Prospect News: Locklear Looking Fine or Is That You, Tolbert?

Athletics 3B Tommy White hit four singles during this third night in Sacramento, which could be the start of a 1980’s movie but actually describes the efficacy of his contact-heavy approach during his first week in the majors. He’s 7-for-17 with zero strikeouts through four games. Third base is not deep. Through 76 Triple-A games, White slashed .303/.353/.465 with 10 home runs and two stolen bases. It looks nice but was actually three percent worse than league average according to wRC+. He’s not the kind of guy I’d trade for in a dynasty league, but I’d try to make room if he’s floating around in free agency. 

Arizona hasn’t gotten much out of the cold corner since it let what’s his name walk. Astros guy. Oh yeah, Christian . . . Walker. Hmm. Next guy in line is Diamondbacks 1B Tyler Locklear, who came over from Seattle in the Eugeonio Suarez trade at last year’s deadline. He’s a little like Tommy White in that he’s a right-right corner bat who controls the strike zone and makes a lot of contact. In 54 Triple-A games this year, he slashed .313/.394/.504 with eight home runs and four stolen bases. With Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Tommy Tory and Jordan Lawlar all injured, Locklear has his chance to win a job down the stretch and heading into 2027. 

Brewers OF Luis Lara should have some extended playing time at the highest level now that Sal Frelick is on the injured list due to an overpriced tongue touch. Who can’t relate, am I right? Lara’s already flashing the plate skills that got him a long-term contract, drawing five walks against four strikeouts through 30 PAs. That’s kind of all he’s done so far: five singles, five walks and one double, batting .240 with a .280 slugging percentage, but it’s hard to find your groove playing part time, and at 5’7” 169 pounds, Lara needs his groove to maximize his craft. 

I know I’ve mentioned him before, but I think you should pick up Royals OF Tyler Tolbert wherever you need stolen bases, which I suppose is probably anywhere you’re playing for human currency at this point of the season. Kansas City has been resistant to play Tolbert even in this era of the stolen base (and perhaps the bunt?), but they’re running out of bodies with Bobby Witt Jr. banged up, and Tolbert is one of their few ready-now assets who could establish himself down the stretch.  

Braves OF Brewer Hicklen may not have much longer to ferment at the major league level with Ronald Acuña Jr. starting his rehab assignment on Tuesday night, but he’s making a case to stick around, posting a .471 on base percentage and 187 wRC+ through 17 plate appearances. He’s had these micro chances each of the past four seasons but has never hung around for more than half a dozen games. If he does find a way to stay, we’re talking about a 30-year-old who hit 16 home runs and stole 25 bases in half of a Triple-A season last year. 

Cardinals LHP Brandon Clarke (A+) was reportedly throwing 117 miles per hour during his first rehab start in Low-A. Well, 101.5 or something, I guess, but it’s all the same past a certain point, no? Clarke was a popular name over the off-season but has since found himself in the free agent pool in most of my leagues. Worth a spot if you’ve got one to spare. 

Dodgers OF Jaron Elkins (21, A) is worth a roster spot as well. An 8th round pick in 2023, the 6’1” 193 pound center fielder is breaking out this season, slashing .337/.421/.588 with 11 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 64 games. As a little added bonus, he might slide up the org chart if Los Angeles makes some moves this month.

Thanks for reading!