The MLB All-Star Week festivities begin Saturday in Atlanta with the Futures Game, a premier showcase for the sport’s top young talent. For many fans, it’s a first look at baseball’s next generation of stars, while for industry insiders, it serves as a crucial midseason evaluation of rising and falling prospects. Here are a dozen players to watch closely during this year’s game.
Rising Stars from the 2024 Draft
Konnor Griffin, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
Griffin possesses some of the most impressive raw tools in the minor leagues. His explosive power and speed combination, along with his ability to play either shortstop or the outfield, has drawn comparisons to Fernando Tatis Jr.
Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics
Jump’s velocity has increased significantly, with his fastball now sitting at 93-96 mph and touching 98. He effectively commands the top of the strike zone with a high-spin heater that generates a high rate of swings and misses.
Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Yesavage features deceptive pitch shapes from a high arm slot. His fastball and changeup have more cutting action than is typical, and the unexpected movement from his unique release point is likely to produce some awkward swings from hitters who have not seen him before.
Soaring Up the Prospect Rankings
Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
After a historically good performance in the Dominican Summer League, Made has rocketed from 46th on preseason prospect lists to inside the top five. Now torching Low-A pitching at just 18 years old, he profiles as a potential plus hitter with plus power from both sides of the plate who can remain in the infield.
Zyhir Hope, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Hope has quieted concerns about his contact ability and surged from 70th to 21st in prospect rankings. While still a power-over-hit player, he is now consistently tapping into his plus-plus raw power against High-A competition.
Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets
Tong has climbed from 147th to 50th in the rankings and continues to ascend. His fastball velocity is up, and his changeup has gained five inches of sink and two inches of run, making it a devastating swing-and-miss offering. He appears to be on a fast track to the major league rotation.
Pitchers with Unique Profiles
Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox
Standing at 6-foot-10, Schultz presents a rare look with plus raw stuff delivered from a low arm slot. Though his walk rate has risen in Triple-A, his unique profile makes him a must-watch, especially in a short outing.
Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Seattle Mariners
Cijntje is a true switch-pitcher with first-round talent. He is a compelling prospect who may showcase his rare ability to throw effectively with both arms during the game.
Contenders for Baseball’s Top Prospect in 2026
Leo De Vries, SS, San Diego Padres
Currently the front-runner for the future No. 1 prospect title, De Vries is a switch-hitting shortstop with power who is already thriving in High-A at just 18.
Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers
Walcott possesses the highest ceiling of this group, with the potential to hit 40 home runs annually. His aggressive assignment to Double-A at age 19 has challenged him, but his immense tools remain undeniable.
Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers
Clark is a plus player across the board, with the exception of average raw power. His path to stardom could mirror that of a dynamic, all-around talent like Corbin Carroll.
Kevin McGonigle, SS, Detroit Tigers
While his raw physical tools are a step behind others in this elite group, McGonigle may be the best pure hitter of them all. He boasts an excellent approach at the plate and plays solid defense at shortstop as a left-handed hitter.
