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  "description": "Alex Jensen details 40 names on the outside of our Top 100 who are primed to explode onto the scene in 2026",
  "path": "/juicys-40-prospects-ready-to-erupt-in-2026/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-06T16:48:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Jose Fernandez",
    "Javy Baez",
    "Johenssy Colome",
    "Juan Sanchez",
    "Diego Tornes",
    "John Gil",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "Alex \"Juicy\" Jensen is at it again and this time is going over 40 names across the spectrum of minor league levels who could make a huge jump this season. He goes over why each player made this list, what needs to happen to make the jump and an expectation for each player's season. Let's get to it!\n\n* * *\n\n### Jose Fernandez, SS (ARI)\n\n**_Why He Made The List_**\nLong known as a potential breakout candidate, Fernandez has always stood out for his rail thin 6'3 frame, natural bat speed and chance to stick at SS. The defense has continued to stand out, but the power jump didn't come as early as expected. Last year in AA, we finally got to see some signs of life in the power department, with a jump to an over 104 MPH 90th percentile EV number and 48 XBH (17 HR) across 122 games. Fast forward to this spring and Fernandez is slashing .280/.308/.840 with an absurd .560 ISO and a triple digit average EV. All to go with bat speeds in the 80 MPH range. The power is here and he still looks like an MLB SS.\n\n**_What Needs To Happen_**\nHe has zero patience at the plate and that will need to change. Even this spring, he has one walk in 26 PA, last year he had a 6.3% BB rate up from a 4.4% BB rate the year prior. Fernandez has average bat-to-ball skills, but average won't cut it as a true free swinger. Struggles vs spin and same-handed pitchers lead to concerns about his chances to be an every day player. To make the jump, Fernandez will need to take a step forward in his discipline.\n\n**_End Of Year Projection_**\nWith a strong start, Fernandez could realistically find himself in early Arizona this season. While a jump in discipline could unlock above average regular status, with some real upside, Fernandez currently trends more towards the modern Javy Baez profile of a free swinging SS with above average defensive value who will be hot and cold with the bat.\n\n_Edit: I wrote this in mid March. Updated EOY projection would be that expect Fernandez to be a player who goes on major hot streak, followed by some cold spells and is a polarizing fantasy player who adds real life value with his defense at 3B and SS. If Fernandez gets enough AB, I think 25 HR and 10-15 SB is a very real possibility, and I'd expect a solid average batting average with a tick below average OBP._\n\n### Johenssy Colome, SS (ATH)\n\n**_Why He Made The List_**\nColome possesses some of the most thunderous bat speed you will ever see at this age and it has natural loft to the swing. Colome is more likely to be a 3B than a SS but he is a sound enough athlete to stay at SS for the near term. There is enough arm strength and functional athleticism here to be a solid to plus defender at 3B. The swing can get a bit \"high effort\" at times, think the batter's box equivalent of an RP's delivery, but he makes consistent, loud contact in games. This is a player with genuine 40 HR upside if things click.\n\n**_What Needs To Happen_**\nColome needs to prove it in game. He has the reputation and signing bonus, but now he needs to show he can do it in game. For his status to explode into top 100 territory, Colome needs to highlight his power numbers in-game while limiting whiff. Ideally, he would look viable at SS as well, but it's more just showing that the swing works in-game vs velo and spin.\n\n**_End Of Year Projection_**\nI expect Colome to be amongst the power leaders in the DSL (assuming he doesn't come straight stateside, which is possible), while looking more likely at 3B long term. I think his season and prospect status will be very similar to Juan Sanchez's this year and he will enter 2027 on the cusp of top 100 status, but a very popular stateside breakout pick.\n\n### Diego Tornes, CF (ATL)\n\n**_Why He Made The List_**\nTornes is the prototypical \"this is what they look like\" high variance but potential genuine five tool prospect. Tornes showcases solid bat-to-ball skills with clean swing mechanics from both sides and massive bat speed. Tornes, like seemingly all young Braves prospects, is a somewhat aggressive mentality hitter in the box, but showed enough feel for the zone to give some faith. A plus athlete, Tornes has a prototype 6'2 frame and drips positive projection. Currently posting plus run times, Tornes also shows good feel for when to run and should be a stolen base threat as he matures. Tornes has an easy plus arm that would fit in RF, but was better than expected in CF. Tornes already posts plus raw power numbers in-game at 17, but has struggled to hit barrels in the sweet spot LA range. He needs tweaks and projection, but if it all comes together, this could be an everyday CF, with a cannon arm who has genuine plus power/speed and a platoon risk free 55 bat from both sides. Just a long ways to go to get there in an org that has struggled a bit developing recent hitters.\n\n**_What Needs To Happen_**\nRefinement is needed. Most importantly, Tornes needs to improve his approach and prove he can make consistent contact against better pitching. He will also need to turn some of his hard hit balls into over the fence power. If he can continue to impress in CF...look out.\n\n**_End Of Year Projection_**\nTornes will go as the contact profile will go. I don't fully expect Tornes to answer every question at once, I think his season will be a bit up and down, but I do expect Tornes to show enough to make it to the back end of the top 100 by end of season. If Tornes does manage to take realistic steps forward in every facet of his game, he could explode into top 25 status. Tornes brings more risk than many on this list, but there is genuine top ten prospect upside in the next few years if everything clicks.\n\n### John Gil, SS (ATL)\n\n**_Why He Made The List_**\nGil has always been a guy who flashed on my \"under the hood metrics\" but simply lacked the impact to be scary at the plate. He added 15+ pounds of good weight this summer and is suddenly (he's still not even 20 yet) has a pro physique and is posting massive EV numbers and hitting the ball over fences in spring training. This is a guy who's been a double plus runner, no doubt SS and shown elite bat-to-ball and approach skills.\n\n**_What Needs To Happen_**\nThe power needs to show up in games and he needs to prove he can still move the same way with the added muscle.\n\n**_End Of Year Projection_**\nI think he's a consensus top 100 prospect. Gil looks the part and has a chance to be a five tool SS. The concern here is if the newfound power changes his approach at all, but honestly, he would have made this list with or without the power surge.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Juicy's 40 Prospects Ready to Erupt in 2026",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-06T16:48:01.089Z"
}