MLB’s Top Non-Top-100 Prospects Set to Debut in 2026

This article digs into baseball’s next wave of impact talent. We’re talking elite international signees, fast-rising pitchers, and overlooked hitters who might break into the big leagues by 2026.

At the heart of it all is Giants shortstop Luis Hernandez, a teenager already drawing comparisons to recent fast-track prospects. There’s also a group of non–Top 100 names picking up momentum across the minors.

Luis Hernandez: A Teenager Playing Beyond His Years

Luis Hernandez is only 15, but he’s already standing out from the usual crowd of international signees. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the top player in the 2026 international class.

The Giants shortstop has faced grown professionals in Venezuela’s top league and hit .346. That kind of production at his age is almost unheard of and puts him on the map as a possible franchise cornerstone.

Advanced Bat and Defensive Polish

Hernandez’s offensive game centers on elite bat-to-ball skills, quick hands, and impressive bat speed. Scouts think he’ll develop plus power as he fills out, but what really pops is how smooth and repeatable his swing already looks.

On defense, he’s got fluid actions, soft hands, and a strong arm—traits that could keep him at shortstop for the long haul. That’s a big deal in today’s game.

People rave about his baseball IQ and relentless work ethic. Those intangibles might speed up his development, with a debut in the Arizona Complex League possible by May.

If he keeps progressing, he could jump to Single-A by season’s end, not unlike the rapid rise of Rangers prospect Sebastian Walcott.

Rare Pitching Profiles That Demand Attention

The article checks in on a dozen high school pitchers who once seemed like elite draft prospects. It’s tough to find a teenage arm who checks every box, but Hernandez fits that bill with his rare mix of stuff, athleticism, and polish.

Four-Pitch Mix Sets the Standard

Not many young pitchers have four legit weapons, but Hernandez does. His arsenal:

That mix, plus his clean mechanics, puts him in rare company. Evaluators see frontline potential, not just a risky projection.

Underrated Prospects Who Could Debut in 2026

Using MLB Pipeline’s 2025 end-of-season Top 100 as a reference, the piece spotlights three prospect pairings outside the rankings who are really trending up.

Hitters on the Rise: Baez and Velazquez

Joshua Baez of the Cardinals overhauled his swing and stance, unlocking a skill set that could mean 25 homers and 25 steals a year. Guardians first baseman Ralphy Velazquez surged late at Double-A, putting up a .330/.405/.589 line in his final month.

At just 20, Velazquez might soon help Cleveland’s ongoing power shortage.

Power Arms Making Noise: Gibson and Hopkins

Orioles righty Trey Gibson is that classic development story, going from undrafted free agent to Triple-A in just two years. His fastball, curve, and slider all rack up swings and misses.

Rays prospect Brody Hopkins brings even more velocity, with a triple-digit heater, plus slider, cutter, and a high-octane changeup.

One More Pair to Watch Closely

White Sox righty Tanner McDougal broke out with an upper-90s fastball and sharp breaking stuff. Reds outfielder Héctor Rodríguez looks like a potential 20–25 homer bat and has already impressed in the Dominican Winter League.

Looking Ahead to Updated Rankings

MLB Pipeline plans to add 2026 international signees into team Top 30 lists in early March. Hernandez might even climb all the way to No. 3 in the Giants’ system.

Other recent additions, like Mets shortstop Wandy Asigen and Phillies infielder Francisco Renteria, look set to rank pretty high too.

There’s a real sense that this group of high-upside teenagers, fast-rising pitchers, and new bats could shake up Major League rosters by 2026. It’s hard not to get a little excited thinking about it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Inbox: Most exciting non-Top 100 prospects likely to debut in 2026