MLB Pipeline is set to announce its 2026 Top 100 Prospects list on January 23, with a special program airing on MLB Network and MLB.com. In the days leading up to this release, the platform is highlighting the top prospects at each position, beginning with right-handed pitchers.
This year’s list of right-handed pitching prospects features several players who have already made appearances in Major League Baseball. Nolan McLean (Mets), Bubba Chandler (Pirates), and Trey Yesavage (Blue Jays) are at the top after seeing time in the majors last season. McLean served as a key starter for the Mets, while Yesavage broke a rookie record by striking out 12 batters in a World Series game against the Dodgers. Chandler finished his season strong with a 1.08 ERA over his final three starts.
Other names expected to make an impact include Jonah Tong, who debuted alongside McLean for the Mets, and Andrew Painter of the Phillies. Jaxon Wiggins (Cubs) and Carlos Lagrange (Yankees) are also mentioned as players likely to reach the majors soon. Ryan Sloan (Mariners) and Seth Hernandez (Pirates) are early in their careers, while Travis Sykora (Nationals) will miss much of 2026 due to Tommy John surgery.
Among these prospects, Painter is noted as having “most to prove.” The Phillies had planned for his major league debut in July 2025, but inconsistent results delayed that timeline. After recovering from elbow issues and surgery, Painter will be aiming for better performance in 2026.
The evaluation highlights strengths such as fastball velocity and movement among several pitchers. Chandler’s four-seam fastball averaged nearly 98 mph in Triple-A, while Lagrange reached speeds of up to 103 mph last year. McLean’s curveball recorded some of the highest spin rates in baseball during 2025.
Yesavage’s splitter is described as one of baseball’s best pitches, helping him achieve high strikeout rates throughout both regular season and postseason play.
The article also identifies potential Rookie of the Year candidates: “While pitchers often face an uphill awards battle against their position-player compatriots, McLean and Yesavage have already shown that their stuff plays against MLB bats, and depending on other moves and general health, they could be No. 2 starters for competitive teams in New York and Toronto all summer.”
Carlos Lagrange is highlighted as having risen quickly after signing out of the Dominican Republic for $10,000 in February 2022; he became a Top 100 prospect following a breakout minor league season.
For Philadelphia fans, Andrew Painter remains a player to watch closely as he attempts to fulfill expectations with the Phillies—an organization that represents Philadelphia in Major League Baseball’s National League since its founding in the nineteenth century (official website). The team hosts games at Citizens Bank Park (official website), engages with fans through events and outreach (official website), has won multiple league titles including World Series championships in 1980 and 2008 (official website), and operates under executive leadership based at its home stadium (official website).
The full Top 100 Prospects list will be released next week.
