MLB Prospect ETA Tracker: Predicting the Next Top Prospect Debuts in 2026

To this point in the 2026 season, 122 players have made their MLB debuts for the first time. It is nearly identical to the number we saw on this date last year, and by the end of the 2025 season, 243 players debuted.

We are seeing teams get more aggressive on their prospects they believe could make an impact with the big league club. This article will look to determine which players are next to make their debuts with the big league club and make an impact in fantasy baseball leagues. From the top prospects to maybe even lesser-known older prospects, staying on top of debuts is huge.

The Next Wave of Top Prospects to Debut

James Tibbs III, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Over the last two weeks, Tibbs has hit seven home runs and is slashing .304/.407/.761 to bring his season total to 18 home runs. Sure, he is still striking out at a 30 percent clip, but the power is undeniable. Tibbs is rocking a 92 mph average exit velocity on the year and has shown a strong approach. He will need to improve on the zone contact rates.

Ryan Ward is currently holding an outfield spot for the Dodgers while Teoscar Hernandez is on the IL. Could Tibbs force his hand and get a crack at the lineup soon? It wouldn’t shock me to see it happen.

If Promoted, Add in: 12-15 Team Leagues

Cooper Ingle, C, Cleveland Guardians

Ingle should have been up a month ago, but the Guardians opted to trade for Patrick Bailey, who has been terrible. In 46 plate appearances in a Guardian uniform, Ingle is slashing .140/.174/.302 with a 25 wRC+. Sure, the defense is good, but the bat is unplayable.

Meanwhile, Ingle is slashing .300/.456/.569 with nine home runs in Triple-A. The contact rates are high-end, and Ingle has chased at just a 17.5 percent clip this season. While Bailey is the better defender, Ingle’s bat is just so much better.

If Promoted, Add in: 12-15 Team Leagues

Charlie Condon, 1B/OF, Colorado Rockies

Four of Condon’s last eight starts have come in right field, which is another sign the Rockies are preparing him to make his MLB debut in Colorado. Condon primarily played first base for most of his pro career, but so far in 2026, he has split time almost equally between first and right.

Condon’s bat has been inconsistent at times this year, but the power numbers are impressive to pair with a strong approach and an 83 percent in-zone contact rate. It is time for him to get a shot in Colorado.

If Promoted, Add in: 12-15 Team Leagues

Cole Carrigg, SS/OF, Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are doing something interesting with Carrigg; he is seeing more and more time at shortstop. Ezequiel Tovar has been abysmal at short for the Rockies, and even though he signed an extension, Carrigg is seeing an extended run there in Triple-A, starting there in three of his last seven games.

Carrigg brings a nice spark to the Rockies lineup with his strong OBP skills and speed.

If Promoted, Add in: 12 Team Leagues

River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ryan has been stellar this year in Triple-A outside of his last start, in which he allowed four earned runs and three walks in six innings. It was as many runs as he had allowed in his previous four starts combined and as many walks as he had all season.

The problem is the Dodgers are running a six-man rotation, and they are all pitching well. Don’t be shocked if Ryan gets the call and it is for a long-relief role.

If Promoted, Add in: 15 Team Leagues, 12 if he starts.

Kahlil Watson, OF, Cleveland Guardians

Watson is a forgotten name. A 2021 first-round pick for the Marlins, some immaturity on and off the field affected him. Now with some stability in the Guardians org, Watson is thriving. In 232 plate appearances this year, Watson has 12 home runs and 14 stolen bases while slashing .262/.371/.508.

Under the hood, Watson has an impressive 106 mph 90th percentile exit velocity with a respectable 26 percent chase rate. The aggression in the zone is good and though the 77 percent in-zone contact could use improvement, Watson does enough damage to find success.

If Promoted, Add in: 15 Team Leagues

Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins

Culpepper could get the call soon as he continues to hit. Up to 14 home runs and 13 stolen bases, Culpepper is slashing .265/.371/.491. The hit tool is extremely impressive as Culpepper has a 91 percent in-zone contact rate and the exit velocities are improving. He now has a 90th percentile exit velocity near 105 mph.

There are plenty of opportunities for at-bats as Tristan Gray is currently getting starts at shortstop. It could be sooner than I anticipate, but Culpepper should have been the Twins shortstop a month ago.

If Promoted, Add in: 12 Team Leagues

Hagen Smith, LHP, Chicago White Sox

Smith seems to be finding his groove, despite pitching in a horrible home ballpark in Charlotte. The walks are still inconsistent at times, but in his last three starts, he has walked just 10 percent of batters while striking out 43 percent.

Over his last five starts, Smith has a 3.37 ERA and a .197 batting average against. The stuff is there and the cutter has been quite a dominant pitch in addition to his fastball and slider. Expect to see Smith get a shot soon.

If Promoted, Add in: 12 Team Leagues

Ty Johnson, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Johnson has been dominant since returning from a back injury and being promoted to Triple-A, posting a 1.29 ERA over 28 innings. He has struck out over 30 percent of batters while walking less than 10 percent.

The fastball velocity is down, sitting around 92 mph, but the release traits and shape are unique enough to miss bats. It could also be just building up more from his injury.

If Promoted, Add in: 15 Team Leagues