It’s the Futures Game! USA vs. the World, and this time it counts! That’s right, at the Futures Game the youth of this fine country will take on the youth of the world in a game of based ball, with the winner claiming the rights to a new “spice” cache recently discovered on the planet Arrakis. MLB is hoping that this year’s event will have fewer robotic umpires going rogue and maiming spectators. I wouldn’t count on it, since they are using the same software as their MLBTV apps. Connecting to server…buffering 33%…playback failed…we’re sorry that your child was thrown into a hot dog stand by one of our robotic umpires. Please accept this signed batting glove from Eric Sogard with our sympathy. At least this year we’ll have hoverboards to get around on! Oh, and then there’s the Tron-style jai alai match between hologram Pete Rose and hologram Bud Selig during the seventh-inning stretch! Wait…none of this is happening? The Futures Game is just some prospects playing an exhibition?! *throws computer across the room…sighs deeply* Fine, here are a few of the prospects from today’s game you may not have heard of…I’ll be in the garage working on my hoverboard blueprints.
USA
Blake Snell, LHP | Rays
Lefty? Check. Passing Double-A test with flying colors? Check. Improved K-rate? Check. Improved control? Eh, sure check(ish). Snell’s first half has been dominant, and he now owns a 1.70 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 63.2 innings at Double-A. Not to pick nits, but the BB/9 is still hovering around four and it would be nice to see that improve further. Regardless, he’s seeing a huge jump in value this year and should be owned in most dynasty formats.
Zach Davies, RHP | Orioles
This preseason, I mentioned that Davis was polished and had a high floor. That still holds true, and he’s getting that much closer to the bigs. He doesn’t have big strikeout stuff, but he’s navigating AAA as a 22-year-old with a 2.70 ERA. The walk rate has increased a little bit, but if you’re in a deep league and need somebody who’s near major league ready, Davies is worth a look. Problem is he plays for the Orioles, and investing in Orioles pitching prospects is like playing Russian roulette with five bullets.
Tony Kemp, 2B | Astros
Since his promotion to Triple-A Fresno, Kemp is hitting .295 with a pair of homers. He’s more of a hit/speed player than any kind of power threat, but he rarely strikes out, and that sound approach should help him carve out an MLB role. He’s currently blocked by Altuve at second base, but Kemp can also play a little outfield. He’s not a bad player to stash if you want to add some depth to a dynasty roster.
Trevor Story, SS | Rockies
Story was recently promoted to Triple-A, and he’s a candidate to see a little MLB time later this year. For fantasy, the 22-year-old is an attractive prospect since he offers power, speed, and the Coors advantage. I’m still a little hesitant to dive all the way in on this one thanks to his strikeout rates, but he’s improved on that mark this year and keeps inching towards the big leagues.
Nick Williams, OF | Rangers
Spoiler alert…Williams is going to crack Wednesday’s midseason Top 50 list. Like Mazara and Brinson, Williams is a toolsy outfielder in the Rangers system that should be a great fantasy asset one day if he can stay on his current path. The 21-year-old is hitting .279/.339/.433 with eight homers and eight steals for Double-A Frisco. He’s reduced his strikeout rate in a big way this year, and the improved approach has allowed him to tap into the raw tools.
World
Jairo LaBourt, LHP | Blue Jays
They’re all out of LaBourt license plates at Euro Itchy & Scratchy Land. Still just 21, LaBourt is a big lefty with a mid-90s fastball, changeup, and slider that should play well as a starter or out of the bullpen. He had some helium coming into 2015, and while his season thus far hasn’t been great, he’s a name you’ll still want to keep tucked away in deeper formats. I’d bet a cheesesteak he walks a batter today.
Ozhaino Albies, SS | Braves
Albies has been a quick riser on prospect lists this season. He’s kind of like Lindor 2.0 – an on-base/speed combo with good defense at shortstop that should keep him at the position. He’s just a pup in the Sally league at 18, so there’s even more room to grow. If we can start calling him “Ozzie” he’s really going to take off.
Ketel Marte, SS | Mariners
Recently back from a thumb injury, Marte is a name that deep leaguers should already know. Before he got hurt, Marte was hitting .343 with 17 steals for Triple-A Tacoma. He could be an option at shortstop for the Mariners in the near future, and even without pop his bat and speed will play in fantasy.
Max Kepler, OF | Twins
Jay’s favorite German! Kepler has had a fantastic year in Double-A, hitting .335/.410/.534 with 22 doubles, eight triples, three homers, and 13 steals. He also has 30 walks compared to 33 strikeouts, which is always a great sign. With quite a few big names playing today, look for Kepler to be the “surprise” that could stuff the stat sheet. UPDATE: Kepler was scratched due to a minor shoulder injury. I’ll leave this blurb here in his honor since he’s earned it…and also because I’m a lazy POS.
Raimel Tapia, OF | Rockies
I’m in love with Tapia mainly because of his hit tool, and he’s slashing .320/.343/.478 with eight homers and 17 steals in the Cal league this season. It will be interesting to see how he fares against some advanced pitching today, but either way I’d keep an eye out for him in this game…he’s just fun to watch hit. If he takes a walk I’ll eat my hat.
