Minor League Baseball: Pitching prospects Ciprian and Early see development

Minor league baseball prospects are seeing significant development and roster movements as the 2026 season progresses.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Junior Ciprian has shown notable progress. After signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2023, Ciprian moved through the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Visalia. In the 2026 season, he recorded a 2.76 ERA over 71.2 innings with Visalia before being promoted to High-A Hillsboro. Scouts highlight his projectability and a fastball capable of reaching 98-99 mph.

In the Washington Nationals organization, Connelly Early is preparing for his team debut following a complex trade sequence. Early was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Despite facing forearm tightness that threatened his season, Early has completed a throwing program and made his organizational debut in September.