Standout Spring Training Performances Hint at Big 2026 Seasons

MLB's top prospects and breakout candidates are shining in preseason action

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:00am

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As Spring Training winds down, a number of players are turning heads with their impressive stat lines and underlying metrics, hinting at potential breakout campaigns in the 2026 MLB regular season. From top prospects like the Rangers' Wyatt Langford and the Orioles' Samuel Basallo to veterans like the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez and the Blue Jays' Cody Ponce, these players are showing off elite bat speed, hard-hitting ability, and overpowering stuff that could translate to big things when the games start to count.

Why it matters

Spring Training stats are often dismissed as meaningless, but a closer look at the underlying numbers and scouting reports on these players suggests their strong preseason performances are a genuine sign of their readiness to make an impact in 2026. Their combination of elite tools, past production, and current form make them intriguing players to watch as the new season gets underway.

The details

Among the hitters turning heads are the Braves' Drake Baldwin, who is crushing the ball with a 97.2 mph average exit velocity and 23% barrel rate, the Rangers' Wyatt Langford, who is putting up video game numbers with a 1.468 OPS, and the Guardians' Chase DeLauter, who is making tons of hard contact with a 93.6 mph average exit velocity. On the pitching side, the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez is dominating with a nasty sinker-changeup combo, the Yankees' Cam Schlittler is blowing hitters away with 98+ mph heat, and the Twins' Mick Abel is showcasing a deep, overpowering arsenal.

  • Spring Training 2026 is winding down, with Opening Day just around the corner.

The players

Drake Baldwin

A 24-year-old catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Baldwin is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year and is crushing the ball this spring with a .325 batting average, .625 slugging percentage, and 97.2 mph average exit velocity.

Wyatt Langford

A top prospect for the Texas Rangers, the 24-year-old Langford is tearing it up in Spring Training with a .444 batting average, .944 slugging percentage, and 98.5 mph average exit velocity.

Chase DeLauter

The 24-year-old outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians made his MLB debut in the playoffs last year and is now impressing in his first full Spring Training with a .429 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, and 93.6 mph average exit velocity.

Cristopher Sánchez

The 29-year-old left-hander for the Philadelphia Phillies is coming off a strong World Baseball Classic performance and has continued that dominance in Spring Training, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.57 WHIP with an overpowering sinker-changeup combination.

Cam Schlittler

The 25-year-old right-hander for the New York Yankees is poised to build on his impressive rookie season and playoff run, showcasing 98+ mph heat and nasty secondary pitches in Spring Training.

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The takeaway

These standout Spring Training performances from top prospects and breakout candidates suggest the 2026 MLB season could feature a new wave of young stars making their mark on the league. Fans should keep an eye on these players as they look to translate their impressive preseason numbers into regular season success.