Under The Radar Hitting Prospects Rising Rankings

Chris breaks down eight hitting prospects who are making moves up rankings as the season draws to a close.

Author

Chris Clegg
August 25, 2026

Staying engaged is one of the best things you can do in fantasy baseball. As football season approaches, many check out. That gives you an opportunity to pounce on some prospects who are making legitimate moves up the rankings.

Today we look at eight hitting prospects who are doing exactly that. Maybe they missed time early in the year, or maybe there’s been some true changes in the profile. Regardless, these eight hitting prospects are moving up the rankings as we head into the final few weeks of Minor League Baseball season.

Eight Hitting Prospects Rising Rankings

Conor Essenburg, OF, Atlanta Braves, 19, A+


Essenburg showed impressive skills both on the mound and at the plate during his high school career. The shot heard around the world came during a high school game in 2025 that was between Essenburg’s Lincoln-Way West and flamethrower Jack Bauer’s Lincoln-Way East. Not only did Essenburg out-duel Bauer on the mound, striking out 11 batters, but he also hit a huge home run off a 99 mph Bauer fastball.

Transitioning to being a full-time hitter this year in pro ball, Essenburg has steadily improved all year, working his way to High-A. In 377 plate appearances, Essenburg has 15 home runs and six stolen bases while slashing .269/.419/.493. The strikeouts have trended downward all year, and the rate is now below 30 percent.

Having massive power, Essenburg has been a three-true outcome type player. The power is off the charts as Essenburg has a 108 mph 90th percentile exit velocity. Despite missing time with an oblique injury, Essenburg has still hit the cover off the ball.

The contact issues have improved all year. The in-zone contact rate has trended up to 80 percent and is even higher in High-A, and the overall mark is now above 70 percent. The chase rate of 21 percent will play through, and the power is legit.

Remember that Essenburg has been a hitter only for a short period of time. He is breaking out but could explode next season. He is just 19 years old and showing legit skills for a future MLB right fielder.

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