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30 MLB teams, 30 breakout stars: The players who will make the biggest leap in 2026
From veterans in new roles to former top prospects ready to reach new heights, here's who we expect to level up.
Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
TOP HEADLINES
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC SCOREBOARD
U.S. ADVANCEMENT IN PERIL
World Baseball Classic tiebreaker scenarios: How can Team USA advance?
The United States' WBC fate is now out of its hands. Here's how the U.S. can move on to the quarterfinals -- or be sent packing.
Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
How much criticism does Mark DeRosa deserve for Team USA mistake?
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SPRING TRAINING SCOREBOARD
BASEBALL ROUNDUP
'Man, just please come back safe': What it's like for an MLB team when its stars are in the WBC
While its top players are out taking on the world, we checked in on life back at home during spring training.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
From college QB to Team USA starter in the WBC: The incredible rise of Nolan McLean
Eight starts into his MLB career, the Mets' budding ace is making himself at home in the U.S. rotation.
TRENDING AT THE WBC
Former cadets Skenes and Jax help Air Force baseball team attend USA-Mexico
Paul Skenes and Griffin Jax played for the Air Force baseball team on their respective journeys to the major leagues and Team USA.
AF_Baseball/X
Livvy Dunne puts spin on Paul Skenes' viral smirk to Bobby Witt Jr. play vs. Mexico
Bobby Witt Jr.'s play resulted in a viral smirk from Skenes -- one that caught the attention of his girlfriend.
FANTASY BASEBALL
Kings of Command: Nine fantasy breakout pitchers to draft late
Which overlooked pitchers have the skills to come up with a big season? Tristan H. Cockcroft presents his annual look at MLB's "Kings of Command."
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Eric Karabell's 'Do not draft' list
Karabell identifies the players unlikely to be on his roster this season.
HOW THEY STACK UP
MLB Rank 2026: Ranking baseball's top 100 players
From star sluggers like Ohtani and Judge to top pitchers like Skubal, we rank -- and make predictions for -- the best players in baseball right now.
ESPN Illustration
Ranking MLB positions: Which spots on the diamond have the most projected production?
From "Generation Shortstop" to a power position that has lost its pop, here's how every area stacks up for 2026.
Top Headlines
- D-backs' Carroll (hand) hitless in spring debut
- White Sox catcher Teel likely to miss 4-6 weeks
- After Arozarena rant, Raleigh says 'there's no beef'
- O's Mountcastle exits after taking pitch off hand
- Astros closer Hader to open season on injured list
- Mets' Lindor '100% optimistic' about Opening Day
- Reds' Greene to have surgery, targets July return
- Cora praises Durbin as Red Sox still to name 3B
- ⚾ Ranking the positions: Best and worst for 2026
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- ESPN Illustration
MLB Rank 2026: Ranking baseball's top 100 players
From star sluggers like Ohtani and Judge to top pitchers like Skubal, we rank -- and make predictions for -- the best players in baseball right now.
- Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Meet Pirates' Konnor Griffin, MLB's next teenage superstar
The No. 1 prospect in baseball has a chance to join exclusive company on Opening Day -- if the Pirates are willing to let him.
- ESPN
Ranking MLB's best at every position for 2026: Olney's top 10s
As a new baseball season approaches, we compare the elite at every spot on the diamond.
- Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
Final 2026 offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams
Now that spring training and preparation for the 2026 season are underway, let's hand out offseason report cards for every club.
- ESPN
Top 100 MLB prospects for 2026: Griffin, McGonigle, more
Where do stars of tomorrow such as Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle land as we rank baseball's best young players?
