5 MLB Prospects Ready To Climb Rankings After Being Traded At The 2026 Deadline

Key Points:

• Enddy Azocar, acquired by the Orioles in the Adley Rutschman trade, is a high-risk, high-ceiling outfield prospect known for his athleticism and power potential, showing steady improvement in exit velocity and home run totals despite a raw approach and swing-and-miss tendencies.
• Joniel Hernandez, a 17-year-old shortstop acquired by the Giants from the Padres, impresses with athleticism, power potential, and defensive skills, though he remains an extreme-risk prospect due to his early developmental stage and need to improve pitch recognition.
• Brady Smith, a right-handed pitcher acquired by the Tigers from the Dodgers, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and showing significant progress this season with improved strike rates, velocity, and a potentially plus-plus changeup, though his secondary pitches remain a work in progress.
• Jacob Kmatz, a right-handed reliever acquired by the Dodgers from the Rays, has made a breakout transition to the bullpen with increased velocity and plus-grade breaking balls, positioning him as a potential major league contributor with late-inning capabilities.
• Sandro Santana, a left-handed pitcher acquired by the Cardinals from the Diamondbacks, has advanced rapidly with a significant velocity increase and a plus slider, projecting as a high-leverage reliever with potential to contribute to the Cardinals' bullpen within a year.