Top 10 Keepers for 2027

Top 10 Keepers for 2027

Not the finished stars — the 2026 rookies and near-MLB prospects worth locking in for next season. These are kids with first-year (or still-farm) résumés and long runway left.

10. Nolan McLean, SP, Mets

Near-190 punchouts in a full starter load. McLean finished 11-10 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 189 K in 172.2 innings — a high-K SP2 you can keep through his mid-20s.

9. JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, Cardinals

Wetherholt’s .242/.341/.368 with 17 HR and 14 SB over 134 games is a high-floor middle-infield keep even if the average settles in the mid-.240s.

8. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics

Teenage switch-hitter with 20/30 tools. De Vries hit .290/.378 with an .836 OPS, 13 HR, and 34 SB in Double-A before a late IL stint — ETA still points to early 2027 impact if the body holds.

7. Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox

Age-20 power breakout with Double-A and Triple-A proof. Arias hit .323/.400/.557 with 25 HR across 117 games — a top-system shortstop with a clear path and dynasty-level ceiling for 2027.

6. Carson Benge, OF, Mets

True 20/20 production as an Opening Day rookie. Benge hit .275/.339/.419 with 19 HR and 22 SB in 150 games at age 23 — category balance and everyday reps make him an easy multi-year keep.

5. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pirates

Already stealing bags as a teenager in the majors. Griffin hit .267/.322/.389 with 22 SB in 74 games (IL cost him time) — keep for the age, speed floor, and power still coming.

4. Josue De Paula, OF, Dodgers

Best pure fantasy bat still mostly on the farm. De Paula tore through Double-A (.303/.401/.547, 27 HR, 31 SB) and flashed in a late MLB cup — 25–30 / 20–25 upside once Los Angeles clears outfield time in 2027.

3. Sal Stewart, 1B/3B, Reds

Mid-order power in year one. Stewart mashed 32 homers with a .268/.334/.470 line, 110 RBI, and 15 SB across 156 games at age 22 — corner scarcity plus RBI upside in a must-keep package.

2. Parker Messick, SP, Guardians

True rookie-season ace work. Messick went 12-9 with a 2.57 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 186 strikeouts in 178.1 innings — full-season ratios and Ks that make him an SP1/SP2 you can bank on for 2027 and beyond.

1. Kevin McGonigle, SS, Tigers

The AL Rookie of the Year favorite and the safest keep on this list. McGonigle hit .274/.376/.424 with 17 HR and 12 SB over 151 games at age 22 — elite OBP at a premium position, already everyday, with years of prime ahead.