X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Prospects Primer: September Call-Up Rankings

Welcome to the weekly Fantasy Baseball Prospect Primer.  In this space, we will inform you about prospects who have recently been called up or who might become fantasy contributors in the near future. Especially good for Keeper leagues, you’ll want to check in weekly to get the latest news and advice for the coming week about prospects of fantasy relevance. Whether you need a great future keeper or you’re just tired of starting Ryan Dempster in that last SP slot, or if you’re just looking for the next big thing in fantasy baseball, this is the article for you!

 

MLB Prospect Rankings - September Call-Ups Edition

It’s been a stellar year in terms of fantasy prospects and there has been an abundance of category-producing rookies throughout the regular season. We've had major contributions from season-standout shortstop Jean Segura to the uproar fire termed ‘Puigian’ start of Yaisel Puig, and on the pitching end, the mostly unknown Jose Fernandez, the sometimes-unhittable Shelby Miller and Tony Cingrani. Prospects often have fantasy impact, though much of the time it’s not for an entire season. That’s why there are only a few names above in the top-200 players, but you can find value anywhere as they are called up throughout the season. But everything up to this point can't compare to what is about to come…

Here we are, on the doorstep of the fantasy playoffs, and this is where you want to capitalize on some of the few precious fantasy transactions you might have left. Below is a list of prospects that are in line for a September call-up to the big leagues who have the potential to contribute in fantasy, as well as some of the usual suspects that have recently received the call. So, I’ll indulge you in some rankings to prepare for an injury or a weak point in your fantasy lineup.

 

  1. Xander Bogaerts on March 2, 2013Xander Bogaerts (SS, BOS) – Recently called up for Boston, the young shortstop could earn the majority of the playing time, between Stephen Drew and Will Middlebrooks. With SS eligibility he finds himself no. 1 on the list and helped by a stacked line-up and five-tool capability.
  2. Sonny Gray (SP, OAK) – He was the no. 1 on the prospect impact rankings last time, and he’s only had one semi-bad start since his call-up. He lights up hitters and throws strikes, and I expect he’ll remain a solid fantasy starter in the playoffs especially in Oakland’s coliseum.
  3. Avisail Garcia (OF, CWS) – Recently acquired in the three-team Peavy trade, Garcia should benefit from some lower pressure in his at-bats than in Detroit and start almost everyday for the White Sox the rest of the season. He has some decent pop and should contribute as a fill-in outfielder for teams in the playoffs.
  4. Travis d'Arnaud (C, NYM) – Though he was called up to fill in for John Buck while on paternity leave, with Buck's trade to Pittsburgh, d’Arnaud will get behind the plate most nights for the Mets. D’Arnaud was the best pure hitting catcher in the minors, but was riddled injuries the past two seasons; he has the chance to prove his potential in a large ballpark, but I don’t expect an explosion of offense.
  5. Kolten Wong (2B, STL) – Wong was kind of a surprise call-up with Matt Carpenter playing so well, but David Freese gets the bench while Wong gets to supplement an already excellent offense. Wong has some pop for a second baseman and can run a little bit, as well. I love five-tool caliber fill-in players in the playoffs because anything can happen, especially for middle infield spots.
  6. Nick Castellanos (OF, DET) – Castellanos has been patient, much more so than his fans…but there is no reason he shouldn't be called up and playing four-to-five games a week in September. He should immediately be an RBI threat and can man an outfield spot in deeper leagues.
  7. Matt Davidson (3B, ARI) – Davidson is off to a slow start to his career; if he doesn’t start performing the D’Backs may put Martin Prado back at third and get another outfielder, but Davidson’s potential is there. Watch for a hot streak in case it happens.
  8. Taijuan Walker (SP, SEA) – The title of "best pitching prospect" in the minors is up for grabs between Archie Bradley of the D’Backs and Walker. Taijuan Walker is already getting to a career high in innings, but Seattle may want to see what they have in the youngster and though he’s scuffled lately at Triple-A, the potential is something that cannot be ignored. Pay close attention if you're in need of a keeper for 2014.
  9. Marcell Ozuna (OF, MIA) – Not really a prospect per se due to his time played already, Ozuna can still be a decent fantasy outfielder due to his approach at the plate. If he’s making contact then he should bring home some runs and RBI to the table for some fantasy owners.
  10. Miguel Sano (3B, MIN) – Sano is a far stretch when it comes to a call-up, but this kid has some serious power. He could instantly add some home runs and RBI for fantasy owners in a relatively weak major league lineup, especially if Morneau or Plouffe is moved via trade waivers.
  11. Billy Hamilton (OF, CIN) – Hamilton still can’t seem to get on base enough, and we all know Dusty Baker is loyal to his veterans. I don’t see a ton of playing time for Hamilton, but if he’s in the lineup, he can run. Hamilton has 70 steals in the minors to date.
  12. Andrew Lambo (OF, PIT) – I was shocked to see Lambo go 0-for-9 in his Pittsburgh debut. He isn't the best of contact hitters, but he has the potential to fill the hole that the Pittsburgh playoff roster needs. Lambo led the minor leagues in homeruns with 31 when he was called up, though his path to playing time might be a tough one with the recent addition of Marlon Byrd.
  13. Kevin Gausman (SP, BAL) – Once again, not quite a prospect because of previous performance, but Gausman could be in the rotation with one injury and will likely be up for the bullpen anyways. I think Gausman learned from his experience and now knows better how to manage the majors in his next showcase.
  14. Joc Pederson (OF, LAD) – Pederson is likely not getting called up, but if there is an injury for the Dodgers outfield or Matt Kemp can’t return, then Pederson could get some at-bats. He'll be one of the top prospects in 2014 and a five-tool caliber hitter is there for the taking if he gets a chance.
  15. Marcus Stroman (SP, TOR) – Stroman has an outside chance at a September call-up as well. He’s currently at Double-A with a 3.22 ERA and 117 Ks in 100.2 innings. It’s likely he’ll be shut down at around 140 innings, but those innings could come for the Blue Jays.

 

==========

If you want this article and other high-end fantasy baseball analysis delivered to you on a daily basis, sign up for our daily newsletter.  And to stay on top of all the waiver wire news including prospect call-ups and DL news, be sure to check out the RotoBaller Waiver Wire Watch List daily updates for in-depth analysis on gems that you may be able to find sitting on your waiver wire.  It’s one of the best fantasy baseball features currently on web!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Caleb Martin14 mins ago

Probable Against Portland
Logan Cooley23 mins ago

Nets First Career Hat Trick Versus Nashville
Frederik Andersen34 mins ago

Continues Winning Streak With Second Shutout
Jackson Chourio36 mins ago

Leading Off In Brewers Opener
Anton Forsberg40 mins ago

Shuts Out Chicago
Kevin Love46 mins ago

Probable On Friday
Joel Eriksson Ek48 mins ago

Makes Scoring Return Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon53 mins ago

Home Point Streak Ends
Jaime Jaquez54 mins ago

Jr. Expected To Play Friday
Ryan Graves1 hour ago

Evaluated For An Upper-Body Injury
Tyler Herro1 hour ago

Remains Sidelined Against Portland
Timothy Liljegren1 hour ago

To Miss "Some Time"
Alec Burks1 hour ago

Questionable On Friday
Dean Wade2 hours ago

Won't Play Against 76ers
OG Anunoby2 hours ago

Ruled Out Again Friday
Nick Senzel11 hours ago

Expected To Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jon Gray11 hours ago

To Start On Sunday
Justin Steele11 hours ago

Likely To Go On Injured List
Anfernee Simons13 hours ago

Out Against The Heat
Max Kepler13 hours ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Max Kepler
Keldon Johnson13 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Justin Steele13 hours ago

Has Left-Hamstring Tightness
Matisse Thybulle13 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Davis Bertans13 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Friday
Jusuf Nurkic13 hours ago

Questionable Against Oklahoma City
Dario Saric13 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Noah Clowney14 hours ago

Probable For Nets Friday
Jonathan Kuminga14 hours ago

Questionable For Warriors Friday
Jerami Grant14 hours ago

Considered Doubtful For Friday
Dennis Smith14 hours ago

Jr. Probable For Friday
Lauri Markkanen14 hours ago

Questionable Against Houston
Toumani Camara14 hours ago

Will Not Play Friday
Justin Steele14 hours ago

Exits Thursday's Start
Richaun Holmes14 hours ago

Out Versus Pistons
Cameron Johnson14 hours ago

Out Against Chicago On Friday
David Bednar14 hours ago

Still Dealing With Lat Injury
Rhys McKee15 hours ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Chidi Njokuani15 hours ago

Drops Back Down To Welterweight At UFC Atlantic City
Kyle Nelson15 hours ago

An Underdog Again At UFC Atlantic City
Bill Algeo15 hours ago

Eyes Sixth UFC Win
Joaquin Buckley15 hours ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Vicente Luque15 hours ago

Gets Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Eduardo Rodriguez16 hours ago

Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 Days
Max Kepler16 hours ago

Leaves On Opening Day With Injury
Nick Senzel16 hours ago

Suffers Broken Thumb
Jason Foley16 hours ago

Earns The Save For Tigers
Tarik Skubal17 hours ago

Tosses Six Scoreless Innings On Opening Day
Corbin Burnes17 hours ago

Pitches A Gem On Opening Day
Royce Lewis17 hours ago

Exits With Quad Injury
Max Scherzer19 hours ago

Throws Bullpen Session
Clayton Kershaw19 hours ago

"Ahead Of Things" Timetable-Wise
Walker Buehler19 hours ago

Ahead Of Schedule
Corey Seager19 hours ago

Active On Opening Day
Oneil Cruz19 hours ago

Batting Sixth On Opening Day
Bryan Reynolds21 hours ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Aaron Ekblad24 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Nikita Kucherov1 day ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto1 day ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Valeri Nichushkin1 day ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard1 day ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins1 day ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist1 day ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear1 day ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Mark Hubbard2 days ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson2 days ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia2 days ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen2 days ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers2 days ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers2 days ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers2 days ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers2 days ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels2 days ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby2 days ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds2 days ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA2 days ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry2 days ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox2 days ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak2 days ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan2 days ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg2 days ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn2 days ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby2 days ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord2 days ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala2 days ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler2 days ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder2 days ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen2 days ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama2 days ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin2 days ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore3 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson3 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery3 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown3 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff3 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins3 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams3 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT3 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Nick Chubb3 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift3 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson3 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell3 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans3 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott3 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley3 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs3 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Pittsburgh Steelers4 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson4 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas4 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas4 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan4 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson4 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla4 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo4 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron4 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley4 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo5 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal5 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman5 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott5 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa5 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams5 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson5 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala5 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen5 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland5 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron5 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Marvin Harrison Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

2024 NFL Mock Draft: First-Rounder With Trades

The 2024 NFL Draft is less than a month away. Yet, that isn’t soon enough for football fans. While everyone wants to discuss the quarterback class and the first few picks, the NFL Draft doesn’t end after the first round. Teams will find starters and star players on the second and third days of the... Read More


Kyren Williams - Fantasy Football, Waiver Wire Pickups

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact- Part III

Throughout the NFL's offseason, many players see their fantasy football values fluctuate based on their movement and personnel decisions by their respective teams. Throughout this series, we have identified 12 players who have seen their fantasy football value increase over the free-agency period. The final big fantasy football value movement will come after the NFL... Read More


UFL DFS PICKS, FANTASY FOOTBALL, DRAFTKINGS, FANDUEL

UFL DFS Value Plays: Week 1 Bargain Bin for DraftKings Including E.J. Perry, CJ Marable, Jace Sternberger, more

Welcome to the Week 1 edition of RotoBaller's UFL DFS Bargain Bin, where the goal is to touch on some potentially mispriced players in DraftKings' Week 1 UFL contests. Each week during the UFL 2024 season and postseason, I’ll give you my thoughts on where there may be some value spots to exploit for DraftKings'... Read More


2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More