Baseball America has released its monthly organization reports for January 2026, highlighting the progress and potential of various Major League Baseball (MLB) prospects. These insights, gathered from all 30 clubs, shed light on emerging talents and their development in the minor leagues. Here are ten notable updates that stand out from the latest reports.
Emerging Stars in the Minor Leagues
Under the leadership of scouting director Brian Bridges, the Kansas City Royals have focused on versatile athletes in their recent drafts. One player embodying this approach is Michael Lombardi, a two-way talent from Tulane. While he primarily played as a center fielder and reliever for the Green Wave, the Royals plan to develop him as a right-handed starter. “You’re dealing with an athlete who’s highly competitive,” Bridges remarked, highlighting Lombardi’s limited arm mileage and pitching potential.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies saw a bright spot in their organization through 18-year-old Roldy Brito. The switch-hitting center fielder and second baseman excelled in the Arizona Complex League and at Low-A Fresno, boasting an impressive batting average of .371 while stealing 35 bases in 84 games. Brito led all minor league players with at least 350 plate appearances, showing that he is more than just a proficient bunter. “He loved being a multi-dimensional threat in the box,” said Fresno bench coach Dave Keller.
The Oakland Athletics have made significant strides with Dominican shortstop Edgar Montero, who was a central figure in their 2024 international signing class. Although his initial performance was underwhelming, Montero rebounded in 2025 while repeating the Dominican Summer League, achieving a remarkable 1.063 OPS. “He understood the importance of being in shape to have a big and long career,” stated Juan Mosquera, the A’s Latin America scouting supervisor.
Noteworthy Progress from Rising Prospects
The Washington Nationals are optimistic about Seaver King, who adjusted his swing during the Arizona Fall League after a challenging regular season. King’s renewed focus on his mechanics paid off as he hit .359/.468/.563 with six stolen bases and 24 RBIs across 18 games. “I saw the results by not worrying about the results,” he explained, as he gears up for the 2026 season.
In Seattle, high school outfielder Jonny Farmelo, drafted 29th overall in 2023, has faced injury setbacks but showed flashes of his potential during the Arizona Fall League. He recorded 12 stolen bases and three triples in just 23 games. Mariners farm director Justin Toole expressed excitement about Farmelo’s capabilities as a power-speed center fielder, emphasizing his ability to impact the game on multiple fronts.
The Milwaukee Brewers are also taking notice of Marco Dinges, a fourth-round pick in 2024, whose bat speed has impressed coaches. Dinges achieved an OPS over .900 while batting at least 300 times, showcasing consistent performance without altering his natural swing. “Once the strength got added, the results started showing,” he noted.
On the pitching front, the Detroit Tigers are encouraged by 19-year-old Kelvis Salcedo, who has quickly progressed to Low-A. Salcedo’s ability to generate strikeouts with a varied arsenal makes him a standout prospect. A National League scout remarked, “He’s not scared to attack,” highlighting Salcedo’s confidence and self-awareness at such a young age.
The Minnesota Twins have high hopes for 20-year-old right-hander Adrian Bohorquez, who has improved his command significantly after a challenging start to the previous season. “Just trusting his stuff and throwing it over the heart of the plate,” said Twins farm director Drew MacPhail, indicating that Bohorquez’s electric repertoire could be a game-changer as he develops further.
Lastly, the Chicago White Sox have seen a resurgence from Tanner McDougal, who has rebounded from Tommy John surgery to thrive at Double-A. After facing control issues, McDougal has regained his confidence, stating, “I’m capable of doing this, and I am where I belong.” His journey underscores the resilience that many young athletes demonstrate as they navigate the rigors of professional baseball.
As the MLB off-season continues, these prospects represent just a fraction of the emerging talent that could shape the future of the league. Their development will be closely monitored by fans and organizations alike as they strive to make an impact at the highest level.
