Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Know - Quinn Mathews, Jacob Melton, Travis Sykora, Carlos Lagrange, Braden Montgomery, Balde Tidwell

January 28, 2026

2026 fantasy baseball prospects that can make big impacts - Quinn Mathews, Jacob Melton, Travis Sykora, Carlos Lagrange, Braden Montgomery, Balde Tidwell. Target these top prospects in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

Targeting high-upside prospects can provide you with league-winning upside. Every season, managers see prospects enjoy breakout seasons and become must-start players as soon as they reach the MLB level.

In this piece, we will spotlight six prospects who could see the value increase in 2206 and become viable fantasy assets.

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

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Quinn Mathews, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Current Level: Triple-A
2025 MiLB stats: 94 IP, 3.93 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 107 SO, 74 BB

St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews was expected to contend for his MLB debut early in the 2025 season, but was unable to earn the call. The southpaw struggled at Triple-A last season, finishing the campaign holding a 3.93 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP across 94 innings. He struck out 107 batters but served up a high 74 walks. However, during his final 57 1/3 innings, Mathews was able to lower his ERA to 3.30, suggesting he made some progress in the second half.

During the 2024 season, Mathews progressed through the St. Louis system at a rapid rate. He began the season by making his professional debut with Low-A and would finish the season at Triple-A. Across 143 1/3 total innings, the Stanford product posted a 2.76 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP. Given that the Cardinals lack proven options at the back of their rotation, Mathews could contend for an early MLB debut if he can rekindle his 2024 form.

Jacob Melton, OF, Tampa Bay Rays

Current Level: MLB
2025 MLB stats: .157/.234/.186, 29 SO, 6 BB, 7 SB

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton could take on a large role in his debut season with the Rays. Melton was shipped to Tampa Bay in a three-team trade this offseason from the Houston Astros. Melton made his MLB debut last season and appeared in only 32 contests with the Astros. During this brief taste, the outfielder posted a .157/.234/.186, with an impressive seven stolen bases.

Through 82 career games at Triple-A, the former second-round selection has held a .271/.347/.468 line with an .815 OPS. During this stretch, Melton has hit 11 home runs and stolen 23 bases. With Josh Lowe being shipped to the Angels earlier in the offseason as well, Melton will face even less competition for a prominent role in Tampa Bay. Given his speed upside, he is worth monitoring in deeper five-outfielder leagues during spring training.

Travis Sykora, SP, Washington Nationals

Current Level: Double-A
2025 MiLB stats: 45 1/3 IP, 1.79 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 79 SO, 17 BB

Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Travis Sykora (elbow) was invited to spring training. However, given that he underwent UCL reconstruction surgery last season, the right-hander is not expected to take the mound at all in 2026. Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reported that the budding ace will continue his rehab process with the major league roster during camp. Sykora made his professional debut with Low-A in 2024 and immediately flashed upside, striking out 129 hitters in just 85 innings.

Travis Sykora's 2nd Single-A @FXBGNats start of 2025:

- 9 up, 9 down
- 5 strikeouts
- 11 whiffs (on 25 swings)

The @Nationals' top-ranked prospect has allowed just 2 hits in 11 IP across two levels this season: pic.twitter.com/jUu98Se2YL

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 20, 2025

In 2025, Sykora continued to ascend in the Washington system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 45 1/3 innings spent primarily with High-A, Sykora would post an outstanding 1.79 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 79:17 K:BB. While he is expected to be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season, he is a prime buy-low target in dynasty leagues, as he was on track to make his MLB debut this season.

Carlos Lagrange, SP, New York Yankees

Current Level: Double-A
2025 MiLB stats: 120 IP,  3.53 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 168 SO, 62 BB

ew York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange is an emerging arm in their system and could debut in the majors in 2026. The 22-year-old spent the 2025 campaign with High-A and Double-A, logging 120 total innings. With High-A, the right-hander posted a 4.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP across 41 2/3 innings of work. During this stint, Lagrange struck out 64 batters while allowing just 12 free passes.

During his first look at Double-A, Lagrange posted an impressive 3.22 ERA with a slightly higher 1.29 WHIP. He struck out 104 batters through 78 1/3 innings but served up a much higher 50 walks. While Lagrange won't be in a position to break camp with the MLB roster, he could begin the 2026 season with Triple-A, opening the door for a first-half MLB debut.

Braden Montgomery, OF, Chicago White Sox

Current Level: Double-A
2025 MiLB stats: 121 G, .270/.360/.444, 12 HR, 14 SB

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery could contend for his MLB debut during the second half of the campaign. The team's top prospect, according to MLB.com, made his professional debut at the start of the 2025 season with Low-A. However, the former 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft quickly progressed through the Chicago system and finished the campaign with Double-A Birmingham. Across 121 total contests, Montgomery posted a strong .270/.360/.444 slash line with an .804 OPS.

High-A home run No. 1 for Braden Montgomery!

MLB's No. 49 prospect (@whitesox) slugs his fourth overall this season to tie it up for @WSDashBaseball. pic.twitter.com/TAB7cPiE7b

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 6, 2025

He hit 34 doubles, four triples, and added 12 long balls. The Texas A&M product swiped 14 bags as well. Given his quick progression through the lower levels, managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should continue to monitor Montgomery during the first half, as he could put himself in a great position to debut later in the season.

Blade Tidwell, SP, San Francisco Giants

Current Level: MLB
2025 MLB stats: 15 IP, 9.00 ERA, 2.20 WHIP, 10 SO, 10 BB

San Francisco Giants right-handed pitching prospect Blade Tidwell is expected to be in contention for a starting role during spring training. Tidwell began his MLB career with the New York Mets but was shipped to San Francisco ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. He made a brief MLB debut with the Mets last summer and struggled, allowing 15 runs across a 15-inning stint. He struck out only 10 batters. However, at the Triple-A level, Tidwell has shown strong promise and could take the next step with his new club.

Though 97 innings at Triple-A last season (split between Syracuse and Sacramento), Tidwell posted a 3.62 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP. He struck out 111 hitters while allowing 37 walks. With the Giants not adding many major pieces to their rotation in the winter, outside of Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, Tidwell should be in consideration to compete for one of the final spots during spring training.

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