The latest episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast features analysts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo sharing their predictions for standout baseball prospects in 2026. They discussed potential Rookies of the Year, top hitters and pitchers, draft picks, and breakout players.
For American League Rookie of the Year, both Callis and Mayo selected Kevin McGonigle from the Detroit Tigers. Callis explained his choice: “It’s not just based on the Fall League. I just think his performance and the presence about him and the ability he had as good a year as anybody in the Minor Leagues last year. I just think he’s going to force his way into that Tigers lineup. By May 1, I think he’s going to be a regular in that lineup and I think he’s going to rake.” For National League Rookie of the Year, Callis chose J.J. Wetherholt from the St. Louis Cardinals, saying, “I really like his bat. He’s a very good offensive player with a track record of production in the Minors who should have an opportunity to get a lot of at-bats this year.” Mayo selected Sal Stewart from Cincinnati for NL honors.
Looking at future hitting talent, Callis picked Jesús Made from Milwaukee as Pipeline Hitter of the Year: “This is a guy I think can hit .300 with 20 homers and 50 steals this year while playing a quality shortstop.” Mayo highlighted Edward Florentino from Pittsburgh for this category.
In pitching predictions, Callis favored Seth Hernandez (Pittsburgh) for Pipeline Pitcher of the Year: “The stuff is unbelievable. The control is advanced. I think he’s going to pitch around 100 innings and be pretty spectacular.” Mayo pointed to Ryan Sloan (Seattle), citing strong strikeout-to-walk ratios in his first full season.
Both analysts agreed on Roch Cholowsky from UCLA as their pick for No. 1 overall Draft pick in 2026. Callis said Cholowsky is “probably more of a slam dunk as the top overall pick in a class since Adley Rutschman in 2019,” while Mayo added that Cholowsky “checks off pretty much all of the boxes.”
For No. 1 prospect by year’s end, both predicted Jesús Made would hold that spot unless promoted early by Milwaukee.
Regarding farm systems, Callis expects Milwaukee’s system to be ranked highest due to its depth and few expected graduations to Major League Baseball this season; Mayo gave similar reasoning for Seattle’s system but noted it may not be as deep as Milwaukee’s.
When asked about biggest risers among current Top 100 prospects, Callis named Josuar Gonzalez (San Francisco), noting Gonzalez’s international success and well-rounded skills: “He has solid-to-plus tools across the board…He’s someone a lot of people think could really pop this year.” Mayo picked Tyler Bremner (Los Angeles Angels).
On breakout candidates outside current Top 100 lists, Callis highlighted Dax Kilby from New York Yankees: “The Yankees sent Kilby straight to the Florida State League out of the Draft…he hit .353, had more walks than strikeouts and stole 16 bases…I do think he has a chance to keep taking the Minors by storm and establish himself as one of the best young hitters in the Minors.” Mayo chose Daniel Pierce (Tampa Bay Rays).
The podcast episode provides insight into which young players could make significant impacts over coming seasons across Major League Baseball organizations.
