Baseball America’s annual prospect roundup has turned its focus toward a group of players who, while not yet household names, are making significant strides toward major‑league readiness. Rather than spotlighting the familiar Top‑100 names, the latest edition highlights ten under‑the‑radar prospects whose recent performances in the minors have caught the eye of scouts across the 30 MLB organizations.
Rising Talent Beyond the Top 100
The common thread among these emerging players is a willingness to adapt their approaches at the plate and on the mound, often in response to early‑season challenges. Whether it is a mechanical tweak, a shift in pitch selection, or a new training regimen, each prospect is leveraging that flexibility to climb the organizational rankings.
Blake Burke exemplifies this trend. After a period of inconsistency in 2025, Burke refined his swing mechanics and approach, translating the changes into a dominant Double‑A campaign in 2026. His improved contact rate and disciplined plate discipline have turned him into one of the most feared hitters in the Eastern League.
Sadbiel Delzine arrived in the United States with a splash in the Florida Complex League, where his physical stature and raw stuff stood out for an 18‑year‑old. The early exposure to high‑level competition has set the stage for a rapid ascent, as the young right‑hander continues to refine his command.
Alirio Ferrebus faced a injury‑marred 2025 that stalled his development, but a focused rehabilitation program has allowed him to return stronger. Scouts now note a clearer swing path and a renewed confidence that has propelled him up the White Sox Top‑30 list.
Trey Gregory‑Alford’s 2026 season showcases the impact of targeted skill work. He boosted his walk rate, elevated the quality of his fastball, and refined his changeup and splitter, resulting in a more balanced and threatening pitching profile.
LuJames Groover has emerged as a consistent .300 hitter at Triple‑A, and his defensive improvements have only added to his major‑league prospects. The combination of bat speed and reliable glove work makes him a well‑rounded candidate for a call‑up.
On the mound, Ben Jacobs has added both extension and velocity to his repertoire. Where he once threw in the low 90s during his college career, he now consistently sits in the 92‑95 mph range as a professional, giving him a broader arsenal to attack hitters.
Sean Keys has been one of the most potent hitters in the Double‑A Eastern League, delivering power to all fields while maintaining a high on‑base rate. His ability to drive the ball with authority has made him a focal point of offensive scouting reports.
Wyatt Sanford’s mechanical overhaul has yielded a dramatic increase in impact. Adjustments to his hitting setup have translated into higher exit velocities and more extra‑base hits, underscoring the value of a refined stance.
Colby Shelton’s revamped approach reflects a deliberate balance between contact and power. By fine‑tuning his swing decisions, he has moved up the White Sox Top‑30 rankings, illustrating how a measured strategy can accelerate a prospect’s trajectory.
James Tibbs III brings a rare left‑handed power threat to the mix, consistently launching balls out of the park despite some developmental gaps in his overall profile. His raw talent continues to draw attention from clubs seeking dynamic left‑handed bats.
The collective progress of these ten players underscores a broader narrative: the 2026 minor‑league season is defined by adaptability and incremental improvement. As scouts continue to monitor these rising stars, the upcoming draft and promotion cycles promise to be shaped by the very adjustments that have propelled them into the conversation.