{"id":649123,"date":"2026-05-04T13:54:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/649123\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:54:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:54:27","slug":"prospect-parade-hottest-mlb-prospects-5-4-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/649123\/","title":{"rendered":"Prospect Parade: Hottest MLB Prospects (5\/4\/26)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 MiLB season is in full swing, and many prospects have already set the tone with brilliant performances in the first month. This edition of the Prospect Parade highlights 20 names excelling through the start of May: 10 hitters who can\u2019t stop mashing and 10 arms carving up the minors.<\/p>\n

How the Prospect Parade works<\/p>\n

The Prospect Parade is a recurring series where I highlight the hottest MLB prospects. It\u2019s a snapshot of who\u2019s forcing my attention right now and the traits they are exhibiting that could indicate the best is yet to come. Every player gets an embedded TJStats card with season-long metrics, a rolling 14-day window covering the current heater, and my take on what\u2019s actually driving the surge.<\/p>\n

Hitters<\/p>\n

Ethan Salas<\/p>\n

\"Ethan<\/p>\n

\n C, Age: 19,
\n B\/T: L\/R,
\n 6′ 1″\/185 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2006-06-01,
\n Kissimmee, USA <\/p>\n

\"San<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

22
\n 87
\n 161
\n 0.976
\n 0.267
\n 5
\n 6
\n 24.1%
\n 13.8%
\n 17.5%
\n 45.0%
\n 55.6%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .378\/.489\/.865\/1.354 (14-for-37), 45 PA, 8 XBH, 5 HR, 8 BB, 7 SO, 3 SB<\/p>\n

There may not be a prospect who has suffered more prospect fatigue than Ethan Salas. As a reminder, he is still only 19 years old and this is his 3rd stint in AA, albeit both were cut short \u2014 the first due to a return to Hi-A in 2024 and the second following a lower back stress reaction last season. Now healthy, the teenage catcher is flexing power that may push him back to prospect superstardom. He has posted a 104.8 mph 90th% exit velocity (around MLB average) while posting one of the best contact rates in the Texas League. In his recent slugging outburst, he has 4 home runs and just 5 strikeouts.<\/p>\n

Salas is lined up to be one of the biggest risers in my next Top 100 update thanks to these power improvements meshing with his polished hit tool. It is also important to note that he projects to be a stellar backstop with lightning quick reflexes.<\/p>\n

Mike Sirota<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/p>\n

\n CF, Age: 22,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 6′ 2″\/188 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2003-06-16,
\n Mineola, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2024, Rd. 3, Pick: 13 <\/p>\n

\n School: Northeastern <\/p>\n

\"Great<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: HI-A <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

24
\n 106
\n 193
\n 1.136
\n 0.354
\n 6
\n 4
\n 19.8%
\n 19.8%
\n 24.3%
\n 37.7%
\n 59.0%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .417\/.563\/1.056\/1.618 (15-for-36), 48 PA, 11 XBH, 6 HR, 11 BB, 7 SO, 2 SB<\/p>\n

Mike Sirota has quickly made up for lost time after a right knee injury ended his pro debut early in 2025. Now healthy, the bulky Dodgers OF is picking up where he left off with 5 home runs in the past two week at Hi-A while walking more than striking out. His exit velocities indicate that his power has stayed steady, and he is making marginally more contact than last season.<\/p>\n

Sirota solidified himself as a Top 75 prospect with his performance last season and has the qualities to launch himself further up the ranks as he glides through the Dodger pipeline.<\/p>\n

Caleb Bonemer<\/p>\n

\"Caleb<\/p>\n

\n SS, Age: 20,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 6′ 1″\/195 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2005-10-05,
\n Lansing, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2024, Rd. 2, Pick: 4 <\/p>\n

\n School: Okemos HS <\/p>\n

\"Winston-Salem<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: HI-A <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

26
\n 123
\n 182
\n 1.088
\n 0.433
\n 11
\n 2
\n 30.1%
\n 13.8%
\n 34.0%
\n 44.9%
\n 67.2%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .311\/.475\/.800\/1.275 (14-for-45), 59 PA, 8 XBH, 7 HR, 10 BB, 18 SO, 1 SB<\/p>\n

Caleb Bonemer makes another appearance on the Prospect Parade with his torrid start to his 2026 season. He currently leads all Hi-A hitters with 11 HR, with 7 HR coming in an power explosion in the last two weeks. He is consistently tapping into his power and utilizing his slick right-handed swing to deposit pulled fly balls over the left field wall.<\/p>\n

Bonemer\u2019s contact metrics have dipped compared to last season, but he is trending toward being a Top 10 prospect in my next update.<\/p>\n

A.J. Ewing<\/p>\n

\"A.J.<\/p>\n

\n SS, Age: 21,
\n B\/T: L\/R,
\n 5′ 10″\/160 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-08-10,
\n Kettering, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2023, Rd. 4C, Pick: 3 <\/p>\n

\n School: Springboro HS <\/p>\n

\"Syracuse<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA, AAA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

24
\n 107
\n 168
\n 1.084
\n 0.200
\n 2
\n 16
\n 15.9%
\n 18.7%
\n 25.1%
\n 41.0%
\n 49.3%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .425\/.529\/.700\/1.229 (17-for-40), 51 PA, 5 XBH, 2 HR, 10 BB, 7 SO, 8 SB<\/p>\n

A.J. Ewing was a quick riser in the Mets system in 2025, blending an impressive suite of patience, speed, and defense. These same traits have rung true this season, which rewarded Ewing with a promotion to AAA this past week. He has not stopped hitting at the higher level, registering 10 hits in his first 15 ABs, including a pair of XBH and 4 SB. Ewing is hitting the ball harder more consistently this season, however he lacks both the power and air attack that typically lead to slug.<\/p>\n

Ewing will be getting a notable bump in my next update thanks to his newly closer proximity to MLB and excellent production thus far, however, I still remain bearish on the Mets outfielder given his limited pop. Nonetheless, he projects to be an impactful MLB outfielder with the speed and glove to provide immediate help to the Mets.<\/p>\n

Blake Mitchell<\/p>\n

\"Blake<\/p>\n

\n C, Age: 21,
\n B\/T: L\/R,
\n 6′ 0″\/202 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-08-03,
\n Clear Lake, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2023, Rd. 1, Pick: 8 <\/p>\n

\n School: Sinton HS <\/p>\n

\"Quad<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: HI-A <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

23
\n 99
\n 158
\n 0.965
\n 0.281
\n 6
\n 5
\n 30.3%
\n 32.3%
\n 44.4%
\n 36.2%
\n 65.7%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .250\/.580\/.571\/1.151 (7-for-28), 50 PA, 3 XBH, 3 HR, 20 BB, 12 SO, 3 SB<\/p>\n

Blake Mitchell\u2019s line for this season feels fake. The Royals backstop is striking out over 30% of the time and walking in 1\/3 of his plate appearances, all while smacking 6 HR in the first month of play. His plus-power (107.7 mph 90th% EV) makes him a fearsome slugger and his patience is currently unmatched, but it is more than apparent that there is a major hole in his swing. This is the most extreme three-true outcome case I have ever seen, and it makes me doubt the feasibility of this approach as Mitchell eventually moves into the upper minors.<\/p>\n

Mitchell will be an interesting name to monitor throughout the season because he has the tools to be a plus defender at catcher with the pop to be a 20 HR hitter in the majors. Unfortunately, his hit tool <\/p>\n

Caleb Cali<\/p>\n

\"Caleb<\/p>\n

\n 3B, Age: 25,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 6′ 3″\/230 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2000-08-20,
\n Milwaukee, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2023, Rd. 16, Pick: 23 <\/p>\n

\n School: Arkansas <\/p>\n

\"Arkansas<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

23
\n 96
\n 124
\n 0.814
\n 0.279
\n 6
\n 6
\n 32.3%
\n 9.4%
\n 33.9%
\n 45.3%
\n 70.9%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .395\/.447\/.930\/1.377 (17-for-43), 47 PA, 11 XBH, 6 HR, 4 BB, 11 SO, 5 SB<\/p>\n

Caleb Cali has flown under the radar in the Mariners system since being selected in the 16th round of the 2023 draft. He has posted good, but not great, offensive results throughout his pro career. He is on a tear lately with 6 HR over the last two weeks including 5 2B. His stocky 6\u20193\u2033 frame lends itself to above average power, but his poor contact rates and older age cast a shadow on the utility infielder.<\/p>\n

If there is any inkling that he making more contact, he has both the pull-happy swing and raw strength to buoy his stock.<\/p>\n

Ricardo Olivar<\/p>\n

\"Ricardo<\/p>\n

\n C, Age: 24,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 5′ 10″\/176 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2001-08-10,
\n Barquisimeto, Venezuela <\/p>\n

\"Wichita<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

21
\n 88
\n 142
\n 0.976
\n 0.351
\n 7
\n 0
\n 13.6%
\n 11.4%
\n 23.8%
\n 48.1%
\n 63.6%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .371\/.463\/1.029\/1.492 (13-for-35), 41 PA, 9 XBH, 7 HR, 6 BB, 5 SO, 0 SB<\/p>\n

Ricardo Olivar is off to a strong start this season, with most of his damage occurring in the past two weeks. He has launched 7 HR in that time frame while walking more than striking out. The Twins catching prospect features a balanced offensive profile, blending patience, contact, and power. While none are stand out tools, it is not a surprise how he has sustained effective results throughout his pro career.<\/p>\n

His ceiling is limited given the concern around the efficacy of his glove, but the offensive foundation feels stable.<\/p>\n

Xavier Isaac<\/p>\n

\"Xavier<\/p>\n

\n 1B, Age: 22,
\n B\/T: L\/L,
\n 6′ 3″\/240 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2003-12-17,
\n Fayetteville, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2022, Rd. 1, Pick: 29 <\/p>\n

\n School: East Forsyth HS <\/p>\n

\"Montgomery<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

21
\n 86
\n 162
\n 1.055
\n 0.391
\n 7
\n 3
\n 39.5%
\n 25.6%
\n 51.0%
\n 37.2%
\n 70.0%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .321\/.525\/.964\/1.489 (9-for-28), 40 PA, 6 XBH, 6 HR, 12 BB, 13 SO, 1 SB<\/p>\n

Xavier Isaac is not far removed from being considered one of the best hitting prospects in MLB. His 2025 season was unfortunately cut short following brain surgery. Thankfully, he has fully recovered and is flexing the same tools that made him such a polarizing young hitter. The Rays\u2019 first baseman is known for his undeniable power with freighting contact concerns. This has rang true this season as he has hit 7 HR in 21 games while striking out nearly 40% of the time with a whiff rate north of 50%.<\/p>\n

Those contact rates have not lightened up on his recent heater, making Isaac one of the most volatile hitters in MiLB. I am rooting for his success, but without any improvements to his 20 grade hit tool, his outlook is capped.<\/p>\n

Arturo Disla<\/p>\n

\"Arturo<\/p>\n

\n 1B, Age: 25,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 6′ 2″\/240 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2000-10-08,
\n La Vega, Dominican Republic <\/p>\n

\"Hub<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: HI-A <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

24
\n 103
\n 197
\n 1.081
\n 0.268
\n 5
\n 2
\n 23.3%
\n 15.5%
\n 31.0%
\n 44.6%
\n 60.0%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .412\/.563\/.794\/1.357 (14-for-34), 48 PA, 5 XBH, 4 HR, 10 BB, 8 SO, 2 SB<\/p>\n

Arturo Disla deserves some love after dominating Hi-A for the entirety of the month of April. The 25-year-old slugger is posting a 1.110 OPS on the year accompanied by 5 HR and a sweet 15.5 BB%. While much older for the level, Disla is lifting the ball more and flashing elite power (109.9 mph 90th% EV) without the swing and miss that typically plague big-time sluggers. I would expect the strikeouts to tick back up once he works his way up to the upper minors, but you cannot fake this level of power.<\/p>\n

Disla is purely a bat-only prospect who needs to have his pop carry his otherwise limited profile.<\/p>\n

Jonah Cox<\/p>\n

\"Jonah<\/p>\n

\n CF, Age: 24,
\n B\/T: R\/R,
\n 6′ 2″\/204 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2001-08-04,
\n Louisville, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2023, Rd. 6, Pick: 2 <\/p>\n

\n School: Oral Roberts <\/p>\n

\"Richmond<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n PA
\n tjBat+
\n OPS
\n ISO
\n HR
\n SB
\n K%
\n BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Swing%
\n Air%<\/p>\n

23
\n 92
\n 206
\n 1.173
\n 0.282
\n 3
\n 16
\n 14.1%
\n 10.9%
\n 23.7%
\n 45.5%
\n 54.4%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .417\/.488\/.806\/1.293 (15-for-36), 42 PA, 7 XBH, 2 HR, 4 BB, 4 SO, 7 SB<\/p>\n

Jonah Cox arguably had the best April of any player in MiLB. Through May 3, he has posted a 1.199 OPS, fuelled by 13 XBH and an impressive 13.6 K%. The 2023 6th round pick has also been a menace on the basepaths, stealing 16 bases in 18 attempts. Interestingly, his underlying metrics are not too striking as he is exhibiting below average exit velocities. His blistering speed is carrying a good chunk of the leg work currently displayed by his impressive slugging rate.<\/p>\n

Cox profiles more as a backup outfielder thanks to his great speed and defensive instinct and this offensive outburst may indicate that there is more offensive utility in the tank.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions<\/p>\n

Cesar Quintas<\/a> \u2013 SEA<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .463\/.532\/.805\/1.337 (19-for-41), 47 PA, 9 XBH, 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 SO, 1 SB<\/p>\n

Cole Carrigg<\/a> \u2013 COL<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .525\/.578\/.700\/1.278 (21-for-40), 46 PA, 4 XBH, 1 HR, 5 BB, 4 SO, 8 SB<\/p>\n

Bryan Rincon<\/a> \u2013 PHI<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .342\/.469\/.763\/1.233 (13-for-38), 49 PA, 8 XBH, 4 HR, 10 BB, 6 SO, 3 SB<\/p>\n

Brady Day<\/a> \u2013 PHI<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .385\/.484\/.846\/1.330 (10-for-26), 31 PA, 4 XBH, 4 HR, 5 BB, 3 SO, 5 SB<\/p>\n

Brett Bateman<\/a> \u2013 CHC<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: .400\/.583\/.640\/1.223 (10-for-25), 36 PA, 4 XBH, 1 HR, 11 BB, 6 SO, 1 SB<\/p>\n

Pitchers<\/p>\n

Anthony Eyanson<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

\n Age: 21,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 2″\/208 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-10-09,
\n Long Beach, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2025, Rd. 3, Pick: 12 <\/p>\n

\n School: LSU <\/p>\n

\"Greenville<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 20.1
\n 0.44
\n 0.99
\n 0.49
\n 47.9%
\n 4.2%
\n 43.7%
\n 47.2%
\n 63.9%
\n 60.6%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 16 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

I sound like a broken record every time I mention Anthony Eyanson. The Red Sox 2025 3rd round selection has lapped nearly every arm that was drafted ahead of him thanks to a substantial bump in velocity and a stellar results through his first month of play. While this stance may be very bullish, there is little to suggest the Eyanson is not one of the best pitching prospects in MLB right now.<\/p>\n

Eyanson recently cracked into my Top 100 and he is among the biggest risers in my next update. His stock is going to the moon and he just received a promotion to AA.<\/p>\n

Seth Hernandez<\/p>\n

\"Seth<\/p>\n

\n Age: 19,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 4″\/190 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2006-06-28,
\n Pomona, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2025, Rd. 1, Pick: 6 <\/p>\n

\n School: Corona HS <\/p>\n

\"Bradenton<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 22.0
\n 1.23
\n 1.51
\n 0.73
\n 50.0%
\n 7.3%
\n 42.7%
\n 51.7%
\n 66.9%
\n 52.9%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 10.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 18 SO, 2 HR<\/p>\n

Seth Hernandez continues to dominate Lo-A and now owns a 1.23 ERA and 0.73 WHIP across his first 22.0 innings of pro ball. He is currently striking out half the batters he faces and his command continues to be the most impressive aspect of his profile thus far. At just 19 years old, Hernandez has a polished 4-pitch mix and has all the tools to be the best pitching prospect in baseball (if he already isn\u2019t considered that at the moment).<\/p>\n

Hernandez took a giant leap in my Top 100 in my April update and is not stopping anytime soon. He is currently a Top 10 prospect.<\/p>\n

Kade Anderson<\/p>\n

\"Kade<\/p>\n

\n Age: 21,
\n LHP,
\n 6′ 2″\/179 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-07-06,
\n Slidell, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2025, Rd. 1, Pick: 3 <\/p>\n

\n School: LSU <\/p>\n

\"Arkansas<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 24.1
\n 0.37
\n 0.59
\n 0.70
\n 43.2%
\n 4.5%
\n 38.6%
\n 38.9%
\n 70.6%
\n 46.7%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 10.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 16 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Kade Anderson is making a joke of AA. The 3rd overall pick from the 2025 draft currently holds a 0.48 ERA and 44.1 K% over his first 18.2 innings in professional baseball, flexing his polished 4-pitch mix and solid command. I will admit, I was not impressed by Anderson\u2019s stuff in Spring Training, but he has quieted those immediately. His fastball has looked sharper in AA (perhaps with the aid of the MiLB ball) and batters cannot touch his secondaries.<\/p>\n

Even if Anderson\u2019s raw arsenal metrics paint him more as a #2 starter than a frontline ace, he looks ready to face tougher competition because AA looks too easy for him.<\/p>\n

Junior Sanchez<\/p>\n

\"Junior<\/p>\n

\n Age: 20,
\n RHP,
\n 5′ 10″\/175 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2005-09-16,
\n Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic <\/p>\n

\"Hillsboro<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

4
\n 18.1
\n 1.96
\n 1.52
\n 0.82
\n 42.9%
\n 7.1%
\n 35.7%
\n 43.8%
\n 65.8%
\n 44.1%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-1, 3.60 ERA, 10.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 18 SO, 1 HR<\/p>\n

Junior Sanchez is off to a strong start to his 2026 season, striking out 43% of batters across his first 4 games. He currently holds a 1.96 ERA across 18.1 IP, which includes a recent stretch where he has struck out 18 batters with 0 walks in the past two weeks. The 20-year-old righty is readily generating whiffs with his entire arsenal, leaning on a 93-94 cut-ride fastball and mid-80s sweeping slider to manage most of the load. His cutter and changeup have been stable inclusions as well. His shorter arm action creates a deceptive image for batters which they need to decipher in addition to a 4-pitch mix.<\/p>\n

These impressive results follow a solid stateside debut in 2025 where Sanchez reached Hi-A as a 19-year-old. I struggled to find much info about the DBacks righty, but he feels like a pitching prospect on the rise.<\/p>\n

Franklin G\u00f3mez<\/p>\n

\"Franklin<\/p>\n

Franklin G\u00f3mez<\/p>\n

\n Age: 20,
\n LHP,
\n 6′ 0″\/220 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2005-07-06,
\n Maracay, Venezuela <\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 23.0
\n 0.78
\n 1.62
\n 0.91
\n 29.2%
\n 6.7%
\n 22.5%
\n 25.7%
\n 65.3%
\n 56.1%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 10.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Franklin G\u00f3mez was acquired by the Guardians from the Mets for IFA money this past winter. This trade seems to be a positive for Cleveland thus far as G\u00f3mez has made Hi-A look easy thus far with a 0.78 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 23.0 innings. Although not a striking arsenal on the surface, G\u00f3mez leverages a 4-pitch mix and with solid command and deceptive arm action from the left side to stifle lower level hitters. His changeup is both his best offering and his primary pitch, tailing away from RHH and generating plenty of whiffs.<\/p>\n

Franklin G\u00f3mez is auditioning for a spot on the 40-Man roster this upcoming winter due to his Rule 5 eligibility, which could prompt the Guardians to move him quickly if his positive results hold.<\/p>\n

Yeiber Cartaya<\/p>\n

\"Yeiber<\/p>\n

\n Age: 23,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 5″\/165 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2003-01-20,
\n Caracas, Venezuela <\/p>\n

\"Frederick<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 21.2
\n 0.83
\n 2.87
\n 0.88
\n 34.1%
\n 11.4%
\n 22.7%
\n 37.3%
\n 63.2%
\n 38.6%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 13.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 20 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Yeiber Cartaya is off to a strong start this season, posting a 0.83 ERA across 21.2 innings, including a stretch of three games where he struck out 20 batters without surrendering an earned run. The Venezuelan native has found great success with his mid-90s heater which can hit 97 mph. The traits of the pitch are not very encouraging given its deadzone shape, but it may have enough juice from his 6\u20195\u2033 frame to sustain its plus whiff rates. He supplements his polarizing heater with a trio of secondaries: a harder two-plane curveball, a tight gyro-slider, and an underdeveloped changeup.<\/p>\n

Cartaya has had mixed results in his pro career due to his shaky control, however, his ability to rack up strikeouts has always remained consistent.<\/p>\n

Channing Austin<\/p>\n

\"Channing<\/p>\n

\n Age: 24,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 3″\/200 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2001-12-21,
\n New York, USA <\/p>\n

\"Brooklyn<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 22.1
\n 1.21
\n 3.46
\n 1.16
\n 26.6%
\n 16.0%
\n 10.6%
\n 33.5%
\n 60.6%
\n 37.7%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 15.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 18 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Channing Austin was my Mets breakout pitching prospect pick<\/a> entering this season thanks to his strong fastball and wide array of secondaries. While the same command issues are still present, he is enjoying a productive stretch where he has pitch 15 consecutive scoreless innings with 18 K and just 6 BB. His fastball continues to exhibit the extreme movement that caught my eye last season and his slider has been an effective whiff generating weapon.<\/p>\n

Austin projects to be a reliever long-term given his control issues, but it is nice to see him produce well after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Mets in 2024.<\/p>\n

Karson Milbrandt<\/p>\n

\"Karson<\/p>\n

\n Age: 22,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 2″\/230 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-04-21,
\n Liberty, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2022, Rd. 3, Pick: 5 <\/p>\n

\n School: Liberty Senior HS <\/p>\n

\"Pensacola<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: AA <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 24.1
\n 1.85
\n 3.51
\n 1.07
\n 32.0%
\n 10.3%
\n 21.6%
\n 40.5%
\n 62.0%
\n 58.2%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-0, 1.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 14 SO, 1 HR<\/p>\n

Karson Milbrandt was a popular prospect breakout pick entering this season, and he quickly displayed why that was the case in April. The Marlins righty boasts a dynamic fastball-slider combo which he further supplements with a hard curveball and a developing changeup. Strikeouts should be aplenty for Milbrandt, with inconsistent strike throwing being the main limiter in his profile.<\/p>\n

Milbrandt has the shutdown stuff to be an effective major leaguer, with his command dictating whether that will ultimately lead him to a rotation or bullpen role.<\/p>\n

Ben Jacobs<\/p>\n

\"Ben<\/p>\n

\n Age: 21,
\n LHP,
\n 6′ 1″\/195 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2004-06-11,
\n Fountain Valley, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2025, Rd. 3, Pick: 23 <\/p>\n

\n School: Arizona State <\/p>\n

\"West<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A, A+ <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

5
\n 21.2
\n 1.66
\n 1.35
\n 0.88
\n 37.3%
\n 9.6%
\n 27.7%
\n 42.0%
\n 64.5%
\n 36.4%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 1.80 ERA, 10.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Ben Jacobs was a buzzy name around draft time despite his seemingly lacklustre results in Arizona State. While the walks and damage against were not encouraging, Jacobs caught the eyes of evaluators thanks to his deceptive fastball and pair of secondaries which yielded elite whiff rates throughout his college career. These same traits have allowed him to carve up Lo-A in April. This performance was promptly rewarded with a promotion to Hi-A and indicates that Jacobs could be a quick mover in the Tigers system.<\/p>\n

Jacobs is rapidly trending up at the moment and is making a strong case to crack into my Top 100 update later this month.<\/p>\n

Max Banks<\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n

\n Age: 22,
\n RHP,
\n 6′ 4″\/225 lbs\n <\/p>\n

\n DOB: 2003-05-07,
\n San Francisco, USA <\/p>\n

\n Drafted: 2025, Rd. 14, Pick: 1 <\/p>\n

\n School: Washington <\/p>\n

\"Kannapolis<\/p>\n

\n 2026 Season Stats
Levels: A <\/p>\n

GP
\n IP
\n ERA
\n FIP
\n WHIP
\n K%
\n BB%
\n K-BB%
\n Whiff%
\n Strike%
\n GB%<\/p>\n

6
\n 26.0
\n 1.73
\n 2.52
\n 1.19
\n 27.7%
\n 4.0%
\n 23.8%
\n 28.6%
\n 67.7%
\n 50.0%<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.60 ERA, 15.0 IP, 16 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 14 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Max Banks was the White Sox 14th round selection from the 2025 draft and he has started his pro career on the right foot in Lo-A. It is not uncommon for college arms to excel in the lower minors right off the bat, but the way Banks is succeeding has caught my eye. He isn\u2019t blowing batters away with hellacious stuff or blazing fastballs. Instead, he is showcasing a 6-pitch mix, all of which he is throwing for strikes while limiting damage against. In his last three starts he has allowed just 1 ER while striking out 14 with 2 BB.<\/p>\n

Banks was never lauded for his control at Washington State which makes his efficient strike throwing to start his pro career as a pleasant surprise. He seems like an arm that would greatly benefit from a promotion in the near future.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions<\/p>\n

Wei-En Lin<\/a> \u2013 ATH<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.75 ERA, 12.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 11 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Matt Wilkinson<\/a> \u2013 CLE<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-0, 0.87 ERA, 10.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Nestor Lorant<\/a> \u2013 CIN<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 15 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Trace Bright<\/a> \u2013 BAL<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 0-1, 2.53 ERA, 10.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 10 BB, 19 SO, 0 HR<\/p>\n

Jonah Tong<\/a> \u2013 NYM<\/p>\n

Last 14 Days: 1-1, 2.25 ERA, 16.0 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 21 SO, 1 HR<\/p>\n

Check out last week\u2019s Prospect Parade<\/a> for more of the hottest prospects in the minors, and my updated Top 100 Prospects<\/a> list. Follow along with each player\u2019s data all season on their individual player pages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 MiLB season is in full swing, and many prospects have already set the tone with brilliant…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":649124,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[558],"tags":[64,63,591,314078,85],"class_list":["post-649123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-mlb","tag-prospect-parade","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/649123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=649123"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/649123\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/649124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=649123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=649123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=649123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}