Top 20 Major League Performances of March 2026!

Monthly MLB Recap: March 2026

Top Performers

Max Fried, SP, NYY
March 2026: 6 G, 30.2 IP, 0 K, 7 ER, 0 BB

Max Fried emerged as the ace New York Yankees desperately needed in March, anchoring the rotation with pinpoint control over 30.2 innings across six starts. Allowing just seven earned runs with zero walks, Fried’s 2.06 ERA silenced critics and stabilized a Yankees staff navigating early-season turbulence. His dominance echoed league-wide pitching battles, much like Parker Messick’s six scoreless frames for Cleveland in spoiling the Dodgers’ perfect start. Fried carried the Yankees through a grueling schedule, often pitching deep into games to preserve bullpen arms, enabling key wins against divisional foes. Prospect pedigree shining, Fried’s command propelled New York toward contention, setting a tone of precision amid a month of tight contests like Pirates-Reds and Mets-Cardinals clashes.

Rank: #38
STS Projection: 3.39 ERA, 188 IP, 57 BB, 179 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.25 WHIP
Max Muncy, 3B, ATH
39 G, 35/103 (.340), 1.010 OPS, 7 2B, 9 HR, 2 SB, 28 R, 19 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Max Muncy torched March pitching like few prospects before, slashing .340/1.010 OPS over 39 games for the Athletics, blasting nine homers and legging out two steals without a single strikeout or walk. His flawless plate discipline and power carried Oakland through a marathon early slate, providing middle-order thunder that masked rotation inconsistencies. In a league buzzing with upsets—like Cleveland’s late rally toppling the two-time champ Dodgers—Muncy’s consistency mirrored the Reds’ edge over Pittsburgh (3-2). He ignited rallies, scored 28 runs, and shouldered the lineup’s load, positioning the A’s as surprise spoilers amid Texas’ hot 4-1 start against Baltimore. Muncy’s month redefined prospect hype.

Rank: #1219
STS Projection: 89.9 wRC+, 0.233/0.299/0.386, 18 HR, 8 SB, 65 Runs, 69 RBI
Shea Langeliers, C, ATH
20 G, 21/56 (.375), 1.404 OPS, 3 2B, 11 HR, 0 SB, 18 R, 20 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Shea Langeliers powered the Athletics’ offense in March, mashing .375 with 1.404 OPS and 11 homers in just 20 games, driving in 20 RBI while managing the staff flawlessly from behind the dish. His prodigious power output, sans strikeouts, propelled Oakland amid league parity, complementing Max Muncy’s surge to form a devastating duo. Langeliers’ bat carried the team through tough stretches, echoing Texas’ dominance (4-1) over Baltimore, where power hitting proved decisive. In a month of close calls like Twins-Royals and Mets-Cardinals tilts, his 18 runs scored flipped games, bolstering the A’s rotation woes. This catcher-prospect breakout signals All-Star potential.

Rank: #237
STS Projection: 112.9 wRC+, 0.250/0.311/0.463, 28 HR, 6 SB, 75 Runs, 83 RBI
Will Warren, SP, NYY
March 2026: 6 G, 27.0 IP, 0 K, 4 ER, 0 BB

Will Warren solidified the Yankees’ rotation alongside Max Fried, logging 27 scoreless-like innings with only four earned runs and zero walks in six March starts. His elite control (1.33 ERA) steadied New York through early divisional wars, mirroring Parker Messick’s gem in Cleveland’s 4-2 Dodgers upset. Warren’s deep outings preserved arms, carrying the Yankees past slumping rivals while the league grappled with tight series like Pirates (2-3) vs. Reds (3-2). Without whiffing a batter yet dominant via contact management, Warren’s poise propelled team momentum, positioning the Bombers for contention amid Texas’ 4-1 surge and Dodgers’ stumble.

Rank: #271
STS Projection: 4.00 ERA, 160 IP, 55 BB, 152 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.31 WHIP
Cole Young, 2B, SEA
21 G, 23/70 (.329), 1.043 OPS, 6 2B, 7 HR, 2 SB, 12 R, 21 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Cole Young dazzled at second base for Seattle, hitting .329 with 1.043 OPS, seven homers, and 21 RBI over 21 games, all without walks or strikeouts. His gap power and speed carried the Mariners through a choppy March, providing clutch hits in a league rife with nail-biters like Minnesota’s struggles vs. Kansas City. Young’s production ignited lineups, scoring 12 runs and echoing power displays in Texas’ routs of Baltimore (4-1). Amid Cleveland spoiling L.A.’s perfect mark, Young’s flawless discipline positioned Seattle as AL West threats, shouldering the offense toward playoff aspirations.

Rank: #201
STS Projection: 119.4 wRC+, 0.263/0.355/0.423, 16 HR, 11 SB, 80 Runs, 67 RBI
José Soriano, SP, LAA
March 2026: 4 G, 20.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

José Soriano was untouchable for the Angels, firing 20 perfect innings over four starts with zero runs, walks, or strikeouts allowed. His surgical command (0.00 ERA) single-handedly carried L.A. through early chaos, akin to Messick’s shutdown in Cleveland’s Dodgers win. Soriano’s gems preserved bullpens amid league-wide pitching duels like Mets-Cardinals (both 3-2), enabling offensive support in tight games. For a prospect-ranked arm, he stabilized the rotation, boosting Angels’ morale while Texas dominated Baltimore and Reds edged Pirates, positioning Anaheim for a turnaround month.

Rank: #100
STS Projection: 3.63 ERA, 156 IP, 69 BB, 148 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.40 WHIP
Sal Stewart, 1B, CIN
21 G, 23/57 (.404), 1.211 OPS, 8 2B, 5 HR, 4 SB, 14 R, 13 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Sal Stewart owned first base for Cincinnati, slashing .404/1.211 OPS with eight doubles and five homers in 21 games, swiping four bags sans flaws. His scorching start carried the Reds to a 3-2 edge over Pittsburgh, fueling rallies in pivotal divisional tilts. Stewart’s power-speed combo mirrored league bombs amid Cleveland’s late explosion vs. Dodgers, scoring 14 runs to propel Cincy past AL Central snoozers like Twins (1-3). As a top prospect, he shouldered the lineup, weaving through March’s grind toward NL Central supremacy.

Rank: #76
STS Projection: 125.0 wRC+, 0.272/0.351/0.462, 22 HR, 8 SB, 75 Runs, 81 RBI
Matt McLain, 2B, CIN
20 G, 26/62 (.419), 1.203 OPS, 2 2B, 6 HR, 2 SB, 17 R, 14 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt McLain lit up the infield for the Reds, batting .419 with 1.203 OPS and six homers in 20 games, complementing Sal Stewart’s surge to fortify Cincinnati’s 3-2 mark vs. Pittsburgh. His speed and pop (two steals, 17 runs) ignited engines in a month of upsets, like Guardians halting Dodgers’ streak. McLain carried the lineup through rigorous schedules, driving 14 RBI while peers faltered in Twins-Royals slogs. Prospect prowess intact, he positioned Cincy as contenders amid Texas’ Baltimore beatdown.

Rank: #247
STS Projection: 101.6 wRC+, 0.236/0.322/0.398, 19 HR, 19 SB, 72 Runs, 67 RBI
Hunter Brown, SP, HOU
March 2026: 5 G, 21.1 IP, 0 K, 5 ER, 0 BB

Hunter Brown locked down Houston’s rotation, tossing 21.1 innings over five starts with five earned runs and zero walks (2.11 ERA). His control dominated early foes, carrying the Astros akin to Messick’s mastery in Cleveland’s 4-2 Dodgers triumph. Brown’s depth preserved arms amid league parity—Pirates-Reds, Mets-Cardinals—even without strikeouts, enabling offensive firepower. Top-prospect stuff propelled Houston through March, eyeing playoffs while Texas surged 4-1 on Baltimore.

Rank: #43
STS Projection: 3.37 ERA, 178 IP, 60 BB, 190 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.23 WHIP
Jake Burger, 1B, TEX
20 G, 24/62 (.387), 1.107 OPS, 2 2B, 6 HR, 0 SB, 12 R, 20 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Jake Burger mashed for Texas, hitting .387 with 1.107 OPS and six homers in 20 games, pounding 20 RBI to fuel the Rangers’ blistering 4-1 start over Baltimore. His power barrage carried the lineup through brutal early tests, echoing bombs in Dodgers’ stumble to Cleveland. Burger’s flawless discipline (no K/BB) sparked 12 runs, stabilizing amid Twins’ woes vs. Royals. Prospect-ranked slugger shouldered Texas toward AL West crown, dominating March’s chaos.

Rank: #768
STS Projection: 112.0 wRC+, 0.254/0.307/0.464, 29 HR, 2 SB, 73 Runs, 84 RBI

MLB Monthly Recap: March 2026

As the 2026 season kicked off, early action saw tight divisional battles and standout individual efforts. Parker Messick’s gem helped the Cleveland Guardians spoil the Dodgers’ perfect start with a 4-2 win. Series included Pittsburgh Pirates (2-3) vs. Cincinnati Reds (3-2), Cleveland Guardians (3-3) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1), Minnesota Twins (1-3) vs. Kansas City Royals (2-2), New York Mets (3-2) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3-2), and Texas Rangers (4-1) vs. Baltimore Orioles (2-3). Amid these clashes, prospects and stars dominated.

Top Performers

Chase DeLauter, RF, CLE
18 G, 20/53 (.377), 1.226 OPS, 4 2B, 7 HR, 0 SB, 14 R, 14 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Chase DeLauter erupted onto the scene, slashing .377 with a 1.226 OPS and mashing 7 home runs in just 18 games, showcasing elite power and flawless contact with zero strikeouts. His 14 runs and RBI propelled the Guardians through a grueling early schedule, particularly shining in their series against the high-flying Dodgers (4-1), where they snapped LA’s perfect start behind Parker Messick’s six scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory—CLE finished 3-3 but leaned on DeLauter’s bat to stay competitive. In a month of tight games like Pirates-Reds and Twins-Royals tilts, his prospect pedigree fueled Cleveland’s offense, proving indispensable against top competition.

Rank: #362.
STS Projection: 116.7 wRC+, 0.262/0.332/0.448, 23 HR, 4 SB, 73 Runs, 78 RBI.

Framber Valdez, SP, DET
March 2026: 5 G, 24.1 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Framber Valdez was untouchable, logging 24.1 innings across five starts with just 3 earned runs (1.11 ERA) and zero walks, inducing grounders and weak contact without a single strikeout in a masterful display of control. He anchored Detroit’s rotation early, carrying them through interleague and divisional tests akin to the Royals’ balanced 2-2 mark against Minnesota. In a league buzzing with low-scoring affairs like Cleveland’s 4-2 thriller over the Dodgers, Valdez’s efficiency stifled offenses, preventing rallies and providing stability. His gem outings mirrored the precision of top arms, boosting DET’s confidence amid series like Pirates-Reds, where pitching duels defined early March.

Rank: #40.
STS Projection: 3.47 ERA, 195 IP, 65 BB, 185 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.30 WHIP.

Robbie Ray, SP, SFG
March 2026: 5 G, 22.0 IP, 0 K, 4 ER, 0 BB

Robbie Ray dominated with 22 innings over five starts, allowing only 4 earned runs (1.64 ERA) and zero walks, commanding the zone flawlessly despite no strikeouts, keeping Giants hitters off-balance. He shouldered San Francisco’s load in a competitive West, echoing the Dodgers’ strong 4-1 start against Cleveland. Ray’s outings prevented blowouts in games mirroring the Mets-Cardinals 3-2 stalemates, where pitching prowess shone. His precision carried SF through early hurdles, much like Messick’s scoreless stint for CLE, solidifying the rotation and setting a tone of resilience in a month filled with series like Rangers-Orioles (TEX 4-1).

Rank: #424.
STS Projection: 4.22 ERA, 166 IP, 66 BB, 169 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.32 WHIP.

Chris Sale, SP, ATL
March 2026: 4 G, 21.0 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Chris Sale was a wall, delivering 21 innings in four starts with 3 earned runs (1.29 ERA) and perfect command (0 BB), outdueling foes through contact management sans strikeouts. He powered Atlanta’s staff amid NL East skirmishes similar to Mets-Cards (both 3-2), providing the edge in low-run contests. Sale’s reliability echoed Messick’s six scoreless for CLE’s upset over LAD (4-1), carrying the Braves past early tests. In a landscape of Pirates-Reds battles and Twins-Royals balance, his outings conserved the bullpen and sparked offense, underscoring his ace status in March’s pitching-centric narrative.

Rank: #11.
STS Projection: 2.96 ERA, 185 IP, 53 BB, 213 K, 10.3 K/9, 1.12 WHIP.

Wyatt Langford, LF, TEX
18 G, 19/59 (.322), .983 OPS, 3 2B, 5 HR, 0 SB, 12 R, 14 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Wyatt Langford slashed .322 with a .983 OPS, blasting 5 homers in 18 games while striking out zero times, driving Texas to a scorching 4-1 start against Baltimore. His 12 runs and 14 RBI ignited rallies in series paralleling CLE-LAD (3-3 vs 4-1), where Guardians spoiled Dodgers’ streak. Langford’s contact and power carried the Rangers’ lineup, complementing their hot streak amid broader context like Pirates (2-3)-Reds (3-2) and Twins-Royals tilts. As a top prospect, he feasted on mistakes, providing the offensive punch that kept TEX atop early standings.

Rank: #26.
STS Projection: 135.4 wRC+, 0.272/0.362/0.481, 25 HR, 21 SB, 83 Runs, 82 RBI.

Teoscar Hernández, RF, LAD
20 G, 20/57 (.351), 1.029 OPS, 3 2B, 5 HR, 0 SB, 10 R, 20 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Teoscar Hernández sizzled at .351 with 1.029 OPS and 5 HR over 20 games, no walks or Ks, knocking in 20 RBI to bolster LA’s 4-1 mark despite CLE’s 4-2 spoiler via Messick. His production fueled Dodgers’ offense in high-stakes series akin to Mets-Cards 3-2 duels. Hernández carried the lineup through early West battles, delivering clutch hits that mirrored TEX’s dominance over BAL (4-1). In a month of prospect surges and tight scores like Pirates-Reds, his veteran pop kept LA rolling post-perfect start hiccup.

Rank: #704.
STS Projection: 109.1 wRC+, 0.255/0.309/0.451, 26 HR, 8 SB, 71 Runs, 81 RBI.

Josh Smith, SS, TEX
19 G, 18/55 (.327), 1.012 OPS, 2 2B, 6 HR, 4 SB, 11 R, 20 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Josh Smith thrived at .327/1.012 OPS with 6 HR and 4 SB in 19 games, zero Ks, producing 20 RBI to supercharge Texas’ 4-1 rout of Baltimore. His speed-power combo echoed Rangers’ early surge, contrasting CLE’s fightback vs LAD (4-1). Smith anchored the infield offense in series like Twins-Royals (KC 2-2), driving multi-run innings. As TEX dominated amid Pirates-Reds and Mets-Cards balance, his flawless month carried the lineup, blending defense and dynamism for prospect shine.

Rank: #570.
STS Projection: 95.6 wRC+, 0.242/0.330/0.360, 11 HR, 12 SB, 69 Runs, 56 RBI.

Brandon Nimmo, LF, TEX
18 G, 19/57 (.333), .981 OPS, 2 2B, 4 HR, 1 SB, 16 R, 14 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Brandon Nimmo hit .333/.981 OPS with 4 HR and 16 runs in 18 games, no strikeouts, fueling TEX’s 4-1 edge over BAL. His table-setting prowess complemented teammates in series mirroring LAD’s 4-1 vs CLE (3-3 upset). Nimmo’s consistency shone in contact-heavy month like Pirates-Reds (2-3 vs 3-2), sparking rallies. He carried Rangers’ outfield production amid Twins-Royals parity, delivering in clutch spots for early division lead.

Rank: #377.
STS Projection: 109.2 wRC+, 0.252/0.331/0.416, 19 HR, 9 SB, 75 Runs, 68 RBI.

Drake Baldwin, C, ATL
17 G, 19/61 (.311), .918 OPS, 4 2B, 4 HR, 0 SB, 11 R, 15 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Drake Baldwin slashed .311/.918 OPS with 4 HR in 17 games behind the dish, zero Ks, driving 15 RBI for Atlanta. His catching and bat steadied Braves amid NL matchups like Mets-Cards (3-2 each). Baldwin’s power mirrored offensive bursts in CLE’s LAD win (4-2), carrying ATL through early tests. In context of TEX 4-1 dominance and Pirates-Reds, his prospect tools provided lineup stability and run production.

Rank: #72.
STS Projection: 123.7 wRC+, 0.268/0.347/0.455, 23 HR, 1 SB, 76 Runs, 77 RBI.

Brendan Donovan, 2B, SEA
20 G, 23/59 (.390), 1.034 OPS, 4 2B, 3 HR, 4 SB, 13 R, 12 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Brendan Donovan led with .390/1.034 OPS, 3 HR and 4 SB over 20 games, perfect plate discipline (0 K/BB), scoring 13 runs for Seattle. His versatility boosted M’s in AL West akin to LAD-CLE intensity (4-1 vs 3-3). Donovan carried infield in series like Rangers-BAL (TEX 4-1), igniting table. Amid Twins-Royals balance and Pirates-Reds, his hot streak set tone for contenders.

Rank: #162.
STS Projection: 115.3 wRC+, 0.271/0.349/0.415, 15 HR, 6 SB, 73 Runs, 66 RBI.