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Fantasy baseball prospect breakouts, sleepers, waiver wire stash analysis for Week 22 of 2026 including Seaver King, Cam Cannarella, Jonah Tong, Karson Milbrandt, Lazaro Montes, Jack Wenninger, River Ryan, and more.
Prospect call-ups have been the story of the baseball world over the past two weeks, as many top names like Kade Anderson and Joshua Baez have finally earned the call to the majors.
Below, we will spotlight nine prospects who could be in the mix for a late-season MLB debut and determine if managers should look to stash them.
So, should fantasy managers stash these breakout prospects? Let's get to it!
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Seaver King, SS, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals infield prospect Seaver King went 1-for-5 on Tuesday at Triple-A Rochester, extending his hit streak to nine games, with his lone hit being a home run, which gives the Nats' fourth-ranked prospect a round-tripper in three of his last four contests. During the nine-game hit streak, the former first-rounder is 16-for-37 (.432) with two doubles, five home runs, and a pair of stolen bases.
It brings his season slash line at Triple-A to .298/.372/.513 with 10 home runs and six steals in 48 games for the Red Wings. While it has been an impressive stretch, it was reported last week that the organization does not expect to promote the youngster to the majors in 2026, even despite moving incumbent CJ Abrams to second base. As such, there is no need to stash the 23-year-old in redraft leagues, though his dynasty arrow is still pointing up.
- Written by Jarod Rupp
Cam Cannarella, OF, Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella continues to hold his own at Triple-A Jacksonville, producing some solid metrics so far, including a low chase rate (18.8 percent) which has in turn manufactured a high walk rate (16.5 percent), along with a strong hard-hit rate (55.8 percent) and high average exit velocity (91.4 percent), all of which register in the 88th percentile or better among Triple-A players.
It has resulted in a .284/.418/.405 slash line through 21 games for the Jumbo Shrimp, with one home run and six steals.
His 24.0 percent strikeout rate might be on the high side, but that number is skewed by some early growing pains, with that number coming in at 17.8 percent in August (11 games, 7:8 BB:K). While the Clemson product possesses an intriguing toolset, it's unlikely we'll see him in the majors this season after having started the year at High-A, but he's definitely a name to know in the event of a surprise call-up, and the 22-year-old's dynasty stock has certainly increased quite a bit this year.
- Written by Jarod Rupp
Jonah Tong, SP, New York Yankees
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong has strung together a pair of back-to-back solid outings for Triple-A Syracuse, yielding a total of two earned runs on seven hits and six walks while striking out 12 batters in 8 2/3 innings pitched. The Mets' top pitching prospect has had an underwhelming season overall, pitching to a 5.15 ERA (6.10 FIP), 1.47 WHIP, and a 14.2 percent K-BB% in 21 starts (94 1/3 IP).
The right-hander made three appearances for the Mets earlier this year out of the bullpen, but was mostly ineffective with a 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 7:7 BB:K in 10 IP. If these last two starts are the beginning of a trend in the right direction, then the 6-foot-1 hurler could find himself back in Queens before the year is out. There is plenty of strikeout potential, but until he shows better control and effectiveness in upcoming starts, the 23-year-old is merely a speculative stash option in deeper leagues in hopes he can help out as the fantasy playoffs approach.
- Written by Jarod Rupp
Karson Milbrandt, SP, Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt had a nice start in his last outing for the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with three earned runs in five innings pitched to go with seven strikeouts to two walks and five hits allowed. It was the best start for Milbrandt at Triple-A in close to a month, so that was a very good sign for the 22-year-old and the Marlins organization. He might need a few more good starts like that one to prove ready for a big-league debut.
Milbrandt is the No. 5 prospect for the Marlins and three 55-grade pitches in his fastball, curveball, and slider. After a lights-out season at Double-A Pensacola, Milbrandt has struggled a bit at Jacksonville with an 0-5 record and 7.65 ERA and 1.94 WHIP. Milbrandt is clearly a future talent but it remains to be seen if he will get a shot this season.
- Written by Brian Buckey
Jack Wenninger, SP, New York Mets
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger had a nice start in his last outing for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing two earned runs in five innings with two hits allowed and four walks to go with eight strikeouts. It's the latest effort in a nice season for Wenninger at Triple-A Syracuse, where he has gone 4-7 with a 4.79 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. In 18 starts and 21 appearances, Wenninger has 98 strikeouts in 96 1/3 innings pitched.
The right-hander is the No. 9 prospect for the Mets. The 24-year-old features a 55-grade fastball with a 60-grade splitter. Wenninger is looking like a solid prospect but might be better off on fantasy rosters for next season. He has major-league stuff with good major-league pitches, so Wenninger is worth monitoring should the Mets decide to call him up.
- Written by Brian Buckey
Lazaro Montes, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes is fitting in just fine at Triple-A Tacoma, slashing .279/.361/.581 with 10 home runs in just 33 games for the Rainiers. His 35 home runs, spread across two levels, are the second-most in the minors this season. Although there is a lot of swing-and-miss in his profile, solid walk rates (10.1 percent at Triple-A) and prodigious power make up for it, with his average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate all coming in at 93rd percentile or better at Triple-A.
There is a decent chance the left-handed slugger makes his MLB debut in the coming weeks, and he may end up being a drain on batting average in the majors, but his home run upside could be worth the risk for managers who can absorb the hit. The 21-year-old is one of the better stash options for power on the waiver wire for the stretch run.
My goodness. Lazaro Montes crushes a go ahead 2-run HR in the 8th! 115.9mph EV. Wow. pic.twitter.com/ZzL6Hw3SJ8
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) August 22, 2026
- Written by Jarod Rupp
River Ryan, SP, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan is recovering from a right hamstring strain that he suffered before he was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Tigers in the Tarik Skubal trade. He has been on the IL and rehabbing with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Ryan could make a return and potentially pitch for the Tigers. Or the Tigers could leave him at Toledo and give him more work in the minors.
It is a little bit of a risky dilemma for fantasy managers. Should they take a chance on Ryan who already made his major league debut with the Dodgers? With Oklahoma City, in the Pacific Coast League, Ryan was 3-1 this year with a 4.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP to go with 43 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. Ryan is 28 years old and has brief MLB experience back in 2024. The Tigers could give him another look at the end of this year. Fantasy managers will want to pay attention.
- Written by Brian Buckey
Ryan Clifford, 1B, New York Mets
New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford was placed on the Development List on Wednesday amid a futile stretch of offense. Since returning from the injured list on August 9, the Mets' eighth-ranked prospect has been hitless in 22 consecutive at-bats over a six-game stretch with a 56.0 percent strikeout rate during that time. The struggles preceded the injured list stint, though, as he's also just 5-for-70 (.071) over his last 19 contests, which has pushed his season-long slash line to .175/.267/.344.
When he connects, the ball goes a long way, with the 6-foot-3 slugger tallying 16 home runs in 104 games, but with one of the worst strikeout rates at Triple-A (38.2 percent) that culminated in a five-strikeout performance this past Sunday, the organization will now allow him to stay on the minor league roster while he works on mechanics and swing decisions outside of game action.
Amid his struggles, chances of an MLB debut in 2026 were already fading, but this likely seals it, and fantasy managers need not consider the 23-year-old a stash option this year.
- Written by Jarod Rupp
Brody Hopkins, SP/RP, Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins has pitched one relief inning in each of his last two outings for Triple-A Durham, potentially previewing a move to the bullpen at Tampa Bay in the big leagues. Hopkins allowed two earned runs in one of those two outings with three walks and a hit allowed. He was perfect in his first inning of relief with two strikeouts. The right-hander is ranked No. 7 in the Rays organization and has a 60-grade fastball and curveball with a 55-grade slider and cutter.
All in all for Durham this season, Hopkins is 4-8 with a 5.48 ERA and 1.76 WHIP in his age 24 season. He has 109 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched. He's looking like a bullpen chance could be on the horizon for him this season for the Rays, but that doesn't make him the most appealing fantasy option.
- Written by Brian Buckey
Top 25 Prospects to Stash in Redraft Leagues
Check out Eric Cross' updated top-25 prospects to stash below. These rankings are for 2026 redraft value only, not dynasty. These are MLB prospects who could potentially make a fantasy baseball impact in 2026.
Promoted Last Week: Joshua Baez (STL), Zac Veen (COL), Charles McAdoo (TOR)
Honorable Mentions (Hitters): Zach Ehrhard (LAD), Kemp Alderman (MIA), Ryan Clifford (NYM), Yohandy Morales (WAS), Ryan Ward (LAD), Gavin Cross (KCR), Jacob Melton (TBR), Manuel Pena (ARI), Jett Williams (MIL),
Honorable Mentions (Pitchers): George Klassen (LAA), Jack Wenninger (NYM), Hunter Barco (PIT), Brody Hopkins (TBR), Jaxon Wiggins (CHC), Karson Milbrandt (MIA)
| Rank | Player | Position | Team |
| 1 | Kade Anderson**Promoted | SP | Mariners |
| 2 | Walker Jenkins | OF | Twins |
| 3 | Franklin Arias | SS | Red Sox |
| 4 | Michael Arroyo | 2B | Mariners |
| 5 | Seaver King | SS/2B | Nationals |
| 6 | Bo Davidson | OF | Giants |
| 7 | Cooper Ingle | C/OF | Guardians |
| 8 | Charlie Condon | 1B | Rockies |
| 9 | Ralphy Velazquez | 1B | Guardians |
| 10 | Lazaro Montes | OF | Mariners |
| 11 | Cam Cannarella | OF | Marlins |
| 12 | Edwin Arroyo | 2B/SS | Reds |
| 13 | Jonathon Long | 1B | Marlins |
| 14 | Jhostynxon Garcia | OF | Pirates |
| 15 | Jonah Tong | SP | Mets |
| 16 | Elmer Rodriguez | SP | Yankees |
| 17 | Parks Harber | 3B | Giants |
| 18 | Ethan Salas | C | Padres |
| 19 | River Ryan | SP | Tigers |
| 20 | Luke Adams | 1B/3B | Brewers |
| 21 | Sean Keys | 1B/3B | Blue Jays |
| 22 | James Tibbs III | OF | Dodgers |
| 23 | Josue Briceno | 1B | Tigers |
| 24 | Michael Forret | SP | Orioles |
| 25 | Max Anderson | 2B/3B | Tigers |
Who Should I Pickup Fantasy Baseball Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool:
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2026 Player Decisions. Looking to pick up someone else instead? Today's focus is on specific players like Seaver King, Cam Cannarella, Jonah Tong, Karson Milbrandt, Lazaro Montes, Jack Wenninger, River Ryan, Ryan Clifford, Brody Hopkins, Walker Jenkins, Charlie Condon. These are some common searches for 2026 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four MLB players at once, and then click the Who To Pickup? button to see who the recommended waiver wire pickups are based on fantasy baseball rankings, projections, and more.
Improvements For Who Should I Pickup? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Pickup? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win on the waiver wire in 2026. You'll see MLB player tiles with stats, projections, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings and projections based on their research, and updates them constantly throughout the week. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked.
Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Looking to pick up someone else instead? Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2026 for players likeSeaver King, Cam Cannarella, Jonah Tong, Karson Milbrandt, Lazaro Montes, Jack Wenninger, River Ryan, Ryan Clifford, Brody Hopkins, Walker Jenkins, Charlie Condon:
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