Forecasting the Future Faces of MLB Franchises in 2026.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves is cheered on by his teammates after scoring during the MLB match between the Los Angeles Angels and the Atlanta Braves on August 2, 2023 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Who will lead each MLB team as the face of the franchise three years from now?
For some teams, the answer is clear-cut, with young stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. in Atlanta or Corbin Carroll in Arizona, who have secured long-term deals or have years of control ahead.
However, for other franchises, selecting their future face involves projecting prospects or making significant moves in the free-agent market.
Below, we present our predictions for each team’s face of the franchise in 2026, considering roster dynamics, expected financial investments, and player development.
Find last year’s version of this article here.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles: C Adley Rutschman
The Orioles made Rutschman the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, and since his MLB debut last year, he has rapidly become a cornerstone player for the franchise. With a stellar rookie season boasting a 5.2-WAR, Rutschman secured his first All-Star selection this year while maintaining significant offensive and defensive impact. While top prospect Jackson Holliday shows promise, Rutschman has the potential to be the Orioles’ equivalent of Yadier Molina for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Boston Red Sox: 1B Triston Casas
Casas had a relatively quiet start to his rookie season but has surged with a .347/.434/.778 batting line, along with nine home runs and 15 RBI in 23 games post-All-Star break. His standout performance for Team USA in the 2020 Olympics highlighted his potential as the face of the franchise. At 23 years old, he is just beginning to tap into his considerable talent. While Rafael Devers and Marcelo Mayer are strong contenders, Casas could emerge as Boston’s primary player.
New York Yankees: OF Aaron Judge
Judge secured a nine-year, $360 million contract last offseason following his record-setting 62-homer season and AL MVP honors. Although injuries limited him to 60 games this year, Judge remains a key figure for the Yankees. While top prospect Jasson Dominguez holds promise, Judge continues to embody the spirit of the team.
Tampa Bay Rays: SS Wander Franco
At just 22 years old, Franco has already amassed 11.3 WAR in his career. His well-rounded skills prompted the Rays to invest in him with an 11-year, $182 million extension, making him the cornerstone of the franchise. Meanwhile, Junior Caminero, once a high-ceiling teenager, has risen to become the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball during the 2023 season.
Toronto Blue Jays: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero transformed from a highly touted prospect to a legitimate superstar in 2021 with impressive offensive numbers. Scheduled for free agency after the 2025 season, Guerrero is a prime candidate for a long-term extension. While Bo Bichette is productive, Guerrero stands out as the more recognizable national figure.
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