Emerging Prospects to Watch in the MLB Draft: Insights from the Dominica Summer League
Jun 29, 2026•5 min read• views
Mapping the Road to the MLB Draft
As June draws to a close, the anticipation for the upcoming MLB Draft builds, paralleling the intense competition unfolding in the minor leagues. While international soccer's World Cup kicked off its knockout stage, RoboScout has made significant strides in ranking the top talent in minor league baseball. This moment in the season offers a critical snapshot of emerging prospects, and it’s prime time for fantasy baseball aficionados to reassess their rosters.
Let's unpack the standout performers, beginning with the Dominican Summer League (DSL). This isn't just a list of players; it’s a precursor to their potential trajectories in professional baseball. These young athletes, many still in their teenage years, are already exhibiting skills that could project them into future major league stardom.
Top DSL Prospect Rankings
The DSL is home to some of the most promising young hitters in baseball right now. Here’s a look at RoboScout’s top ten hitters:
At the forefront is Ricardo De La Paz, the Padres' 16-year-old sensation, who captured attention with his exceptional Statcast metrics, boasting an impressive 189 wRC+ over 51 plate appearances. However, his recent inactivity, logging just one plate appearance since the last update, brings some uncertainty to his momentum. The good news? He's now been added to the Fantrax player pool, which makes him a viable pickup option for those taking a flyer on under-the-radar talent.
Meanwhile, Manny Almonte, a 17-year-old outfielder for the Diamondbacks, has made strides of his own. His powerful bat has propelled him to second place in this young season's rankings, bolstered by five home runs in 60 plate appearances. Almonte’s appeal goes beyond just the numbers; his advanced metrics reveal promising skills in contact rate and barrel percentages. It’s early days, but he showcases the traits of a significant prospect.
If you're scouting for the next big hit in fantasy leagues, these prospects represent both the excitement and uncertainty that characterize the minors. As the MLB Draft approaches, keep a close eye on these rising stars — their journeys could very well reshape your fantasy roster later this summer.Over the past six weeks, Angels outfielder **[Hayden Alvarez](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/1344806-hayden-alvarez/)** has emerged as a significant player to watch, stealing an impressive 22 bases—outpacing his nearest competitor by seven. At just 19 years old, he’s not only a speed threat but also showcased his power, belting five home runs and achieving a remarkable 173 wRC+ during this stretch. His ability to walk in 20% of plate appearances highlights both discipline and offensive prowess. Behind the numbers, Alvarez registers league-average marks in contact rates and swing decisions, along with above-average exit velocities. This well-rounded skill set positions him as a potential 20/20 player at peak performance, keeping him just outside the top Low-A rankings.
Low-A Pitching
Yankees left-hander **[Henry Lalane](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/324241-henry-lalane/)** has made headlines with an exceptional performance, striking out 12 Blue Jays over seven innings while allowing just one baserunner. In the last six weeks, the 22-year-old has logged a 0.68 WHIP and a 1.27 ERA with a striking 37% strikeout rate. Although he hasn't consistently appeared in full-season rankings yet, his trajectory suggests he would be at the top if evaluated solely over the recent phase of the season.
Meanwhile, **[Reinold Navarro](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/1345070-reinold-navarro/)** of the Pirates continues to draw attention for his electric arsenal. Previously touted for a “high-IVB power fastball,” he now consistently sits at 96-97 mph, reaching up to 99 mph, while maintaining that impressive 21 inches of induced vertical break from previous years. Although his 22% walk rate raises questions about command and suggests a potential role in the bullpen, his remarkable strikeout ability—seen last week as he struck out 10 Cardinals in four innings—compels observers to remain hopeful about his future.
In a crowded Dodgers system, **[Brady Smith](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/309631-brady-smith/)** is quietly making strides. Recently, he put on a striking show with an 11-strikeout game across six innings. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, he returned to form, pitching at 94 mph with a peak of 97 mph. His addition of a 90 mph cutter and 87 mph slider to an already comparable starter's arsenal positions him as a back-of-the-rotation candidate, based on RoboScout’s analysis.
High-A Hitting
**[Eric Hartman](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/675583-eric-hartman/)** maintains his position atop the High-A rankings, though he's encountered a slight slowdown, posting a 94 wRC+ and six home runs over his last 147 plate appearances. Despite this dip, his full-season projection remains enticing, estimating a future of 40 home runs with 20 to 25 steals. His candidacy for Minor League Player of the Year is still in play.
Another noteworthy player is Dodgers third baseman **[Chase Harlan](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/1652095-chase-harlan/)**, who has swiftly made an impact with two home runs in just 19 plate appearances post-promotion to High-A Great Lakes. With metrics like a 109 mph 90th percentile exit velocity backing him, the buzz around Harlan suggests he's still undervalued in scouts’ eyes.
**[Justin Gonzales](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/1344878-justin-gonzales/)** of the Red Sox is inching back into the spotlight with three home runs in six games, re-entering the High-A list in the 18th position. His power output, notable for his 10 home runs and 108 mph exit velocity across 277 plate appearances, paints the picture of a future major leaguer with the potential for 20-plus home runs. Comparisons to Aaron Judge are inevitable given his size and power.
Lastly, **[Eduardo Quintero](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/21675-eduardo-quintero/)** is worth a mention at the low end of the rankings amid a six-game hitting streak. Despite a relatively quiet season, RoboScout reflects confidence in his upside based on favorable Statcast data, projecting solid contact and power metrics that could pay dividends for patient observers.
For those in need of deeper league insights, consider **[Carter Graham](https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/357181-carter-graham/)** of the Reds. Despite being older at 24, he’s had a sizzling six weeks with a 213 wRC+, accumulating 13 home runs and seven steals. His advanced exit velocities and contact rates imply he could be a serviceable major league hitter, capable of contributing significant home run power.
Final Thoughts on Emerging Talent
This week’s highlights underscore a vibrant shift in the minor leagues, particularly marking the strengths of young hitters who are beginning to define their trajectories. Franklin Arias of the Red Sox continues to generate buzz, not merely as a contender but as a front-runner in the race for the Double-A RoboScout hitting title. With his recent surge—two home runs and a 12-point wRC+ increase—Arias reinforces his already high projections, indicating a likely peak performance that could reshape expectations for the 2026 season. If you’re following minor league trends, Arias is more than a name to watch; he’s setting the pace.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue De Paula remains a fierce challenger. His resilience keeps the competition lively, and it's indicative of how dynamic this group of prospects is. It's not just competition; it's a showcase of raw talent that could pave the way for the next generation of star hitters. The fact that De Paula can keep pushing Arias speaks volumes about the competitiveness and depth of this year's crop of young hitters.
Additionally, we can’t overlook Lazaro Montes of the Mariners. His consistency—hitting two or more home runs for three consecutive weeks—has established him as a formidable power prospect. RoboScout's prediction that he will lead this group in home runs at peak only adds to his allure. If you’re in the market for future power-hitting prospects, Montes should certainly be on your radar.
Andrew Fischer’s response to comparisons with Spencer Torkelson shows that these projections are taking root. Even though he’s still developing, his potential for turning into a 30-home run slugger cannot be ignored. It reflects the broader narrative of how minor league performances are becoming increasingly predictive of major league potential.
Even players like Theo Gillen, who haven't yet found their groove in terms of home runs, are generating interest. His projected stats—including 20 to 25 stolen bases—indicate that he could be a multi-dimensional player in the major leagues. There's a sense that some players can break out when least expected, and Gillen is a prime example of that possibility—showing that patience in player development is crucial.
For those tracking pitching talent, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming section on Double-A pitchers. It's an equally exhilarating landscape filled with potential future stars, each with unique stories worth following as they develop. This week's performances paint a hopeful picture for teams and fans alike—with plenty of excitement waiting just around the corner.
