Will any of the pitchers Mike Hazen signed on minor league contracts contribute in 2026? This article explores the chances of several minor league pitchers making an impact in the MLB in the upcoming season. Here's a breakdown of the players and their potential contributions.
The Likely Five:
1. Jonathan Loáisiga: Loáisiga is a strong contender, as previously analyzed by Makakilo. His performance at the MLB level in 2026 could be valuable.
2. Law: A former effective reliever, Law's forearm injury in 2025 raises concerns about his health and effectiveness in 2026.
3. Hatch: Hatch's performance in Japan and the Royals organization has been inconsistent, with a 7.36 ERA in Japan and a 5.82 ERA for the Twins. His future in the MLB is uncertain.
4. Shawn Dubin: Dubin's 2024 season was impressive, but 2025 was a step back. He's an underrated signing, and a return to his 2024 form could be beneficial.
5. Campbell: Campbell's 2025 season was marred by injuries, but his velocity and potential make him a candidate for a successful 2026.
The Other Guys:
- Players like Gerardo Carrillo, Indigo Diaz, and Junior Fernández have yet to make their MLB debuts and need to dominate in AA to stand a chance.
- Rule 5 picks like Sean Harney and Antonio Menendez have had varied success, and their chances of making the MLB in 2026 depend on their performance in AAA.
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of health and consistent performance for these minor league pitchers to contribute to the MLB in 2026.
