Every other week Razzball ranks the prospects closest to contributing to your fantasy roster. The list is limited to players who still have rookie eligibility (less than 130 at bats or 50 innings pitched) and who are currently in the minor leagues. It’s not a list based on talent alone, but rather it’s a mixture of talent and opportunity. It will change frequently over the course of the season as prospects graduate to the majors, injuries occur, or service time roadblocks are passed. Here are the top 15 prospects on the cusp of the major leagues for 2015 fantasy baseball…
1. Kris Bryant, 3B | Cubs
There isn’t much to say here that hasn’t already been said, and Bryant has been drafted in most leagues as if he were in the majors. Fantasy owners are hoping for big power numbers once he arrives, and his massive spring only inflated the expectations. We shouldn’t have to wait long. I’d expect Bryant to come up later this month once the Cubs lock in an extra year of his services – making him the first prospect to graduate from this list.
2. Carlos Rodon, LHP | White Sox
Rodon showed us this spring that he already has the stuff to get major league hitters out. Like Bryant, I think it’s only a matter of service time before we see Rodon in the majors. I’d bet on early June, but it could be even sooner given what the White Sox rotation looks like behind Quintana. Rodon struck out nine batters in his Triple-A debut yesterday (5 IP, 2 BB, 1 ER).
3. Yasmany Tomas, 3B/OF | Diamondbacks
Here’s a fun question…could Tomas hit more MLB homers than Bryant in 2015? Sounds crazy right now, given Tomas’ struggles this spring and Bryant’s monster March. Now that we’ve got the third base experiment out of the way (hopefully?) Tomas can focus more on shaking the rust off of his bat. There’s still a lot of raw power in there, and once he surfaces again, Tomas will be in a great environment for a right-handed power hitter.
4. Rusney Castillo, OF | Red Sox
I guess we should have seen the writing on the wall when the Red Sox entered the season with a baker’s dozen outfielders on the roster. Like Tomas, Castillo should get some time to polish up his game…oh and it looks pretty good so far. In ten plate appearances Castillo already has five hits, a double, two RBI, and a steal. He was pulled from last night’s game, but at the time of this writing I don’t know why. I’m writing this from your past…spooky!
5. Noah Syndergaard, RHP | Mets
Dillon Gee is currently holding down the fifth spot in the Mets’ rotation, and Rafael Montero is already on the roster should New York need a replacement for him. But Syndergaard’s stuff trumps both of those guys’, and I don’t think we’ll be too deep into the summer before “Thor” makes his MLB debut. He may not be as close as Rodon, but he’s on par in terms of strikeout potential and pitches in a more favorable home park.
6. Andrew Heaney, LHP | Angels
It looked like Heaney was going to get a shot at the fifth spot in the Angels’ rotation, but instead he heads to Triple-A to start the 2015 season. It likely won’t be too long of an assignment, as Heaney’s stuff is major league ready. He should be mixed-league relevant right away with a nice park situation and lineup behind him.
7. Maikel Franco, 3B | Phillies
Franco isn’t getting a lot of preseason love on traditional prospect lists, but he’s still one of my favorite fantasy prospects. The power is there for 25-30 bombs, especially at CBP. While the poor Philly lineup works against his RBI opportunities, it also means there isn’t much standing between him and the majors. Cody Asche is really the only block, and he could move to left if Franco forces the issue. Then there’s Howard, who could get moved and open an opportunity for Franco at first base at some point. Either way, Franco is in Triple-A to tune up his game and should be up in a month that starts with J.
8. Addison Russell, SS | Cubs
I really thought Russell would have been more of a late 2015 play, but after a solid spring and Triple-A assignment to start the year, it’s possible we see him in Chicago much earlier. Something has to give with Castro first and some of this story will depend on how the team is actually doing in the standings. But if Baez is still struggling and Russell is raking, would the Cubs hold him down? *grabs popcorn*
9. Byron Buxton, OF | Twins
Outside of Bryant, there aren’t any prospects creating as much noise as Buxton in the fantasy world. 2015 should be the year we finally see him in the majors, although it could be towards the back end of the season. Despite the questions as to when we’ll actually see him play this year, Buxton is still a solid stash thanks to his ability to contribute across the board in fantasy. He’s off to a slow start, though, with six strikeouts in his first ten plate appearances.
10. Miguel Sano, 3B | Twins
Like Buxton, Sano’s ETA is likely later in the year, but his talent pushes him ahead of some of the closer prospects. You’re hoping for big power when Sano arrives, and outside of Bryant and Gallo there might not be a prospect in the upper minors that has more than Sano – he’s already gone deep two games into the 2015 season. The Twins are known to take things a little slower with development and Sano missed time to TJS, so his could be a name we see on the list for most of the year while we bite down our fingernails in anticipation.
11. Francisco Lindor, SS | Indians
Once the Indians bring up Lindor, they’re going to want him to be the everyday shortstop. Since they won’t be easing this young man into anything, it’s in their best interest to make sure Lindor is fully cooked before they take him out of the oven. That’s why he’s getting polish on his bat in Triple-A. It’s a luxury they can afford since Jose Ramirez is more than capable of holding it down in the majors in the meantime. I’m guessing July is when we see Lindor up in 2015.
12. Chi-Chi Gonzalez, RHP | Rangers
Gonzalez was already on the radar for a 2015 call-up, but the injuries to Yu Darvish and now Derek Holland are likely going to speed up his clock even more. He’s currently in AAA for more polish, and will get his first start later today against the Dodgers’ AAA affiliate. With some success early in the year, we could see Gonzalez in Texas by the end of June.
13. Jose Peraza, 2B | Braves
Peraza would rank a lot higher if it weren’t for Jace Peterson holding down the fort in the majors. I like Peterson and own some shares this year, so selfishly I’m hoping he plays well. Peraza owners should be praying for the opposite, as Peterson is about the only thing standing in his way. Peraza will be a contributor in average and steals and should be up this July. Keep your eye on anything funky with position changes too. Some evaluators think Peraza could handle center field duties, although the recent acquisition of Maybin may block him there as well.
14. Blake Swihart, C | Red Sox
Originally it looked like Swihart would be a late 2015 play for the Red Sox, but the injury to Christian Vazquez has left them with a Hanigan/Leon platoon at catcher. That should significantly speed up the clock for Swihart, especially if he proves he can handle AAA pitching on both sides of the ball. I think we’ve gone from September to July, maybe even a June ETA for the 23-year-old.
15. Hector Olivera, INF | Dodgers
The timeline is really tricky with Olivera still not even in the United States. There’s also a significant injury risk tied to the Dodgers’ latest signing from Cuba. If he gets some game action and the threat of TJS goes away, then we’ve got a nice hit/power combo at third. If not, he’ll likely drop off this list next time.
Would you drop Eovaldi for Nelson. I know it was 1 start, but the kids stuff looks solid.
And is Rondon worth a stash in a 12 Team H2H if I am able?
Eh, probably a coin flip at this point. When I can’t decide I take the NL guy
Yes on Rodon
@Mike: In a K/9 league, Nelson would be the clear choice between the two right?
Not sure how clear it is, but yeah Nelson has history of better K/9 numbers.
Someone drafted and subsequently dropped Buxton in my limited keeper league. (16 team Yahoo 5×5) If I grab him now, I could keep him next year with my last pick. I’m sure someone will grab him before long, think he’s worth rostering?
@Olive: Yes
Yup
Already time to cut bate on Weaver? Just picked up Peralta but with a staf of Hahn, Weaver, Latos, Gio and Richards (on the DL) I feel I can’t have enough patience while guys like Greene are of the wire. What do you think?
And is there a good chance Devon Travis can be almost as valuable as Howie Kendrick who is now my MI in a 5×5 12 teamer.
Thanks as always from the Netherlands!
@Bas: I like greene over weaver. Add travis if you can.
Is Travis better than odor in a standard 5×5?
I’d prefer Odor
Agree with WP
@Bas: Bas Dost plays fantasy baseball and follows Razzball!!! That’s awesome!
Great stuff Mike. thanks for working on the weekend!
Thanks! No problem
Matz started the opener. He could make it to the Mets before Syndergaard.
Yup, I agree he could be the one that comes up first, but I’d still prefer Syndy for fantasy at this point.
@Mike: Yeah, you are likely correct about that
Hey. Trade brantley cueto and a 10th rd pick nxt year for cutch morrow and a 5th rd pick in a 20team h2h keeper(keep8)? Thanks
I’d take Cutch, yeah
Nice writeup, Mike. What do you think of D.J. Peterson? Seager has 3B locked down for the Mariners, but at 1B they have injury-prone Logan Morrison and nothing else. Do you see them moving Peterson across the diamond and calling him up if/when LoMo goes down?
I think so, yeah. As we head further into the year, I think he’s a name that will start surfacing on this list. His home park kinda dampens his value.
@Mike: Ah, gotcha. Thanks!
@Clyde Prompto: Peterson is starting the year in double A, making him more of a second half/ late season option. Jesus Montero likely gets first crack when LoMo goes down. Even Kivlehan probably gets called up before DJ.
@Kenneth: Haha oh man I totally forgot about Montero.
thanks Kenneth…good stuff
Seems like a great time to buy on Tomas. I own rodon and castillo in a dynasty. Lots of depth at SP and OF but Im sure ill need them when they arrive.
Yup, exactly
Although it is probably pointless (but also fun!) to speculate — I was watching the PawSox game yesterday and Castillo was removed from the game the inning after a diving catch. It was surprising that he was taken out given the situation (close game, late) and that led to some speculation that he was shaken up on the dive. Could be something else (or nothing at all!) but could be that he got banged up on that play.
Ok, thanks! Appreciate the info and tell Rusney to be more careful!
Who knew there were so many Polish prospects!
Who would be the better speculative closer pick up?
Jim Johnson (Braves) or Carlos Torres (Mets)?
Thanks!
I’m guessing Johnson, but neither seem like great options.
What do you think about the chances that Carlos Correa gets called up later this season? And where would he rank on this list based on fantasy potential alone?
Yes Correa is only 20, but the Astros’ GM recently said he wouldn’t hesitate to call him up straight from AA if the need arises. Jed Lowrie is injury prone and the kid is healthy again and already raking in the minors this year. I just added him in a league with a relatively deep bench where we can only keep six players, as potential trade bait if nothing else (Lindor, Russell, and C. Seager were all already owned).
My guess is late 2015, but on fantasy potential alone, he’s one of the best. If the Astros brass are willing to bring him up much earlier than September, I would be surprised, but it could happen.
Michael Jack – love your posts! What r your thoughts on holding tight onto Jon Singleton? His SO rate is brutal but his power is enticing. Drop him for a guy like DJ Peterson or Nomar Mazara?
Thanks
If we’re talking about a farm or NA slot, I’d take Mazara
@Mike: thanks! So generally speaking in a 39 roster 10 team full keeper league (with no extra ML spots) do u see enough upside to keep Singleton w/ guys like Maraza available?
no problem…it’s kinda tough with no farm. I like Mazara more than Singleton, but Singleton is closer to contributing…I’d probably just stash Mazara
Is Salazaar past the prospect stage or just don’t see him making an impact?
He’s a great stash, but yeah, he’s thrown more than 50 innings so didn’t qualify
What are you thoughts on Steven Moya? Went 81/35/101/16/.276 at AA last year, but only walked about 4% of the time while striking out about 29% of the time. Starting the season at AAA and rated the Tigers #1 prospect. Any chance we see him up this year? If so, when do you think we will and what can we expect?
The strikeouts and the fact that the Tigers OF is pretty set work against him coming up soon, and he’ll get more out of the everyday at bats in AAA more than a bench role in the majors. Maybe late 2015, but I wouldn’t expect anything earlier than August barring an injury or trade.
Frainco or Josh Bell for this year only?
Franco
Hey mix master mike!
I’m in a h2h pts weekly lock league, looking ahead to matchup 2 (which starts tomowrow)
Couple of roster Q’s;
Drop Steve Pearce (eligible at 1b/OF)
For one of these bats: Jose Iglesias , Stephen Vogt (just has eligibility at 1b),
Mike moustakas, Ryan Howard, Devon Travis, Jed lowrie, Ben zobrist(2b/OF/SS)
Or add one of these pitchers;
Cashner, ra dickey, drew Hutchinson , Cj Wilson , Norris the guy from toronto or Shane greene
I’d ride Pearce for now
I’d also add Hutch or Greene if you can
Love the article, Mike! Wish I picked up Rodon when I had the chance.
Better stash for this year only (in a vacuum)? Baez or Gauzman.
Thanks.
Thanks! I’ll say Gausman since he is already in the majors, but Baez has more upside.
Hey Mike! Who do you like more for the season, Quintana or Hammel? Thanks!
Quintana
When will we see Seager for the dodgers playing every day? Could be a young infield next year with olivera Seager and Guerrero. How about judge with the Yankees? I don’t see Beltran their next year.
I think Seager is a late 2015 (like September) or early 2016 guy, whereas Judge might be more of a mid-2016 play. Agreed on Beltran, so the question will be if Judge is ready to take the reins.
Hey Mike, been hoarding closers in a h2h but have to drop one to activate Sale. Who goes?
Rodney
Clippard
Grilli
Boxberger
Soria
Miguel Castro
Probably the new kid?
Castro or Box
in a keepr league, is this the order you’d prefer them? or would you value all hitters over pitchers? rusney is sittin on the wire in a keeper wondering if i should stash him.
also, same league (a keeper league) what side of this trade would you want:
Arenado, G. Cole, T. Rosenthal FOR Sandoval, Shields, K-Rod, Avisail Garcia (or alex gordon)
thanks for the great writeups. look forward to having a shiny prospect on my team, or selling one for a star like last year!
I would take hitters over pitchers, yeah, but in this case I could see going with Rodon over the two bats if they are still struggling to find playing time obviously
I like the Arenado side
also, is alex gordon or avisail garcia FOR yasmany tomas a low ball or fair value? trying to get my hands on him.
would you do aj pollock for tomas? just trying to gauge this guys value in a keepr. thanks!
I don’t think it’s low ball, no. I would prefer them over Tomas right now though. Those guys are good keepers n their own right.
Love your posts, since I have 3 dynasty teams. Thing is I always play for this year. Which side do you like better?
Arendo/Max or K. Seager/ Kershaw. Is it close?
Thanks.
thanks! it seems fair, but I would take the Arenado side
Mike!
Great write-up. Really useful. We’ll be looking for these guys in the weeks before they come up.
Must stay supervigilant in the next two weeks because it’s at this time that Kluber 2014 type players are discovered.
Cheers,
Ante
thanks!
Would you drop either of Taillon/Stephenson for Franco in a dynasty league?
I would, yes
@King Yas: his ranks indicate it’s taillon dropped also.
great job Mike,keepem coming bro
thanks Al!
I no he is young but this Schwarber kid looks awesome,whats your thoughts on him
definitely…he can hit and hit for power…could force the issue as soon as next year with the only question mark being which position they play him at
Weekly lineup to set:
Last of spot: Ozuna, khris Davis, cahna?
Sp: morrow over 2 start shoemaker or Paxton?
Rp: Castro over Cecil?
Ozuna, Paxton, Castro
@Mike:
Thank you!
No problem
Nice work. Start House?
Thanks! I am…
@Mike: Here’s to a MegaCron today.
House looks solid…only three runs so far in the first
@Mike: HAHAHA, I woudnt start Kershaw against Detroit right now
terrible
@Mike: OUCH! Sorry bud…
no worries Wake…it’s all good
@J-FOH: so far everybody would’ve been better off not starting kershaw at all.
How long do you think til Gausman is in Balt’s rotation? Nothing this spring bummed out my fantasy rosters more than that.
Yeah, I don’t get it…hopefully no later than June
@Mike: Thanks, that is you and me both, my team seems to have gone almost the first whole week holding out pretty good though. Hoping it continues!
Nice…stay strong brother
Great job Mike! Seems like you put a little extra mustard on it today.
Thanks Baez!
Pepsi Clear or New Coke, biggest failed prospect?
Pepsi Clear…but Crystal Gravy worked out nicely!
@Mike: Crystal Gatorade was redonk
@J-FOH: Clear Pepsi?
The CHi Sox rotation is a mess behind Quintana? Umm what about some guys called Sale and Samardzija (this guy owns both of them lol), not worried about them are ya? Sale’s stuff looks as ridiculous as ever right now.
FWIWerth Noah seems to have a forearm injury right now.
You gonna do anymore overall prospect rankings during the year or is the next one midseason? Thanks man great job as always, damn glad you never signed for the Phillies haha.
Sale and Shark would be in front of Quintana, no? Behind would be Danks and Noesi…at least that’s who I was talking about there…
Next rankings is midseason. Thanks! haha
@Mike: Gotcha, gotcha and no problem!
Looking forward to these throughout the year. Hope to see Gallo emerge on it sometime.
thanks!
@Swfcdan: were you thinking he meant alphabetical order? had to be, right? what other ordering system would have quintana ahead of those other two?
Time to drop Chris Carter? and would you pick up Rodonand hold him with only 3 bench spots?
I’d hold Carter for now…it’s early. If you need some pitching help and can wait a few weeks, sure I’d use a spot for Rodon.
4×4 NL Roto…would you add Lamb to your roster or wait it out for Tomas? Who will have the better final line (HR/RBI/Avg./SB) at the end of the season (disregarding Lamb’s first week…which was quite solid)?
Thanks.
If it’s a redraft I would just ride Lamb. Tomas could still hit 15-20 HR when it’s all said and done, but so could Lamb. Tomas could still come up in LF so it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
@Mike: Thanks for the thoughts. It is a redraft (auction) but I have Tomas and could tag him as a “keeper” for next season. I’m going to give serious thought to replacing Tomas with Lamb at 3B…Lamb appears to be the best candidate of those 3Bs available in my league and a rapid return to the parent club appears unlikely if the media reports are true about how Tomas is currently viewed.
No problem…sounds good
Why is Jered Weaver such a jerkoff who causes me to lose my week and would you drop him for Jimmy Nelson?
Weaver can only hurt you if you let him. I try not to let one or two starts get me down, but there’s nothing wrong with taking Nelson for a spin.
dynasty.
1. greene or heaney, if heaney doesn’t start or at least get called up by april 20th i’ll have to drop him. We have a 5 only NA rule, and i already have my stashed guys. however, i can trade him for greene now. Heaney is still listed as 5th LAA starter and last news on the 4th said he’d be starting on the 14th.
2. redraft. red dick just came off DL, so i gotta go with either him, vargas, or one of canha (for a guy with playing time problems he’s already got 20 at bats)/schoop. i want to drop peavy for one of masterson/morrow (which one also?) but gotta go with the one bench bat first. XBH/BB’s/K’s for batters as extra categories. also, i only have 1 LF in this league (melky), so canha might help with that. 14 team roto
3. carter or vargas in dynasty. somebody just dropped carter. i already have fielder starting. 20 team league.
1. Greene
2. Vargas / Morrow
3. Vargas, but it’s pretty close IMO
@Mike: up early you was eh. thanky thanky.
no problem
@Mike: noticing that heaney is in fact NOT now listed as 5th starter, but was a couple of days ago. either way trade is done, i’m thinking at the very least Greene projects at more K’s.
yup, Heaney will likely start in AAA, Greene the safer bet for this year
What are your thoughts on Taillon?
Also, what’s your advice on when to pull the trigger on guys like Buxton? He’s available in my 14 team H2H league… it’s a short bench league so usually prospects sit there until call up… but with the BIG names it’s a gamble on whether someone will snatch and hold.
Do you see him as a September call-up or could he play a bit this year?
Hey Mike, thanks in advance. I need to stash cody martin since I own jim johnson and grilli. Who do I drop? Tiquan forbes, darnell sweeney or ryan brett?
Thanks!
no problem…I’d lose Sweeney of that group