In February, MLB Pipeline’s specialists tried to foretell which Minor Leaguers would make Opening Day rosters by assigning chance percentages to a number of Prime 100 prospects.
Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo gave one hundred pc probabilities to 5 completely different prospects, 4 of whom have already made their MLB debuts. Additionally they pegged the Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt for a beginning spot, which he nabbed on Monday.
We’re getting nearer to having all of the official outcomes.
Here is a breakdown of Prime 100 prospects who’ve been in rivalry for Opening Day roster spots this spring and their outcomes or projections:
Konnor Griffin, SS (PIT No. 1/MLB No. 1)Griffin’s two-homer sport in his third contest of the spring prompted vital buzz about his probabilities of cracking the Pirates’ Opening Day roster. As Spring Coaching progressed, although, the strikeouts began piling up for the 19-year-old phenom and his case obtained weaker. It isn’t out of the query that he reaches the Majors in 2026, however the Pirates opted to ship Griffin to Triple-A to start out the yr.
Kevin McGonigle, SS (DET No. 1/MLB No. 2)McGonigle’s protection — a lingering query coming into Spring Coaching — has been the speak of Tigers camp. Over 19 video games this spring, the reigning Arizona Fall League MVP has cut up time between shortstop and third base, exhibiting he has the fielding chops to match his electrical bat. On the dish, his elite hit software has been as marketed. McGonigle has a .923 OPS with two homers throughout 40 Grapefruit League at-bats and extra walks (11) than strikeouts (eight). The membership introduced that McGonigle made the Opening Day roster on Tuesday.
JJ Wetherholt, INF (STL No. 1/MLB No. 5)The seventh total decide within the 2024 Draft, Wetherholt made his mark in his second large league camp. He even was capable of take day out to attain All-Spring Breakout Second Staff honors en path to incomes the job because the Cardinals’ beginning second baseman on Opening Day. The West Virginia product — who sports activities a 65-grade hit software — tallied two homers whereas accumulating 9 walks (with seven strikeouts) in 44 plate appearances this spring.
Nolan McLean, RHP (NYM No. 1/MLB No. 6)McLean endeared himself to Mets followers final season after posting a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP with 57 strikeouts over eight large league begins between August and September. The profitable MLB audition earned the previous two-way participant a Staff USA invite for the World Baseball Traditional and secured him the No. 3 spot within the Mets’ beginning rotation for the upcoming season. McLean produces elite spin charges leading to a pair of devastating plus breaking pitches.
Samuel Basallo, C/1B (BAL No. 1/MLB No. 8)A catcher by commerce, Basallo tasks to start out because the Orioles’ designated hitter on Opening Day due to the offensive enhance his bat gives — and the presence of All-Star backstop Adley Rutschman. Over 15 video games this spring, the 21-year-old Basallo has three homers and a 1.114 OPS.
Colt Emerson, SS (SEA No. 1/MLB No. 9)Whereas some thought-about Emerson an choice to fill in for veteran shortstop J.P. Crawford whereas he offers with a shoulder damage, the Mariners felt they’d be doing the 20-year-old a disservice by utilizing him as a placeholder. The 2023 first-rounder will report back to Triple-A Tacoma to start out the yr after posting an .828 OPS with two homers in Spring Coaching.
Bubba Chandler, RHP (PIT No. 2/MLB No. 11)Chandler made seven large league appearances final season, flashing a high-velocity four-seamer that averaged 98.9 mph and reached 102. The providing is a real elite pitch and pairs effectively with the 2021 third-rounder’s low-90s changeup. Chandler’s strongest begin of the spring got here on March 12, when he threw 18 straight four-seamers (49 complete) and racked up eight punchouts over 5 innings. He tasks to enter 2026 because the Buccos’ No. 5 starter.
Trey Yesavage, RHP (TOR No. 1/MLB No. 12)Yesavage made the unprecedented climb from the Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate all the best way to the Majors in his first skilled season. Then after three begins, he turned a pivotal piece in Toronto’s run to the World Collection. The 2024 first-rounder was projected to open the season within the membership’s beginning rotation, however will now start the yr the IL with a proper shoulder impingement.
Carson Benge, OF (NYM No. 2/MLB No. 16)As Juan Soto shifted to left subject for the 2026 season, proper subject opened up for Benge. The 23-year-old made the Opening Day roster after hitting .366/.435/.439 with a triple, a double and a stolen base over 46 spring plate appearances. Benge figures to hit close to the underside of New York’s lineup at first — doubtless the eight-hole, the place he has been spending the ultimate days of Spring Coaching.
Carter Jensen, C (KC No. 1/MLB No. 18)The Kansas Metropolis native stayed close by when he went within the third spherical of the 2021 Draft. After 20 video games with the Royals final yr following backup catcher Freddy Fermin’s commerce to the Padres, Jensen emerged as the following backstop working in tandem with the veteran Salvador Perez. With 9 begins as a chosen hitter in 2025, Jensen — who slugged three homers this spring — is poised for extra alternatives behind the plate in his first full season.
Payton Tolle, LHP (BOS No. 1/MLB No. 19)Tolle made the large leagues final season with simply 91 2/3 Minor League innings below his belt due to his 70-grade fastball and elite extension. He made 4 begins for the Purple Sox earlier than shifting to the bullpen for his closing 4 appearances and the playoffs. This spring, Tolle as soon as once more showcased his strikeout stuff, combining for seven scoreless frames with 12 Ok’s over his closing two outings. However resulting from Boston’s beginning pitching depth he’ll begin the yr at Triple-A.
Sal Stewart, 1B/3B (CIN No. 1/MLB No. 22)Primarily a 3rd baseman throughout his time within the Minors, Stewart slid over to first for almost all of his 18-game MLB debut as a result of Cincinnati wished to discover a solution to match his bat within the lineup. The 2022 No. 32 total decide proved the membership proper with 5 homers over that span. Stewart has been equally productive this spring (1.065 OPS, three homers) and tasks to man the chilly nook on Opening Day.
Bryce Eldridge, 1B (SF No. 1/MLB No. 25)At 6-foot-7 and 251 kilos, Eldridge has titanic energy, however the Giants opted to ship him to Triple-A to start out the season due to the extra nuanced elements of his sport. First-year MLB supervisor Tony Vitello cited Eldridge’s protection and baserunning as abilities that might use enchancment, and with first base already occupied by Rafael Devers, the membership feels it could possibly sluggish play Eldridge’s growth.
Andrew Painter, RHP (PHI No. 2/MLB No. 28)Painter will begin the season in Philadelphia’s rotation whereas Zack Wheeler continues to work his manner again from thoracic outlet decompression surgical procedure. Final season was a blended bag for Painter, because it marked the 6-foot-7 hurler’s first full season since present process Tommy John surgical procedure in 2023. This spring, Painter appeared nearer to his pre-surgery self. He allowed three runs whereas hanging out eight over 11 2/3 innings (4 begins).
Owen Caissie, OF (MIA No. 3/MLB No. 42)Acquired by Miami as a part of the bundle for Edward Cabrera this previous winter, Caissie tasks to be the first proper fielder for his new membership. The 23-year-old crushed 22 homers at Triple-A final season and appeared in 12 large league video games with Chicago.
Chase DeLauter, OF (CLE No. 2/MLB No. 46)DeLauter turned one in every of simply six gamers to make his MLB debut within the postseason when he took the sphere in Sport 2 of the American League Wild Card collection final fall. In 2026, he’ll have the prospect to make an influence with a bit much less strain. The 2022 first-rounder is in line to open the season as a part of the Guardians’ outfield combine after slashing .459/.535/.838 to this point this spring.
Jonah Tong, RHP (NYM No. 3/MLB No. 48)The 22-year-old righty — who will graduate from prospect standing with yet another day on the lively roster — will begin the yr at Triple-A. Whereas making his large league debut within the closing stretch of the 2025 season, Tong surrendered six earned runs throughout seven frames this spring, however he struck out seven to his lone stroll.
Jett Williams, SS/2B/OF (MIL No. 3/MLB No. 51)The headlining prospect within the return for Freddy Peralta from the Mets, Williams was reassigned to Minor League camp, seemingly projected to start out the yr at Triple-A. The 5-foot-7 righty and 65-grade runner legged out a triple and stole two bases whereas slashing .353 /.476/.588 this spring for the Brewers.
Justin Crawford, OF (PHI No. 3/MLB No. 53)Crawford gained the Phillies’ beginning center-field spot after making 17 begins on the place in Spring Coaching. The son of four-time All-Star Carl, Justin possesses elite pace like his father with a 75-grade run software. The 2022 first-rounder swiped over 40 bases every of the previous three seasons within the Minor Leagues.
Moisés Ballesteros, C (CHC No. 1/MLB No. 55)Whereas making 16 of his 17 begins in 2025 as a chosen hitter, Ballesteros is predicted to fill an analogous position after cracking his first Opening Day roster. Though most of his Spring Coaching begins (seven) have come behind the dish, he’ll obtain the majority of his plate appearances because the DH, offering depth behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya at catcher and Michael Busch at first base. Ballesteros — who slashed .298/.394/.474 with two homers in 20 video games final season — posted a 1.056 OPS with two homers and 5 doubles in 15 contests this spring.
Connelly Early, LHP (BOS No. 3/MLB No. 56)Whereas Purple Sox counterpart Payton Tolle obtained reassigned to Minor League camp, Early earned his nod for the Opening Day and earned the ultimate spot in Boston’s rotation. Within the Grapefruit League, the 2023 third-rounder out with a 60-grade changeup notched 16 strikeouts throughout 17 innings this spring with a 1.59 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and a .180 average-against. The southpaw began for Boston in final yr’s Wild Card collection.
Carson Williams, SS (TB No. 1/MLB No. 63)After ending the 2025 season within the large leagues, Williams entered Spring Coaching not solely battling for a beginning job, however a roster spot as effectively. The Rays’ 2021 first-rounder earned the nod after Taylor Partitions suffered an indirect damage. Williams hit .281 throughout 15 video games this spring.
Dylan Beavers, OF (BAL No. 2/MLB No. 69)Though scratched from the Orioles’ lineup with knee discomfort Friday, Beavers doesn’t count on to overlook Opening Day. The left-handed-hitting outfielder, who made his large league debut in August, posted a .485 slugging proportion with six extra-base hits throughout 11 video games this spring. The California product sports activities a 60-grade run software.
Harry Ford, C (WSH No. 3/MLB No. 71)After shifting out of the Mariners system, the place AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh blocked his alternative at catcher, Ford landed within the nation’s capital because the headliner within the return for Jose A. Ferrer. However with Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas each poised to make the Opening Day roster, Ford will begin the yr at Triple-A to be able to get common taking part in time.
Rhett Lowder, RHP (CIN No. 4/MLB No. 86)The seventh total decide within the 2023 Draft, Lowder fast-tracked to the large leagues in his first full skilled season earlier than accidents derailed his 2025 marketing campaign, which didn’t embody an outing within the Majors. The Wake Forest product cracked this yr’s Opening Day roster whereas competing for begins in a rotation coping with accidents to Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer.
Parker Messick, LHP (CLE No. 5/MLB No. 95)In his first large league Spring Coaching, Messick got here away with the fifth spot within the Guardians’ rotation. The lefty chosen within the second spherical out of Florida State in 2022 began seven video games for Cleveland final yr, sporting a 2.27 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 39 2/3 innings. Messick didn’t make an look within the postseason.
Hunter Barco, LHP (PIT No. 5/MLB No. 96)After a brief stint out of the bullpen in 2025, the southpaw cracked the Pirates’ Opening Day roster as a reliever to start out the season — an strategy taken with Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft as effectively. The 2022 second-round decide began two of his 5 Grapefruit League appearances, compiling 15 strikeouts to eight walks in 11 2/3 complete innings.
Brandon Sproat, RHP (MIL No. 5/MLB No. 100)Acquired from the Mets within the Peralta deal this previous offseason, Sproat made 4 begins in his first cup of espresso within the large leagues in 2025. The 2023 second-rounder out of Florida cracked the Opening Day rotation for the Brewers after racking up 10 strikeouts in 9 spring frames.
