Kade Anderson made his MLB debut earlier this week, and Minnesota Twins’ top prospect Walker Jenkins is set to make his debut today. The decision to call up both top prospects comes on the heels of a playoff push with less than 30 games remaining for both teams. While both of these prospects are out of the American League Rookie of the Year race, there’s still impact waiting for them and other top prospects through the playoff push.
Jul 12, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; American League pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws a pitch against the National League in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Mariners are reportedly calling up Anderson for his big league debut on Saturday. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesA Playoff Push Guardian?: Ralphy Velazquez – 1B/OF (Cleveland Guardians)Ralphy Velazquez is a former first-round pick of the Guardians in 2023. At that time, Velazquez was a catcher, but has since transitioned to first base and corner outfield. He is also one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball. The Guardians’ top power prospect has hit 14 home runs in his last 20 games. During that same stretch, he’s batting a whopping .342. Not only that, Velazquez is a perfect fit for a Guardians lineup that has lacked power as the playoff push continues.
Cleveland #Guardians 21yr old (1B) prospect Ralphy Velazquez collected 3 hits tonight (3-5 R HR 3RBI) for Columbus including his 28th HR of the season a 402 foot 3-run blast 107.1 mph off the bat.
Last 19 games:
29-76 21R 1(2B) 14HR 31RBI 8BB
AVG .382
OBP .442#GuardsBallpic.twitter.com/PPFaNZ7Vkt
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 29, 2026
The Guardians aren’t looking to catch lightning in a bottle with Velazquez. There’s a reason he’s a Top 100 Prospect. The native Californian may just be an average defender, but at the plate he really stands out. He has natural strength and lift in his swing from the left side. This creates above-average power potential. The lefty also handles the strike zone well with a willingness to take pitches the other way. At each level, Velazquez has also shown the ability to adapt after early difficulty. He’s a perfect candidate to play hero in a 2026 playoff push.
Seattle Goes for Broke: Michael Arroyo – 2B/OF (Seattle Mariners)Michael Arroyo was a top international free agent out of Colombia when the Mariners signed him in 2022, and he had the signing bonus to prove it, at $1.375 million. Since then, he has done nothing but rake in the Mariners’ system. In his last three seasons, he has come just short of achieving the 20-20 milestone. This season has been one of his best campaigns, batting .281 with 18 homers across the upper levels. Arroyo would bring the Mariners some flexibility during a playoff push with his ability to play both second base and the outfield.
Michael Arroyo lasers a 2-run HR! 18th HR for Arroyo. pic.twitter.com/PVm6FsNc2d
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) August 28, 2026
Arroyo is in a tough spot to make the big league roster. The Mariners have a plethora of outfielders, but have yet to find a productive right fielder. Additionally, Cole Young has established himself in the majors at second base. Still, Arroyo could be the spark plug in a playoff push for Seattle. He gets uphill and creates leverage from a stout frame that produces plenty of power. Not only that, he’s become a tougher out at the plate, cutting down on strikeouts while walking at a healthy rate.
Lazaro Montes – OF (Seattle Mariners)Lazaro Montes joins Arroyo as another top international free agent signing from the 2022 class for the Mariners. The power jumped off the page then and has continued to do so in pro ball. Montes has hit at least 32 homers in his last two seasons, including 2026. His in-game power has only shown improvement each season, as his home run totals have increased each year. His power could be a real asset to the Mariners down the stretch as they embark on a playoff push.
Lazaro Montes hammers his 37th homer of the season 415 feet to the opposite field!
MLB’s No. 56 prospect (@Mariners) ranks second in the Minors in roundtrippers and has gone deep nine times this month for Triple-A @RainiersLand: pic.twitter.com/bYp8vaP6sh
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 23, 2026
Similar to Velazquez for the Guardians, Montes could bring an impact that Seattle’s lineup is lacking. However, as a prospect, Montes’ future is unknown. The strikeout rates are nearly as high as the power potential. This season alone, he has struck out 163 times in 120 games. This has been a theme in each full season Montes has played. He’s only had a strikeout rate less than 30% once in his three full seasons. The Mariners need an impact in right field, and Montes could fit the bill in a playoff push, even if his future is questionable.
More Exciting MiLB News:
Are these Top Prospects Still a Factor in the AL Rookie of the Year Race?
What Happened to These Top Prospects From a Decade Ago?
Become Familiar with These Four Prospects from the Complex Leagues
Main Photo Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Leave a Comment