{"id":114378,"date":"2026-02-19T22:40:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T03:40:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=114378"},"modified":"2026-02-19T22:40:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T03:40:33","slug":"nl-east-prospects-make-opening-day-roster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/19\/nl-east-prospects-make-opening-day-roster\/","title":{"rendered":"Top NL East Prospects Who Could Make Opening Day Rosters"},"content":{"rendered":"
The NL East may be the deepest division as far as top-level minor league talent. In total, there are 12 prospects with 2026 ETAs on MLB<\/span>.com<\/span>\u2019s Top 100 Prospect List<\/a>. This is extremely shocking when you consider that the Atlanta Braves have only one prospect in the group.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Something to Prove<\/span><\/h2>\n

Aidan Miller – SS (Philadelphia Phillies)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Mar 2, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Aidan Miller (81) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Aidan Miller<\/a> has the potential to play for a long time on the left side of the Phillies\u2019 infield. Miller has an above-average baseball IQ, displayed by his ability to steal 59 bases last season with average speed. Second to Miller\u2019s baseball IQ is his arm. There is no doubt that with Miller\u2019s instincts and arm strength, he will be a stalwart on the left side of the infield. Miller\u2019s biggest question mark comes from his hitting ability. He has a violent swing and a high leg kick to time up pitches. In his first stint of pro ball, he had the tendency to fall behind in counts when facing breaking balls, but he has since shown adjustments. These adjustments have shown an increase in Miller\u2019s ability to reach base via walks. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Aiden Miller might be the most blocked-hitting prospect in baseball. The left side of the Phillies\u2019 infield is tied up in Trea Turner<\/a> and Alec Bohm.<\/a> Even with trade speculation around Alec Bohm, the Phillies have yet to get a deal done and open up a spot for Miller. He is even less likely to find playing time at DH thanks to the Phillies\u2019 slugger Kyle Schwarber<\/a>. Another thing holding Aiden Miller back from making the big league club is the fact that he has only played 8 games in Triple-A. Miller has raked during his time in Lehigh Valley, but would need to continue this torrential pace this Spring.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 15%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Andrew Painter – RHP (Philadelphia Phillies)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Feb 11, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (23) warms up during spring training at BareCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The Phillies plan last season was to ramp up top prospect Andrew Painter<\/a> in hopes of him throwing crucial innings down the stretch for the team. This plan was derailed due to Painter\u2019s struggle to return from injury. Painter\u2019s struggles were a result of an inability, at times, to locate the fastball. While Painter’s fastball could be his best pitch at the next level, he also throws to potential plus off-speed options. This arsenal is one of the best all-around mixes in all of minor league baseball, and with improved control, he will be a force to be reckoned with.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Andrew Painter will come into the 2026 season at only 23 years old. With this in mind, Painter has missed two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery. However, with the inconsistency of Taijuan Walker<\/a> and the departure of Mick Abel<\/a>, Painter could compete for the 5th spot in the Philadelphia rotation. In Painter\u2019s case, he will either win over the 5th spot in the rotation or be sent to Triple-A. The Phillies will not use him in relief in his first Major League stint. An opportunity to pitch more in Triple-A is the most likely occurrence for the 6 ‘7 righty.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 40%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Justin Crawford – OF (Philadelphia Phillies)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Feb 25, 2025; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford (80) runs home to score against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Justin Crawford<\/a> is the son of former All-Star outfielder Carl Crawford<\/a>. Similar to his father, Justin Crawford profiles to be a top-end hitter and base stealer. In each of his three full seasons in the minors, he\u2019s stolen over 40 bags. Last season, Crawford additionally hit for a whopping .334 and walked more often than ever before. Crawford will hold his own in centerfield, thanks in large part to his plus speed. The speedster could be this year\u2019s version of Jacob Wilson<\/a>. Both players were touted for their bat-to-ball ability, but worry scouts due to their lack of elite exit velocity.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
The Phillies outfield is looking extremely thin going into the start of Spring Training. After the release<\/a> of Nick Castellanos<\/a>, there is plenty of room in the outfield for Crawford. Crawford has hit at every level he\u2019s played and dominated in a full season in Triple-A. He has nothing more to prove in the minors and looks to make an impact in Philadelphia this season. The only thing that could hold Crawford back is an extremely poor spring. <\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 90%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Carson Benge – OF (New York Mets)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Feb 12, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (93) warms-up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The Mets have made a habit of drafting two-way players from Oklahoma State, and Carson Benge<\/a> is the latest example. Benge and the Mets decided for him to pursue hitting only in 2025. In his first taste of pro ball, Benge hit .281 with 15 home runs across three levels. His ability to read fly balls and an above-average arm will allow Benge to be at least an average defensive centerfielder. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
The Mets have done everything to clear the path for Benge. This offseason, the Mets traded away outfielders Brandon Nimmo<\/a> and fellow prospect Jett Williams<\/a>. The starting right field spot is now open for Benge. This move to a corner should allow Benge to focus exclusively on hitting. The Mets are in a win-now situation and have spent millions this offseason. With this in mind, Benge struggled at the plate once he reached Triple-A. If the Mets deem him not to be ready, Benge could see more time in Syracuse before making the big league roster.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 60%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Joe Mack<\/span> <\/span>– C (Miami Marlins)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp catcher Joe Mack (8) reacts on first base next to manager David Carpenter (38) during the first inning of Game 3 of an MiLB International League Championship Series at VyStar Ballpark Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defeated the Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 7-4 and took home the title in a best-of-three game series. [Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Another rebuild is in process for the Miami Marlins, but Joe Mack<\/a> and other top 100 prospects are on the way. \u00a0Hitting from the left side, Mack is very upright in the box and takes violent swings. He consistently punished fastballs with a 1.074 OPS against last season. His innate ability to hit the fastball and take violent swings lends to plus power. Behind the plate, Mack has plenty of upside. He has a great arm and even better hands thanks to his athleticism. Last season alone, he threw out 33% of runners on stolen base attempts. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Joe Mack will be joining Agust\u00edn Ram\u00edrez<\/a> behind the dish for the Marlins. Last season, Ram\u00edrez finished 6th in the NL Rookie of the Year award. However, from an offensive standpoint, Ramirez and Mack are similar players. Both catchers should hit for at least average power, may struggle with strikeouts, and don\u2019t walk. The one thing going for Mack is his defense. Mack would be a vast improvement at catcher defensively since Ram\u00edrez was near league-worst behind the plate. Additionally, the Marlins are in a rebuild with multiple young, promising players that Mack could join. <\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster:<\/span> <\/span>60%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Robbie Snelling – LHP (Miami Marlins)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Feb 23, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Robby Snelling throws a pitch during the second inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Robbie Snelling<\/a> came into the 2025 resurgence in his pitch arsenal. After coming off a 2024 season that saw his fastball dip nearly 5 mph, Snelling dominated with the fastball in 2025. This is in large part due to this control. He\u2019s able to work his fastball against both lefties and righties and wherever needed in the zone. The lefty spent the 2025 season split between Double and Triple-A. Snelling in Triple-A Jacksonville improved on an already great start to his season. In 11 starts, he pitched to a 1.27 ERA and struck out 81 batters in 63.2 innings. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Snelling has now spent three full seasons in the minor leagues. He has also seen his fair share of successes and failures during this time. Due to stuff regression, his 2024 season was a disappointment. However, Snelling returned to form in 2025 and dominated the upper levels. Unfortunately for Snelling, he is not on the 40-man roster. With the departure of Ryan Weathers<\/a> in an offseason trade, there is at least one open spot in the Marlins rotation. Even with this, the fact that Snelling is not on the 40-man roster and the Marlins may want to see continued success in the minors, it is unlikely that Snelling to make the big league roster.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 10%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Thomas White – LHP (Miami Marlins)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Thomas White (32) pitches during the first inning of Game 2 of an MiLB International League Championship Series at VyStar Ballpark Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defeated the Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 6-4 and force a Game 3 Thursday evening for the title championship.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The Marlins add their second left-handed starting pitcher to the list in top 20 prospect Thomas White<\/a>. Thomas White is more power-driven than the aforementioned Snelling. White works with an upper-90s fastball and a frisbee for a slider while adding a plus change. The lefty has the ability for all three of his pitches to be plus pitches at worst. He has struggled with control at times. Even in a spectacular 2025 season, he walked over 13% of batters. This was a spike from his previous season. White\u2019s potential could be similar to Blake Snell’s. Both are left-handed starters who struggle with control but are elite. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
White is coming off a strong second full season of pro ball, where he threw 89.2 innings and a 2.31 ERA. While his stuff is more top-end than that of Snelling, White has a better chance of making the opening day roster. White has only thrown 9.1 innings in Triple-A. Additionally, White is not on the 40-man roster either. With this in mind, there should be no expectation to see him in Miami come March.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 5%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

JR Ritchie – RHP (Atlanta Braves)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Bainbridge’s JR Ritchie pitches against North Kitsap at Bainbridge High on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.
Sports Recap 2022 Ritchie 02<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
JR Ritchie<\/a> is a former prep right-handed starter from Washington. The Braves prospect missed his first full pro season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In two seasons after rehabbing the UCL injury, Ritchie has dominated. Ritchie works in 5 separate pitches, albeit none of them grade out as plus. However, Ritchie is able to use all 5 to get strikeouts and be effective on the mound. He uses all of these pitches to strike out one batter per inning.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Atlanta has plenty of rotation depth with 7 starters currently on the roster. However, some of these players saw limited success last season and are potentially on the decline. Ritchie will be going into camp with only 59.2 innings under his belt in Triple-A. While Ritchie has pitched in Truist Park previously, don\u2019t expect him to do so this March.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 10%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Players who debuted in 2025<\/span><\/h2>\n

Owen Caissie – OF (Miami Marlins)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Aug 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Owen Caissie (19) scores against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Owen Caissie<\/a> was recently acquired by the Marlins from the Cubs. Caissie made his debut late in the 2025 season and struggled. He hit just .192 with 1 homerun in 12 games. However, Caissie comes over with plenty of polish from the minor leagues. He spent all of 2024 and most of the 2025 season in Triple-A. During those stints, he hit .278 and .286, respectively, with 19 and 22 home runs. Caissie profiles as a power over hit corner outfielder. He is likely to play right field long-term thanks to his above-average arm and average speed. The left-handed bat should solidify a young outfield core for years to come.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Owen Caissie currently slots in as the everyday right fielder for the Marlins. He will compete for time with Griffin Conine<\/a>, who has battled injuries to start his career. Caissie has also already spent nearly two full seasons in Triple-A and isn\u2019t likely to gain anything by being sent down. With 12 MLB games under his belt, if he can cut down on his strikeouts, there\u2019s no reason he shouldn\u2019t start for Miami Opening Day.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 85%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Harry Ford – C (Washington Nationals)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Sep 27, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Harry Ford (5) runs towards first base after hitting a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Harry Ford<\/a> is the second of the top prospects to be traded<\/a> to the NL East this season. Ford is known more for his bat than his glove. While he has an above-average arm, Ford\u2019s receiving needs to improve. The former Seattle farm hand has the potential to be a 20-20 guy behind the dish, though. His stocky frame and natural athleticism lends for him to even improve defensively.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Harry Ford was previously blocked by platinum glove winner and MVP finalist Cal Raleigh<\/a> in Seattle. In Washington, Ford will have to compete with Keibert Ruiz<\/a> for time behind the plate. Ruiz missed plenty of time due to injury in 2025 and didn\u2019t impress when he did play. Additionally, Ford has the capability to play a corner outfield spot and could see playing time there. Between splitting catching duty, sneaking in some time in the outfield, and the potential to DH, Ford is likely to see a lot of time in a Nationals uniform.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 75%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Jonah Tong – RHP (New York Mets)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong (21) pitches a live batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Jonah Tong<\/a> led all of minor league baseball in strikeouts before being called up for the Mets\u2019 playoff push. Tong struggled down this stretch but displayed why he\u2019s one of the top prospects in baseball. He has one of the best fastballs in baseball and adds an equally filthy changeup to his arsenal. He has a very unorthodox delivery with a high arm angle that worries scouts. Long-term, there\u2019s certainly a risk and a concern about how long he\u2019ll be able to throw at such an angle. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
When it comes to Jonah Tong, there\u2019s always been a need for him to prove himself due to his delivery. Last season, he certainly did this in the minors, but struggled in New York. He also made his pro debut after only 2 games in Triple-A. With a congested rotation in New York and the lack of experience in Triple-A, Tong could start his season in Syracuse. However, the Mets have shown confidence in him by calling him up last season and could allow him the opportunity to start in Citi Field.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 35%<\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n

Nolan McLean<\/span> <\/span>– RHP (New York Mets)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Sep 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) tags out Chicago Cubs first base Michael Busch (29) during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Nolan McLean<\/a> is the second former Oklahoma State two-way player in the Mets system. McLean went down the pitching route, unlike Carson Benge. The right-handed starter looks to be the early favorite for NL Rookie of the Year and for good reason. McLean boasts some of the best off-speed pitches in all of baseball. Both his slider and curveball grade out as at least plus-plus pitches. He also adds a plus fastball and a plus cutter. In 48 innings in the big leagues, McLean pitched to a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts. <\/span><\/div>\n
\u200b<\/span><\/div>\n
Nolan McLean is the only lock on the list. There should be no doubt that he is in a New York Mets uniform next season. McLean is set to have a Paul Skenes<\/a>-like rookie season and should dominate. Even a disastrous spring should result in McLean making the big league roster. The former OSU Cowboy will wrangle in offenses this season in New York.<\/span><\/div>\n
Likelihood to Make Opening Day Roster: 100%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
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(Top Image Credit:<\/em> Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The NL East may be the deepest division as far as top-level minor league talent. In total, there are 12 prospects with 2026 ETAs on MLB.com\u2019s Top 100 Prospect List. This is extremely shocking when you consider that the Atlanta Braves have only one prospect in the group. \u200b Something to Prove Aidan Miller – […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5736,"featured_media":114401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1071,21,20,926,22,23,19],"tags":[6459,4784,28635,4948,4919,29121,29162,5799,3753,3756,29270,6444],"class_list":["post-114378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-braves","category-marlins","category-milb","category-mets","category-phillies","category-nationals","tag-aidan-miller","tag-andrew-painter","tag-carson-benge","tag-harry-ford","tag-joe-mack","tag-jonah-tong","tag-jr-ritchie","tag-justin-crawford","tag-nolan-mclean","tag-owen-caissie","tag-robbie-snelling","tag-thomas-white"],"modified_by":"Matthew Nethercott, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5736"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114378"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":114402,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114378\/revisions\/114402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/114401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=114378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}