With the 2026 MLB regular season right around the corner, I wanted to take a deep dive into how baseball’s young, future stars performed in spring training. Obviously, spring training success does not always translate to success in the big leagues, but it is always a positive to see young hitters perform well in a major league setting.
Jordan Lawler, SS/OF, 23, Arizona Diamondbacks
Lawler, a former 1st-round pick for the Dbacks, was touted as a five-tool shortstop when he was drafted at just 18 years old. Five years later, Lawler is expected to play his first full season in Arizona; however, the Diamondbacks have indicated that he will likely spend most of his time in the outfield due to their crowded infield consisting of Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, and Nolan Arenado.
Lawler, in 55 PAs, had a .333 batting average and hit 4 HRs while sporting an impressive 1.067 OPS. The Diamondbacks have high expectations for the young hitter after he batted. 313 (AVG), hit 11 HRs, and stole 20 bases in AAA last season.
Sal Stewart, 1B/3B, 22, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart, a former 1st round pick in 2022, was impressive in limited appearances for the Reds in 2025. He only appeared in 18 games but managed to knock 14 hits, 5 of which left the park. Furthermore, he was called upon in the postseason when Cincy took on the defending World Series champion Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Round. Stewart had only 5 PAs, but he made the most of his time, knocking 2 hits, batting in 4 runs, stealing a base, and earning a walk.
Stewart continued to show signs of excellence in Spring Training this past month. In 18 games, the 22-year-old held a .333 BA, knocked 3 HRs, stole 4 bases, and produced a 1.067 OPS. Sal Stewart is a popular breakout candidate, as he is expected to be the Red’s primary 1B or DH.
Leo De Vries, SS, 19, Athletics
You probably have heard the name “Leo De Vries” before, whether it be from his inclusion in the massive trade that sent Mason Miller to San Diego, his naming being amongst the top 10 in practically every “Top Prospect” list for 2026, or his amazing cards in the past two MLB The Show games.
De Vries, at only 19 years old, had a remarkable spring training. Appearing in 18 games, the SS had a batting average of .426 and an OPS of 1.183, while hitting 3 HRs, knocking in 12 runs, and stealing 3 bases.
De Vries will most likely not make his major league debut in 2026 for the Athletics; however, he is an important name to watch in the minor leagues, as he is without a doubt one of, if not the, most exciting young prospect in all of Major League Baseball.
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