Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Know - Andrew Painter, Bryce Eldridge, Aidan Miller, Robert Gasser, Abimelec Ortiz, Leodalis De Vries

January 26, 2026

2026 fantasy baseball prospects that can make big impacts - Andrew Painter, Bryce Eldridge, Aidan Miller, Robert Gasser, Abimelec Ortiz, Leodalis De Vries. Target these top prospects in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

Last season, managers saw many top prospects establish themselves as high-end fantasy assets. Former consensus top third baseman Junior Caminero became a must-start third baseman while Nick Kurtz took home AL Rookie of the Year honors.

In this piece, we will spotlight another six high-end prospects who could make a major impact during the 2026 season.

Who are six high-upside prospects managers should keep on their radar heading into draft season? Let's dive in!

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Andrew Painter, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 118 IP, 5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 123 SO, 47 BB

As things currently stand, the Philadelphia Phillies don't have a set No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzard, and Aaron Nola are their three healthy starters who are guaranteed rotation spots. The Phillies are hoping top prospect Andrew Painter and veteran Taijuan Walker fill out the rotation, but they aren't slam dunks. Both pitchers need to perform in spring training, but even if they don't, they have to be in the initial rotation as Zack Wheeler continues his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome.

Painter, 22, had a 5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 123:47 K:BB in 118 innings over 26 starts with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. There wasn't a notable dip in Painter's stuff last year, and he could bounce back another year removed from TJ surgery. A lowered price in 2026 definitely makes Painter an intriguing buy-low candidate with elite pitching upside.

Bryce Eldridge, 1B, San Francisco Giants

Current Level: MLB
2025 MLB stats: .107/.297/.179, 2 2B, 4 HR, 13 SO, 7 BB

San Francisco Giants first base prospect Bryce Eldridge will be in a good position to break camp with the MLB roster. The team's top prospect received a brief 10-game stint in the majors late last season. While he only posted a low .107/.297/.179 line during this stretch, he generated a strong .362 xwOBA, suggesting he is due for significant positive regression during his second stint. He began the campaign with Double-A and needed only 34 contests to prove he was ready to join Triple-A Sacramento.

BRYCE ELDRIDGE CLEARS THE BASES FOR HIS FIRST @MLB HIT pic.twitter.com/FYSOOy6271

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 21, 2025

With Sacramento, Eldridge posted a .249/.322/.514 line with an .836 OPS, 13 doubles, 18 home runs, and an 88:28 K:BB. In the offseason, he underwent wrist surgery but is not expected to be limited during camp. Currently, Eldridge is expected to serve as a first baseman/designated hitter for the Giants, sharing time with Rafael Devers. He is a name to monitor in camp, as he could push for a full-time role early this season.

Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 116 G, .264/.392/.433, 27 2B, 14 HR, 59 SB

Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller earned an invite to spring training. Miller is considered one of the top shortstop prospects in the sport on MLB.com and is viewed as the team's No. 2 overall prospect. The 21-year-old joined Philadelphia in the opening round (27th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. The infielder began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Reading, where he held a .259/.382/.427 line with an .809 OPS.

Miller hit 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and stole 52 bases. He then finished the season with a brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, where Miller posted a strong .333/.514/.519 line with one home run and an impressive seven stolen bases. Given that Miller has only had a brief stint in Triple-A, he will likely begin the 2026 season there. However, if he has a successful spring training, he may contend for an early 2026 MLB debut.

Robert Gasser, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

Current Level: MLB
2025 MiLB stats: 38 IP, 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 41 SO, 11 BB

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser could be a name to watch to earn a role in the starting rotation. On Wednesday evening, the Brewers traded their top pitcher, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets in exchange for two top prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. While veteran Brandon Woodruff is expected to lead the rotation with emerging right-hander Jacob Misiorowski slotting behind him, the back of the rotation is open. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick are projected to operate as the No. 3 and No. 4, but Gasser could be a name to watch for one of the final positions.

The young southpaw has made seven MLB starts over his career and logged 33 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Through 205 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Gasser has struck out 250 hitters with a 3.72 ERA. While Logan Henderson would likely have the edge for the final position, Gasser could make a strong claim to operate as the No. 6 starter if the team uses a six-man rotation. He is a name to monitor in spring training and could be worth a late-round selection in deeper formats.

Abimelec Ortiz, 1B, Washington Nationals

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 130 G, .257/.356/.479, 25 2B, 25 HR, 4 SB

The Washington Nationals acquired first-base prospect Abimelec Ortiz, along with Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers, in return for left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Gore saw his name in many trade discussions throughout the winter, and the Nationals were able to acquire several high-end prospects in return. Oritz was viewed as the No. 18-ranked prospect in the Texas system on MLB.com prior to the trade.

Last summer, the first baseman opened the campaign with Double-A but was able to join Triple-A Round Rock after an 89-game stint. With Double-A, Ortiz held a .247/.343/.444 line with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. During his first taste of Triple-A, Ortiz looked quite comfortable, holding a .283/.388/.565 line with a .953 OPS and nine home runs (across 41 games). Given Washington's lack of options at first base, Ortiz could make a strong case to begin the season in the big leagues. He is a name to closely monitor heading into camp.

Leodalis De Vries, INF, Athletics

Current Level: Double-A
2025 MiLB stats: 118 G, .255/.355/.451, 28 2B, 15 HR, 11 SB

Athletics infield prospect Leodalis De Vries could be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the second half of the 2026 campaign. De Vries was the headliner piece that went to the Athletics in return for relief pitcher Mason Miller, who was traded to the Padres at the deadline. De Vries is currently viewed as the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball on MLB.com. The 19-year-old spent most of the 2025 campaign with High-A and posted an overall .249/.354/.426 line with a .780 OPS, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases.

Leo De Vries clobbers his 6th Home Run of the year. pic.twitter.com/TSq8vz6NC6

— Clark Fahrenthold (@CFahrenthold11) July 6, 2025

He was then promoted to Double-A Midland late in the season and continued to perform well over his brief 21-game look. During this short look, De Vries led a .281/.359/.551 line with five long balls. If the 19-year-old can continue this pace at Double-A to begin the season, he should be in the mix for an early promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas, leaving the door open for the late-season MLB debut. He is a top dynasty asset heading into the 2026 season.

Prospect Fantasy Baseball Rankings

Who are the top fantasy baseball prospects to know? Check out our latest 2026 prospect fantasy baseball rankings which are updated regularly:

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