The second full week of Minor League Baseball showcased thrilling performances, including two no-hitters and numerous players hitting multiple home runs. Several of these standout athletes have been selected for the second Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week for 2026.
Braden Montgomery, the White Sox’s top prospect, stands out as the only representative from the Top 100. He’s made a repeat appearance on the list after being honored twice in 2025. This week’s team features players from nine different organizations, with the Cubs and Nationals having two players each.
Players must rank among their club’s Top 30 prospects on Pipeline’s lists to qualify for the Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week. Players currently in the Majors are not eligible.
This is the Prospect Team of the Week for April 13-19:
C: Owen Ayers, South Bend Cubs (High-A)
Cubs No. 10
.400/.500/1.050, 5 G, 8-for-20, 4 HR, 1 2B, 8 RBI, 8 R, 3 BB, 7 K, 3 SB
Originally a 19th-round pick in 2024, Ayers garnered attention with an outstanding performance in the 2025 Fall League, achieving a 1.130 OPS. His strong performance has continued in 2026, hitting six home runs in just 11 games, including an impressive streak of four consecutive games with homers.
1B: Cole Mathis, Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A)
Cubs No. 14
.350/.381/1.000, 5 G, 7-for-20, 4 HR, 1 2B, 9 RBI, 5 R, 1 BB, 7 K
A former two-way star drafted in the second round of 2024, Mathis has excelled with his bat after transitioning away from pitching. He hit four home runs in five days last week, including a two-homer game on April 15 and currently holds a .765 slugging percentage in the Single-A Carolina League.
2B: Cooper Flemming, Charleston RiverDogs (Single-A)
Rays No. 27
.450/.542/.750, 5 G, 9-for-20, 1 HR, 3 2B, 5 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 SB
After not competing last year post-signing, Flemming has adapted quickly to professional baseball. In just five games, he posted remarkable numbers, including two games with three hits each. He hasn’t been caught stealing in three attempts thus far.
