Rising 2026 MLB Prospects: Focus on Josiah Hartshorn

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Just Baseball Show

Emerging Prospects in Baseball: Hartshorn, Ayers, and De Paula Make Waves

Josiah Hartshorn, a young and promising prospect for the Cubs, is making significant strides in his baseball career. Drafted in the sixth round in 2025, Hartshorn received substantial signing money and has lived up to expectations. At just 19 years old, he showcases maturity and skill beyond his years as a switch hitter. Hartshorn's advanced approach has allowed him to thrive from Low A to High A, indicating his potential for further growth. In 24 games at the High A level, he impressively hit 8 home runs, batted .349, and achieved a 1.167 Weighted Runs Created Plus (WRC+). Overall, his season stats include a .302/.421/.559 slash line with 13 homers in 63 games, amassing a 155 WRC+. Hartshorn's continued success is reflected in his rise within the top 100 prospects.

Owen Ayers, another Cubs prospect, represents one of the more compelling stories in the prospect scene. Drafted in the 19th round in 2024 from Marshall and signed for just $50,000, Ayers has defied expectations at 25 years old. Operating as a switch-hitting catcher with plus power and arm strength, he's proven to be a late bloomer. In the Southern League at AA, Ayers has hit 12 home runs in 48 games and boasts a 166 WRC+. His ability to throw out runners and slug consistently suggests he might emerge as a top 100 prospect despite his age.

Jose De Paula, a young talent in the Dodgers system, also garners attention not just for his performance but for his potential pivotal role with the team. Previously critiqued for his performance against spin, De Paula has addressed those concerns this season with an OPS over 900. Recently turning 21, he has a .321/.421/.557 slash line with 13 home runs and 19 stolen bases out of 23 attempts in AA. De Paula's adjustments at the plate have paid dividends, making him an exciting player to watch in the Dodgers' future, especially given their current outfield depth and contract commitments.

These three prospects, each at different stages of their careers and from various backgrounds, highlight the diverse talent pool making its mark in baseball's farm systems. Their stories not only show individual growth but also the broader dynamics of player development in Major League Baseball.