Welcome to the world of fantasy baseball, where the art of scouting and stashing pitching prospects is a thrilling endeavor! Today, we delve into the top 10 pitching prospects to stash for the 2026 season, a year that promises to be packed with exciting young arms making their mark.
The Pitcher Prospects to Watch
River Ryan: The Talented Dodger
At the top of our list is River Ryan, a 27-year-old right-hander with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ryan's dominance in the minor leagues is undeniable, with a stellar 33% strikeout rate and a minuscule 3% walk rate. However, his path to the majors is a bit more complex due to the Dodgers' deep starting rotation. Despite this, his talent is undeniable, and his ability to maintain a high strike rate post-injury is a positive sign.
Kade Anderson: Confidence and Control
Kade Anderson, a left-hander with the Seattle Mariners, has shown remarkable consistency this season. His recent start, where he struck out nine batters with a confident fastball approach, is a testament to his growth. Anderson's ability to vary his pitches in two-strike counts is a sign of maturity and a key to his long-term success.
Hagen Smith: Back with a Bang
Hagen Smith, a lefty with the Chicago White Sox, has made significant strides in command after battling erratic issues. His recent starts showcase an improved strike rate and fewer walks. The potential mechanical change to his arm slot could be the key to his success, and his three average-to-plus pitches make him a formidable prospect.
Ty Johnson: Two-Pitch Wonder
Ty Johnson, a right-hander with the Tampa Bay Rays, relies heavily on his two-pitch arsenal. His latest outing against Norfolk highlighted his strengths and weaknesses. While his command was inconsistent, he still generated an impressive number of whiffs. The key for Johnson is developing a reliable third pitch to enhance his long-term outlook.
Jack Wenninger: Adjusting and Adapting
Jack Wenninger, a right-hander with the New York Mets, has faced a rough patch recently. However, his ability to generate whiffs with multiple pitches is a positive sign. Wenninger's five-pitch mix is intriguing, and with some adjustments, he could regain momentum and remind the organization of his call-up potential.
Carson Seymour: Power and Precision
Carson Seymour, a right-hander with the San Francisco Giants, has maintained the velocity gains from last season. His arsenal, featuring three fastballs in the 95-96 mph range, is impressive. However, his stiff delivery and reliance on breaking pitches for strikeouts are areas to watch. Seymour's success will hinge on keeping hitters off balance and improving his results.
Antwone Kelly: Fastball and Versatility
Antwone Kelly, a right-hander with the Pittsburgh Pirates, checks all the boxes with a plus fastball and quality secondary pitches. His control has been an issue in Triple-A, but his stuff gives him significant strikeout upside. Kelly's ability to attack hitters from both sides of the plate is a strength, and with improved command, he could be a valuable asset.
Ryan Sloan: Perfect Game Potential
Ryan Sloan, a right-hander with the Seattle Mariners, had a perfect six innings against Frisco, striking out 11 batters. This outing showcased his immense upside, with improved metrics across the board since last season. Sloan's ability to generate whiffs and maintain strong command is a recipe for success.
Matt Wilkinson and Joe Whitman: Giants on the Rise
Matt Wilkinson and Joe Whitman, left-handers with the San Francisco Giants, are both trending upward. Wilkinson's command, sequencing, and quality secondaries make him a valuable arm, while Whitman's improved performance against left-handed hitters and increased strikeout numbers are notable. Both prospects are just a step away from the majors and could be key pieces for the Giants.
Adam Serwinowski: The Big Fluffer's Potential
Adam Serwinowski, a left-hander with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is an extreme long shot for a 2026 debut but has shown strikeout upside. His funky delivery and high contact rates are concerns, but his recent start, where he worked around walks and struck out six, is a positive sign. Serwinowski's ability to improve his strike rate and command will be crucial to his development.
Final Thoughts
Scouting and stashing pitching prospects is an art, and these 10 pitchers showcase a range of talents and potential. From the confident Kade Anderson to the versatile Antwone Kelly, each prospect brings something unique to the table. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, these young arms are poised to make their mark, and it will be fascinating to see who rises to the top.
