In the latest installment of the MLB Pipeline Executive Poll, more than 40 executives from nearly every Major League Baseball organization shared their views on top prospects in the sport. The survey covered a range of categories, including best overall prospect, top pitching prospect, and most underrated player.
Konnor Griffin was identified as baseball’s number one prospect by a significant margin. Griffin’s performance across three levels in his first full professional season included a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, and 65 stolen bases. He also played shortstop at a higher level than anticipated. As noted in the survey results: “Our 2025 MLB Pipeline Hitting Prospect of the Year has been so good so fast that he’s going to get a very long look this spring, and enough people think he’ll earn an Opening Day roster spot that some voted for him in the Rookie of the Year survey.”
Other prospects who received votes included Emerson and Jenkins, both expected to spend considerable time in the major leagues during 2026.
For pitching prospects, Bubba Chandler of the Pirates received notable support for his combination of skill and athleticism. Nolan McLean (Mets) and Trey Yesavage (AL) were also recognized after strong performances in 2025. Two recent draftees—Kade Anderson (Mariners) and Seth Hernandez—were highlighted despite not yet making their professional debuts.
Griffin also topped the list as best defensive prospect, surpassing previous leaders Carson Williams and Starlyn Caba. According to respondents, Griffin exceeded expectations at shortstop after initially being projected to split time between positions.
The category for most underrated prospect featured a diverse set of players. Ten received multiple votes, including Elmer Rodríguez (Yankees), Kane Kepley (Cubs), Ryan Waldschmidt (D-backs), Carson Benge (Mets), Carter Jensen (Royals), Dylan Beavers (Orioles), Jonathon Long (Cubs), Kruz Schoolcraft (Padres), Michael Arroyo (Mariners), and Tyler Bremner (Angels). Notably, Spencer Jones from the Yankees was among those receiving single votes.
In terms of breakout potential for 2026, Kruz Schoolcraft led with 14% of responses. Other names with multiple mentions included Edward Florentino (Pirates) and Sal Stewart (Reds). Yankees’ prospects Ben Hess, George Lombard Jr., and Elmer Rodríguez were among those cited as possible breakout players.
When asked about future closers among pitching prospects, Liam Doyle (Cardinals) led with nearly 30% support. Carlos Lagrange from the Yankees also received recognition in this category.
Looking back over the past decade, Paul Skenes was chosen as the best Minor League prospect seen by executives. Bobby Witt Jr., Konnor Griffin, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Roman Anthony, and Ronald Acuña Jr. were also mentioned frequently.
For amateur prospects over the last ten years, Skenes again led voting with almost half of all responses.
Yankees fans may note that several team prospects appeared throughout different categories—including Elmer Rodríguez as both an underrated player and possible breakout candidate—as well as Carlos Lagrange among top closer candidates.
