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15 Prospects Who Could Bounce Back In 2026
Plus: Breakout fantasy prospects, MiLB park factors, youth pitching injuries & more
15 Prospects Who Could Bounce Back In 2026
With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than two weeks, a number of prospects are eager to erase the memory of a difficult 2025 by delivering strong performances in the fresh campaign ahead.
For some, the path forward is straightforward: stay healthy, regain confidence and prove they can return to their original form. For others, the challenge runs deeper. Their success hinges on whether the adjustments made during the offseason—mechanical tweaks, approach changes or refinements to their arsenal—can translate to tangible results once games begin.
With that in mind, Jesús Cano has highlighted 15 prospects to keep an eye on in 2026 as they look to bounce back.
FANTASY BREAKOUTS
15 Breakout Pitchers To Target In 2026 Dynasty Leagues
Earlier this week, we spotlighted 15 breakout hitting prospects for dynasty managers to target in 2026. Now, Geoff Pontes is headed to the mound in search of pitching prospects with futures as starters based on a combination of strikes and stuff. Highlights include:
Last season’s deadline steal for the D-backs
Geoff’s favorite complex league pitcher last year
A Rays RHP tied for the highest Stuff+ score
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FROM VELOU’S DR. NICK SERIO
Colleges Are Targeting HS Pitchers Less Than Ever—What If It’s Not A Bad Thing?
It’s no secret the race for velocity has reshaped the pitching landscape at every level, perhaps especially so in the amateur game.
In a story written by VeloU founder Dr. Nick Serio, the impact of teenagers pushing their still-developing bodies to reach higher and higher radar readings is explored with an eye toward injury trends and shifting realities of college baseball.
The data raises an interesting question: With colleges less willing to roll the dice on high school pitchers, is there a healthier alternative path for young arms?
MiLB PARK FACTORS
Minor League Park Factors For 2025
Each season, run-scoring environments vary widely across the spectrum of full-season minor league ball parks.
To get a better idea of how individual parks performed in last year, Matt Eddy has a compiled a comprehensive data rundown of park factors and their multipliers covering three key statistical categories—runs scored, home runs and BABIP—for all 120 full-season minor league teams in 2025. We also take a look a wOBA numbers broken down for buckets of lefthanded, righthanded and all batters.
BA PODCASTS
Get Caught Up On The Latest BA Podcasts
Looking for something to listen to this weekend? Baseball America has you covered with a rundown of new podcast episodes:
Future Projection: PPI-Eligible Prospects & HS Recruiting Trends
Draft Podcast: First Big Injury Of The 2026 Cycle & Key Sleepers
Prospect Deep Dives: J.J. Cooper & Ian Cundall On The Twins
Want even more BA podcasts? sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Player FM to make sure you never miss an episode.
TRENDING NOW AT BASEBALL AMERICA
👀 ICYMI: We updated our Top 30 rankings for IFA signings and trades.
1️⃣ Jacob Rudner highlighted the top transfers for every DI conference.
⚾️ Inside MLB arbitration hearings & how Tarik Skubal’s might unfold.
📖 Our 2026 Prospect Handbook is set to ship—order yours today.
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@baseballamerica Seth Hernandez and Eli Willits cracked the top 40 in our 2026 preseason Top 100 👀 #fyp #mlb #mlbprospects #baseball
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