As the frosty grip of winter tightens across much of the nation, baseball enthusiasts are already dreaming of spring. But here's the thrilling part: Spring Training is just around the corner, with players officially reporting to camps next week and exhibition games kicking off on February 20. To fuel your excitement, we’re spotlighting one standout prospect from each team’s farm system who could make a surprising push for the Opening Day roster. And this is the part most people miss—we’re not talking about players who already seem like locks, like Mets right-hander Nolan McLean or Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo. Instead, we’re focusing on 30 players whose talent shines brighter than their immediate opportunities, 17 of whom made our recently revealed Top 100 Prospects list. But here's where it gets controversial: Could these underdogs really crack the big leagues this spring? Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities, division by division, and see which prospects might defy the odds. And don’t forget to voice your agreement or disagreement in the comments—we want to hear your take on these bold predictions!
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays: Spencer Miles, RHP
The 2022 fourth-round pick from Missouri has battled elbow and back injuries, limiting him to just 14 2/3 Minor League innings. Yet, his Rule 5 Draft selection in December highlights his potential. Miles showcased mid-90s fastballs, a high-spin curveball, a low-90s cutter, and an upper-80s changeup in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 12/1 K/BB ratio in 8 2/3 frames. His Rule 5 chances hinge on his ability to impress quickly in Dunedin, giving him a shot at Toronto’s bullpen.
Orioles: Dylan Beavers, OF
While Samuel Basallo seems like a roster lock, the outfield is more crowded. Beavers had a stellar 2025 in the Minors (152 wRC+) and made a modest big league debut (.227/.375/.400 in 110 AB). A strong spring could land him in one of Baltimore’s corner outfield spots, but he’ll compete with Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, and Tyler O’Neill.
Rays: Carson Williams, SS
Williams debuted with the Rays last August but struggled with contact, hitting .172/.219/.354 with a 41.5% strikeout rate in 32 games. Despite flashing power (five homers) and speed, he’s not guaranteed the Opening Day shortstop spot, especially with Taylor Walls and Ben Williamson in the mix. His tools will keep him in contention, though.
Red Sox: Connelly Early, LHP
Early had a breakout 2025, posting a 2.33 ERA in four starts with the Red Sox and pitching in the Wild Card Series. However, offseason acquisitions like Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo block his path to the rotation. The 2023 fifth-rounder from Virginia boasts a six-pitch mix, including a 92-97 mph four-seamer, a low-80s changeup, and a slider, with plenty of polish and deception.
Yankees: Cade Winquest, RHP
Winquest aims to become the first Rule 5 pick to stick with the Yankees since 1973. The 2022 eighth-rounder from Texas-Arlington finished last season with a 3.19 ERA in eight Double-A starts, relying on a mid-90s fastball and a big-breaking upper-70s curveball.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Guardians: Parker Messick, LHP
Messick, a 2022 second-rounder from Florida State, starred with a dancing changeup, deception, and control. He posted a 2.72 ERA in seven starts to help Cleveland win the AL Central, but there’s no clear rotation spot for him.
Royals: Luinder Avila, RHP
Avila thrived in 13 relief appearances last year, posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. His 82-85 mph curveball generated whiffs on 50% of swings, while his mid-90s fastballs and occasional changeup kept hitters guessing. The Royals see him as a potential starter, but a crowded rotation might keep him in the bullpen.
Tigers: Kevin McGonigle, SS
McGonigle’s bat has a cathedral-high ceiling, but can he jump from Double-A to Detroit at 21? His defensive readiness at shortstop or third base will be closely watched this spring, especially with Gleyber Torres blocking him at second.
Twins: Connor Prielipp, LHP
Prielipp has the stuff to start, with a four-seam and two-seam fastball, slider, changeup, and a developing curve. However, his injury history might lead the Twins to use him in shorter relief stints to maximize his potential.
White Sox: Braden Montgomery, OF
Acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade, Montgomery could bolster a weak outfield. A switch-hitting right-fielder with power and arm strength, he hit .270/.360/.444 with 12 homers and 14 steals in 121 games, advancing from Single-A to Double-A.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Angels: George Klassen, RHP
Klassen throws triple-digit heat with two solid breaking balls. While his command needs work, his power stuff could make him a bullpen asset if the Angels decide to shorten his outings.
Astros: Brice Matthews, 2B
Matthews offers plus power and speed, hitting .260/.371/.458 with 17 homers and 41 steals in Triple-A. However, Jose Altuve’s return blocks his path, though showcasing outfield skills this spring could boost his chances.
A’s: Junior Perez, OF
Perez had a 20/20 season in the Minors (26 homers, 27 steals) and draws walks (14.8% rate), but his high strikeout rate (28.1%) is a concern. He’s in the running for a backup outfielder role.
Mariners: Colt Emerson, SS/3B
Emerson, 20, reached Triple-A in 2025 with a .841 OPS and 129 wRC+. His advanced bat and versatility (second base, third base, shortstop) make him a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster, alongside Cole Young and Brendan Donovan.
Rangers: Emiliano Teodo, RHP
Teodo, signed for just $10,000, boasts a 97-99 mph sinker, an upper-80s slider, and a changeup. Fully healthy after a shoulder injury, he could be a bullpen asset with his power stuff.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Braves: JR Ritchie, RHP
Ritchie dominated in Triple-A in 2025, but the Braves’ rotation seems set. However, if he impresses and others falter, the 22-year-old could earn a shot.
Marlins: Joe Mack, C
Mack is one of the best catching prospects, but the Marlins might open with Agustín Ramírez and Liam Hicks. Mack hit .257/.338/.475 with 21 homers in Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing receiving, framing, and blocking skills.
Mets: Dylan Ross, RHP
Ross can hit 102 mph with his four-seamer and has a low-spin splitter and hard slider. Control issues at Triple-A will be his focus this spring as he pushes for a bullpen spot.
Nationals: Harry Ford, C
Acquired from the Mariners, Ford’s patient approach and framing skills could earn him the starting catcher role over Keibert Ruiz. His performance in the World Baseball Classic will also be watched closely.
Phillies: Andrew Painter, RHP
Painter, 23, logged 118 innings in Triple-A last year after Tommy John surgery. If he regains consistency, particularly with his fastball command, he could lock down the final rotation spot.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Brewers: Brandon Sproat, RHP
Acquired from the Mets, Sproat has a pair of fastballs and an offspeed mix including a curveball, sweeper, slider, and changeup. His arsenal gives him a strong chance to open in the bigs.
Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt, INF
Wetherholt, the 2024 seventh overall pick, hit .306/.421/.510 with 17 homers and 23 steals in Double-A and Triple-A. He’s a better fit at second base but could see time at third for versatility.
Cubs: Kevin Alcántara, OF
Alcántara, part of the Anthony Rizzo trade, has power, speed, and defense. However, offseason outfield signings lessen his chances of making the Opening Day roster.
Pirates: Konnor Griffin, SS
Griffin had an otherworldly first full season, reaching Double-A at 19. While the Pirates might hesitate, his performance this spring could force their hand.
Reds: Sal Stewart, INF
Stewart took over at first base late last year, hitting five homers in September. Despite the signing of Eugenio Suárez, Stewart’s versatility and advanced bat make him a strong candidate.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-backs: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF
Waldschmidt has just 66 games above High-A but could compete for center or left field. A hot spring could prove he’s ready for the big leagues.
Dodgers: River Ryan, RHP
Ryan, acquired from the Padres, logged a 1.33 ERA in four starts before Tommy John surgery. His six-pitch arsenal, including a 95-100 mph four-seamer, makes him a intriguing option if he’s healthy.
Giants: Blade Tidwell, RHP
Tidwell, acquired from the Mets, has a mid-90s fastball and two quality sliders. His relationship with manager Tony Vitello could give him an edge.
Padres: Miguel Mendez, RHP
Mendez, added to the 40-man roster, has a 95-98 mph fastball and mid-80s slider. A strong spring could push him into San Diego’s starting depth.
Rockies: RJ Petit, RHP
Petit, the Rule 5 Draft’s No. 1 pick, posted a 2.44 ERA in Double-A and Triple-A. His low-80s gyro slider could be a weapon in Coors Field.
