Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Chase Harlan turned his considerable raw power into more consistent production in 2026.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to develop one of baseball’s deeper farm systems, and Chase Harlan took a significant step forward during the 2026 season.
Harlan was identified by MLB Pipeline as the Dodgers’ breakout prospect of the year, a recognition that reflects how much his offensive game developed over the course of the season.
The third baseman entered the year with plenty of raw power but needed to turn that tool into more consistent production. He made progress in that area by becoming more selective at the plate and doing a better job of making contact.
Those adjustments helped Harlan put together his most productive professional season to date.
The 2024 third-round selection out of a Pennsylvania high school hit .298 with a .403 on-base percentage and .509 slugging percentage across 86 games between two Class A levels. He also hit 14 home runs while establishing himself as a more complete offensive threat.
Harlan’s season was interrupted by an oblique injury that kept him out for the final six weeks, limiting his opportunity to build on what had already been a strong campaign. Even with the missed time, his production was enough to significantly raise his profile within the organization.
The Dodgers originally selected Harlan in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft and signed him for $1,747,500, a bonus that reflected the organization’s belief in his potential. His development since then has provided a clearer picture of why the Dodgers invested heavily in his offensive upside.
The biggest development in 2026 was not simply the number of home runs Harlan produced. His improved approach gave him a better opportunity to access the power that had already been considered one of his most intriguing tools.
That combination could be particularly important as he moves through the Dodgers’ system. Power is often easier to project than the ability to consistently reach it in games, making Harlan’s progress with his approach an encouraging development.
His .403 on-base percentage also demonstrates how his improved selectivity translated into production beyond extra-base hits. Rather than relying solely on his power, Harlan showed he could create opportunities by controlling his at-bats and making more consistent contact.
The result was a breakout season that moved Harlan to No. 9 on the Dodgers’ prospect list, according to MLB Pipeline.
For an organization accustomed to developing young talent, Harlan’s 2026 season represents another example of how a prospect can take a major step forward without completely reinventing his skill set.
The power was already there. This season, Harlan showed he could better utilize it.
