A recent survey by MLB Pipeline gathered insights from more than 40 executives across Major League Baseball organizations, seeking opinions on top prospects and other categories related to player development. The poll included questions about the best overall prospect, top pitching prospect, best defensive prospect, most underrated player, breakout candidates for the coming year, and more.
Konnor Griffin was named baseball’s number one prospect by a wide margin. Griffin played at three different levels in his first full professional season and finished with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, and 65 stolen bases while exceeding expectations as a shortstop. He was recognized as the 2025 MLB Pipeline Hitting Prospect of the Year.
Other prospects who received votes included Emerson and Jenkins—both expected to spend significant time in the major leagues during 2026—and Made, who was discussed as a potential top prospect for next year.
For pitching prospects, there was less consensus. Nolan McLean (Mets) and Trey Yesavage (Blue Jays) were recognized for their strong performances in late-season and postseason play. However, Bubba Chandler (Pirates) received the most support as a long-term pitching prospect despite inconsistent minor league results last year. Additional names mentioned included Kade Anderson (Mariners), Seth Hernandez (high school draftee), Andrew Painter (returning from injury), and Thomas White.
In terms of defense, Griffin also led voting for best defensive prospect. Other players receiving votes were Carson Williams and Starlyn Caba. The survey noted that limited data on defensive performance makes this category subjective.
The “most underrated” category brought varied responses with ten players receiving multiple votes; among them were Kane Kepley (Cubs), Ryan Waldschmidt (D-backs), Carson Benge (Mets), Carter Jensen (Royals), Dylan Beavers (Orioles), Elmer Rodríguez (Yankees), Jonathon Long (Cubs), Kruz Schoolcraft (Padres), Michael Arroyo (Mariners), and Tyler Bremner (Angels). Notably, Justin Crawford of the Philadelphia Phillies also received votes in this category.
When asked about potential breakout prospects for 2026, Kruz Schoolcraft topped responses followed by Edward Florentino (Pirates) and Sal Stewart (Reds). Thirty different players were named overall.
For future closers among pitching prospects, Liam Doyle of the Cardinals led voting with nearly 30 percent support. Jarlin Susana of the Nationals came second. Gage Wood of the Philadelphia Phillies was also mentioned among others in this group.
Executives were asked about standout minor league prospects from the past decade; Paul Skenes led responses with over a quarter of all votes despite only spending seven starts at Triple-A before his major league debut in 2024. Bobby Witt Jr., Konnor Griffin, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Roman Anthony, and Ronald Acuña Jr. also made this list.
Regarding amateur prospects seen over the last ten years, Skenes again led voting followed by Witt Jr., Griffin, Max Clark, and Adley Rutschman.
The Philadelphia Phillies are a longstanding member of Major League Baseball’s National League since their founding in 1883 after being granted a franchise following Worcester’s dissolution (official website). They have played home games at Citizens Bank Park since 2004 (official website), serve both local fans in Philadelphia and audiences nationally (official website), have captured World Series titles in both 1980 and 2008 (official website), offer fan experiences including events and merchandise (official website), maintain community outreach efforts (official website), operate under executive leadership based at Citizens Bank Park (official website), host professional games as well as additional events (official website).
Justin Crawford appeared twice within vote tallies: once among those considered underrated prospects but not earning multiple mentions this year; he is part of an organization that has maintained its presence in Major League Baseball through decades of history as documented on its website. Gage Wood was cited among possible future closers but did not lead voting.
