Projecting The Top 10 Fantasy Baseball Prospects In 2026 - Dynasty Outlooks (July Updates)

Shaun projects the top 10 fantasy baseball prospects for the 2026 season. His top MLB prospects to increase fantasy values in dynasty leagues, updated for July.

Prospects are baseball’s ultimate tease, full of promise, short on patience. One month, they’re the crown jewel of your dynasty rebuild, the next, they’re just a name you buried on your bench behind the latest buzzy call-up. Ask anyone who rostered Jac Caglianone or Kristian Campbell just a few weeks ago. They were red-hot stocks not long ago; now they’re collecting dust while Nick Kurtz skyrockets into must-start territory.

Dynasty leagues move fast. Today’s “can’t miss” becomes tomorrow’s afterthought the second a new name drops a 450-foot bomb or flashes a triple-digit fastball. Owen Caissie is smashing his way into the conversation. Andrew Painter, once nearly forgotten, is suddenly back in the dynasty spotlight as he inches toward full health. The cycle never stops. We crave what’s next.

So with the second half underway and 2026 just around the corner, it’s time to look forward. Who are the names about to surge in value? Who will dominate prospect lists, leap in trade talks, and make their big-league debuts by next summer? These are the players dynasty managers should be targeting now, before the hype catches up.

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No. 10: Josue Briceno, 1B/C, Detroit Tigers

Current Age: 20

Josue Briceno has emerged as one of the premier power bats in the lower minors this season. The 20-year-old is slashing .296/.422/.602 at High-A and recently earned a promotion to Double-A Erie, showcasing his advanced bat and improving plate discipline. His 15 home runs and 57 RBI lead the Midwest League, and his 16.8% walk rate highlights his approach.

Briceno’s positional versatility, which allows him to split time between catcher and first base, makes him an intriguing dynasty asset. If the Tigers shift him to first long term, it could expedite his path to the big leagues. A mid-season call-up next year seems likely, making him a high-upside stash for 2026. Dynasty managers in two-catcher or OBP formats should be especially aggressive here.

Briceno’s offensive profile mirrors that of a young J.D. Martinez. Both possess a mature approach at the plate, combining high OBP skills with developing power. His current slash line, especially the high OBP and slugging, suggests he could blossom into a middle-of-the-order bat who hits .280+ with 25-30 home runs annually.

If the catching eligibility sticks in fantasy formats, Briceno could carry premium value reminiscent of peak Martinez production from an even more scarce positional pool.

Prospect highlight: Josue Briceño (DET)

Age: 20
Pos: C/1B
Level: A+/AA
Stats: 58 G, .296/.417/.592 w/15 HR's, 16.1% BB%
Strengths: +(+) Power, Approach, Bat-to-ball
Weaknesses: Durability, defense at C.

Briceño is one of the best prospects in baseball.#RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/JaFJoANBbj

— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) July 12, 2025

No. 9: Eduardo Quintero, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Current Age: 19

Eduardo Quintero struggled through 2024 after being promoted to Low-A Rancho Cucamonga from the Arizona Complex League. Now 19, Quintero has spent the entire 2025 season at Rancho and is showcasing elite athleticism.

Through 76 games, Quintero leads all California League hitters with 14 home runs and ranks third with 34 stolen bases. He’s improved his swing decisions and made consistent hard contact, helping his wRC+ climb over 130. The Dodgers' outfield of the future may be crowded, but Quintero’s power-speed combo gives him long-term everyday potential.

Quintero’s athletic profile and game-changing tools draw a natural comparison to Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Both players display a rare blend of speed, center field defense, and emerging power. Offensively, Quintero projects as a top-of-the-order bat capable of 20-home run power with 25+ stolen bases annually.

His quick hands and ability to handle velocity remind scouts of Harris at the same stage, and his success against older competition suggests a fast developmental track. If Quintero continues to improve his approach against breaking pitches, he could blossom into a dynamic five-category contributor, especially in dynasty formats.

#Dodgers No. 5 prospect Eduardo Quintero crushed his league-leading 14th homer of the season in the series opener against Inland Empire.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/yjsQyEMaBw

— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) July 15, 2025

No. 8: J.J. Wetherholt, 2B/SS, St. Louis Cardinals

Current Age: 22

J.J. Wetherholt may be the most MLB-ready prospect on this list for 2026. The 2024 first-rounder broke camp with Double-A Springfield and has exceeded all expectations in his first full professional season.

In 62 games, Wetherholt slashed an impressive .300/.425/.466, adding seven home runs and 14 stolen bases. Since his recent promotion to Triple-A, he’s kept the momentum going—opening his stint in Memphis with a 4-for-11 start that included a double, triple, and a home run. Wetherholt’s elite bat-to-ball skills, mature zone awareness, and strong contact profile make him a fast-track candidate to debut in St. Louis early next season.

Wetherholt’s game draws a strong comp to Ketel Marte, due to his combination of contact, power, and sneaky athleticism. Like Marte, he can hit for average, handle premium velocity, and offer 15–20 home run upside with double-digit steals. Wetherholt’s compact swing and all-fields approach closely mirror Marte’s, and his hit tool already looks MLB-ready.

If the Cardinals give him a long look in spring training, fantasy managers in redraft and dynasty leagues alike should be prepared to pounce.

Smooth like butter is an understatement for this JJ Wetherholt gem. pic.twitter.com/qnu2qS4DZ9

— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) June 12, 2025

No. 7: Josue De Paula, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Current Age: 20

Josue De Paula joined the Dodgers in 2022 after signing out of the Dominican Republic for $397,500, and the 19-year-old has steadily climbed through the system. Now starting for High-A Great Lakes, De Paula is flashing an intriguing combination of power, patience, and athleticism.

In 78 games, he’s tied for the team lead with 10 home runs, has swiped 26 bases, and boasts an elite 19% walk rate. That kind of plate discipline at his age is rare, and it’s no coincidence. De Paula spent the offseason training with Juan Soto and Elly De La Cruz, two players known for their advanced approach and game-breaking tools.

That work paid off in a big way, as he capped a standout first half by launching a three-run homer in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game.

De Paula’s smooth left-handed swing, patient approach, and contact-first profile are reminiscent of Michael Brantley. Like Brantley, De Paula doesn’t chase, keeps his swing compact, and punishes mistakes. But De Paula may offer a bit more speed and raw pop, with 20/20 upside in his prime. If he continues developing against upper-level pitching, he could be patrolling the Dodger Stadium outfield as early as 2026, and offering OBP gold for fantasy managers.

A big swing from your 2025 Futures Game MVP, Josue De Paula! Congratulations, Josue! pic.twitter.com/ux6sM3qYfz

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 12, 2025

No. 6: Walker Jenkins, OF, Minnesota Twins

Current Age: 20

Walker Jenkins entered 2025 as Baseball America’s No. 5 overall prospect, and he’s lived up to the hype. After soaring through four levels last season, Jenkins is now proving himself against advanced pitching at Double-A Wichita.

In just 23 games, Jenkins has drawn 19 walks while striking out only 20 times, a remarkable sign of plate maturity for a 20-year-old. He’s added two home runs and seven steals, flashing his athleticism and baseball IQ. At 6-foot-3, he’s still growing into his frame, and once the raw power fully develops, Jenkins has the profile of a middle-of-the-order bat.

If the Twins re-sign Harrison Bader, expect Jenkins to slide over to right field, where he can replace Matt Wallner long-term.

Jenkins’ game mirrors Christian Yelich, particularly his early-career version, with a fluid left-handed swing, plus speed, and strong zone recognition. Like Yelich, Jenkins makes consistent hard contact, controls the strike zone well, and projects for 20/20 upside with the potential for more. His spray chart supports the profile of a polished hitter with excellent bat control and opposite-field feel.

Dynasty managers should view Jenkins as a cornerstone outfield prospect with a very high floor and All-Star ceiling.

Walker Jenkins crushes one to dead center!

MLB's No. 15 prospect (@Twins) drills his second long ball in the past six games for Double-A @WindSurgeICT. pic.twitter.com/lkclr5Mw97

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 5, 2025

No. 5: Travis Sykora, SP, Washington Nationals

Current Age: 21

Travis Sykora has been one of the breakout arms of 2025, mowing down hitters across four levels with elite strikeout stuff. Before his promotion to Double-A, the 21-year-old righty posted a ridiculous 1.21 ERA, 44.3% strikeout rate, and just a 7.5% walk rate. His combination of swing-and-miss dominance and strike-throwing consistency made him virtually unhittable through High-A.

Sykora features a mid-to-high 90s fastball that routinely touches 98, paired with a devastating splitter and sharp slider. That three-pitch mix has overwhelmed hitters across the minors. He is currently rehabbing from minor triceps soreness but is expected to return in early August. If healthy, Sykora is on track for a 2026 debut and has the upside of a high-strikeout No. 2 starter.

Sykora’s electric velocity and ability to generate strikeouts at will draw a natural comparison to Hunter Greene. Like Greene, Sykora can overpower hitters with his heater and neutralize both righties and lefties with secondary offerings. The key will be staying healthy and refining his command at the upper levels. If that happens, fantasy managers should prepare for a high-octane arm capable of 200+ strikeouts annually.

I know it's only been six starts, but Travis Sykora is too good for High-A.

29.2 IP, 1.21 ERA, 44 K%, 7.5 BB%, .124 OBA

In that span, opponents are 1 for 17 against his splitter with 8 strikeouts and 5 for 45 against his slider with 24 strikeouts. pic.twitter.com/rXSMSIFx2Q

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) June 25, 2025

No. 4: Max Clark, OF, Detroit Tigers

Current Age: 20

Max Clark, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is validating the Tigers’ investment with a strong showing in the upper minors. Now at Double-A, Clark is showcasing elite plate discipline, posting a 19.1% walk rate with just a 17% strikeout rate. His patient approach and contact-driven profile make him a high-floor asset in dynasty formats.

Clark’s fantasy value centers around his speed and on-base skills rather than raw power. While his exit velocities remain modest, he continues to get on base and steal bags at a high clip. The Tigers envision him as a future table-setter, and he could start pushing Kerry Carpenter for playing time as soon as 2026.

Clark’s game mirrors that of a young Starling Marte, featuring plus speed, strong bat control, and a line-drive approach that plays well at the top of a lineup. Like Marte, Clark doesn’t need big power to contribute across multiple categories. In OBP leagues especially, he brings near-elite upside as a potential .370+ OBP leadoff man with 30-steal potential.

If the power ticks up just a bit, we’re looking at a dynamic top-30 fantasy outfielder.

You already knew Max Clark was going to put on a show 😤

The @tigers prospect with the WHEELS during the All-Star Futures Game!

Watch LIVE: https://t.co/4VErWf6Pit pic.twitter.com/1Bi9dtqK6E

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 12, 2025

No. 3: Zyhir Hope, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Current Age: 20

Zyhir Hope was a key piece in the Dodgers' return for Michael Busch, and the 20-year-old outfielder is already making that deal look like a win for L.A. Originally drafted in the 11th round by the Cubs, Hope has surged in 2025 with a breakout season at High-A. Through 70+ games, he’s slashing .293/.394/.479 with a 143 wRC+, showing off a dynamic mix of speed, gap power, and plate discipline.

Hope's toolset is loud; he’s a true burner on the basepaths and an aggressive baserunner. His patient approach at the plate has produced an OBP near .400. His raw power is still developing, but the bat speed and physicality suggest more is coming. Already one of the most electric athletes in the Dodgers’ system, Hope could get the bump to Double-A by late summer.

He’s on track for a 2026 debut if the developmental gains continue.

Zyhir Hope brings a similar energy and explosiveness to the field as Raul Mondesi did in his prime. Both players possess raw athleticism, quick-twitch explosiveness, and five-tool upside. Like Mondesi, Hope can change the game with his legs and arm, while flashing enough pop to be dangerous. The key to unlocking his full fantasy value will be continuing to refine his hit tool and staying disciplined at the plate.

If he puts it together, dynasty managers could be looking at a 20/30 outfielder with multi-category upside in Los Angeles.

ZYHIR HOPE GRAND SLAM 🚀 pic.twitter.com/3IgQUlzrN1

— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) July 6, 2025

No. 2: Kevin McGonigle, INF, Detroit Tigers

Current Age: 20

Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers’ 2023 late first-round pick, is emerging as one of the most polished hitters in the minors. After obliterating High-A pitching with a .372/.462/.648 slash line over 42 games, McGonigle earned a well-deserved promotion to Double-A Erie. His combination of contact skills, zone control, and sneaky power has fast-tracked his development through a Detroit system in need of offensive anchors.

Before the promotion, McGonigle had walked 23 times while striking out just 19 times, an impressive ratio that speaks to his advanced plate discipline and ability to recognize the strike zone. He profiles as a top-of-the-order table-setter, but with enough pop to project 20+ home run seasons. With his current trajectory, a mid-2026 debut is in play, and he could push Trey Sweeney to a utility role or corner spot if he continues to rake.

McGonigle’s game draws strong parallels to Chase Utley. Both possess smooth left-handed swings, exceptional strike zone judgment, and the ability to hit for both average and power. Like Utley, McGonigle won’t wow with elite speed or raw tools, but he maximizes every ounce of his talent with baseball IQ, hustle, and polish.

In OBP and points leagues, McGonigle could quickly become a reliable top-10 fantasy second baseman with across-the-board production.

Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark are arguably the most talented teammate duo in the minors right now.

McGonigle had exceptional batted ball data in June 👀

(🎥 @wmwhitecaps)

pic.twitter.com/D1BISIsQkA

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) June 29, 2025

No. 1: Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers

Current Age: 19

Sebastian Walcott signed for $3.2 million out of the Bahamas as a 17-year-old in 2023, and it’s already clear the Rangers made a wise investment. After collecting 24 extra-base hits in just 215 plate appearances during his first full pro season, Walcott has taken a massive leap forward in 2025.

Now at Double-A as a 19-year-old, Walcott has sharpened his approach, lowering his strikeout rate to 21.3% while continuing to show off his game-breaking tools. The power-speed blend is already elite, and as he continues to develop physically and mentally, his ceiling looks like that of a perennial All-Star. While he could make a cameo in Texas late in 2025, he’s more likely to break through in 2026 with an everyday role.

Walcott’s electric athleticism, bat speed, and loud tools make Fernando Tatis Jr. a fitting comp. Like Tatis, Walcott brings five-category potential as he’s capable of 30+ home runs, 25+ steals, and triple-digit runs/RBI if it all clicks. His long levers and ability to impact the baseball to all fields echo Tatis’ early breakout profile. The only hurdle left is consistency, but the upside is that of a fantasy league-winner at shortstop or wherever he lands on the diamond.

Sebastian Walcott takes this one for a ride, his 9th of the year.

This one was quite welcomed, snapping a 32 game homerless streak!!! pic.twitter.com/1c676ePfDY

— Prospects Live (@ProspectsLive) July 11, 2025

Other Prospects Considered

• Jonah Tong
• Leodalis De Vries
• Jesus Made
• Travis Bazzana
• George Lombard Jr
• Noah Schultz
• Colt Emerson
• Aidan Miller

Top Prospects Expected To Graduate Who Would Have Been Considered

• Bubba Chandler
• Andrew Painter
• Samuel Basallo
• Bryce Eldridge
• Owen Caissie
• Carson Williams
• Chase DeLauter
• Hunter Barco
• Dylan Beavers

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