MLB 26-and-under power rankings, Nos. 20-16: Can young stars deliver on their potential?

The Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Nationals and Cubs make up the next tier of our 2026 rankings.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Yahoo Sports' 26-and-under power rankings assess the strength of MLB organizations' young talent base, evaluating all players in an organization entering their age-26 seasons or younger. This article covers teams ranked 20-16, including the Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Nationals and Cubs.

Why it matters

These rankings provide a comprehensive look at each team's young core, valuing productive young major leaguers more heavily than prospects who have yet to prove themselves at the highest level. The rankings aim to paint a clearer picture of each organization's long-term outlook.

The details

The Braves have seen their young core of Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley graduate from eligibility, leaving them with more uncertainty. The Yankees are relying on prospects like Jasson Domínguez, Anthony Volpe and Spencer Jones to deliver on their potential. The White Sox have assembled an impressive collection of young hitters, while the Nationals and Cubs are banking on their crop of talented outfielders and pitchers to lead the way.

  • The rankings were compiled and published on February 20, 2026.

The players

Drake Baldwin

The 24-year-old catcher was the reigning NL Rookie of the Year after a magnificent season at the plate for the Braves.

Michael Harris II

The Braves' fleet-footed outfielder had a weird 2025 campaign, struggling mightily in the first half before rebounding in the second half.

Jasson Domínguez

The Yankees' highly touted outfield prospect failed to capitalize on early-season playing time in 2025 and may spend much of 2026 in the minors or as a bench player.

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees' shortstop of the future has yet to consistently deliver on the offensive impact he showcased in the minors, and his defense regressed in 2025, raising concerns about his long-term future.

Colson Montgomery

The White Sox's potential franchise shortstop had a strong rookie season, showcasing impressive power and making big strides defensively.

Munetaka Murakami

The White Sox made a surprising free-agent addition of the legendary NPB slugger, whose transition to MLB will be closely watched.

James Wood

The Nationals' young outfielder earned an All-Star nod in 2025 but struggled in the second half, raising questions about his ability to maintain production.

CJ Abrams

The Nationals' shortstop has been the subject of trade rumors, and the new coaching staff will look to help him reach his offensive ceiling while improving his defense.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

The Cubs' center fielder had an up-and-down 2025 season, showcasing his immense raw talent but also his swing-at-everything approach that undermines his consistency.

Cade Horton

The Cubs' rookie right-hander had a strong 2025 campaign, but his ability to find more swing-and-miss stuff will determine whether he's a midrotation starter or a frontline arm.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These rankings highlight the importance of developing and retaining young talent, as teams like the Braves and Yankees have seen their young cores graduate while the White Sox, Nationals and Cubs are banking on their up-and-coming players to lead the way. The ability of these young stars to deliver on their potential will be crucial to their teams' long-term success.