PHOENIX – Top MLB prospects were on display this spring in the Cactus League.
Some excelled during the annual Spring Breakout, a four-day, 16-game exhibition event that ended Sunday. Others turned heads during Cactus League play, essentially writing the marketing pitch for league executives.
“You get to see up-and-coming players that are going to be amazing,” Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher said. “It’s pretty incredible.”
Some of those prospects will join their teams on Opening Day, while others will head back to the minors in hopes of getting the call later this season.
Whether it’s a Japanese player playing in the United States for the first time or a young prospect who headlines the 2026 MLB pipeline, here are 15 players from the Cactus League who played well and could possibly make their MLB debut in 2026; one from each team.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 2B/OF Tommy Troy
Troy had a batting average of .375 and did not draw a walk in 32 spring training plate appearances. He brings plus speed and good defense to the table while also making solid contact at the plate. After hitting just nine home runs in his first two years in the minor leagues, he belted 15 last season, ending the year with the Triple-A Reno Aces. Troy is likely a late season call-up for the Diamondbacks.
Athletics: SS/2B Leo Devries
DeVries is an athletic switch-hitting middle infielder who can put up good numbers from both sides of the plate. This spring, Devries showed why he is the No. 4 prospect in baseball, slashing .426/.460./.440 at the plate and hitting three home runs. Five-tool players don’t come along often, but with all the offensive and defensive tools and a very high ceiling, the Athletics could have their shortstop of the future make his debut in the summer of 2026.
Chicago Cubs: SS/2B Jefferson Rojas
Jefferson Rojas signed with the Cubs as the 36th-ranked international free agent in 2022. Rojas, who struggled in late 2025 following a promotion to Double-A Knoxville, looked comfortable in 19 spring training games, hitting .259 and showing off some power, hitting four doubles and four home runs. If injuries arise in the Cubs’ middle infield, Rojas could get an early call to the big leagues. Rojas is the fifth-ranked prospect in the Cubs organization.
Chicago White Sox: Munetaka Murakami 3B/1B
Murakami signed a two-year, $34-million contract with the White Sox on Dec. 21, 2025. Murakami spent eight years in the Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, hitting 246 home runs. After seeing limited action in spring training while spending most of his time with Japan competing in the World Baseball Classic, Murakami slashed .333/.360/.542 in 24 spring training at-bats with one home run and two doubles. The White Sox will likely bat him in the cleanup spot, and he will be the everyday third baseman for the 2026 MLB season.
Cincinnati Reds: OF Héctor Rodríguez
After going unnoticed for his first couple years in the minors, Rodríguez has slowly climbed the prospect ranks after the Mets signed him as an international free agent. He has shown impressive pop at the plate, hitting 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A last year, while also showing above-average speed and defense in the outfield. Rodríguez struggled in spring training and was reassigned to the minors, but could see a late-season call-up if he continues to hit well.
Cleveland Guardians: OF Chase DeLauter
The Guardians were happy to see DeLauter on the field after hip surgery ended his 2025 minor league campaign. Injuries have been a problem for the young outfielder who has spent a significant time on the injured list since being drafted by Cleveland in 2022. Among those injuries: multiple fractures in his left foot (requiring surgery), a 2025 hamate bone fracture in his right hand, and 2025 core muscle/sports hernia surgery. DeLauter showed discipline at the plate, posting an OBP of .459 and striking out only four times in 33 at-bats this spring. The Guardians could have a long-term option in the outfield and DeLauter could find himself on the Opening Day roster after a successful spring training.
Colorado Rockies: 1B/OF Charlie Condon
Condon was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and will start his 2026 campaign in the minors despite a strong performance in Rockies camp, where he posted a .385/.457./.718 slash line. Condon hit three home runs in camp, but still struggled with staying disciplined at the plate, striking out nine times in 39 at-bats. Due to limited speed, he will likely play at first base or DH for the Rockies when he does get the call to the majors.
Kansas City Royals: OF Gavin Cross
Cross has had an up-and-down career in the minor leagues, but over the past two seasons he has established much more consistency at the plate. Along with improvement year in and year out, he has developed more power, hitting 32 home runs over the past two years in the minor leagues. One part of his game that needs work is the ability to draw walks, which has been missing since he departed college. Cross had a solid spring training, slashing .286/.324./.486. The Royals will likely call him up during the dog days of summer.
Los Angeles Angels: OF Nelson Rada
Rada has four of the five tools needed to succeed in the major leagues. He hits for a high average, steals bags, plays elite defense and has a strong arm in the outfield. The only thing that is missing is the ability to hit for power. Rada makes up for it by getting into scoring position in different ways. Last season, Rada stole 54 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. The speedy outfielder has all the tools of a prototypical leadoff hitter, making contact frequently and stealing bases at a high rate.
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF/1B James Tibbs III
Tibbs might have made the Opening Day roster on a handful of other teams after slashing .333/.396/.711, but the already stacked, back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have a need for an outfielder or a first basemen. Tibbs can draw walks at all levels of play and continued that trend in spring training. Tibbs could be a late call-up for the Dodgers in August or September if they need a left-handed batter who can play in the outfield or at first base.
Milwaukee Brewers: SS/2B/OF Jett Williams
The Brewers have already announced that Williams will not make the Opening Day roster, but the 5-foot-7 utility player could definitely find his way onto the roster later this season. Williams is a versatile defender who can play both the infield and outfield while being one of the fastest prospects in the Brewers’ system. Exceeding spring speeds above 30 feet per second, with home-to-first times as low as 4.1 seconds means the Brewers will certainly find a use for Williams at some point in the season.
San Diego Padres: OF Jase Bowen
Bowen played exceptionally well in spring training, blasting four home runs and hitting six doubles while hitting for a .333 batting average. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to make the Padres’ Opening Day roster. Bowen should get the call later this season after a successful spring training. Bowen is 25 years old and was drafted in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
San Francisco Giants: C Daniel Susac
Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Susac is currently the front runner to be the Giants’ backup catcher after joining the organization in December. Susac is a power hitter who belted 18 home runs in 97 games last year for the Athletics’ Triple-A club in Las Vegas. Susac had a good camp, posting a 350./386./.550 slashline across 17 spring training games. Susac is no stranger to Oracle Park. His brother Andrew Susac was Buster Posey’s backup catcher on the Giants’ 2014 World Series team and remained on the roster in 2015.
Seattle Mariners: 2B Michael Arroyo
Arroyo has all the tools to be a solid major league player who will likely hit in the fifth, sixth or seventh spot in the Mariners’ lineup. Arroyo ended the year a little shaky after getting the promotion to Double-A and seeing his slugging percentage drop by more than 150 points. If Arroyo can find his power stroke again this season, he could be a late call-up in August or September.
Texas Rangers: SS/OF/2B Cameron Cauley
Cauley can play almost anywhere in the infield and outfield, giving the Rangers depth and speed wherever they may need him. The big question for Cauley is whether he can get his bat going. He saw his numbers improve across the board year after year and he hit a career- high 15 home runs last year while also posting the highest batting average of his career. Cauley had a strong spring training, slashing .300/.364/.400 to make a strong case that he is ready to make his MLB debut.
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Youth movement: One prospect from each Cactus League team who could make MLB debut in 2026
Austin Gibbs, Cronkite News
March 25, 2026
PHOENIX – Top MLB prospects were on display this spring in the Cactus League.
Some excelled during the annual Spring Breakout, a four-day, 16-game exhibition event that ended Sunday. Others turned heads during Cactus League play, essentially writing the marketing pitch for league executives.
“You get to see up-and-coming players that are going to be amazing,” Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher said. “It’s pretty incredible.”
Some of those prospects will join their teams on Opening Day, while others will head back to the minors in hopes of getting the call later this season.
Whether it’s a Japanese player playing in the United States for the first time or a young prospect who headlines the 2026 MLB pipeline, here are 15 players from the Cactus League who played well and could possibly make their MLB debut in 2026; one from each team.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 2B/OF Tommy Troy
Troy had a batting average of .375 and did not draw a walk in 32 spring training plate appearances. He brings plus speed and good defense to the table while also making solid contact at the plate. After hitting just nine home runs in his first two years in the minor leagues, he belted 15 last season, ending the year with the Triple-A Reno Aces. Troy is likely a late season call-up for the Diamondbacks.
Athletics: SS/2B Leo Devries
DeVries is an athletic switch-hitting middle infielder who can put up good numbers from both sides of the plate. This spring, Devries showed why he is the No. 4 prospect in baseball, slashing .426/.460./.440 at the plate and hitting three home runs. Five-tool players don’t come along often, but with all the offensive and defensive tools and a very high ceiling, the Athletics could have their shortstop of the future make his debut in the summer of 2026.
Chicago Cubs: SS/2B Jefferson Rojas
Jefferson Rojas signed with the Cubs as the 36th-ranked international free agent in 2022. Rojas, who struggled in late 2025 following a promotion to Double-A Knoxville, looked comfortable in 19 spring training games, hitting .259 and showing off some power, hitting four doubles and four home runs. If injuries arise in the Cubs’ middle infield, Rojas could get an early call to the big leagues. Rojas is the fifth-ranked prospect in the Cubs organization.
Chicago White Sox: Munetaka Murakami 3B/1B
Murakami signed a two-year, $34-million contract with the White Sox on Dec. 21, 2025. Murakami spent eight years in the Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, hitting 246 home runs. After seeing limited action in spring training while spending most of his time with Japan competing in the World Baseball Classic, Murakami slashed .333/.360/.542 in 24 spring training at-bats with one home run and two doubles. The White Sox will likely bat him in the cleanup spot, and he will be the everyday third baseman for the 2026 MLB season.
Cincinnati Reds: OF Héctor Rodríguez
After going unnoticed for his first couple years in the minors, Rodríguez has slowly climbed the prospect ranks after the Mets signed him as an international free agent. He has shown impressive pop at the plate, hitting 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A last year, while also showing above-average speed and defense in the outfield. Rodríguez struggled in spring training and was reassigned to the minors, but could see a late-season call-up if he continues to hit well.
Cleveland Guardians: OF Chase DeLauter
The Guardians were happy to see DeLauter on the field after hip surgery ended his 2025 minor league campaign. Injuries have been a problem for the young outfielder who has spent a significant time on the injured list since being drafted by Cleveland in 2022. Among those injuries: multiple fractures in his left foot (requiring surgery), a 2025 hamate bone fracture in his right hand, and 2025 core muscle/sports hernia surgery. DeLauter showed discipline at the plate, posting an OBP of .459 and striking out only four times in 33 at-bats this spring. The Guardians could have a long-term option in the outfield and DeLauter could find himself on the Opening Day roster after a successful spring training.
Colorado Rockies: 1B/OF Charlie Condon
Condon was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and will start his 2026 campaign in the minors despite a strong performance in Rockies camp, where he posted a .385/.457./.718 slash line. Condon hit three home runs in camp, but still struggled with staying disciplined at the plate, striking out nine times in 39 at-bats. Due to limited speed, he will likely play at first base or DH for the Rockies when he does get the call to the majors.
Kansas City Royals: OF Gavin Cross
Cross has had an up-and-down career in the minor leagues, but over the past two seasons he has established much more consistency at the plate. Along with improvement year in and year out, he has developed more power, hitting 32 home runs over the past two years in the minor leagues. One part of his game that needs work is the ability to draw walks, which has been missing since he departed college. Cross had a solid spring training, slashing .286/.324./.486. The Royals will likely call him up during the dog days of summer.
Los Angeles Angels: OF Nelson Rada
Rada has four of the five tools needed to succeed in the major leagues. He hits for a high average, steals bags, plays elite defense and has a strong arm in the outfield. The only thing that is missing is the ability to hit for power. Rada makes up for it by getting into scoring position in different ways. Last season, Rada stole 54 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. The speedy outfielder has all the tools of a prototypical leadoff hitter, making contact frequently and stealing bases at a high rate.
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF/1B James Tibbs III
Tibbs might have made the Opening Day roster on a handful of other teams after slashing .333/.396/.711, but the already stacked, back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have a need for an outfielder or a first basemen. Tibbs can draw walks at all levels of play and continued that trend in spring training. Tibbs could be a late call-up for the Dodgers in August or September if they need a left-handed batter who can play in the outfield or at first base.
Milwaukee Brewers: SS/2B/OF Jett Williams
The Brewers have already announced that Williams will not make the Opening Day roster, but the 5-foot-7 utility player could definitely find his way onto the roster later this season. Williams is a versatile defender who can play both the infield and outfield while being one of the fastest prospects in the Brewers’ system. Exceeding spring speeds above 30 feet per second, with home-to-first times as low as 4.1 seconds means the Brewers will certainly find a use for Williams at some point in the season.
San Diego Padres: OF Jase Bowen
Bowen played exceptionally well in spring training, blasting four home runs and hitting six doubles while hitting for a .333 batting average. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to make the Padres’ Opening Day roster. Bowen should get the call later this season after a successful spring training. Bowen is 25 years old and was drafted in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
San Francisco Giants: C Daniel Susac
Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Susac is currently the front runner to be the Giants’ backup catcher after joining the organization in December. Susac is a power hitter who belted 18 home runs in 97 games last year for the Athletics’ Triple-A club in Las Vegas. Susac had a good camp, posting a 350./386./.550 slashline across 17 spring training games. Susac is no stranger to Oracle Park. His brother Andrew Susac was Buster Posey’s backup catcher on the Giants’ 2014 World Series team and remained on the roster in 2015.
Seattle Mariners: 2B Michael Arroyo
Arroyo has all the tools to be a solid major league player who will likely hit in the fifth, sixth or seventh spot in the Mariners’ lineup. Arroyo ended the year a little shaky after getting the promotion to Double-A and seeing his slugging percentage drop by more than 150 points. If Arroyo can find his power stroke again this season, he could be a late call-up in August or September.
Texas Rangers: SS/OF/2B Cameron Cauley
Cauley can play almost anywhere in the infield and outfield, giving the Rangers depth and speed wherever they may need him. The big question for Cauley is whether he can get his bat going. He saw his numbers improve across the board year after year and he hit a career- high 15 home runs last year while also posting the highest batting average of his career. Cauley had a strong spring training, slashing .300/.364/.400 to make a strong case that he is ready to make his MLB debut.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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