Pittsburgh Review

With the conclusion of the World Series and the Arizona Fall League, it's an opportune moment to evaluate this year's developments in baseball prospects. In October, MLB Pipeline released its updated Top 100 Prospects list with notable changes at the top. This analysis examines the best young talent across different ages.

Prospects are considered based on their rookie eligibility status, including international teenagers, foreign professionals, high schoolers, and college players. The evaluation spans from ages 16 to 26.

At age 16, Grady Emerson from Argyle High School in Texas stands out as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2026 Draft. "Emerson is checking many of the boxes needed to become a No. 1 pick," according to analysts.

Ethan Holliday from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma is recognized as a top prospect at age 17. He is noted for his power potential and familial connections in Major League Baseball.

Eighteen-year-old Ethan Salas from the Padres organization remains a promising talent despite recent performance dips. Analysts believe "his quality of contact figures to improve with age."

Walker Jenkins of the Twins is highlighted as the best teenage prospect at age 19 after recovering from an injury earlier this year.

Roman Anthony's rapid progress through minor league levels has made him a key prospect for the Red Sox at age 20.

Carson Williams of the Rays has been praised for both his defensive skills and offensive potential at age 21.

Dylan Crews of the Nationals leads prospects aged 22 with above-average tools and significant potential for growth in Major League Baseball.

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is set to join MLB as one of its top prospects at age 23, while Kumar Rocker continues to demonstrate dominance on the mound at age 24 despite past injuries.

Braxton Ashcraft from the Pirates organization has emerged as a strong contender among 25-year-olds following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. "Ashcraft's stuff has taken a leap since he underwent Tommy John surgery," say observers.

River Ryan of the Dodgers rounds out this group at age 26 but faces challenges ahead due to recent Tommy John surgery that will keep him off-field next season.

The analysis offers insights into how these young talents stack up against each other across various stages in their careers.