MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2026 Top 100 Prospects list at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 23, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we’ll examine baseball’s top 10 prospects at each position.
There is a ton of young talent roaming the grass in the Minor Leagues, and a lot of it will be heading to a big league ballpark near you soon.
It’s nothing new for the outfield crop of prospects to be deep, and this year, outfielders are behind only shortstops in terms of presence on the Top 100. This is a really toolsy bunch: Of the 50 tools listed (hit, power, run, arm field) overall for this top 10, 23 earned at least a plus grade of 60.
And they’re going to be on the biggest stage soon. Six of the 10 have a 2026 ETA, and several could vie for Rookie of the Year hardware and/or help make a postseason push for their respective teams. This list always provides ROY candidates, from Jackson Chourio and Colton Cowser in 2024 to Roman Anthony and Jasson Domínguez a year ago — all of whom received votes.
1. Max Clark, Tigers (2026)
2. Walker Jenkins, Twins (2026)
3. Josue De Paula, Dodgers (2027)
4. Carson Benge, Mets (2026)
5. Zyhir Hope, Dodgers (2027)
6. Eduardo Quintero, Dodgers (2028)
7. Braden Montgomery, White Sox (2026)
8. Owen Caissie, Marlins (2026)
9. Lazaro Montes, Mariners (2027)
10. Chase DeLauter, Guardians (2026)
Complete list »
Hit: Clark, Jenkins, De Paula, Benge, DeLauter (60)
All these guys can rake but Jenkins, De Paula and DeLauter all have 60 power to go along with the 60 hit tool, pointing to future impact. Jenkins and De Paula really stand out because they’re both still only 20 years old.
Power: Montes (65)
A mountain of a man, it’s hard to believe the 6-foot-5 Montes will be just 21 for all of the 2026 season. He’s coming off a 32-homer season after hitting 21 as a teenager in 2024. He has as much raw power and strength as just about any prospect in baseball.
Run: Clark (70)
Clark’s double-plus speed works on both sides of the ball. He’s stolen bases at a success rate of 88.3 percent (53 out of 60). What’s scary is he is selective and hasn’t topped 30 steals in a season yet. He could be among the best in the game if and when he completely turns it loose.
Arm: Montgomery (70)
Montgomery started his college career as a legitimate two-way guy, one who could run his fastball up to 96 mph (to go along with a good slider and changeup). That arm strength plays very well from the outfield, and he racked up eight assists in 2025.
Field: Clark (60)
See above about how the speed plays on both sides. He can really go get the ball, and his speed pairs nicely with excellent instincts in center field.
Highest ceiling: Clark
It’s tempting to go with De Paula because of his enormous offensive ceiling, but it’s hard to ignore Clark and his four at-least-plus tools here. If he somehow gets to more than average power, he’s a superstar.
Highest floor: Benge
The 2024 first-round pick of the Mets has all 55s and 60s on his grade line and is just about ready to impact the big league lineup. That’s even more impressive when you note he’s only been a hitter for one full season after pitching as well at Oklahoma State.
Rookie of the Year candidate: Caissie
There are several players on this list who have a very good chance of showing what they can do in the big leagues, but you have to figure Caissie — the key prospect the Marlins got from the Cubs in the Edward Cabrera trade — should get every opportunity to provide a return on that investment.
Highest riser/humblest beginnings: Quintero
At the start of the 2024 season, Quintero was at No. 20 on the Dodgers’ Top 30 and had yet to make his United States debut. Now he’s No. 6 on this list and very high up on the Top 100. It’s looking like he might be one of the best bargains of the 2023 international signing class, having joined the Dodgers for just $297,500.
Most to prove: DeLauter
If the 2022 first-round pick had stayed healthy at any point, he likely would have graduated off this list a while ago. He did make his Major League debut in the postseason last year, but he’s yet to play more than 60 games in a season. If he can stay on the field, his plus hit and power tools should play well against big league pitching.
Keep an eye on: Edward Florentino, Pirates
Florentino jumped on the national prospect scene during his United States debut last year, putting up huge exit velocity numbers and getting to his power, all while displaying an advanced approach. He’s also proven to those concerned they have nothing to worry about in terms of his ability to play the outfield.
