Wednesday Prospect Spotlight: The Next Wave of MLB Stars
7 Prospects Collectors Should Be Watching Right Now
July 1, 2026
Welcome back to the Great Lakes Trading Cards Wednesday Prospect Spotlight.
One of the best parts of the hobby is finding future stars before they become household names. This week's spotlight focuses on several prospects who have the talent, tools, and opportunity to make a significant impact on both the field and the trading card market.
Let's take a look at some names collectors should have on their radar.
⭐ Jesus Made (Brewers)
Age: 19
Level: Double-A
Future Value: 70 FV
Jesus Made continues to be viewed as one of the best prospects in baseball.
The switch-hitting shortstop offers an elite combination of:
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Hit Tool
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Power
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Speed
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Athleticism
Few prospects possess this level of all-around talent at such a young age.
Hobby Outlook
If Made reaches his ceiling, collectors could be looking at one of baseball's next superstar shortstops.
⭐ Leo De Vries (Athletics)
Age: 19
Level: Double-A
Future Value: 65 FV
De Vries has been a hobby favorite for several years thanks to his advanced bat and mature approach.
His combination of power and hitting ability makes him one of the safest long-term investments among young prospects.
Hobby Outlook
Premium shortstops with offensive upside tend to perform well in the hobby, and De Vries checks a lot of boxes.
⭐ Walker Jenkins (Twins)
Age: 21
Level: Triple-A
ETA: Mid-2026
Jenkins may be one of the closest future stars to reaching the big leagues.
His elite hit tool and all-around offensive profile have scouts projecting him as a middle-of-the-order bat for years to come.
Hobby Outlook
Collectors should watch closely as his MLB debut approaches. Prospect markets often heat up quickly once a promotion becomes imminent.
⭐ Max Clark (Tigers)
Age: 21
Level: Triple-A
ETA: Mid-2026
Clark combines athleticism, speed, and advanced hitting ability.
He's become one of the most collected outfield prospects in baseball and remains a favorite among Bowman collectors.
Hobby Outlook
Detroit's future looks bright, and Clark could become one of the faces of that next generation.
⭐ Sebastian Walcott (Rangers)
Age: 20
Level: Double-A
Future Value: 65 FV
Walcott might possess the highest raw power upside of any position player on this list.
Power always drives hobby interest, and few young players generate as much excitement as Walcott.
Hobby Outlook
If the hit tool continues to develop, his cards could become some of the most desirable prospect cards in baseball.
⭐ Angel Genao (Guardians)
Age: 22
Level: Triple-A
ETA: Mid-2026
Cleveland collectors already know this name.
Genao continues to climb through the Guardians system and remains one of the organization's most intriguing infield prospects.
Hobby Outlook
Local collectors should keep a close eye on his development. A strong second half could put him firmly in the conversation for a major league opportunity.
⭐ Ralphy Velazquez (Guardians)
Age: 21
Level: Triple-A
ETA: Late-2026
Velazquez offers one thing collectors love:
Power.
The Cleveland prospect has continued to move through the system and could become a key part of the Guardians' future lineup.
Hobby Outlook
Power-hitting prospects often attract hobby attention quickly once they reach the majors.
🎯 Great Lakes Trading Cards Take
If we're ranking hobby upside right now, our list would be:
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Jesus Made
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Leo De Vries
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Walker Jenkins
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Sebastian Walcott
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Max Clark
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Angel Genao
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Ralphy Velazquez
Each offers a unique combination of talent, prospect pedigree, and hobby potential.
Collector Question of the Week
Which prospect are you buying right now?
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Jesus Made
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Leo De Vries
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Walker Jenkins
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Sebastian Walcott
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Max Clark
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Angel Genao
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Ralphy Velazquez
Or someone else?
Let us know on Facebook!
Final Thoughts
The prospect market changes quickly.
Today's sleeper can become tomorrow's headline prospect, and tomorrow's headline prospect can become a hobby superstar.
The key is identifying talent early and enjoying the journey along the way.
Happy Collecting!
Great Lakes Trading Cards
Collect. Protect. Enjoy.
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