Four Dodgers Prospects Poised for MLB Debuts in 2026

Top pitching and hitting talents await their call-up to the big leagues this season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:30am by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and yellows, conveying the raw energy and potential of the Dodgers' top prospects.The Dodgers' pipeline of top prospects offers a glimpse into the team's bright future, with several young talents poised to make an impact at the major league level.San Francisco Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a deep farm system with several highly touted prospects expected to make their MLB debuts in 2026. Four players in particular - pitchers River Ryan and Kyle Hurt, and hitters James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard - are leading the pack and could see time with the big league club this year as the Dodgers navigate injuries and a crowded roster.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have maintained one of the best farm systems in baseball, consistently developing top talent that can contribute at the major league level. As the team faces a competitive NL West division, these prospects provide depth and potential impact to help the Dodgers remain a World Series contender.

The details

River Ryan is the most likely to be called up, as the right-handed pitcher was on the fast track to the majors before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He's expected to join a crowded Dodgers rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki. Fellow right-hander Kyle Hurt, who also had Tommy John in 2024, is likely to get a look in the bullpen. Outfielder James Tibbs III, acquired from the Red Sox last season, has been tearing it up at Triple-A and could provide a power boost. Zach Ehrhard, traded alongside Tibbs, is another bat to watch.

  • River Ryan underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.
  • Kyle Hurt had Tommy John surgery in 2024 as well.
  • James Tibbs III was traded to the Dodgers at the 2025 trade deadline.

The players

River Ryan

A right-handed pitcher who was on the fast track to the majors before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He's expected to join the Dodgers' crowded rotation this season.

Kyle Hurt

A right-handed pitcher who also had Tommy John surgery in 2024. He's expected to transition to a multi-inning relief role with the Dodgers this season.

James Tibbs III

A power-hitting outfielder acquired by the Dodgers at the 2025 trade deadline, he's off to a scorching start at Triple-A and could provide a boost to the big league club.

Zach Ehrhard

Another bat acquired by the Dodgers alongside Tibbs at the 2025 trade deadline, he's another prospect to watch for a potential call-up.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor the progress of these prospects at Triple-A Oklahoma City, and will likely call them up at various points throughout the season to provide depth and impact as needed.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to develop top-tier talent in their farm system is a key reason they remain one of the premier franchises in baseball. These four prospects represent the next wave of Dodgers stars who could make an impact at the big league level in 2026.