13 Must-Watch Pitchers in Spring Training 2026
The nastiest pitchers in the world are about to be back on the mound. With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training this week, let's highlight some of the arms who are worth keeping an eye out for. These could be the top pitching prospects in the Majors, stars with new teams, players coming to MLB from overseas, future aces on the rise, or former aces coming back from injury. Whatever the reason, we'll be tuning in to see them this spring.
Here are 13 pitchers to watch at Spring Training 2026:
Nolan McLean: The top pitching prospect in baseball and MLB's No. 6 prospect overall, McLean had a sensational big league debut last season. With a future ace potential, his repertoire includes a nasty heater, curveball, sweeper, and changeup. Don't miss him at Spring Training, as he's also pitching for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
Tatsuya Imai: The latest Japanese ace to join the Major Leagues, Imai is compared to Mariners All-Star Luis Castillo. Watch him at his first Spring Training with Houston, where he'll play a significant role in 2026 after Framber Valdez's departure to the Tigers.
Corey Gore: After a breakout with the Nationals, Gore is set to pitch for the Rangers in 2026. Texas is an ideal place for a young, high-upside power pitcher, and he'll join Jack Leiter in learning from the best, Rangers ace Jacob deGrom.
Bubba Chandler: The next-best pitching prospect after McLean, Chandler has an explosive fastball averaging 99 mph and two nasty secondary pitches. Keep an eye on him at Pirates camp as he aims to build on his 2025 debut.
Hunter Burns: A big breakout candidate in Cincinnati, Burns had a rocky rookie season but struck out the world with a lethal fastball-slider combo. The 23-year-old's potential makes him a key player alongside Hunter Greene for the Reds.
Roki Sasaki: One of the biggest mysteries of the new season, Sasaki was baseball's No. 1 overall prospect when he arrived from Japan. His rookie season with the Dodgers was a rollercoaster, but he could be an electric arm with one of the nastiest splitters. Will he live up to the hype?
Ryan Weathers: A high-ceiling lefty, Weathers could be more than a stopgap for the Yankees. With a power fastball, changeup, and sweeper, he's compared to Jesús Luzardo, Tarik Skubal, and Garrett Crochet. If he shines in pinstripes, the Yanks' trade to get him from the Marlins will be a success.
Ponce: The Blue Jays have an intriguing pitcher in Ponce, who hasn't pitched in the Majors since 2021 but dominated in Korea. After adding ticks to his fastball and developing a wipeout splitter, he set KBO records. What will he do in his second chance in MLB?
Michael McClanahan: McClanahan, who missed the 2025 season due to a nerve issue, is ready to pitch again. The 28-year-old was once one of the best young starters in baseball, and he has more to prove in 2026.
Kyle Baz: Baz filled the gap in the Rays' rotation last season and was traded to the Orioles. With a very good four-seamer and sharp knuckle-curve, he's primed for a breakout in Baltimore.
Carlos Rodriguez: The Angels acquired Rodriguez from the Orioles, who traded away talented starter Rodriguez. With an upper-90s fastball and a signature changeup, Rodriguez is ready for Spring Training after missing the 2025 season due to elbow surgery.
Edward Cabrera: Chicago traded top prospect Owen Caissie to get Cabrera, who brings high-end velocity to the Cubs rotation. Even his changeup averages a ridiculous 94 mph, making it unique for an 'offspeed' pitch.
Jurrangelo Cijntje: The rarest of switch-pitchers, Cijntje can pitch both right-handed and left-handed. The Cardinals acquired him in the Brendan Donovan trade, and we want to know what will happen as he focuses on pitching right-handed. Will he stick with one side or keep up his versatility?
