Ranking Every MLB Prospect Traded In The 2025-26 Offseason

Image credit: OF Owen Caissie (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images via Chicago Cubs)
After a quiet start to the offseason, the trade market—especially in the AL East—heated up in December.
The Rays made two major trades, sending Shane Baz to the Orioles for a quartet of prospects, while also dealing away Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum in a separate three-team trade. The Red Sox were also involved in three trades, sending a trio of players to the Cardinals for Willson Contreras, making a rare prospect challenge trade with the Nationals and sending a pair of prospects to Pittsburgh for Johan Oviedo and two more prospects.
After a quiet period around the holidays, the Marlins made a major trade to kick off 2026 by sending Edward Cabrera to the Cubs for a trio of prospects headlined by future Top 100 outfielder Owen Caissie.
Caissie was the first surefire Top 100 prospect traded this offseason and is only the second prospect inside the top 14 of our rankings below who was not traded or acquired by an AL East team.
With 61 prospects traded so far, here’s our initial big board ranking every prospect dealt since the end of the 2025 season as of Jan. 21. We will continue to update this list until spring training. You can find more information on our prospect grade scale here, and a link to all of our 2026 Top 30s here.
Note: players with * designation were acquired as Rule 5 draft picks. As a result, they carry less value because of their roster restrictions.
No-Doubt Top 100 Prospects
Prospects in this tier will rank inside Baseball America’s Preseason Top 100 Prospects later this January. Each ranked near the top of their respective system and received a minimum of a 50 adjusted grade in the 2026 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
1. Owen Caissie, OF, Marlins (from Cubs) | BA Grade: 55/Mild
Analysis: Caissie made his major league debut in 2025 and ranked as the best power hitter in the Cubs system. He hit 22 home runs in Triple-A and his power potential is backed up by impressive underlying data. His 107.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity ranked near the top of the Cubs system and slots similarly in the Marlins system. He pairs that impact ability with solid batted-ball angles, and his contact and approach metrics are trending in the right direction. Caissie is ready for the majors and should have every chance to break camp with the Marlins in 2026.
Potential Top 100 Prospects
The following players are at least in Top 100 consideration for 2026, but they aren’t locks. Each ranked among the top few prospects in their respective systems and all received 45 adjusted grades in the 2026 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
2. Jacob Melton, OF, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 50/Mild
Analysis: Back discomfort and a sprained ankle limited Melton in 2025 to 67 games, and he struggled in his big league debut. His underlying Triple-A data, however, was outstanding. His 107.7 mph 90th percentile exit velocity ranked near the top of the Astros’ system and he paired that with above-average contact skills and swing decisions. Melton is major league-ready depth with everyday regular upside. He ranked No. 1 in the Astros system at the time of the trade.
3. Anderson Brito, RHP, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 60/High
Analysis: The 20-year-old broke out in High-A, then finished off 2025 by showing some of the best stuff of any pitcher in the Arizona Fall League. The main knock on the 5-foot-11 righthander is his size, but Brito shows four average-or-better pitches headlined by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and a mid-80s curveball. He has starter upside with high-leverage relief as a solid fallback. Brito ranked third in the Astros’ system at the time of the trade.
4. Harry Ford, C, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 55/Average
Analysis: Ford’s stock tapered off in 2025 because he isn’t a lock to stay behind the plate and his in-game power hasn’t progressed. He makes good swing decisions and plenty of contact, but his impact is limited by below-average batted-ball angles. He’ll get every opportunity to stay at catcher in Washington and could compete for a starting job in spring training. Ford was slated to rank sixth in the Mariners’ system, but now slots in third for the Nationals.
5. Luis Perales, RHP, Nationals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60/High
Analysis: Perales returned from Tommy John surgery at the end of 2025 for three appearances, then ranked ninth among Arizona Fall League prospects. He was in the midst of a breakout when he got hurt in 2024 and while his stuff is back, his command needs plenty of work. Perales’ fastball tops out at 101 mph and he has at least two above-average secondaries. His size and delivery create reliever risk, but also considerable upside if he can stick in the rotation. Perales ranked fifth in the Red Sox system at the time of the trade, but now slots fourth for the Nationals.
Top 150-500 Prospects
This tier of players rank among the better prospects in baseball with the potential for Top 100 consideration down the road. Most could become big league regulars, albeit with more risk or concerns about future roles than the prospects in the tier above. They all have 40 adjusted grades.
6. Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45/Mild
Analysis: Garcia’s plus raw power is limited by his hit tool, as he runs below-average contact and chase rates. He likely projects as a platoon outfielder. Garcia ranked fifth in the Red Sox system and slotted in the same spot with the Pirates.
7. Brandon Clarke, LHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60/Extreme
Analysis: Clarke’s raw stuff is tantalizing, but his strike-throwing is a major question mark. He was off to a great start in 2025 until he struggled to pitch through a blister before the Red Sox eventually shut him down. If he returns healthy with the stuff he showed early in 2025, he’ll move up the rankings quickly. Clarke was just outside the Red Sox top 10, but now ranks sixth in the Cardinals’ system.
8. Michael Forret, RHP, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55/High
Analysis: Forret impressed in 2025, showcasing a deep arsenal with six distinct pitches and vastly improved strike-throwing. His low-90s fastball velocity ticked up, and his sweeper and curveball both have plus potential. The rest of his arsenal is more solidly average and he sequences it well, landing all his pitches for strikes. His delivery creates some reliever risk, but he has No. 4 starter upside with sustained strikes. Forret ranked eighth in the Orioles’ system at the time of the trade.
9. Jake Bennett, LHP, Red Sox (from Nationals) | BA Grade: 50/Average
Analysis: After returning from Tommy John surgery in May, Bennett improved as the season progressed and ended on a high note, leading the Arizona Fall League in strikeouts. The 6-foot-6, 234-pounder has size, outlier extension and a low release height—all traits the Red Sox covet. Bennett’s changeup is his best pitch showing plus potential, and he also has an advanced command and control profile. He has a good chance to stick in the rotation and projects as a No. 4 starter. Bennett ranked sixth in the Nationals’ system and will slot into the same spot with the Red Sox.
10. Dillon Lewis, OF, Marlins (from Yankees) | BA Grade: 55/High
Analysis: Lewis was one of the bigger breakout prospects in the Yankees system this year in his first full pro season. He showed off an intriguing skill set combining high-end exit velocities with above-average defense in center field. Lewis’ 107.7 90th percentile exit velocity ranked near the top of the Yankees system, but his underlying contact data was more fringy. His upside will be determined by how his hit tool develops as right now that’s his only tool that grades out below-average. Lewis ranked eighth in the Yankees’ system at the time of the trade.
11. Slater de Brun, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55/High
Analysis: De Brun was one of the top prep outfielders in the 2025 draft. He hasn’t made his pro debut, but when he does, he’ll bring an intriguing blend of plus-plus speed, center field defense and above-average contact ability. De Brun’s power development will determine his upside and he ranked 12th in a very deep Orioles system at the time of the trade.
12. Yhoiker Fajardo, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50/Average
Analysis: Fajardo broke out in 2025 thanks to increased fastball velocity. His heater now sits in the low-to-mid-90s, topping out at 97, but doesn’t miss many bats because of below-average ride. His secondaries are more advanced. Fajardo’s changeup and slider both show above-average potential and he throws a lot of strikes for a teenager. Fajardo projects as a potential back-end starter and ranked ninth in the Red Sox system at the time of the trade.
13. Caden Bodine, C, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 50/Average
Analysis: The Orioles selected Bodine 30th in the 2025 draft on the strength of a solid defensive profile and strong contact skills. He’s an advanced receiver and adept blocker. Offensively, Bodine has a hit-over-power profile. He ran very high contact rates in college and those carried over to his pro debut. While his upside is limited by his lack of impact, Bodine could have a long pro career given his combination of receiving and contact skills. He ranked 16th in the Orioles system at the time of the trade.
Top 500-1000 Prospects
We’re dropping down another tier, but these prospects are still plenty intriguing. This tier is a mix of higher-upside players who are far away or lower-ceiling players who likely project as major league depth options. These prospects have 30 or 35 adjusted grades and rank in the back half of their respective Top 30s.
14. Austin Overn, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 45/Average
15. Brendan Jones, OF, Marlins (from Yankees) | 45/Average
16. Franklin Gomez, LHP, Guardians (from Mets) | 50/High
17. Jesus Travieso, RHP, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50/High
18. Daniel Susac*, C, Giants (from Twins) | BA Grade: 45/Average
19. Carter Baumler*, RHP, Rangers (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40/Mild
20. Tyler Samaniego, LHP, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 45/Average
21. Cristian Hernandez, SS, Marlins (from Cubs) | 45/Average
22. Robinson Ortiz, LHP, Mariners (from Dodgers) | BA Grade: 45/Average
23. Blake Aita, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45/High
24. Dylan Jasso, 3B, Marlins (from Yankees) | 40/Average
25. Luke Heyman, C, Red Sox (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 45/High
Analysis: New Pirates righthander Jesus Travieso fits the high-upside archetype. Only 18, Travieso just completed his first season stateside. He has a lightning-quick arm and already runs his fastball up over 100 mph. He’s very small and there are questions about his ability to stick as a starter long term, which keeps him out of the tier above.
On the flip side, new Giants catcher Daniel Susac fits the lower-ceiling major league depth type. He comes with Rule 5 roster restrictions and is held back by an overly aggressive approach and poor swing decisions, but has an average defensive profile and above-average arm. He could be the Giants’ backup catcher in 2026.
Role Players
These players are either close to the major leagues or far away with some upside. The players with proximity are mostly relievers or bench options, while the ones in the lower levels have considerably more risk despite higher upside.
26. Yoniel Curet, RHP, Phillies (from Rays) | BA Grade: 45/High
27. Alex Hoppe, RHP, Mariners (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 40/Average
28. Ryan Watson*, RHP, Red Sox (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 40/Average
29. Adonys Guzman, C, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40/Average
30. Tristan Peters, OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average
31. Tanner Murray, IF/OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average
32. Isaiah Jackson, OF, Red Sox (from Angels) | BA Grade: 45/High
33. Adriano Marrero, RHP, Dodgers (from Marlins) | 50/Extreme
34. Avery Owusu-Asiedu, OF, Diamondbacks (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 45/High
35. Truman Pauley, RHP, White Sox (from Mets) | 45/High
36. Mason Black, RHP, Royals (from Giants) | BA Grade: 40/Average
37. Tyler Gough, RHP, Dodgers (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 40/Average
38. Tommy McCollum, RHP, Rays (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 40/Average
39. Logan Martin, RHP, Giants (from Royals) | BA Grade: 40/Average
40. Johan Simon, LHP, Tigers (from Blue Jays) | BA Grade: 40/Average
41. Kade Bragg, LHP, Marlins (from Twins) | BA Grade: 40/Average
42. Chris Clark, RHP, Rays (from Angels) | BA Grade: 40/Average
43. Jack Martinez, RHP, Cardinals (from Diamondbacks) | 40/Average
44. Ethan O’Donnell, OF, Marlins (from Reds) | BA Grade: 40/Average
45. Payton Eeles, 2B/SS, Orioles (from Twins) | BA Grade: 40/Average
46. Cole Wilcox, RHP, Mariners (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average
47. Josh Grosz, RHP, Diamondbacks (from Rockies) | 40/Average
48. Jake Brooks, RHP, Rockies (from Marlins) | 40/Average
49. Dusty Revis, RHP, Reds (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 40/Average
50. Edgardo De Leon, 1B/3B, Marlins (from Cubs) | 45/Extreme
51. Miguel Caraballo, C, Twins (from Giants) | BA Grade: 45/Extreme
52. Yordan Rodriguez, RHP, Mets (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 45/Extreme
53. Juan Matheus, 2B, Marlins (from Yankees) | 40/High
54. Jaiker Garcia, RHP, Pirates (from Rangers) | BA Grade: 40/High
Analysis: New Mariners righthander Alex Hoppe is closing in on the big leagues. He spent all of 2025 in Triple-A, showcasing a live arm along with a bat-missing cutter and slider. Lack of command and consistency kept him out of the previous tier, but his raw stuff is intriguing.
New Diamondbacks outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu fits the group with higher upside that still needs to climb several rungs on the ladder. He really struggled in his first full professional season in 2024, but his performance improved considerably in 2025 and he could be a late-bloomer. His 106.5 90th percentile exit velocity and 112.7 mph max are bested only by Jacob Melton among prospects traded this offseason.
Depth Players
This group projects as minor league depth. They tend to be on the older side and possess one or two intriguing tools, but are lacking in other areas, which limits their upside.
55. Nate Baez, C/1B, Red Sox (from Twins) | 35/Average
56. Francisco Loreto, 3B, Pirates (from Phillies) | 35/Average
57. Jacob Kisting, RHP, Rays (from Twins) | BA Grade: 35/Average
58. Isaac Lyon, RHP, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 35/Average
59. Ronny Hernandez, C, Red Sox (from White Sox) | BA Grade: 35/Average
60. Braiden Ward, IF/OF, Red Sox (from Rockies) | BA Grade: 30/Mild
61. Justin Riemer, 2B/OF, Athletics (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 30/Mild