This blog post breaks down NBC Sports’ newly released top-100 fantasy baseball prospect rankings for 2026. The list values long-term fantasy production over traditional real-life scouting grades.
With a clear focus on category juice and athleticism, these rankings give dynasty managers a forward-looking blueprint. They highlight where fantasy impact might actually show up.
Fantasy First: Understanding the Philosophy Behind the Rankings
NBC Sports didn’t try to mirror traditional prospect lists. Instead, they emphasized players who can eventually help fantasy managers across multiple categories—even if their defensive home or polish is still in question.
Notably, recent NPB imports like Kazuma Okamoto, Munetaka Murakami, and Tatsuya Imai didn’t make the cut. That really drives home that this list sticks to minor-league development and long-range fantasy upside.
Why Fantasy Upside Trumps Real-Life Evaluation
In fantasy baseball, steals, power growth, and on-base skills often matter more than positional certainty. This list leans hard into that reality.
Players who fill box scores get rewarded, even if their defensive future is up in the air. That’s just how fantasy works.
Konnor Griffin Leads the Way at No. 1
After a breakout 2025 season, Konnor Griffin grabs the top spot—and honestly, it’s not even close. Across three levels, Griffin slashed .333 with a .942 OPS and swiped a wild 65 bases.
He’s got plus-plus speed and his bat speed is catching up fast. That gives him elite fantasy appeal, even if he doesn’t stick at shortstop.
A Fantasy Star in the Making
Griffin can help in average, runs, and steals, so his floor feels sky-high. If he adds strength, double-digit homers could be on the table.
Five-Category Threats Climb the Rankings
Several elite position players fill out the upper tier, with Leo De Vries leading the way. The team picked him up in a blockbuster deadline trade, and he held his own in Double-A at a super young age.
An .806 OPS doesn’t really show off his upside. His all-plus tools point toward future 30-homer, 20-steal seasons.
Milwaukee’s Rising Star: Jackson Made
Jackson Made keeps shining in the Brewers’ system. After a strong pro debut, he reached Double-A in 2025 and posted a .285/.379/.413 line with 47 steals.
He’s a switch-hitter with above-average hit and power projections. If the power keeps coming, Made could be a fantasy staple.
Power, Speed, and Leadoff Profiles
Injuries didn’t stop Owen McGonigle from making noise. He only played 88 games because of an ankle issue, but still put up a .305/.408/.583 slash and 19 homers, showing real 60-grade power.
Riley Clark brings patience, contact, and speed—he’s basically the blueprint for a leadoff hitter.
Stat-Stuffing Skill Sets
Clark finished with an .835 OPS and 19 steals in 111 games. There’s a real chance he could hit 20 homers and swipe 40 bags someday—which is basically fantasy gold.
Advanced Bats and a Deep Pitching Crop
Matt Wetherholt surged through Double-A and Triple-A, ending up with a .300/.425/.466 line and growing power. He’ll probably move to second base, but the bat more than makes up for it.
On the mound, Cole Yesavage leads a pretty impressive pitching group.
Arms That Miss Bats
Yesavage’s swing-and-miss stuff and high makeup already showed up during Toronto’s World Series run. Arms like Kody McLean and Tanner White bring front-end strikeout upside, though you still have to wonder about their control and durability.
Depth, Balance, and Long-Term Vision
The middle tiers feature talented position players like Jackson Holliday and Jonah Walcott. You’ll also spot emerging names such as Blasallo, Emerson, and Eli Willits.
Each of these players brings their own blend of power, plate discipline, speed, and defensive projection. Some lean into raw athleticism, while others show a knack for approach at the plate that’s hard to teach.
Here is the source article for this story: 2026 MLB Prospect Rankings: Top 100 players headlined by Konnor Griffin, Leo De Vries
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