Quite a bit has changed since the 2013 MiLB season began in April, and folks have been clamoring for a mid-season prospect list. Well, here it is, 50-deep. But before we get into it, a quick primer on the criteria for this top 50: There was no specific timetable in mind, so the rankings below can be considered a dynasty league list. You’ll notice that the ETA’s here range from this season all the way to 2016. To prevent any overlap with lists that Grey and JayWrong put together last week, I’ve included only prospects who are currently in the minor leagues. That means I had to remove Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick from the board after news of their call-ups — Yelich was #7, Marisnick #40. It also means I couldn’t list Carlos Martinez, who’s currently working in relief for the Cardinals — he would’ve been ranked right around #20.
Anyway, I’ll be writing notes on all of these fellas during the off-season, once the dust has settled on 2013 and I’ve had a chance to take a more thorough look at depth charts, injuries, etc. For now, I’ve included only a few pertinent details: age, current level, fantasy impact categories, and ETA. Each player is linked to his player card on Baseball-Reference.com, or his Razzball player card where possible. My hope is that the following list will help dynasty leaguers sort out their rosters as keeper deadlines approach… and also make for some good banter in the comments. Enjoy.
1. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox
Age: 20
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2013
2. Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals
Age: 21
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2013
3. Byron Buxton, OF, Twins
Age: 19
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2015
4. Archie Bradley, RHP, Diamondbacks
Age: 20
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2013
5. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Mariners
Age: 20
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
6. Miguel Sano, OF, Twins
Age: 20
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2014
7. George Springer, OF, Astros
Age: 23
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2014
8. Javier Baez, SS, Cubs
Age: 20
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2015
9. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pirates
Age: 21
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
10. Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates
Age: 21
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2014
11. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Astros
Age: 21
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2014
12. Addison Russell, SS, Athletics
Age: 19
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2015
13. Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs
Age: 21
Current Level: Rookie
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2015
14. Kevin Gausman, RHP, Orioles
Age: 22
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2013
15. Mark Appel, RHP, Astros
Age: 22
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
16. Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs
Age: 21
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2015
17. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Reds
Age: 20
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2015
18. Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Mets
Age: 20
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
19. Carlos Correa, SS, Astros
Age: 18
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2015
20. Nick Castellanos, OF, Tigers
Age: 21
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, RBI, R
ETA: 2013
21. Maikel Franco, 3B, Phillies
Age: 20
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2014
22. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees
Age: 20
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI
ETA: 2015
23. Travis d’Arnaud, C, Mets
Age: 24
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI
ETA: 2013
24. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles
Age: 20
Current Level: Recovering From Surgery
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2015
25. Albert Almora, OF, Cubs
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2015
26. Yordano Ventura, RHP, Royals
Age: 22
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: W/SV, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
27. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Rays
Age: 20
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2016
28. Michael Wacha, RHP, Cardinals
Age: 22
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: W, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2013
29. Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Royals
Age: 21
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
30. Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Blue Jays
Age: 21
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2015
31. Clint Frazier, OF, Indians
Age: 18
Current Level: Rookie
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R
ETA: 2016
32. Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds
Age: 22
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: OBP, R, SB
ETA: 2014
33. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pirates
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2015
34. Kyle Crick, RHP, Giants
Age: 20
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
35. Jonathan Gray, RHP, Rockies
Age: 21
Current Level: Rookie
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2015
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2016
37. Joey Gallo, 3B, Rangers
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: OBP, HR, RBI
ETA: 2016
38. Alex Meyer, RHP, Twins
Age: 23
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
Age: 24
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: OBP, HR, RBI
ETA: 2013
40. Andrew Heaney, RHP, Marlins
Age: 22
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
41. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Astros
Age: 21
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
42. Alen Hanson, SS/2B, Pirates
Age: 20
Current Level: A+
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, R, SB
ETA: 2015
43. Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2015
44. Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals
Age: 22
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, R, SB
ETA: 2014
45. David Dahl, OF, Rockies
Age: 19
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2016
Age: 21
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
47. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, Royals
Age: 17
Current Level: A-
Fantasy Impact: AVG, OBP, HR, RBI, R, SB
ETA: 2016
48. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, Red Sox
Age: 23
Current Level: AA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2014
49. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals
Age: 19
Current Level: Rookie
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2016
50. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Mariners
Age: 23
Current Level: AAA
Fantasy Impact: W, K, ERA, WHIP
ETA: 2013
Your projections for Fantasy Impact seem a little off to me. For instance, almost al pitchers help in the four major categories? I would lean towards how they help when they come up (i.e Bradley struggling with WHIP due to W%). Also, how do you figure most of these guys will help in 5+ categpries? I can almost assure you George Springer isn’t helping anybody in BA when he comes into the league. You’re pretty bullish on him, and I don’t see the same type of potential. His plate discipline is too lacking to hit .280. My guess is he hits around .250 when he gets the call.
I’ve also seen you compare Boegaerts to Segura, which is way off. Boegarts does have surprising speed, but no where close to the type of speed segura posses. That’s misleading to some of your readers as it’s a very bad comp. The Tulo comp you laid out is much better, Boegaerts will never steal 30+ bags, more likely between 10-15.
Singleton is also too high in my opinion. He is struggling with secondary offerings at his current level, I don’t see his power being as usable in the majors.
Not having Lindor on here is a gross oversight. I’m agree Lindor is a much better real-life player. I’m down on him having a major fantasy impact as well. But he is a legitimate .300 hitter with high runs and SB potential. He is a better Segura comp than Boegarts. Lindor is without a doubt in the top 50 fantasy prospects. He’s not the gaudy 5th ranked prospect other sites rate him, but he’s certainly in the top 50. It makes no sense you rank Henson and not Lindor. Henson is a less advanced version of Lindor, as Lindor has proved he can adjust to AA pitching (albeit a very small sample size).
Don’t mean to nitpick just like to debate prospects!
I always appreciate this sort of banter, so please don’t apologize! I gotta remind you, though, that these are dynasty rankings & not immediate impact rankings. The impact categories I list are for peak projection, not upon arrival projection. I see Bradley helping across the board in the SP cats once he’s settled in.
And yeah, I’m certainly bullish on Springer, but IMO, his swing-and-miss problems are overblown — Wil Myers whiffed at a similar clip in the upper levels (not to mention he walked less…).
I’ll admit, Singleton’s recent struggles have me reconsidering his spot on this list — pitch recognition is nowhere near big league-ready at this point, so agreed on that.
As for Lindor, his work at AA also has me reconsidering that omission, but I’m not completely sold on it yet. I agree if he can hit 300 & steal 40 bags, he absolutely deserves to be listed, but I don’t agree that he offers more fantasy upside than Alen Hanson, who brings 20/20 potential from a middle infield position.
And the Bogaerts/Segura comp was a fantasy impact comp in the comments & nothing I wrote in this post or any other. I get asked how Bogaerts might compare to Segura for fantasy, and considering Segura’s production this season, the big picture impact isn’t all that far off. If I’m comparing skill sets, Bogaerts & Tulo is a no-brainer. I sometimes get walked into making dumb comps in these comments, and while I try to avoid it, sometimes it’s invertible… just sorta the nature of writing on the fly like this.
Xander Bogaerts is available in my leauge. Who would you drop? I’m leaning toward Ibanez, Byrd, or Lowrie.
C – Carlos Santana
1B – Prince Fielder
2B – Aaron Hill
3B – Kyle Seager
SS – Jose Reyes
IF – Nick Franklin
CF – Jacoby Ellsbury
LF – Starling Marte
RF – Sin-Soo Choo
OF – Chris Davis
UTIL – Jed Lowrie
BN – Raul Ibanez, Marlon Byrd
SP: Cole Hamels, Anibal Sanchez, AJ Burnett, Justin Masterson, Corey Kluber, John Lester, Garret Cole
RP: Joaquin Beniot, Junichi Tazawa, Mark Melancon
Thanks
Projection for Singleton, is he a 280/350, 30HR, 100 RBI guy in his prime? And how long do you think it will take for him to realise that.
Aside from being a pothead I dont know much about him, ha. Ryan Howard type skills in his prime?
Howard is a decent comp… slugging 1b’s y’know… That line you have above is a safe ceiling for him, but he’s got the stick to knock 40 & hit 300 if everything clicks.
Is Jose Ramirez injured, he hasn’t played since Lindor has been called up, because they don’t have a spot for him in the infield or is he injured?
Wish I knew… very odd that he’s been out of the lineup for a week now coming off an awesome stretch.
Different deal, guys askin for Bradley for Cruz and Urrita, definate no-go on Bradley right?
Id be losing a potential great future keeper, for a couple months rental of Cruz, and im not sure I can really contend anyway. Ive told him another guy but not Bradley, not morgageing my future.
I wouldn’t trade Bradley.
Hes saying only the Wheeler and Reyes package for Segura is available, should I hold firm? Ive asked him about Singleton, really wanted an impact bat as my minors system is full of arms right now.
Also whats your take on this situation in our league, now Brauns been dropped his cos in our league will plummet to $6 once he clears waivers (ive never been keen on the rule tbh). Im not even sure why our commish enforces this rule, but it’ll mean that Braun can be kept for another 3 years at just $14 once hes snagged off waivers. Seems like a crappy shituation all round right? It shouldnt happen, so ive just emailed my commish to see if he agrees we should ban people from adding him (or say no price drop). You in agreement? I guess if he doesnt agree then im gonna wait till he clears on monday and add him to my team as a keeper, probably competing against other likeminded people too! All a bit farsical.
If that’s the rule & everyone knows it, then it seems like it falls on the owner to not drop him. Would try to hold out for Singleton…
@TheNewGuy:
The rule is stupid, but it’s the rule. I would consider using your waiver (if its on the back half) on him just to cock-block everyone else depending on how deep your bench is.
What’s your take on Jared Cosart? My trade deadline is tomorrow at noon in my dynasty league.
Should be a decent ROS option… long-term outlook is good, not great. Not the same caliber as, say, Erasmo.
what would be you’re top 10-15ish prospects who are new to joining the league this year. Such as this years international signings (I know some haven’t been signed yet but the expected ones), and players drafted this year. I kinda want to start gauging who I should look at drafting in our off-season draft because we keep our whole team and re-fill our minor league with new-coming players in the off-season. I figure Appel, Bryant, Grey, Frazier are gonna go first but like our second round is one where I won’t be sure who to really draft.
Thanks!
By the way, it shows Fried as with the Rays. Isn’t he still with the Padres?
He certainly is… thanks for catching that.
Pence for Mike Olt a solid deal, if I need a bat to get me back into contention? Doubt at $13 Pence would be a keeper (would cost $16 minimum to keep), but I could use the rental this year, and I don’t think Olt’s a guy id lose sleep over trading away.
I thought you were in sell-mode?
Where would you have Bubba Starling and Rymer Liriano?
Both have the massive ceilings we’re looking for on a list like this… Rymer in the next 10, Starling not far behind him.
Who do u like more long-term? Mike Zunino or Evan Gattis? I got both on my fantasy team but I doubt I can afford to keep both. Keep 25/38 h2h points. Thanks
Tough call. Gattis has a more attractive fantasy skill set, but Zunino has a more direct route to regular playing time. I probably lean toward Zunino on this one.
If I’m reading tea-leaves, does that infer he’s getting stretched out again for a potential start early August? or is he now a full time AAA starter, and Mr. Wacha will be the call if/when they need another SP arm? Sooo many activities!
My guess is they’re stretching him out in case they need him. No specific plan to use him at this point, but if there’s a need they want him ready.
Hey Scott:
Great work on this. Thanks for the rankings and ETA’s are very helpful.
Couple questions:
1 – Are the Cardinals still confused with how to utilize Carlos Martinez? Been watching his appearances and it certainly seems like he’s JUST a mop up duty arm, at best. Am I wrong or is he up just as insurance? Talking out loud, why would they stretch him out last 5 weeks to not have him in rotation? I’m confused cause he certainly isn’t getting slotted in high leverage relief work either… Please Help clarify.
2- I have Nolan Arenado on the bench and spot starting in my UTIL slot in my deep 14 team 6×6 (ops); redraft league. What type of projection would you give him for balance of year? I ask because I’m curious if you would rather roster him, Lorenzo Cain or stash Bogaerts? Despite my 8 game lead in 1st, I’m light on power and steals, so need to fortify.
Thanks
1 — I don’t think the Cards are confused & I think they will move him into a higher leverage role as Martinez gets more comfortable in the ‘pen. They might be using him as a “mop-up” guy right now because they haven’t quit on the idea of him as a starter just yet… Joe Kelly looks like he’ll start on the 27th, but who knows beyond that…
2 — He’s not gonna help you immensely for ROS… 250/300/400 & 4 homers… speculative stash of Bogaerts wouldn’t be crazy…
@Scott Evans:
1 – ok; i see your logic. need to exercise more patience, i guess. short benches in my league tend to cause itchy trigger fingers.
2 – interesting; i read above you think a call-up mid-August?. The Machado comp is a great call in terms of utilization.
Thanks.
Aaaaand the Cards have now optioned C-Mart…
No chance Buxton arrives in 2014? He has gold glove defense and plus in all offensive categories.
Doubt it. Not saying he won’t be ready for a look, but the Twins have no good reason to rush him.
In reference to Trout and Harper (who I favorably compare Bucton too minus Harper’s power) is there just a difference of philosophy within the organizations? I don’t see why a 20 year old Buston is not MLB ready when these other two clearly were.
Nationals & Angels were in win-now mode. Made sense to start the respective service time clocks of Harper & Trout at the time. Again, I’m not saying that Buxton won’t be ready for a look next year, but it wouldn’t be a smart business decision to start his clock during a year that the Twins cannot realistically compete for a playoff berth. Same thing happened w/ Wil Myers last year, w/ George Springer & Taijuan Walker right now…
You’re not suggesting the Twins will be ready to compete in 2015 are you?!? just kidding. Thanks for the insight.
Do you really see Max Fried coming up next year? »Thats pretty fast for someone in A-ball now
Huh? 2016 ETA on Fried.
with hudson out (i know beachy is coming back), will JR Graham get a shot this season?
@bauerspeed17:
nevermind, he is still hurt
Alex Wood is a guy to keep an eye on for a Braves SP gig…
Great stuff man. Wow never expected to see Bogartes at 1…..thought it was Buxton or Taveras for sure. Guess thats down to the SS eligability though?
Loving seeing my boy Bradley at 4, Stephenson high too. Where would Rosenthal rank amongst these guys out of interest (still allowed him on my farm until next year)?
It was a deal where id send Segura to get Bundy or Profar and Reyes that I told you about, not the other way around. He’s got a lot of prospects I like:
Bundy, Profar, Singleton, Russell, Wheeler.
Which if any of those would you do in the above deal (only one)? I’d basically be replacing like for like this year (reyes and segura) and getting a prospect while he gets a great keeper in Segura.
Bogaerts gets top spot for huge impact potential at thin SS position & also because Oscar is still nursing that ankle & this season is almost lost for him…
Rosenthal would be top 25… somewhere between Stephenson & Bundy.
Sorry for misunderstanding the deal first time thru… depends on where you need most help, but I’d do either Profar + Reyes or Singleton + Reyes.
@Scott Evans: @Scott Evans: Thanks man. Interesting that you wouldn’t do Bundy (despite his injury still a hugely ranked prospect), or Wheeler for him. Im still not totally sold on Segura in an OBP league at least, and don’t think his powers gonna be more than 10-15HRs a year at most. I mean I love the guy for what he’s cost me (mid season prospect add one year!), but I think he’s over his head right now and could land me more in a trade…thats why im exploring options. You agree on him?
And WOW on Bogartes, heard above you say he has similar speed to Segura, add it all up and we’re talking the next Hanley Ramirez!! God the Red Sox sure know how to develop a shortstop.
I like Segura, but he’s probably a overvalued at this point. I don’t like trading for an injured Bundy… not at all.
@Scott Evans: Fair enough man, will hear who he says are available anyway.
Pretty insane how Gallo and Franco have jumped prospects lists so much this year, both guys were unknowns last year. Anyway I’ve won the claim on Gallo in my league, is Hultzen my drop? See you like Olt and Crick much more, otherwise only other guy I could consider is Dahl (I can’t drop potential Mike Trout upside though surely).
Gallo made some noise last year (22 HR in 59 games)… but he’s legitimized that production this season. Looks like best pure power guy in the minors next to Sano.
I’d cut Hultzen.
@Scott Evans: He-gone. Hello Gallo.
See Hultzen’s on the shelf again too. Though his numbers this year (when healthy) are pretty solid for the PCL. Might the injury ruin any chances of a callup this year? Gonna keep an eye on him if not, I still think he can be better than Erasmo personally.
It’s close, but I like Erasmo over Hultz going forward.
As a mariners fan, I appreciate you throwing Danny Hultzen in there at the end. Lol.
the injuries this season are a little concerning, but when he’s healthy, he’s about as low-risk an option as you can find in the minors.
what chance bogaerts plays 3rd this year. i’d much rather have him replace aramis and/or gyorko (while cold) than aybar in the playoffs. or at least have the option for either.
Decent chance he comes up as a 3b… his value is best at SS, obviously, but could be a Machado-type arrival.
Carlos Gomez (11$) & Mujica (10$) for Eric Young (10$) and Everth Cabrera (7$). Which side do you like more?! NL only roto keeper 5×5.
Gomez/Mujica — Cabrera likely sits out 50 games next season thanks to the biogenesis scandal
why is gregory polanco not available in espn leagues? I’m in a dynasty league and was looking to pick him up.
That seems to be a royal oversight on their part. Needs to be owned in all dynasties.
@mr. man:
And as is ESPN’s policy, he won’t be added until he gets called up, or if the realize the oversight, they will put him in the draft/free agent pool, when they set up the 2014 leagues- this is how I was able to get Jose Fernandez.
Ahh, the depth of the yanks farm system really warms my heart… Who said winning is everything? I would trade a couple of titles for cheaper seats, cheaper beer + food, and some minors to be excited about!
@Alky Sobrera:
Minor leaguers*. Time to go explain that I’m not a pedo to the NSA.
@Alky Sobrera:
Btw, awesome list Scott. Bogaerts 1st though, woah. Is that predicated on the assumption (and likelihood) that he will be up sooner and thus have an impact sooner?
@Alky Sobrera:
Ooh, and no Matt Davidson on the list? Was he close or not really?
Davidson was considered… next 15.
Gotta balance risk & impact, so Bogaerts & Taveras get the edge over Buxton because of their advanced state of development… Bogaerts gets the top spot because (1) Taveras has been injured almost all season & (2) he offers high-end impact from a premium, premium position
Yankees have some nice pieces… I have Sanchez as best catcher in the minors & Tyler Austin is in the next 10, but I hear ya…
So you’d own Franco over Olt in a keeper league, huh? How do you compare their floor/ceilings?
I rate Franco a little better than most are rating him… think he can offer more AVG than Olt can, but the two are similar in terms of power projection. If we’re just looking at third basemen, though, Franco is #2 & Olt is #4… & #1 (Bryant) is probably a left fielder, so we’re talking about two of the top 3 at the hot corner, both of whom are playing upper levels baseball right now… can’t go wrong with either.
@Scott Evans: Thanks!
Is Lucas Sims top 75 in your opinion? Top 100?
Sims is top 75. Huge ceiling, but young & risky.
What are you thoughts on Sonny Gray? He looked damn good during his brief call up last week.
I like Gray… not as much as his little bro, but he’s good enough to bring AJ Griffin-type value if he’s in the rotation next season.
In a keeper league do you prefer Puig or Myers? If possible, can you provide some reasons for you opinion.
Also, in said keeper league would you prefer Ryan Braun or your selection in the first question (Puig or Myers)
Thanks and I really enjoy your work!!
Keep Myers & Braun. Myers’s approach is better suited for sustained success than Puig’s.
How close was Matt Barnes?
Next 10. Barnes has a big ceiling.
Over/Under on number of times ESPN compares Xander to Nomar? If they move him over to 3B then maybe that number will go way down.
Over.
Where would Joc Pederson rank on your list? Top 60? Top 70?
Very close… next 5
I have Taijaun Walker stashed in a non-keeper league, hoping he gets called up soon. It’s worked for me with Puig and Yelich so far, but you guys don’t seem to think he’ll see the bigs this year?
I’d be very surprised if Seattle promoted him. Not ruling it out entirely, but there’s no reason for the M’s to start his clock this season.
@Scott Evans: Thanks!
How far off was cecchini?
Right now, I don’t see him as an above-average fantasy 3B. Needs to turn his gap power into over-the-wall power. Has some potential, but he’s a fringy top 75 guy at the moment.
Hey Guys…I am in a 20 Team League…would you drop Yonder Alonzo to pick up Junior Lake?
Thanks for your advice!
No
What type of a pitcher do you expect Yohander Mendez to be? Will he be a top prospect in like a year? Also on another note this guy in my other league stashes a ton of prospects in a Dynasty league he owns Sano, Xander, Baez, Springer, Correa, and Franco…. Thank God I nabbed Buxton and Tavares (from last year). Is it safe to say I should grab Polanco, and/or Russel before he does, or not worth keeping?
Mendez profiles like a workhorse starter w/ front-end upside, but really needs to fill out physically. He’ll be an interesting guy to watch as he reaches full-season ball next year. I’d grab Polanco & Russell in a dynasty.
Once Bogaerts arrives, do you expect him to outproduce Profar?
I do.
@Scott Evans:
Thanks
@steve:
How do you expect Bogaerts to compare to someone like Segura?
@steve: Sorry, I missed the potential top 5 SS comment above…asked, and (already) answered.
More pop, similar speed… tough to say he’ll hit .320 right away, but he certainly could. Long-term Bogaerts’s outlook is quite a bit better than Segura’s. I like to compare Xander’s offensive skill set to Tulo’s.
@Scott Evans: Wow! I’ll be adding him to my keeper roster. Thank you.
@steve:
It is incredible to me that he is not already on someone’s fantasy roster in your league!
@Scott Evans: Xander and Segura do not have similar speed in any way. Over the course of 354 minor league games, XB has combined for 17 SB total. Conversely, in 399 minor league games, Segura had 139 SB. Nearly every scouting report or projection ive seen for Segura pegs him as a .280-.300/10/30+ type, while XB is much closer to a .290-.310+/30+/5 type player. Honestly, they aren’t really similar in many ways at all.
At physical maturity, you’re right… Xander probably won’t steal more than 10 or so bags annually. But right now he doesn’t get enough credit for his speed, especially game utility speed. Reminds me of Carlos Gonzalez as a prospect — supreme athleticism, but folks always doubted the run tool because of low SB totals in the minors. In any case, I think he can steal 20 bags next year. Time will tell.
If Bogaerts gets called up, what shortstops would you take him over for the rest of the season?
Alexei? Dozier? Cozart? Villar?
Just curious where he should be slotted.
Above all of those. Potential top 5 SS immediately.
Is Odorizzi not on the list because he’s logged some time in the Bigs this year, or are you just not up on him? He’s got some excellent stuff, even though he got hit around a couple of times.
Odorizzi was considered, but not enough upside to slot him in… Keep in mind that Hultzen is #50 & Trevor Bauer isn’t listed even w/ all of his upside. I like Odorizzi, but the arms on this list are of a different caliber.
Oh, and when will Xander Bogaerts be called up?
I heard they are gonna let Jacoby bounce ad Xander is their man.
True?
I think we’ll see Bogaerts before September. Xander is definitely part of the long-term play in Boston.
I’m bias, as a Marlins fan, but why no Colin Moran?
I hear he could even be ready by August/September.
May not produce, but they say he’s Major League Ready already.
Great read!!!
Moran is indeed advanced, and he’ll be one of the quicker 2013 draftees to reach the bigs, but I just don’t see the fantasy upside to justify a spot in the top 50.
Do you think Castellanos is premier or gonna be more of a 4/5 outfielder in Fantasy long term. I’ve already amassed a small militia of prospects in my dynasty league and I’m thinking of dangling him in trades once he makes the jump for those in the league that overpay for ‘the next big thing’. But if he really is ‘TNBT’ then I’ll hold.
Dangle away, my friend. He’s only ranked this highly because he carries very little developmental risk. Might make for a good points league player, but he lacks the speed/power that we’re looking for from corner outfielders.
What sort of production should we expect from Taveras in 2014? .280(ish) AVG with around 20 HR and a few SB?
I think that’s a reasonable outlook if he’s getting regular playing time. Lots of speculation right now about whether or not the Cards will re-sign Beltran…
@Scott Evans: I’ve heard the speculation around the Cards resigning Beltran. I tend to think they’ll let him walk and go with a cheaper and more athletic option.
why is there no love for Clayton Blackburn?
He’s not far from the top 50… definitely in the next 10-15 guys.
Thanks for putting this together! If he mashes until the end of the season, do you think Sano could start the year in Minnesota, or is he more likely to be up mid/late season? Also, I know you think he has no shot to stick at third in the majors, but how long until the Twins come to this conclusion as well? He hasn’t logged time at OF yet…they just being stubborn, or playing mean tease?
More likely late 2014. Twins should begin the OF transition during this off-season… wouldn’t be surprised to see him in RF for a AFL team this fall.
@Scott Evans: Cool, thanks. And you think Springer likely some time in June? What kind of OPS/HR/SB line do you see him putting up over the next two or three years?
Yep, Springer next June. Could post an OPS north of 800, w/ 20/20 in the other cats. That’s obviously optimistic… could also get picked apart w/ his high whiff rate. I tend to think the K’s won’t hurt him too terribly.
Arismendy Alcantara– what are your thoughts on the young SS? I think he was fringe top 100 but he may have sleeper potential?
Seems to be hitting and running at a decent rate in AA this year.
Do you think he has potential to make a jump into fantasy relevance?
Thanks.
Sure, Alcantara absolutely has fantasy relevance in his future. Could be a 15/20 guy at SS or 2B & could also find himself hitting near the top of a stacked lineup. It’ll be interesting to see how the Cubs proceed with their MI…
Do you think Profar plays full-time to start next year? At what position? Educated guesses on the kind of line he produces in 2014?
@Joe: Also, as a follow-up, in what year do you think Profar becomes a top-5 fantasy option at either SS or 2B?
2015
I don’t see where he fits in as a permanent regular on the diamond… he likely bounces around same as this year, getting close to full-time duties. Full season line at 275/350/400, 15 HR, 20 SB.
Interesting. Lindor a fringe prospect in your opinion?
For fantasy purposes, yeah… decent AVG, maybe 30 SB, 5 or so homers… he’s improving, but not sniffing the top 50 yet. All that said, he’s one of my favorite prospects to watch & I’d kill to have him on my favorite real life team.
Sounds a lot like Elvis A. and he does just fine for many fantasy teams. When it comes to MI often path to the majors and playing time are two of the biggest factors to consider. Given that and his contact rate, I think Londor deserves a spot on this list even with his current lack of power.
What is your opinion of Francisco Lindor and ETA