Seven Dodgers prospects could reach the bigs in 2026: A look at the future stars of the franchise
The Dodgers have a rich history of developing top talent, and their organizational depth was put to the test last season as they aimed for back-to-back World Series championships. Five players made their Major League debut, including top prospects Roki Sasaki and Dalton Rushing, while four others, led by Ben Casparius, exhausted their prospect status with full seasons in the bigs. As the 2026 season approaches, Los Angeles has a new crop of Minor Leaguers ready to contribute.
Here are seven players on the Dodgers' Top 30 Prospects list who could reach the bigs in 2026:
Josue De Paula: A smooth-swinging, power-hitting outfielder with 60-grade pop and smart swing decisions. De Paula, who will turn 21 on May 24, had an impressive .827 OPS with 12 homers over 98 High-A contests last season, and his high exit velocities make him a candidate to rise through the upper levels quickly in 2026.
Alex Freeland: A switch-hitter with solid defense at shortstop, second, and third base. Freeland, who has already made his MLB debut, produced more power from the left side in 2025, with 16 of his 20 homers coming against right-handed pitchers. He should provide valuable infield depth this season.
Jackson Ferris: A left-handed pitcher who accumulated a 1.95 ERA in 14 starts from June 21 through the end of the season in 2025. Ferris, acquired alongside Zyhir Hope in the deal that sent Michael Busch to Chicago, projects to start this season at Triple-A and reach the bigs if any openings arise.
James Tibbs III: A tumultuous season for the Minor Leaguer in 2025, as he was traded from the Giants to the Red Sox and then from Boston to the Dodgers. Tibbs, a 23-year-old outfielder, slugged seven homers and hit .269 with a .900 OPS in 36 games with Double-A Tulsa. He could be an outfield option later in the season for the Dodgers if he starts 2026 in Double-A or even Triple-A and has success.
River Ryan: A 27-year-old right-hander who had a strong Major League debut in 2024 with a 1.33 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 20 1/3 frames. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in August of that year, Ryan is fighting for a spot in the Major League rotation in 2026. He will likely start the season at Triple-A to get back on track.
Peter Heubeck: A right-handed pitcher who gained momentum midseason in 2025, posting a 2.68 ERA over eight starts during June and July. Heubeck, a 2021 third-rounder, entered last season on track to make his MLB debut in 2026 and could still do so with 16 Double-A starts under his belt.
Noah Miller: The younger brother of MLB veteran Owen Miller, Noah's athleticism and glove have driven his rise through the Minors. The 23-year-old switch-hitter spent a majority of last season in Triple-A, slashing .238/.269/.344 over 59 games while hitting just four homers. His bat may not be ready for the bigs, but 70-grade fielding is an asset at any level.
