30 MLB Non-Roster Players to Watch for in 2026 Spring Training

Published by

Chris Studley

on

Hector Neris
Image via Wikimedia Commons (Ian D'Andrea)

Not only does Spring Training give baseball fans a chance to get back into things, and players the chance to do the same, it also means fans’ likely first looks at the future of their respective favorite teams. Many of the game’s top prospects will be in big league Spring Training as non-roster players. Plus, veterans looking for another shot at the Majors. So, here’s a look at one non-roster player from each MLB team to watch in 2026.

American League

AL East

The AL East teams brought several high-end pitching prospects to the Grapefruit League. Gage Stanifer and Trey Gibson were swing-and-miss machines in the Minors, while Brody Hopkins brings velocity to the table as a starting pitcher.

For the Yankees, it’s a toss-up between hard-throwing pitcher Carlos Lagrange and George Lombard Jr. But given that Lombard Jr. was a non-roster invite in 2025, it’ll be interesting what he’ll do in 2026 after another full year under his belt. The young shortstop had six hits in Grapefruit League games last year.

There are also many veterans in all 30 teams’ camps. Seth Martinez, the former Astros reliever, will look to crack the Boston bullpen for 2026.

AL Central

Travis Bazzana, arguably the Guardians’ top prospect, has a real chance to make his MLB debut either on Opening Day or shortly thereafter. An all-around infielder with power and a keen ability to get on base, Bazzana has the chance to be special.

Kevin McGonigle, like Bazzana, was slowed by injuries last season. However, the IL was the only thing that could hold McGonigle done. An elite contact hitter who can also hit for power, the former first-round pick could make his MLB debut down the road in 2026.

Walker Jenkins was the Twins’ first-round pick in 2024. Jenkins is a terrific line-drive hitter who finished 2025 in Triple-A.

Noah Schultz is a deceptive left-hander who can overwhelm hitters with a heavy fastball/slider combo. He, along with Hagen Smith, represent the next wave of young White Sox pitchers.

Former Phillie & Astro Hector Neris will look to make it back to the MLB with the Royals this spring.

AL West

Two of the best young infielders in the Minors, Leo De Vries and Colt Emerson, will be with their respective big league team’s camps this winter.

George Klassen has a blistering four-seam fastball and could be in the Angels rotation at some point this season.

Joseph Sullivan displayed patience, power, and speed with High-A Asheville last season as he quickly rose up the organizational prospect ladder.

As for the Rangers, Sebastian Walcott would have been the name to watch had he not suffered a season-ending injury before camp began. Thus, watch for veteran pitcher Josh Sborz, who will look to return to the Majors.

National League

NL East

The story among the NL East is the young outfielders and the young pitchers.

Robby Snelling, scheduled to start the Marlins’ Spring Training opener on February 21, pushed his way back up the Miami prospect ladder thanks to a complete 2025 campaign. Snelling, a left-hander, has high velocity but also can generate a lot of groundballs.

JR Ritchie, a former first-round pick by the Braves, was great last season and finished the year in Triple-A.

For the Nationals, right-hander Jarlin Susana has among the highest swing-and-miss potential among Major League prospects. Susana, as we noted in January, blew hitters away in the Eastern League thanks to big velocity and a tight slider.

As for the outfielders, Justin Crawford has a clear shot to make the Phillies’ Opening Day as the starting center fielder. Carson Benge was fantastic in his first full season, hitting for power, taking pitches, and making contact regularly. Benge doesn’t have a clear role with the Mets. However, he very well be a Met this season.

NL Central

It feels inevitable that, barring an injury, JJ Wetherholt will be a St. Louis Cardinal at some point this season. Wetherholt did nothing but hit last season. And the rebuilding Cardinals could give him plenty of rope this season.

Konnor Griffin shot up three levels last season and could bypass Triple-A altogether with a loud spring. However, can Griffin pull that off.

Jaxon Wiggins could figure into the Cubs’ rotation plans soon. Barring numerous injuries and/or a loud spring, Wiggins will likely start 2026 with Iowa. But, he might not need much more time.

Jesus Made showed immense polish as a teenager and could be the next Latin American success story for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Lastly, Tejay Antone will look to fight for a roster spot after elbow surgery/recovery took him out for most of 2024 and 2025.

NL West

What a story is would be if Walker Buehler pitched for the Padres in 2026? Buehler signed a Minor League deal in February after the ex-Dodger went all of the winter unsigned. The 2025 campaign wasn’t kind to him. However, Buehler made some tweaks as a Phillie that, on paper, worked.

Aside from Buehler, watch the prospects.

Ryan Waldschmidt has the potential to be a 20-20 player at the MLB level thanks to impressive power. Waldschmidt will be one of several high-profile prospects in Arizona’s 2026 camp.

Charlie Condon had a good 2025 despite some scuffling in Double-A. The 2024 first-round pick is arguably the second-best position player prospect in the Rockies system behind Ethan Holliday.

Bo Davidson has the potential to be an explosive player for the Giants. Davidson ripped through High-A last season and held his own in Double-A.

Josue De Paula is arguably the Dodgers’ best prospect, impressive given how deep that system is for Los Angeles.

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