As teams gear up for the final stretch of the 2026 MLB regular season, the September call-up period offers a unique opportunity for clubs to expand their rosters. Starting this month, active rosters will increase from 26 to 28 players, providing a strategic advantage for contenders looking to bolster their squads as they make a push for postseason play. Unlike previous years where rosters swelled to 40 players, the streamlined process prioritizes quality over quantity. In recent seasons, we’ve seen players like Trey Yesavage of the Toronto Blue Jays and Connelly Early of the Boston Red Sox making significant contributions after being called up in September. As such, the focus shifts to the potential of new talent to make an impact. Here, we highlight ten players poised to shine as part of this year’s September roster additions.
Franklin Arias - Boston Red Sox
With a season batting line of .301/.368/.495, Franklin Arias has emerged as the best defensive infielder in the Red Sox system while simultaneously elevating his offensive game. His promotion to Triple-A has come at a crucial time, especially with Trevor Story sidelined after undergoing sports hernia surgery. Arias has made a strong impression, hitting .314 with 47 extra-base hits, including 23 home runs. The Red Sox are looking for a reliable option in the infield, and Arias’s versatility—having started seeing reps at second base—makes him a prime candidate for a September call-up.
Cam Cannarella - Miami Marlins
Drafted 43rd overall in the 2025 draft, Cam Cannarella is challenging for a spot on the Marlins’ MLB roster after a stellar performance in the minors. His Triple-A stats reflect a solid .273/.405/.384 line over 27 games, showcasing his speed and contact ability. Given the Marlins' struggle with run production in recent weeks, Cannarella could provide the spark they need as they chase a potential wild-card berth. If he continues to perform and take advantage of the opportunity, he could easily slide into a prominent role.
Patrick Clohisy - Atlanta Braves
Patrick Clohisy has rapidly climbed the ranks within the Braves system. Known for his speed and defensive versatility, Clohisy is hitting .357/.440/.512 in Triple-A. His ability to cover all three outfield spots could allow the Braves to utilize him effectively, especially as the team looks to enhance their performance from the left-field position. With players like Mike Yastrzemski underperforming, Clohisy could quickly find himself in a more significant role during the postseason push.
Coleman Crow - Milwaukee Brewers
After being acquired in a trade prior to the 2024 season, Coleman Crow is ready for an impactful September. With an impressive 3.13 ERA in 15 games, he has shown potential as a multi-inning reliever. Recently, he has been dominant, posting 18.2 scoreless innings over his last three starts. The Brewers are expected to rely heavily on their pitching depth during the playoff race, and Crow's high-spin curveball could become a crucial weapon for them.
Ty Johnson - Tampa Bay Rays
Originally acquired from the Cubs, Ty Johnson has made a successful transition to the bullpen, showcasing a staggering 14.0 strikeouts per nine innings. His wipeout slider and ability to keep opposing hitters to a .161 average indicates that he has the potential to make an immediate impact in high-leverage situations. The Rays have a well-defined approach for utilizing their bullpen, and Johnson could easily carve out significant innings in September.
Bryce Mayer - Houston Astros
Bryce Mayer, a young standout in the Astros organization, has shown promise after a rocky start to his Triple-A career. With a 2.90 ERA in 18 games, Mayer’s recent performances suggest he could be ready for the next level. The Astros have a history of easing their young pitchers into the big leagues in relief roles, but given the recent struggles of some of their starters, a shot at the rotation later this season is not out of the question.
James Tibbs III - Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite a crowded outfield, James Tibbs III stands out as one of the most MLB-ready prospects for the Dodgers. His elite offensive production in Triple-A, including a recent line of .360/.490/.640, positions him well for a call-up. The absence of Andy Pages due to injury creates a window for Tibbs to make an impact, either as a late-game pinch hitter or in a rotational role. With offensive depth always a consideration for dueling playoff contenders, Tibbs’s timing couldn’t be better.
Ralphy Velazquez - Cleveland Guardians
Ralphy Velazquez’s 18 home runs in August alone demonstrate his readiness for the majors. With a staggering .371 average, he is emerging as a hot commodity for the Guardians. Given the team’s struggles with home runs in 2026, adding Velazquez could provide the power boost they desperately need. His adaptability allows him to fit various positions, making his addition even more critical as the playoffs approach.
Jaxon Wiggins - Chicago Cubs
Despite struggling earlier in the year, Jaxon Wiggins is showing potential after transitioning to a bullpen role. With a fastball that touches 101 mph and an impressive slider, Wiggins can deliver much-needed strength to the Cubs pitching staff. Although he may not initially land high-leverage situations, his ability to provide innings during a crucial stretch could secure a spot in the playoff roster with continued success.
Gage Wood - Philadelphia Phillies
Gage Wood may be pitching at Double-A, but he’s quickly becoming one of baseball’s rising stars. His potential to make the jump directly to the majors, coupled with his previous success in the bullpen role, creates a compelling case for his inclusion. With the Phillies looking to solidify their pitching during the final month, Wood could soon find himself contributing at the highest level, following in the footsteps of previous late-season rookie call-ups.
The month of September holds promise for numerous contending teams looking to leverage fresh talent to enhance their playoff run. Whether it’s position players stepping up to provide crucial offensive contributions or pitchers solidifying the wait for robust bullpen support, these ten players are ready to emerge on the season's biggest stage.
