The first two months of the 2026 baseball season have revealed some exciting risers and fallers in the dynasty ranks. Here's a breakdown of players who are making waves and those who are facing challenges, offering insights for dynasty managers to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of baseball prospects.
Risers:
Ethan Salas, Catcher, San Diego Padres
Ethan Salas, a 19-year-old catcher, is turning heads with his impressive offensive breakout. Once considered a top prospect, Salas is now hitting .315 with a 138 wRC+ in 2026. His switch-hitting ability, refined approach, and power gains are notable. With a 41% pull rate and 37.7% opposite-field rate, Salas is driving the ball to all fields. The fact that this growth comes from a player with a major league-caliber defensive foundation makes him an exciting prospect for dynasty managers. His improved contact skills and age suggest a player trending towards the elite tier of dynasty prospects.
Wei-En Lin, Starting Pitcher, Athletics
Lin, a 20-year-old right-hander, has quickly established himself as a promising young arm. With a 3.15 ERA over 113 innings in his first two seasons, Lin has shown durability and advanced pitch ability. This season, he's taken it a step further with a 2.03 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 44 innings. Lin's performance in May, with a 1.93 ERA and just four walks, showcases his ability to miss bats while limiting damage. His four-pitch mix, average-to-above-average grades, and consistent attack on the strike zone make him an appealing pitching prospect for dynasty managers.
Edwin Arroyo, Shortstop, Cincinnati Reds
Arroyo, a switch-hitting shortstop, is climbing prospect rankings with a .348/.408/.604 slash line and 10 home runs in 46 games at Triple-A. His offensive growth, despite defense being his calling card, is encouraging. Arroyo is producing a career-best quality of contact, increasing his line-drive rate and exit velocity. His switch-hitting ability, defensive versatility, and improving power output make him a fast-rising middle infield prospect in dynasty formats.
Karson Milbrandt, Starting Pitcher, Miami Marlins
Milbrandt, a 22-year-old pitcher, is emerging as a fast-rising pitching prospect. With a fastball reaching the upper 90s and a sweeper generating swing and miss, he's dominated Double-A competition. His May performance, with a 0.38 ERA and 40 strikeouts, showcased improved command. The reduction in his walk rate from double digits to 8.7% is a key development. Milbrandt's raw stuff, strikeout upside, and age make him a rapidly climbing dynasty prospect, with the potential for a major league debut before the end of the season.
Fallers:
Brody Hopkins, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
Hopkins, despite his elite raw stuff, has struggled with command, leading to a 3.98 ERA and an imbalance in strikeout totals. His four-pitch mix and fastball reaching triple digits are rare, but inconsistent strikes have suppressed his results. Dynasty managers should monitor closely, as any improvement in control could flip him back into breakout territory.
Bryce Rainer, Shortstop, Detroit Tigers
Rainer, an 11th overall pick, has faced timing and contact issues, hitting .226 with just three home runs and a .688 OPS. His batted ball quality has taken a step back, with a 19.7% line drive rate, the lowest of his career. Dynasty managers should remain patient, as Rainer still possesses raw power, but he needs to show meaningful improvement in contact quality and strikeout rates.
Jaxon Wiggins, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Wiggins, a right-hander with triple-digit velocity and multiple plus secondary pitches, has faced inconsistency in command and uneven production. His strikeout ability is present, but command lapses have led to deeper counts and more hittable situations. Dynasty managers should reassess his rankings, as improving consistency in the zone could rebound his value.
Commentary and Analysis:
The risers showcase improved strike quality, consistent production, and sustainable breakout performances. Their offensive growth and strike-throwing abilities suggest a move towards Top 100 prospect territory or aggressive promotion discussions. On the other hand, the fallers are defined by volatility, with command lapses, inconsistent contact quality, and uneven strikeout production. However, none of these profiles feel broken, just in need of refinement and adjustment.
As the season progresses, the key question for both groups is whether recent trends stabilize. The risers' continued success and the fallers' tightening of execution could lead to quick reversals in value, shaping the dynasty landscape in the coming months.
