the Jackson Chourio track -- the Brewers handled Chourio the exact same way during his first full professional season. He spent the most of the next season at Double-A before more or less hopping straight to the big leagues.
On the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra are your tour guides through all the unfolding stories and breaking news of baseball's top prospects. Each week, you'll find out about the stars of tomorrow from the guys who know today. Download, subscribe and help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or your favorite platform.