Weekend Dynasty Baseball Pickups - April 26/26

Hello and welcome to the Dynasty Baseball Pickups written series!

As I noted last week, there were a couple of players who just missed the cut in my last article, but you can bet they made the cut for this one. We’re at the point in the season where it’s becoming clear whose assignments may have been a touch too low, and I’ve got a few of those players in my article today. With that, we’ve started to see the promotions of some highly ranked prospects as well as some who have started the season far too hot to not earn a promotion. I’ve got a few of those names in this week’s article including a hitting prospect who has been generating as much buzz as anyone in recent weeks, another hitter with similarly impressive tools who isn’t getting the same level of hype, a couple college arms who’s stuff is simply too good for their current level, and a college hitter whose bat is also much too advanced to be challenged at his current level. Now, without further delay lets get into it.

Dynasty Baseball Pickups - Prospects LiveRaj Mehta and Kyle SonntagProspects LiveRaj Mehta

Note: all stats current through Friday April 24/26 and all minor league Statcast data is sourced from TJ Stats unless otherwise stated.

Weekend Pickups

AJ Russell**- 21/SP/TEX/A**

Photo Credit: Smiley N. Pool

Height/weight: 6’6”/223

Throws: R

Fantrax roster%: 11%

PLive-: 96

PLive Prospect ranking (February 2026): 287

PLive Tools (2026): Fastball: 70, Slider: 45, Changeup: 40, Command: 40

2025 stats (NCAA): 25.1 IP, 3.55 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 32.4% K%/9.9% BB%

2026 stats (A): 5 IP, 3.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 40% K%/10% BB%

Why To Pick Up

Russell’s college career had its ups and downs. He pitched to a sub-1.00 ERA out of the bullpen as a Freshman and then got the chance to start as a Sophomore but blew out his elbow before returning to throw 25.1 innings of 3.55 ERA ball as a Junior. He was subsequently drafted 52nd overall in 2025. There are reports that indicate the Rangers viewed Russell as one of the top arms in the entire class and that they believed he would have gone much earlier if he had been healthy. The fastball alone lends credence to that claim, as it receives a double-plus grade from our scouts, not only for its mid-to-high 90s velocity, but also for its low release height and strong movement profile. The slider and changeup need some work to become more consistent offerings, but Russell has the makings of a three-pitch arsenal that could dominate opposing hitters. Although the command could use some work, it has been good enough in the early stages of his pro career that, when paired with his 40% K%, it has still produced an excellent 30% K-BB rate.

Why To Think Twice

The main concern for Russell is the relief risk. Although he has a starter’s frame, because he’s already undergone Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has had trouble keeping the walks in check leads to significant reliever risk. He’s still building back up, but the Rangers do seem intent on bringing him along as a starter. How he handles that workload will be paramount in determining which direction his value will trend this season.

Final Thoughts

Although Russell has been off to a decent start in his small pro sample, this is largely a recommendation based on what I think he could do in 2026. His fastball has the potential to be an elite offering, and if he shows enough control to gain the confidence of the masses that he could stick as a starter, he could be a top 100 prospect by the end of the year. I like his chances of doing just that, and if you hop on the train now, you might have a better idea by the next stop as to whether you want to keep riding or get off while you can.

Where to pick up: Leagues with 150+ prospects rostered

FAAB bid: Moderate (5-10%)

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