Baseball America and MLB Pipeline recently released their top 100 Minor League Prospects going into the 2026 season. Similar to its previous iteration, Konnor Griffin headlines the list. However, going into the 2025 season, there were a lot of questions about Griffin’s hit tool. Griffin quickly resoundingly answered those questions, hitting .333 across three levels last season. Who could be this year’s biggest risers and disappointments for this minor league season?
Rising Prospects
Jamie Arnold – LHP (Athletics)
Going into the 2025 collegiate season, Jamie Arnold was looked at as a potential number one overall pick. Arnold struggled early in the season and fell to the Athletics at the 11th overall pick. Arnold attacks hitters with three pitches. He throws a knockout slider with plus-plus potential and a mid-90s fastball. Arnold should rise across prospect rankings due to his changeup. The lefty throws a change-up with 5 inches of arm-side run. Arnold has only thrown this changeup for one season, so it is likely to improve with more practice. While he is only 6’ 0, his movements on the mound mirror one of the greatest left-handed starters in history. Played side by side, Arnold’s delivery draws comparisons to Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. The movement profile of Arnold’s pitches and delivery should see him rise up prospect rankings.
Justin Crawford – OF (Philadelphia Phillies)
Rated as one of the best runners in Minor League Baseball, Philadelphia may have its future center fielder in Justin Crawford. Questions remain about his potential due to his unconventional batting stance, but Crawford consistently displays top bat-to-ball skills. Over four professional seasons, Crawford owns a .322 career batting average and a .385 on-base percentage. He is poised to surprise people, much like Jacob Wilson last season. His base-stealing ability will help him rise in prospect rankings. Crawford will likely not play much in the minors before making an impact with the Phillies.
Disappointing Prospects
Jurrangelo Cijntje – LHP/RHP (Seattle Mariners)
Many baseball fans remember Pat Venditte, the switch-pitching journeyman. The Mariners now have their own ambidextrous pitcher. Jurrangelo Cijntje first gained attention at the 2016 Little League World Series, pitching for Curacao from both sides. He continued doing so at Mississippi State and into pro ball. Considered a better prospect from the right side, he still pitches with both arms. With a fastball in the upper 90s, a solid slider, and a changeup from the right, he has potential as a starting pitcher. However, pitching from both sides could stunt his development on the right. His body composition also raises questions; built like Marcus Stroman, he could be putting unnecessary stress on himself by switch-pitching. These factors could signal regression and disappointment for the Mariners prospect.
Travis Bazzana – 2B/OF (Cleveland Guardians)
The former number one overall pick looks to make his Major League Debut and contribute to the big league club. Travis Bazzana has played two full seasons in the minors and has not hit as well as anticipated. He’s posted a career .243 batting average and only hit 12 home runs. While he is graded out as having a plus-plus hit tool and plus power, neither has shown up in-game. Another factor bringing Bazzana down is his defense. On top of not playing a premier position, he is at best average at second base. He is someone who still has a lot to prove and could be on track for a disappointing season.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images