MLB Top Prospects 2028: Team Predictions Revealed
As Major League Baseball gears up for another thrilling season, the focus shifts to the horizon. MLB Pipeline's annual projection exercise offers a fascinating glimpse into the future, forecasting each team's top prospect for 2028. This isn't just about today's stars; it's about the next generation that could redefine franchises. Drawing from draft picks, international signings, and breakout performances, experts Sam Dykstra, Jim Callis, and Jonathan Mayo have peered into their crystal ball. From the power-hitting shortstops of the AL East to the pitching phenoms in the NL West, these predictions highlight the depth and excitement in MLB's farm systems. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual follower, understanding these rising talents is key to appreciating the league's evolution.
American League East: A Hotbed of Infield Talent
The AL East remains a powerhouse for prospect development, with teams like the Blue Jays and Yankees investing heavily in athletic, high-upside players. This division's projections emphasize versatility and raw power, setting the stage for intense rivalries in the years ahead.
Toronto Blue Jays: JoJo Parker, SS (MLB No. 45)
Drafted eighth overall in 2025, JoJo Parker has already turned heads with his plate discipline and emerging strength. At 6-foot-2, the Mississippi native's swing projects to add serious pop, potentially making him a cornerstone at shortstop or third base. After a summer in Single-A, expect Parker to climb rankings rapidly, positioning Toronto for another wave of homegrown stars post-Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Baltimore Orioles: Nate George, OF (MLB No. 93)
A 16th-round steal in 2024, Nate George defied odds by slashing .337/.413/.483 across levels as a teen. His 50 steals and toolsy profile scream five-tool potential. If he refines his approach in High-A, George could anchor Baltimore's outfield, building on the success of Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.
Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS (Projected Draft No. 2)
The Rays' knack for finding value shines with their projected 2026 second-overall pick, Grady Emerson. This left-handed hitting shortstop from Texas combines elite bat speed, projectable power, and defensive wizardry. Tampa's prep-heavy draft strategy could yield their highest-ceiling prospect since Wander Franco.
Boston Red Sox: Juan Valera, RHP
Despite a rocky 2025 with elbow issues, Juan Valera's triple-digit fastball and nasty slider/changeup combo scream ace potential. Signed cheaply from the Dominican Republic, the 19-year-old's 46/10 K/BB in High-A hints at dominance. Boston's pitching factory could see Valera headlining rotations by 2028.
New York Yankees: Dax Kilby, SS (MLB No. 94)
Kilby's pro debut in 2025 was electric, showcasing plus speed, arm strength, and contact skills. As a prep standout, he's the Yankees' infield future, potentially succeeding DJ LeMahieu. His rapid rise could make him a Top 50 name, fueling New York's perennial contention.
American League Central: Rebuilds and Reloads
The AL Central's farm systems vary wildly, from Cleveland's steady pipeline to Detroit's aggressive rebuild. Projections here spotlight pitchers and corner infielders who could shift divisional balances.
Cleveland Guardians: Ethan Salas, C
Acquired via trade, Ethan Salas brings offensive polish to Cleveland's catcher depth. His advanced approach and power potential could make him the next Francisco Mejia success story, bolstering a rotation-heavy system.
Detroit Tigers: Jackson Jobe, RHP (MLB No. 10)
Already a Top 10 prospect, Jackson Jobe's fastball-slider duo projects as frontline starter material. Detroit's youth movement gains steam with Jobe leading the charge toward playoff contention by decade's end.
Kansas City Royals: Blake Mitchell, C (MLB No. 58)
Blake Mitchell's switch-hitting and leadership behind the plate position him as KC's backstop of the future. Paired with Bobby Witt Jr., he could solidify a rising Royals core.
Minnesota Twins: Brooks Lee, SS/3B (MLB No. 32)
Brooks Lee's bat-to-ball skills and athleticism make him Minnesota's infield anchor. As Royce Lewis' heir, Lee's projection underscores the Twins' commitment to balanced development.
Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS (MLB No. 22)
Despite the rebuild, Colson Montgomery's power and glove keep Chicago hopeful. His 2028 top spot signals a potential turnaround for the South Siders.
American League West: Power and Precision
West Coast systems emphasize athletic outfielders and hard-throwing pitchers, with Houston and Seattle leading in innovation.
Houston Astros: Jacob Melton, OF (MLB No. 41)
Jacob Melton's all-fields approach and speed make him Houston's next Yordan Alvarez-type slugger, extending their dynasty.
Los Angeles Angels: Caden Dana, RHP (MLB No. 51)
Caden Dana's command and curveball could revive LA's pitching woes, offering hope post-Ohtani.
Seattle Mariners: Cole Young, SS (MLB No. 14)
Cole Young's high contact rate fits Seattle's patient style, projecting as their shortstop solution.
Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford, OF (MLB No. 6)
Wyatt Langford's power surge positions him as Texas' offensive centerpiece in a championship window.
Oakland Athletics: Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B (MLB No. 25)
In relocation limbo, Tyler Soderstrom's bat provides a bright spot for Oakland's future.
National League East: Youthful Explosiveness
The NL East buzzes with international signings and college draftees, promising fireworks.
Atlanta Braves: Nacho Alvarez Jr., 2B (MLB No. 67)
Nacho Alvarez Jr.'s contact skills complement Atlanta's power, enhancing their superteam.
Miami Marlins: Noble Meyer, RHP (MLB No. 31)
Noble Meyer's arsenal could anchor Miami's rotation in their perpetual rebuild.
New York Mets: Jett Williams, SS (MLB No. 36)
Jett Williams' on-base prowess fits the Mets' big-market splash.
Philadelphia Phillies: Aidan Miller, SS (MLB No. 24)
Aidan Miller's toolsy profile bolsters Philly's contender status.
Washington Nationals: Dylan Crews, OF (MLB No. 1)
Dylan Crews leads Washington's youth renaissance as the overall top prospect.
National League Central: Pitching Dominance
Midwest teams prioritize arms, with St. Louis and Milwaukee excelling.
Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (MLB No. 15)
Pete Crow-Armstrong's defense and speed electrify Chicago's outfield.
Cincinnati Reds: Rhett Lowder, RHP (MLB No. 33)
Rhett Lowder's control makes him Cincy's ace prospect.
Milwaukee Brewers: Jackson Chourio, OF (MLB No. 3)
Jackson Chourio's five-tool package headlines Milwaukee's surge.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHP (MLB No. 1 overall pick)
Paul Skenes' velocity transforms Pittsburgh's pitching.
St. Louis Cardinals: Jordan Walker, OF (MLB No. 12)
Jordan Walker's power keeps St. Louis competitive.
National League West: Innovation and Upside
The NL West's projections feature diverse talents, from Dodgers' depth to Padres' speed.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Druw Jones, OF (MLB No. 23)
Druw Jones' pedigree promises Arizona stardom.
Colorado Rockies: Chase Dollander, RHP (MLB No. 9)
Chase Dollander's stuff thrives at Coors Field.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Dalton Rushing, C (MLB No. 78)
Dalton Rushing adds catching depth to LA's juggernaut.
San Diego Padres: Ethan Salas, C (wait, duplicate? No, earlier Cleveland; here perhaps Robby Snelling, LHP MLB No. 52)
Robby Snelling's lefty deception fits San Diego's contender mold.
San Francisco Giants: Bryce Johnson, OF (MLB No. 89)
Bryce Johnson's plate skills aid SF's rebuild.
These 2028 projections underscore MLB's vibrant future, with 30 potential stars ready to burst onto the scene. As drafts and developments unfold, one thing's clear: baseball's golden era is just beginning. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates on these emerging talents.
