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30 Prospects Facing Critical Seasons
Plus: Breakout pitchers, more backfield intel & the next star Red Sox prospect?
30 Prospects Facing Critical Seasons
The start of a new season is an important time for every player, but for those prospects with something to prove, it can be especially critical.
Whether it’s floundering draft picks, players recovering from injury or prospects hoping to finally make the leap, there are a number of players who need to produce in 2026. Jesús Cano highlights one from every organization staring down a critical season that could solidify standing or put real pressure on what comes next.
SPRING TRAINING 2026
6 Breakout Pitchers Who Could Be This Year’s Jacob Misiorowski
A year ago at this time, Jacob Misiorowski ranked No. 44 in BA’s Top 100. Five months later—after tearing through minor league hitters—he was spinning a scoreless eighth inning at the MLB All-Star Game en route to becoming relief ace for a Brewers squad that advanced to the NCLS.
Could we see someone this year rise up to have a similar impact?
Josh Norris spotlights six potential breakout pitching prospects who could have big things in store for 2026.
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SPRING TRAINING 2026
Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan & More Impress On Arizona Backfields
Spring training rolls on out in the desert, which means Jesús Cano is back with more prospect intel from Arizona backfields. Highlights include:
Top Mariners & Royals arms set for big 2026 campaigns
Why Jesús is high on Jack Wheeler
Will Josh Owens play both ways for the Rangers?
BOSTON’S NEXT BIG THING
Why Justin Gonzales Could Be The Next Star Red Sox Prospect
The Red Sox player development team has a been on a roll lately, but when it comes to prospects, the question on everyone’s minds is “What have you done for me lately?”
Enter Justin Gonazles, the 6-foot-6 outfielder who gets Aaron Judge comps and could be the next Red Sox breakout star. BA prospect expert Geoff Pontes digs into Gonzales’ numbers and explains why the 19-year-old has a chance to be special.
FEBRUARY ORG REPORTS
Prospects Who Caught Our Attention In February
Each month, Baseball America publishes one organization report for all 30 clubs.
These reports from our major league correspondents contain a trove of player development updates and spotlight traditional reporting. Here are 10 updates we found to be especially enlightening from our February reports, which focused on Top 100 Prospects for the start of the new season.
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: The Best Pitching Prospect Since Paul Skenes?
Draft Podcast: Shifting Strategies & Top 2026 Shortstops
Fantasy Podcast: AL Central Prospects To Know For 2026
Prospect Deep Dives: System breakdowns for the Royals & Orioles.
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 released our 2028 HS rankings with more rising names to watch.
📊 Here are our MLB power rankings to start the 2026 season.
✍️ Jacob Rudner previewed top college matchups and players for week 3.
💪 Dr. Nick Serio asked if velocity is the only thing behind rising arm injuries.
😳 The Yankees almost traded who to the Braves in 2014?
📖 Don’t forget to order your 2026 Prospect Handbook.
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