Almost daily look at performance, looking a bit deeper than standard leagues. Sorry, not sorry, some chosen are legit top prospects, so just consider ‘deeper’ a relative term and skip them for the well acquainted. Please verify all facts. I’m just one guy going fast.

Chase Burns – RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Burns was dominant in Thursday’s outing against the Padres, striking out five and allowing just one earned run over 2⅓ innings. The lone blemish came on a 333‑foot home run, but the underlying performance was loud: 14 swings and misses on 23 swings overall, including eight whiffs on nine slider swings. That breaking ball continues to separate him, giving him a legitimate bat‑missing weapon to pair with a power fastball. Burns is increasingly cementing himself as a high‑upside starting pitching prospect, and while rotation competition in Cincinnati is always crowded, his trajectory points toward opening 2026 in Triple‑A with a realistic path to an in‑season MLB debut if opportunities arise.

José Soriano – RHP, Los Angeles Angels
Soriano’s Thursday line against the Cubs was uneven—three runs allowed over three innings—but the velocity jump stood out, with his fastball averaging 98.9 mph, a full tick up from prior outings. He threw 40 of 59 pitches for strikes and generated seven swings and misses, reinforcing the idea that the raw stuff is playing even if the results lag. The increased velocity strengthens his case for a bullpen‑leaning role, where his power arsenal could be maximized in shorter stints. Soriano enters 2026 on the swingman bubble, with a strong chance to break camp either as a long reliever in the majors or as a key arm at Triple‑A, depending on roster needs.

Gustavo Campero – OF, Los Angeles Angels
Campero delivered one of the more impactful swings of the day, going 1‑for‑3 with a two‑run triple that helped fuel an Angels comeback win. He’s now hitting .250 with three RBIs this spring, flashing more extra‑base ability than expected from a long‑time depth piece. At 28, Campero’s path is narrow, but his versatility as a corner outfielder or DH keeps him in the conversation for a reserve role. He faces stiff competition from younger players and non‑roster invites, making Triple‑A the most likely starting point for 2026, though his spring performance is keeping the door ajar for a bench spot.

Dylan Carlson – OF, Chicago Cubs
Carlson put together a strong day at the plate Thursday, going 2‑for‑3 with a double and driving in two runs against the Angels. The extra‑base hit and multi‑RBI showing are encouraging signs for a former top prospect still looking to reestablish consistency at the big‑league level. He has the defensive ability to handle center or right field, but his role hinges on sustained offensive production. Carlson is expected to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, likely in a platoon or fourth‑outfielder role initially, with everyday at‑bats still within reach if the spring momentum carries forward.

Rodolfo Durán – C, San Diego Padres
Durán connected for a 333‑foot home run with a 94.1 mph exit velocity off Chase Burns on Thursday, offering a glimpse of decent raw power and barrel control. While the distance itself was modest, the contact quality stood out and reinforces his offensive upside for a catcher. Durán remains organizational depth behind the plate, competing with established big leaguers and internal options for opportunities. He’s likely ticketed for Triple‑A to open 2026, serving as reliable catching depth with the chance to see MLB time if injuries or roster needs arise.

Kyren Paris – IF, Los Angeles Angels
Paris delivered a game‑tying RBI single Thursday and later scored the go‑ahead run, showcasing the speed‑and‑pressure element that defines his profile. His defensive versatility across second base and shortstop keeps him relevant in roster discussions, but the bat remains the swing skill. Paris faces heavy competition for a utility role, and without a standout spring, Triple‑A remains the most probable landing spot to begin 2026. A strong showing, however, could push him into the Opening Day bench mix.

Blade Tidwell – RHP, San Francisco Giants
Tidwell worked three innings against the Rockies on Thursday, allowing one earned run while throwing 36 pitches in his Spring Training outing. While the line itself was unremarkable, the underlying traits remain the draw: a fastball that has reached 99 mph and averaged 96, paired with a mid‑80s slider that generates a whiff rate north of 40 percent. Acquired from the Mets in 2025 and ranked as San Francisco’s No. 13 prospect, Tidwell is widely viewed internally as a breakout candidate. After missing time late last season with a shoulder issue but finishing healthy, his role flexibility stands out—he’s been developed as a starter, but current bullpen injuries could open a path to the Opening Day roster in relief. The Giants continue refining his multi‑fastball/dual‑slider mix, with usage in 2026 likely dependent on health and organizational need rather than talent.

Kyle Karros – 3B, Colorado Rockies
Karros has been an active fixture in the Rockies lineup, hitting .500 in the SSS. Entering camp at a listed 230 pounds after adding roughly 20 pounds, the focus remains on strength gains translating into more impact contact. Ranked inside the Rockies’ top‑15 prospects by multiple outlets, Karros is known for his compact right‑handed swing, strong feel to hit, and consistent line‑drive contact rather than all‑out power. Defensively, he profiles as an average third baseman with an above‑average arm. His 2026 role hinges on how quickly he adjusts to breaking balls at higher levels, with Triple‑A likely the starting point unless the added strength accelerates the bat.

Tanner Murray – UTIL, Chicago White Sox
Murray made the most of his opportunity against the Dodgers, collecting four total bases and driving in two runs. The performance fits with a broader offensive evolution that saw him trade some batting average for power in 2025, culminating in a career‑high 18 home runs at Triple‑A. Ranked as the White Sox’s No. 19 prospect by FanGraphs, Murray brings defensive versatility across second and third base, giving him multiple paths to value. He’ll need to win a roster battle to break camp in Chicago, but Triple‑A remains the most likely starting point if the club prioritizes everyday at‑bats over bench utility.

Valente Bellozo – RHP, Colorado Rockies
Bellozo earned the win against the Giants on Thursday, tossing three innings while allowing one earned run and throwing 36 pitches. Signed to a minor‑league deal earlier this month, Bellozo brings prior MLB experience after debuting in 2024 and exceeding rookie limits. His track record is built on control rather than raw stuff—he ranked near the top of the Astros’ minor‑league system in walk rate in 2023 and has consistently limited home runs. As a non‑roster invitee, his clearest path in 2026 is as rotation depth or a swingman option, with his strike‑throwing profile fitting well in a staff that values innings stability.