From Spring Breakout to MLB? Here are 8 players who could soon be in The Show

Spring Breakout entered its third incarnation this week, and it’s already proven to be quite the launching pad for the sport’s many young studs. For proof, look no further than this veritable All-Star team of talent that went from the prospect showcase to near-instant stardom.

There will be plenty of familiar names taking part in Spring Breakout, including 54 players from the Top 100 Prospects list. Worth keeping an extra eye on are the players with an ETA of 2026 who are expected to make their Major League debuts this season.

If you want to tune in to the 16 games from Thursday to Sunday and keep an eye on players who could make their impact felt soon, this is your list. With help from prospect experts Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Sam Dykstra, we’ve also identified an exact month each prospect is projected to reach the big leagues.

Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pirates (MLB No. 1)
ETA: May

Baseball's top prospect was an absolute revelation in his first professional season. Not only did he turn in the second 20/60 campaign in the Minors since the early 1980s, he also made it to Double-A as a teenager. Griffin is built like a linebacker and can do just about everything well. The Mississippi native went ninth overall in the 2024 Draft because there were questions about his hit tool and shortstop defense, but he answered them in short order. He's our first prospect with a 70 overall grade in four cycles, and he has every chance to make his MLB debut before turning 20 on April 24.

Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (MLB No. 4)
ETA: July

De Vries has the honor of being the most highly ranked prospect ever dealt at a Trade Deadline. Young players of his caliber simply aren't often available, as he was for all-world closer Mason Miller. De Vries added to the hype by slashing .409/.447/.682 with three homers and three steals in 17 Spring Training games at just 19 years old. The switch-hitter will still need more seasoning in the upper Minors, however, especially if he needs to get reps at second or third base in deference to AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Jacob Wilson at short.

JJ Wetherholt, INF, Cardinals (MLB No. 5)
ETA: Opening Day

Wetherholt has one of the best hit tools in the Minors and backs it up with elite discipline. He hardly ever chases or misses, regardless of pitch type, and has been tapping into more of his power as he reached Triple-A last year. The Pittsburgh native likely won't have a chance to play shortstop with the Cards, since Masyn Winn has established himself as the best defender in the Majors there, but he has enough arm and quickness for any infield position. Expect him to be the Opening Day second baseman and contend for NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Colt Emerson, SS, Mariners (MLB No. 9)
ETA: June

Emerson is a lot like Wetherholt, just three years younger. Both players have 65-grade hit tools and burgeoning power from the left side. Emerson took a big step defensively last year to the point that it appears he can stick at shortstop long-term. He may break into the big leagues at the hot corner before J.P. Crawford hits free agency this offseason, but Emerson is ready to contribute in short order with an incredibly high floor for someone who would be a college junior if he didn't sign out of high school.

Max Clark, OF, Tigers (MLB No. 10)
ETA: July

Clark is one of the most exciting and personable players in the Minors -- look no further than his nickname "Spark" which doubles as his role atop the lineup and personality. The 2023 first-rounder has true five-tool potential and has been a steady performer as he climbed to Double-A in his second full season. Power is his only average tool currently, and he's done a good job of putting the ball in the air more in 2025, something that will be key to watch in '26.

Braden Montgomery, OF, White Sox (MLB No. 36)
ETA: July

The 2024 first-rounder is quite versatile as a switch-hitter who played both ways in college at Texas A&M and Stanford. These days, Montgomery stands out most for his plus plus raw power and arm strength, which fit naturally in center field or right. Last year, he hit for more power from the right side but made more contact from the left side. If he can improve his plate discipline, he can turn his loud tools into even better production for the South Siders.

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Jett Williams, SS/2B/OF, Brewers (MLB No. 51)
ETA: June

Don't be fooled by his 5-foot-7 frame, Williams has some serious pop for his size and does a good job of putting the ball in the air to maximize his natural power. His calling card remains his speed, though, fitting given his name, and he has the defensive versatility to play anywhere up the middle. Given the presence of All-Star second baseman Brice Turang, Williams is most likely to see time at shortstop and center. The Brewers have been known to maximize short, speedy players, so he was a natural fit when they dealt ace Freddy Peralta to the Mets.

Ryan Waldschmidt, D-backs (MLB No. 59)
ETA: May

Waldschmidt overcame a torn ACL after his sophomore year at Kentucky and has developed into one of the more well-rounded outfield prospects in the two years since the D-backs drafted him 31st overall. The right-handed slugger produces elite exit velocities with an uppercut stroke that is geared for power but susceptible to breaking balls down and away. His speed has come along way since the injury, giving him a chance to play center, although he's more likely to break in at left in the cavernous Chase Field outfield.

Others to watch

Joe Mack, C, Marlins (MLB No. 62) ETA: June
Cooper Pratt, SS, Brewers (MLB No. 64) ETA: September
Michael Arroyo, 2B, Mariners (MLB No. 67) ETA: September
Charlie Condon, 1B/OF, Rockies (MLB No. 70) ETA: September
Hagen Smith, LHP, White Sox (MLB No. 72) ETA: August