Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Know - Moises Ballesteros, Kevin McGonigle, Sal Stewart, Payton Tolle, Colt Emerson, Walker Jenkins

January 19, 2026

2026 fantasy baseball prospects that can make big impacts - Moises Ballesteros, Kevin McGonigle, Sal Stewart, Payton Tolle, Colt Emerson, Walker Jenkins. Target these top prospects in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

Every season, managers look to target high-upside prospects that can provide league-winning upside in the back half of their draft. While some prospects take time to develop, some immediately burst onto the scene and provide elite value. In 2024, Paul Skenes became a must-start fantasy ace as soon as he made his MLB debut.

In this piece, we will spotlight six budding prospects who could be worth a look in 2026 drafts and teams if they hold any early-season value.

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

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Moises Ballesteros. C/1B, Chicago Cubs

Current Level: Chicago Cubs
2025 MLB stats: 20 G, .298/.394/.474, 2B, 2HR, 12 SO, 9 BB

Chicago Cubs catcher/first base prospect Moises Ballesteros could see a full-time role on the MLB roster in the 2026 season. The team's top catching prospect made his MLB debut last season and showed flashes in his limited 20-game stint. During this small taste, the 22-year-old held a .298/.394/.474 line with two home runs.

Moisés Ballesteros hits his first Major League home run ...

TO Anthony Rizzo 🤯 pic.twitter.com/C8fXQoXVuH

— MLB (@MLB) September 13, 2025

However, with Kyle Tucker off the roster, the team's primary designated hitter last season, Seiya Suzuki, will likely shift back to right field, opening a spot in the lineup for Ballesteros. Additionally, the backstop could serve as the No. 2 option to Carson Kelly, further opening up opportunities. Through 114 games at Triple-A last summer, Ballesteros flashed immense upside, holding a .316/.385/.473 line. He is a name to closely monitor during camp, as he could be a top late-round power target if he claims the primary DH role.

Kevin McGonigle, INF, Detroit Tigers

Current Level: Double-A
2025 MiLB stats: 88 G, .305/.408/.583,  31 2B, 19 HR, 10 SB

Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle is a name to closely monitor early in the season. McGonigle enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign and is quickly approaching the top level of the Detroit system. Last season, the No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, trailing only Pittsburgh's Konnor Griffin, opened the season at Low-A but quickly reached Double-A by the second half.

Across 88 total games, McGonigle held an elite .305/.408/.583 line. Through 46 games with Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a .254/.369/.550 line with 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. While McGonigle remains at least one stop away from the majors, he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he can carry this production into Triple-A. He remains a high-end dynasty asset that could hold redraft value late in the regular season.

Sal Stewart, INF, Cincinnati Reds

Current Level: Cincinnati Reds
2025 MLB stats: 18 G, .255/.293/.545, 1 2B, 5 HR, 15 SO, 3 BB

Cincinnati Reds prospect Sal Stewart is expected to earn opportunities at first base during camp. Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reported that, given Cincinnati's crowded infield, the Reds will look to provide Stewart as many opportunities as possible instead of keeping him in the DH spot. Last summer, the team's top hitting prospect made his MLB debut and spent most of his time at first base. However, coming up in the minor leagues. Stewart never saw a game at first base and instead covered second and third.

However, with Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner and Matt McLain at second, the 22-year-old has had to learn a new position. Managers should monitor his status during camp, as Stewart could shift between first base and DH if his bat can continue to produce. During his first 18 games with the Reds, Stewart flashed solid upside, hitting five home runs with an .838 OPS.

Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 130 G, .285/.383/.458, 28 2B, 16 HR, 14 SB

Seattle Mariners top prospect Colt Emerson is a name to keep a close eye on during camp, as he could push for an early MLB debut in 2026. Last summer, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline began the season in High-A and finished the season with Triple-A Tacoma. With High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases.

Through his first taste of Double-A, Emerson held a .282 AVG with a solid .790 OPS across a 34-game stint. Then, during his brief six-game taste of Triple-A, Emerson continued to play at a high level, hitting two home runs with a .364/.444/.727 line. While Emerson figures to earn a full stint at Triple-A to start 2026, he could debut in Seattle much earlier than expected if he can continue his current trajectory.

Payton Tolle, SP, Boston Red Sox

Current Level: Boston Red Sox
2025 MLB stats: 16 1/3 IP, 6.06 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 19 SO, 8 BB

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle made his MLB debut during the 2025 season and had mixed results. The southpaw logged 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 6.09 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. Tolle was deployed out of the rotation in each of his first three outings but was then shifted to the bullpen over his last four. Through six innings of relief, Tolle looked much more stable, allowing only two runs while striking out seven hitters.

Earlier in 2025, Tolle made his professional debut with High-A and was able to quickly progress through the Boston system, which earned him the late-season promotion. Through 91 2/3 innings split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, the No. 28-ranked prospect in baseball posted a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a dominant 133:23 K:BB. However, managers should keep an eye on him during spring training, as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the team's starting rotation given his inconsistent debut.

Payton Tolle strikes out the first batter he faces in his Major League debut for the @RedSox 🔥 pic.twitter.com/279h9QhSvD

— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2025

Additionally, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander Ranger Suarez, which will add yet another pitcher to a largely crowded rotation. For now, Tolle is best left for deeper redraft leagues given his unknown role.

Walker Jenkins, OF, Minnesota Twins

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 84 G, .286/.399/.451, 17 2B, 10 HR, 17 SB

Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect Walker Jenkins made his Triple-A debut late in the second half of the 2025 season and could be in the mix for his MLB debut sooner than expected. He began the 2025 season with Double-A, where he continued to perform at an elite level, carrying a .309/.426/.487 line with 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He then earned the call to Triple-A St. Paul, where Jenkins took a bit of a step back, carrying an overall .242/.324/.396 line through 23 contests. However, the former fifth-overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft showed significant progress over his last 16 games as he posted a much-improved .273/.333/.439 line, suggesting he had already begun to take strides forward.

While managers should expect Jenkins to open the season at Triple-A, he may only need a brief stint before proving he is ready to join the MLB roster. Given his ability to get on base at an elite rate while showing nearly 20-SB upside in each season, he is a prime early-season stash option in deeper redraft leagues.

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