Five traded prospects positioned to climb MLB prospect rankings

Analyst Ian Cundall identified five baseball prospects who changed organizations at the 2026 trade deadline and are likely to rise in future prospect rankings. Outfielder Endy Azocar, acquired by the Orioles in the Adley Rutschman deal, has shown steady growth in power and exit velocity, increasing his home-run total to 18 and raising his 90th-percentile exit speed to 107.6 mph. While his swing remains geared toward fastballs, scouts see a high ceiling if he improves contact against secondary pitches.

Shortstop Joniel Hernandez, traded to the Giants from the Padres, posted a .316/.439/.519 line in the Dominican Summer League before the move and has continued to impress with a blend of athleticism, solid defense and above-average power, recording a double, a home run and two walks in his first two games with San Francisco. His power metrics suggest further upside as he matures.

Right-handed pitcher Brady Smith, the third piece in the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal, completed his first full healthy season after Tommy-John surgery, posting a 4.36 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 74.1 innings. His strike-out rate has risen sharply, and his changeup, now delivering a 56 % whiff rate, is considered his most promising weapon.

Another right-hander, Jacob Kmatz, moved from the Rays to the Dodgers and transitioned to a bullpen role, posting a 2.83 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 54 innings. His fastball velocity has climbed to an average of 95 mph with a 27 % whiff rate, while his slider and curveball have spin rates above 2,500 rpm and whiff rates exceeding 50 % and 45 % respectively.

Left-handed reliever Sandro Santana, part of the Lars Nootbaar trade to the Cardinals, has advanced from High-A to Double-A, recording a 2.08 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. His fastball now averages 95.5 mph, and his low-to-mid-80s sweep slider has increased its spin rate and whiff rate to 56 %, giving him the potential to become a seventh-inning option.

Cundall notes that each player carries a mix of high upside and developmental risk, but their recent statistical trends and tool enhancements suggest they could break into the top tiers of prospect rankings within the next year.