Minor League Baseball today announced its comprehensive list of 2026 end-of-season All-Stars and award winners for the Eastern, Southern, and Texas Leagues, a report originally published by sportsamo.com. The Double-A level, consistently lauded as the crucible for top-tier talent, lived up to its reputation in 2026, serving as a dynamic showcase for the game’s brightest young stars. This season was particularly notable for the rapid ascent of elite prospects, with an astounding six of baseball’s top ten prospects – and eight of the top nine – spending significant time within its competitive confines. Among these phenoms, Mariners’ southpaw Kade Anderson and Dodgers’ slugger Josue De Paula made the rare and exhilarating leap directly from Double-A to the Major Leagues for their highly anticipated debuts, signaling the exceptional caliber of talent recognized.
The 2026 campaign will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of Minor League Baseball history as a banner year for prospect development. Double-A stands as a critical juncture in a player’s journey, bridging the gap between raw potential in High-A and the polished readiness required for Triple-A and, ultimately, the Major Leagues. The increased quality of competition, the rigorous schedule, and the strategic adjustments demanded at this level often serve as the ultimate litmus test for future big-leaguers. The fact that such a high concentration of the game’s elite prospects thrived here underscores the depth of talent permeating organizational farm systems and offers an exciting glimpse into the future landscape of Major League Baseball. From dominant pitchers to five-tool position players, the 2026 class has set a new standard for excellence at Double-A.
Across the three leagues, a select group of players distinguished themselves with truly historic seasons, earning the most coveted individual accolades. In the fiercely competitive Texas League, Anderson and De Paula were celebrated alongside Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries, who was deservedly named Top MLB Prospect. The Eastern League saw Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias take home both MVP and Top MLB Prospect honors, while his former teammate, now Orioles’ hurler Anthony Eyanson, was recognized as Pitcher of the Year. The Southern League celebrated a trifecta of Brewers prospects in Blake Burke (MVP) and Jesús Made (Top MLB Prospect), with Marlins’ standout Eliazar Dishmey earning Pitcher of the Year honors. While only a handful could claim the top awards, the depth of talent was evident across all three All-Star teams, featuring future stars like Cardinals catcher Rainiel Rodriguez, who led the Texas League in OPS at just 19, and Brewers corner infielder Andrew Fischer, whose 48 home runs between Biloxi and Triple-A marked the most in the Minor Leagues this century.
Eastern League: Arias Ascends, Eyanson Dominates
The Eastern League proved to be a hotbed of talent, with the Boston Red Sox organization particularly well-represented through their Portland affiliate. Franklin Arias (Portland, BOS) emerged as the league’s Most Valuable Player and Top MLB Prospect, a testament to his remarkable development. Arias, a 20-year-old Venezuelan native, entered the season with a reputation as a defensive wizard at shortstop and an advanced approach at the plate, though questions lingered about his power potential. He emphatically silenced those doubts in 2026, smashing 19 home runs at Double-A – a significant leap from his combined 18 homers in his first three professional seasons. This newfound power, coupled with his elite bat-to-ball skills, propelled him to an astounding .993 OPS with Portland, leading the circuit (min. 300 PAs) by a considerable margin before earning a well-deserved promotion to Triple-A in late July. His offensive explosion suggests a potential future cornerstone for the Red Sox, capable of impacting games with both his glove and a surprisingly potent bat.
On the mound, Anthony Eyanson (Portland/Chesapeake, BOS/BAL), the Pitcher of the Year, showcased an equally impressive trajectory. Drafted by the Red Sox in the third round of the 2025 Draft, Eyanson rapidly distinguished himself as one of the premier arms in his class, fueled by a noticeable uptick in fastball velocity. His dominance was swift, requiring only five High-A starts before a promotion to Double-A. Eyanson continued to excel, first with Portland and later with Chesapeake after becoming the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman – a move that sent shockwaves through the baseball world and underscored Eyanson’s perceived value. The LSU product led all Eastern League pitchers (min. 70 innings) in ERA (1.82), strikeout rate (34.6 percent), and K-BB rate (24.3 percent), while also posting an impressive 1.08 WHIP. His ability to maintain elite performance across two organizations after such a high-profile trade speaks volumes about his poise and pitching prowess.
The Eastern League All-Star team further highlighted the depth of talent, featuring promising players like first baseman Brooks Brannon (Portland, BOS), third baseman Coby Morales (Somerset, NYY), and outfielders Alfonsin Rosario (Akron, CLE) and Garrett Martin (Somerset, NYY). The pitching staff was equally stacked with future big-league arms such as Jack Mahoney (Visalia, AZ) and Jonathan Santucci (Binghamton, NYM), signaling a bright future for several MLB organizations.
Southern League: Biloxi’s Brilliance Shines Bright
The Southern League, particularly the Biloxi Shuckers, proved to be a talent hotbed, boasting multiple future stars. Blake Burke (Biloxi, MIL) was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, standing out even amidst a lineup that featured four Top 100 Prospects. Burke, the 34th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, put together a sensational season, leading the Southern League with a .970 OPS and tying for the league lead with 30 home runs. What truly set him apart was his remarkable speed, stealing a career-high 28 bases. This rare combination of power and speed – a near 30/30 season – placed him in an exclusive category, as none of the 11 players with more stolen bases hit more than 15 home runs. His final month with the Shuckers, where he slashed an incredible .365/.442/.792 with 11 homers, served as a precursor to his well-deserved promotion to Triple-A. Burke’s multifaceted offensive game makes him a truly exciting prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Southern League’s Top MLB Prospect honor went to Burke’s teammate, Jesús Made (Biloxi, MIL). At just 19 years old, Made, baseball’s consensus top prospect, defied his age with a mature and complete game. The Dominican Republic native exhibited plus tools across the board, save for an above-average fielding grade, showcasing the comprehensive skillset of a future superstar. As a switch-hitting shortstop, he posted an impressive .271/.344/.430 slash line, leading the Southern League in runs (87) and RBIs (91), while finishing second in hits (133) and tied for seventh in steals (37). Made’s exceptional performance as one of the youngest players in Double-A underscores his immense potential and the anticipation surrounding his eventual arrival in Milwaukee.
On the pitching side, Eliazar Dishmey (Pensacola, MIA), a Marlins hurler, earned the Pitcher of the Year distinction, showcasing an extraordinary season of his own. Dishmey, the third-youngest pitcher in the Southern League after his late-May promotion from High-A, quickly established himself as a dominant force. Among qualified pitchers (min. 70 innings), he ranked first in strikeout rate (32.4 percent) and FIP (3.05), while also placing third in WHIP (1.06) and fourth in ERA (3.30). His most impressive stretch came in July, where he surrendered just one run over 27 1/3 innings, racking up 35 strikeouts and allowing only 19 baserunners – a testament to his control and ability to limit hard contact. Dishmey’s rapid development highlights the Marlins’ continued strength in producing high-caliber pitching talent.
The Southern League All-Star team further solidified Biloxi’s dominance, featuring not only Burke and Made but also third baseman Andrew Fischer (Biloxi, MIL), who launched 28 homers in just 72 games for the Shuckers en route to his historic 48 Minor League home run season. Other notable All-Stars included second baseman Cooper Kinney (Montgomery, TB) and Rays’ designated hitter Xavier Isaac (Montgomery, TB), demonstrating the depth of future impact players in this competitive league.
Texas League: Historic Feats and Future Aces
The Texas League delivered a season of unforgettable performances, marked by historic pitching and offensive fireworks. Josue De Paula (Tulsa, LAD), the Dodgers’ 21-year-old outfielder, was an offensive juggernaut on a loaded Tulsa team featuring six Top 100 Prospects. Despite his early September call-up to the big leagues, De Paula led the Texas League in hits (152) and RBIs (104), while posting an impressive .304/.401/.547 slash line. His most remarkable achievement was becoming the first Dodgers Minor Leaguer since Joc Pederson in 2014 to achieve a 25-homer, 30-steal season, finishing with 27 homers and 31 stolen bases. This rare power-speed combination, coupled with his direct promotion to MLB, solidifies his status as a foundational piece for the Dodgers’ future.
On the mound, Kade Anderson (Arkansas, SEA), the Mariners’ 22-year-old left-hander, crafted one of the most dominant Minor League pitching campaigns in recent memory. Drafted third overall out of Louisiana State, Anderson exceeded even the loftiest expectations. Since at least 2005, he holds the lowest single-season ERA (1.06) and WHIP (0.64), alongside the highest K-BB rate (36.6 percent) among any Minor League pitcher with at least 90 innings. His season was punctuated by 13 scoreless starts out of 18 appearances and two no-hit outings, showcasing an elite command and an arsenal that utterly baffled opposing hitters. Anderson’s meteoric rise culminated in a direct promotion to the Major Leagues, signaling his readiness to impact the Mariners’ rotation immediately.
Leo De Vries (Midland, ATH), the Athletics’ switch-hitting shortstop, earned the distinction of Top MLB Prospect for the Texas League. As the top hitting prospect from the 2024 international period and currently ranked as MLB’s No. 2 overall prospect, De Vries consistently lived up to the hype. In his first full Double-A campaign, and as one of the youngest players in the league, he slashed .290/.378/.458 with 13 homers and 34 stolen bases. His talent was recognized with a second consecutive All-Star Futures Game appearance. While his season unfortunately concluded in August due to surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder, his offensive potential remains among the most exciting in all of Minor League Baseball, and his recovery will be closely watched by A’s fans.
The Texas League All-Star team reflected the rich talent pool, with a strong presence from the Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers) and Arkansas Travelers (Mariners). Noteworthy selections included catcher Rainiel Rodriguez (Springfield, STL), who led the league in OPS at just 19 years old, and outfielders Mike Sirota (Tulsa, LAD) and Zyhir Hope (Tulsa, LAD). The pitching staff featured other promising arms like Bryce Mayer (Corpus Christi, HOU) and Ryan Sloan (Arkansas, SEA), reinforcing the league’s reputation as a vital proving ground.
The 2026 Double-A season will be remembered as a remarkable year for prospect development and a clear indicator of the incredible talent pipeline feeding Major League Baseball. From record-setting power-speed combinations to historically dominant pitching performances, the players honored across the Eastern, Southern, and Texas Leagues represent the very best of tomorrow’s game. Their individual accolades and collective achievements underscore the vibrant health of Minor League Baseball and offer fans an exciting preview of the stars poised to make their mark on the biggest stage in the years to come.
