Prospect News: Stash List #6: Cauley Circles The Field

Graduated from Stash List #5: Christian Moore

1. Cardinals OF Joshua Baez (22, AAA) 

If St. Louis leaves Baez in the minors all season, we might see some records fall. Joe Hauser hit 63 International League home runs in 1930. Hauser played 168 games to reach that number. Baez has 26 home runs through 70 games. The season lasts 150 games these days, but Baez has hit 15 over the last month (26 games). I’m hoping this all becomes irrelevant. Baez is also hitting .327 with a 24.6 percent strikeout rate over that stretch (slugging .827!), so there’s little reason to leave him in Memphis unless I guess they want to see him walking there a little more. 

2. Rockies 1B/OF Charlie Condon (23, AAA) 

Condon’s been on the list a lot this season as Colorado has continued to audition other players. He’s played well enough to remain in these pages but not quite loudly enough to force promotion. Until June, that is. Over his last 15 games, he’s popped seven home runs while slashing .364/.485/.873 with a 17.6 percent strikeout rate. It’s that last number especially that portends a promotion. He’s ready for his next challenge.

3. Mariners LHP Kade Anderson (21, AA) 

ERA and WHIP are down to 1.22 and 0.71, respectively. 99 strikeouts in 66.2 innings. It’s pretty clear Mr. Anderson is not going to pitch in Triple-A, but he’s basically Neo in The Matrix at this level right now. Something should shake loose for trader Jerry Dipoto heading into the deadline. If not, perhaps some other minor league records will fall. I think you can make a case that Kade is the number one stash right now: a fantasy ace hiding in plain sight thanks to a preposterously deep pitching staff. 

4. Brewers OF Luis Lara (21, AAA) 

I shared some thoughts on Lara’s new contract and impending promotion recently in Prospect News: Montgomery Burns The Braves or Last Call On Lara. Nothing’s really changed on the ground here except that Cooper Pratt is up and playing just about every day for Milwaukee. Lara can’t be far behind. 

5. Rangers 2B SS 3B OF Cameron Cauley (23, AAA)

In his last 33 games, Cauley is slashing .313/.390/.520 with five home runs and 19 stolen bases in 19 attempts. He’s played mostly shortstop and centerfield this season but kicks in at second and third base once in a while as well. He’s a valuable real-life roster piece for any contender and could help alter the stolen base standings in our leagues. 

6. Marlins RHP Karson Milbrandt (22, AAA) 

Although he’s kind of lost the strike zone in Triple-A, allowing 11 walks through 15 innings across three starts including five walks his last time out, Milbrandt has remained effective on the scoreboard, surrendering just two runs and eight hits in those three starts. I’m sure the fish would like to see him swimming upstream a little less, but they’re contenders now at 43 and 39–just one game behind San Diego and Chicago for the last playoff spot. A complicating factor here is Braxton Garrett, who has a 1.77 ERA and 0.88 WHIP through 56 Triple-A innings. Ryan Gusto has a rotation spot right now, and he’s okay, but his longest outing so far is 4.2 innings. 

7. Twins SS Kaelen Culpepper (23, AAA)

A left hip strain has waylaid Culpepper’s march to the majors. He’s been on the injured list since June 16. Hip stuff can be scary, but Culpepper is one of the last power-speed-defense bats with redraft potential remaining in the minors, so he remains on the list until further notice regarding his recovery. 

8. Dodgers RHP River Ryan (27, AAA)

A recurring hamstring issue has Ryan on the injured list for the second time this season. Still, the combination of talent and context make him a worthwhile stash. 

9. Astros RHP Ethan Pecko (23, AAA) 

Pecko’s innings have been built up slowly in his return from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but he’s looked excellent in his four times on the hill and worked his way up to seven, seven and six innings in his three latest starts. He’s got an 0.75 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 24 innings across that stretch, something of a miracle in the altitude and heat of the Pacific Coast League.

10. Dodgers OF James Tibbs III (23, AAA) 

If he’d been on the 40-man roster already, Tibbs III may have gotten the opportunity that instead went to Ryan Ward, but so it goes on a team as deep as the Dodgers. Sure, his numbers (20 HR, 133 R+RBI) are inflated by the PCL, but he’s still posting a 148 wRC+ as a 23-year-old against guys who are 4.1 years his senior, on average. Great season. Nice windfall for the Dodgers, who look kind of mortal this season aside from GOATani. 

Thanks for reading!