MLB's Next Wave: Breaking Down Top Prospects Ethan Holliday, Andrew Painter, and Robby Snelling
Major League Baseball's farm system is brimming with young talent, and three names on the latest MLB Pipeline Top 100 list stand out for their skill, potential, and the excitement they generate among fans and scouts alike. Ethan Holliday (#24), Andrew Painter (#28), and Robby Snelling (#39) each bring a unique profile to the game. This article breaks down what makes each prospect special, the progress they’ve made, and what the future may hold.
Ethan Holliday: The High-Impact Infielder
Ethan Holliday enters the 2026 season ranked as MLB Pipeline’s #24 overall prospect—a remarkable position for an infielder whose advanced approach and offensive upside make him a headline-grabber. Holliday, known for his elite bat-to-ball skills and mature plate discipline, has drawn attention for both his pedigree and performance.
- Age: 19
- Position: Shortstop/Second Base
- 2025 Minor League Stats: .302 AVG, 11 HR, 24 SB, .389 OBP
Scouts rave about Holliday’s ability to control the strike zone and his smooth defensive actions in the middle infield. His left-handed swing produces line drives to all fields, with developing power that could make him a 20-homer threat at his peak. The son of a former MLB All-Star, Holliday has the instincts and baseball IQ that are hard to teach. His upward trajectory suggests he could reach the big leagues sooner than expected and potentially be a franchise cornerstone.
Andrew Painter: Power Arm on the Rise
Andrew Painter, ranked #28, is one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in baseball. Painter’s profile is built on a combination of size, stuff, and polish that’s rare for pitchers his age.
- Age: 22
- Position: Right-Handed Pitcher
- 2025 Minor League Stats: 2.99 ERA, 108 IP, 142 K, 27 BB
Painter’s fastball sits in the mid-to-upper 90s and is complemented by a sharp slider and an improving changeup. His advanced mechanics and command allow him to attack hitters aggressively and limit hard contact. Despite missing some time early in his pro career due to injury, Painter has quickly reestablished himself as a future ace. With his frame and repertoire, he projects as a top-of-the-rotation starter and could be a key piece for his organization in the coming years.
Robby Snelling: Lefty with a Bright Future
Robby Snelling rounds out this trio as the #39 prospect, standing out for his poise, competitive edge, and ability to handle advanced hitters at a young age.
- Age: 21
- Position: Left-Handed Pitcher
- 2025 Minor League Stats: 3.18 ERA, 121 IP, 131 K, 36 BB
Snelling utilizes a deceptive delivery, a fastball that plays up thanks to his extension, and a big-breaking curveball that serves as his out pitch. His command and mound presence have allowed him to move quickly through the minors. Scouts believe his ceiling is as a mid-rotation starter with the floor of a reliable major league arm—especially valuable for teams looking for cost-controlled pitching depth.
How These Prospects Stack Up
- Holliday offers a high-contact, high-OBP bat with the versatility to play multiple infield positions.
- Painter has the pure stuff and command to anchor a rotation and miss bats at the highest level.
- Snelling brings a left-handed look with advanced pitchability and the mental makeup to thrive under pressure.
All three prospects have distinguished themselves on the field, earning high rankings and the attention of scouts, executives, and fans. Their minor league performances in 2025 further validate their status as future major leaguers to watch.
What’s Next?
As the 2026 season unfolds, organizations will closely monitor the development of Ethan Holliday, Andrew Painter, and Robby Snelling. Their progress could impact roster decisions and shape the competitive landscape of the league. If their current trajectories continue, it’s only a matter of time before fans see these highly ranked prospects making an impact on the major league stage.
For more on top prospects and the latest in prospect rankings, visit MLB Pipeline.