Maybe I jumped the gun a bit on calling last week’s piece “Call-up SZN,” as more have been coming this week along with more that will occur over this weekend and wreck most of my suggestions below. Since last weekend, we’ve seen some expected call-ups (Ronny Mauricio, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Alexander Canario) but also a few surprises too (Jasson Dominguez, Hunter Goodwin, Kyren Paris, and Austin Wells).
Just be careful wading your way through the pool of newly hyped prospects. Of course, you only get one month of production, but these guys also have been subjected to some goofy environments in the minors (pre-tacked balls, automatic strike zone, playing all games in one place each week, etc.) that create really strange adjustments to the majors.
The days of immediate production out of the gate like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the past few years might not recur. I state all of this while on the other hand suggesting Dominguez below for ownership in a 12-team league and will be relying on him in my most important league. Maybe we are just going to have go to back to the days of reminding all of our friends that Mike Trout’s 2011 debut featured a paltry .220/.281/.390 line (87 wRC+).
It’s hard to be immune to the vagaries of the prospect hype train no matter how hard you try to be logical.
The stats and ownership percentages below are updated as of noon central time on 9/1.
As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on twitter (X) (@mcouill7).
CATCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Mitch Garver (TEX, 47% CBS Ownership) – This is probably the last chance for me to write about our sweet prince, Mitch Garver, as his ownership levels are pushing beyond ready availability. You can refer to the last three weeks of coverage on him for some real analysis. In our proper send-off for Mitch, let’s just marvel at the annihilating his latest homer for old time’s sake:
MORE MITCH ?
Rangers are on the board in the 7th thanks to a solo home run from Mitch Garver!
@Rangers | #StraightUpTX | ?: BSSW pic.twitter.com/ajHs8kErun— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) August 30, 2023
Seriously, please pick up Garver if he’s still around for you. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Alejandro Kirk (TOR, 39% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gabriel Moreno (ARI, 34% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Danny Jansen (TOR, 32% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gary Sanchez (SDP, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Endy Rodriguez (PIT, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Austin Wells (NYY, 8% CBS Ownership) – The Bronx Bombers called up Wells on Thursday afternoon, and the 23-year-old should make his debut over the weekend. He was taken in the 2020 draft one pick ahead of Bobby Miller (whoops, Brian Cashman) and spent 2021 and 2022 flying through the minors, never producing less than a 129 wRC+, which came at Double-A. However, it has been a tougher year for Wells as he hit for a 107 wRC+ in 58 Double-A games before squeaking out a 99 wRC+ in 33 Triple-A games. However, there are a few things to like in the bat-first catcher’s profile. First, he has a great eye at the plate, never posting a walk rate below 11% at any minor league stop. And between Scranton and Somerset this season, Wells has hovered right around a .200 ISO, proving that he has juice in the bat. He swings from the left side of the plate, which is always intriguing for a Yankee. And lucky you, Wells is lined up for six games in the Bronx against the Tigers and Brewers this week. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Yan Gomes (CHC, 19% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Patrick Bailey (SFG, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Bo Naylor (CLE, 17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Christian Bethancourt (TBR, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Jeffers (MIN, 9% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Connor Wong (BOS, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Freddy Fermin (KCR, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
INFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Davis Schneider (2B/3B, TOR, 32% CBS Ownership) – Welcome back to consideration for fantasy rosters, Davis, after disappearing into a short-side platoon of late. The injuries to Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman this past week now place Schneider firmly in the middle of the Blue Jays’ order, where he has hit either second, fourth, or fifth this past week. Obviously, his major league sample size is still minuscule (57 total plate appearances, 32 batted ball events), but it’s hard to not dream on what his 15.6% barrel-rate in the middle of Toronto’s lineup can do. Schneider will be a great asset to cover CI and MI holes throughout September as long as Bichette and/or Chapman are shelved. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: DJ LeMahieu (1B/2B/3B, NYY, 47% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Carlos Santana (1B, MIL, 47% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Edouard Julien (2B, MIN, 45% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Geraldo Perdomo (2B/3B/SS, ARI, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luis Rengifo (2B/3B/SS/OF, LAA, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Maikel Garcia (3B/SS, KCR, 39% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Masyn Winn (SS, STL, 34% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ronny Mauricio (3B/SS, NYM, 32% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Noelvi Marte (3B/SS, CIN, 31% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Nolan Schanuel (1B, LAA, 29% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Josh Rojas (2B/3B, SEA, 29% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Rowdy Tellez (1B, MIL, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jordan Lawlar (SS, ARI, 27% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Yoan Moncada (3B, CHW, 26% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ji-Hwan Bae (2B/OF, PIT, 23% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Chris Taylor (2B/3B/SS/OF, LAD, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Hunter Goodman (C?/1B/OF, COL, 14% CBS Ownership) – There are lots of leagues in which Goodman qualifies at catcher after playing 13 games behind the dish in the minors this year. If he has catcher-eligibility in your league, he’s my second favorite available catcher behind Garver because, you know, Coors. However, he should at least qualify for 1B, if not outfield too (CBS doesn’t have him with OF eligibility yet, oddly). Power is Goodman’s main calling card after he pummeled minor league pitching to the tune of 34 homers between Double and Triple-A this year. He’s also already produced an impressive 110.4-mph batted ball in the majors. As you might expect, his profile comes with a lot of whiffs; all projection systems have him pegged for a K-rate between 25-30%. The Rockies sadly aren’t in Coors this upcoming week but will be back in the Rocky Mountain air the week after. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Enrique Hernandez (1B/2B/3B/SS/OF, LAD, 16% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Colt Keith (3B, DET, 16% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Zach McKinstry (2B/3B/SS/OF, DET, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Garrett Cooper (1B, SDP, 13% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brendan Rodgers (2B, COL, 13% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Michael Massey (2B, KCR, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Osleivis Basabe (3B/SS, TBR, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Noda (1B/OF, OAK, 11% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Liover Peguero (2B/SS, PIT, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jordan Diaz (1B/2B/3B, OAK, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Andruw Monasterio (2B/3B/SS, MIL, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Carter Kieboom (3B, WSN, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tyler Black (2B, MIL, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Jason Heyward (1B/OF, LAD, 3% CBS Ownership) – I’ll admit, this totally passed me by, but in late July, Heyward played his fifth and sixth games at first base, earning in-season qualification there in most leagues. He’s been scorching hot in August (along with all of the Dodgers team) with a .327/.373/.545 line (147 wRC+) with three homers and nine runs and RBI apiece. The Dodgers are leveraging Heyward in the most opportune spots (against right-handed pitching), so he can be a key versatile piece down the stretch in an NL-only league. (3-5% FAAB)
Kyren Paris (2B/SS, LAA, 1% CBS Ownership) – In the flurry of Angels waiver moves this week, Paris became the latest farmhand to be rushed to the majors and should be arriving this weekend straight from Double-A. The lack of contact at the dish (29.4% K-rate in Double-A this year) really limits Kyren, and he’s going to struggle with the Mendoza line during his early career. However, this is a pure speed play if you need to make up points in steals. Paris has 60-grade speed and swiped 44 bags with the Trash Pandas this year. Although the 21-year-old will likely strike out one of every three plate appearances, he’s got a great eye (17.1% BB-rate in Double-A) that should allow him to get on base enough to show the wheels. (1-3% FAAB)
OUTFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Jasson Dominguez (NYY, 46% CBS Ownership) – In line with the opener above, be careful (or don’t) with Dominguez as his hype far outstrips his likely rest-of-year production. This is a 20-year-old being tossed into the fervor of the Big Apple to give some glimmer of hope for the 2024 Yankees. That’s a lot to bear. However, there are lots of positives in Dominguez’s profile that have been overlooked during his solid season in Double and Triple-A. First, he’s got a great eye, partly from minor league pitchers being afraid of his power. Over the past two seasons, his walk rate has never been below 12.5% at any stop. He’s posted a walk rate around 16% this season at both minor league levels. He is going to be a speed asset, as indicated by his 40 steals over two levels this season. However, the swing-and-miss in his profile, partly from barely graduating from his teenage years, is going to really hold him back. I like his Steamer line for a good estimate of value with a .230/.314/.360 slash line (89 wRC+) and roughly mid-teens homers and steals pace. If anything, over a full season Dominguez might be more of a 30-steal guy because of his raw speed. That profile is about on par with current Jose Siri, so tread accordingly. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Harrison Bader (CIN, 49% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Leody Taveras (TEX, 46% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jack Suwinski (PIT, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tommy Pham (ARI, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Max Kepler (MIN, 37% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Brent Rooker (OAK, 36% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Andrew McCutchen (PIT, 33% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Mickey Moniak (LAA, 33% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brandon Marsh (PHI, 31% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jose Siri (TBR, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Will Benson (CIN, 26% CBS Ownership Rate, 1% FAAB), Mark Canha (1B/OF, MIL, 22% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ramon Laureano (CLE, 22% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Ceddanne Rafaela (BOS, 19% CBS Ownership) – It really makes my heart happy that someone with “Rafael” buried in his last name is on a team with a red primary color (even if the spelling his wrong). After being mostly a speed guy while in the Red Sox system (steals totals across his last three years in the minors: 23, 28, and 36), Rafaela found his power stroke in Worcester, smacking 14 bombs in 219 plate appearances. The 22-year-old earned a reputation as a free-swinging slap-hitter before that power outburst, so it will be interesting if that pop will stick. If he can mix the power into his contact/speed/defense profile, it’s not hard to squint a see a Mookie Betts lite here. But I’ll be honest, I’m not sure the power will translate to the majors well, Rafaela’s ceiling is probably more like a .280 average with mid-teens homers and 30-40 steals. Which I guess, yeah, is 22-year-old, 2015 Mookie. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Everson Pereira (NYY, 17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Wallner (MIN, 16% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Parker Meadows (DET, 15% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Michael Brantley (HOU, 14% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Seth Brown (1B/OF, OAK, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Alek Thomas (ARI, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Johan Rojas (PHI, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), DJ Stewart (NYM, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Lawrence Butler (OAK, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Drew Waters (KCR, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Akil Baddoo (DET, 4% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Nelson Velazquez (KCR, 4% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Wade Meckler (SFG, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Rafael Ortega (NYM, 1% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jake Alu (2B/3B/OF, WSN, 1% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Richie Palacios (STL, 1% CBS Ownership) – It’s really odd seeing someone get playing time for a floundering Cardinals team a la Rafael Ortega and DJ Stewart in Queens, but here we are. Palacios has posted a .300/.323/.467 in 32 plate appearances with the Cards so far while occupying a strong-side platoon role in centerfield. There’s nothing special from a homers/steals perspective here, so if you need some decent batting average and playing time volume, Richie is your man. (1-3% FAAB)
Kole Calhoun (1B/OF, CLE, 2% CBS Ownership) – Calhoun has been lingering on my list of possible dudes to cover since he joined the Guardians early last month. Now there is a non-zero chance (5.6%, to be exact) that we see him playing a strong-side role for Cleveland in the playoffs as the team has decided to try and chase down the Twins with the remains of the Angels pitching staff. Calhoun has had a surprisingly steady influence on the Guardians lineup with a .273/.356/.455 line and three homers over 87 plate appearances. That’s good for a 128 wRC+ so far, which would absurdly be a career high for the 35-year-old if he continues the production. Plus, now he has plenty of teammates to commiserate with about Arte Moreno. (3% FAAB)
STARTING PITCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Brandon Pfaadt (ARI, 39% CBS Ownership) – As things really thin out in our free agent pools, you may see Pfaadt’s line from his outing against the Dodgers on Wednesday night and want to run far, far away. Yes, his four innings with five earned runs allowed was atrocious, but honestly, you probably should be benching a pitcher of Pfaadt’s caliber (or almost any pitcher, period) against the hot Dodgers team right now. The two starts against the Reds and Padres prior to getting shelled in Tinsel Town is more indicative of what Pfaadt has become lately over his bumpy rookie season: one win, 12.1 innings, 10 Ks, four BBs, 1.46 ERA, and 0.65 WHIP. Before that Dodgers start, he sported a 3.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 8.49 K/9 over 41.1 innings post-All-Star break. Despite the awful taste Pfaadt’s first half 3.51 HR/9 left in some fantasy managers’ mouths, he has morphed into a solid, mid-rotation starter. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Kutter Crawford (BOS, 48% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Javier Assad (CHC, 46% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jordan Wicks (CHC, 46% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Cristopher Sanchez (PHI, 45% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Brandon Williamson (CIN, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Taj Bradley (TBR, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Paul Blackburn (OAK, 32% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Manning (DET, 32% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Zack Littell (TBR, 24% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Zack Thompson (STL, 8% CBS Ownership) – I’ll admit, it will take a lot of gumption to risk the possible ratios bombing that could result from Thompson’s upcoming two-start week at Atlanta and Cincy. But the 25-year-old has become a solid source of strikeouts in deeper leagues as he has produced a 10.64 K/9 since entering the St. Louis rotation August 6th (with one “bulk” outing mixed in there). Those whiffs have come with a 3.76 FIP and 1.36 WHIP. Thompson should stick in some sort of starter/bulk role down the stretch as the Cardinals audition him for the 2024 rotation. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Reese Olson (DET, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tanner Houck (BOS, 17% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Darius Vines (ATL, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), David Peterson (NYM, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tylor Megill (NYM, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Yarbrough (LAD, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jake Irvin (WSN, 10% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Cole Irvin (BAL, 9% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Slade Cecconi (ARI, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Drew Rom (STL, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Andre Jackson (PIT, 2% CBS Ownership) – I think we found a hidden gem here. I suggested picking up Jackson for his start against the Royals this past week. If you took my advice, it paid off handsomely as the 27-year-old threw 5.2 innings of one-run ball with seven Ks while allowing just two hits and two walks for the win. He now has a 2.92 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 9.85 K/9 over 24.2 innings in Pittsburgh. He’s essential in an NL-only league right now and honestly warrants 12-team consideration at this point. (3-5% FAAB)
Zach Neal (OAK, 0% CBS Ownership) – First off, mad respect to Neal for his yeoman grind to the A’s rotation right now. The 34-year-old was drafted originally by the Florida Marlins in the 17th round of 2010! This is one last heave at some possible strikeouts after he posted six over five innings against the Mariners this past Wednesday. Neal is probably the most bottom-of-the-barrel starter you can imagine, but if you are playing in a fantasy league with “cool stories” as a category, here’s your guy! (1% FAAB)
RELIEVERS
10/12 Team Adds
Tanner Scott (MIA, 37% CBS Ownership) – With David Robertson’s time in South Beach going, uh, less-than-well (8.18 ERA over 11 innings), Scott has commandeered the Marlin’s closer role. The lefty has managed to drop his BB-rate to a respectable 9.4% after entering the season with a career 14.2% clip. That better control has allowed Scott to sail to an elite 24.9% K-BB-rate this year. He’s a top tier reliever now closing on an average-ish team. (5-7% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Jordan Hicks (TOR, 37% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Brash (SEA, 32% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Bryan Abreu (HOU, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brusdar Graterol (LAD, 24% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Joel Payamps (MIL, 21% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Trevor May (OAK, 21% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Gregory Santos (CHW, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Justin Lawrence (COL, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
JoJo Romero (STL, 12% CBS Ownership) – Even with Ryan Helsley returning from his balky forearm, I would still roll with JoJo in the Cardinals bullpen. It makes sense for Oli Marmol to ease Helsley back just to keep him healthy for 2024. Now that I’ve put that line into the universe, Oli is certainly throwing Helsley straight into the hellfire of high leverage saves and 40-pitch outings. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Adam Ottavino (NYM, 19% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Hunter Harvey (WSN, 18% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Kevin Ginkel (17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jason Foley (DET, 13% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jose Leclerc (TEX, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brooks Raley (NYM, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC, 13% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Carlos Hernandez (KCR, 10% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tyler Rogers (SFG, 10% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Chris Martin (BOS, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)