As we get closer to pitchers and catchers reporting, it becomes increasingly clear which prospects may have major impacts in 2016. There are the household names like Corey Seager, Byron Buxton, and Steven Matz, who will all play major roles for their teams and for fantasy owners. The rest of the 2016 MLB prospect class has a less certain fate. With off-season trades and free agent acquisitions nearly wrapped up, the starters for each team will become clearer in the coming weeks.

This is the second-to-last iteration of our monthly Top 30 Prospects for 2016.  Our final preseason list will be published in March, and we'll be releasing a weekly list when the season begins.  If a prospect reaches the majors during the season, he will lose his eligibility for this list. Players like Seager and Matz, even though they will retain their rookie status, will no longer be found here as long as they remain in The Show.

For more MLB prospects news and analysis, head over to the 2016 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard where you can find team-specific prospect breakdowns, tiered positional rankings, keeper values and more, all in one easy place.

 

Top MLB Prospects - Fantasy Baseball Power Rankings

To be clear, this list is not the top 30 prospects in baseball. This is a list of the top 30 prospects with rookie eligibility who are likely going to provide fantasy baseball value in 2016. If a player is moved to his team's active roster, he will be removed from this power rankings list.

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, MLB) – LW: 1
Stats: 550 PA, .293/.344/.487, 18 HR, 4 SB, 13.8% K rate, 6.7% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
An early favorite for the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year award, Seager may not be as good as Carlos Correa, but he could still be the best offensive shortstop in the NL. Last year Kris Bryant was the rookie that everyone needed to add in the draft, and this year that it's Seager. He should be able to hit .280-.300 and mash 20+ home runs. Though he won’t steal many bases, Seager should still be considered an elite shortstop talent who won't escape the first few rounds.

2. Steven Matz (SP, NYM, MLB) – LW: 2
Stats: 105.1 IP, 2.05 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 9.14 K/9, 2.91 BB/9, 0.51 HR/9, 1.06 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day
Probably the only player who has any chance of challenging Seager for the NL Rookie of the Year award, Steven Matz shouldn't be ignored in drafts this season. Matz has immense potential, even though he pitches at the back end of his team’s rotation. Though he doesn't have the ceiling of an ace, Matz could pitch as well as any dependable number-two starter. If there's a young pitcher that owners need to make sure they circle on their draft strategy sheets, it would have to be Matz. We recommend targeting him in the middle rounds of your draft.

3. Byron Buxton (OF, MIN, MLB) – LW: 5
Stats: 327 PA, .305/.367/.500, 7 HR, 22 SB, 19.3% K rate, 9.2% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Byron Buxton has everything promising that we look for when making a list like this: a clear path to playing time and big time talent. Buxton should enter the 2016 season as the Twins starting center fielder, and he has the potential to be a five-category contributor for owners with his power/speed combo. He had a disappointing MLB debut, but we urge owners to throw caution to the wind and take him in the later rounds of fantasy drafts. There aren't as many great outfielders in this year’s draft class, so Buxton’s is especially valuable. He could be one of the biggest X-factors in the 2016 fantasy baseball season.

4. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, MLB) – LW: 4
Stats: 109.1 IP, 2.39 ERA, 2.34 FIP, 11.20 K/9, 3.54 BB/9, 0.25 HR/9, 1.10 WHIP
ETA: Late April
As of right now, Tyler Glasnow is likely the odd man out in the Pirates rotation to open up the season. He should join the rotation later this year, as early as late April or early May. Ryan Vogelsong and Jeff Locke enter the season as the fourth and fifth starters for the Bucs. If the team remains in the thick of a very competitive divisional playoff chase as we expect, they'll need all their horses. Glasnow has the kind of elite major league potential that fantasy owners drool over. He has dominated at every level, we expect that to continue in the majors, eventually. We recommend drafting Glasnow in the later rounds of your fantasy draft and stashing him for the potential ace upside that he will bring into this season.

5. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, MLB) – LW: 3
Stats: 500 PA, .322/.370/.458, 8 HR, 29 SB, 19.4% K rate, 7.6% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Turner's playing time is up for debate right now. Dusty Baker's preference for veterans could favor Danny Espinosa at shortstop, which would be unfortunate for Turner and his fans. That said, we fully expect Turner to play with his hair on fire this spring and win the starting shortstop job out of camp. Turner can be the kind of young spark the Nationals received back in 2012 when they promoted Bryce Harper and he helped carry them to the playoffs. For fantasy owners, any playing time for Turner gives him a lot of value because of his plus speed and ability to hit for a high average. Turner is worth drafting in the later rounds of your fantasy draft.

6. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 166.1 IP, 2.87 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 9.47 K/9, 2.06 BB/9, 0.65 HR/9, 1.05 WHIP
ETA: Early May
Jose Berrios has a couple more names to jump than Glasnow, but that shouldn’t stop him from having an impact in the 2016 season. Berrios put on quite the display in Triple-A last season. There is a chance that he wins a spot in the rotation out of camp, but fantasy owners should not expect that. Instead, assume that he will replace one of the Twins backend starters at some point during the year. He has elite potential and should be drafted in the later rounds of your fantasy draft with the expectation that he'll reach the majors by May.

7. Blake Snell (SP, TB, AAA) – LW: 7
Stats: 134.0 IP, 1.41 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 10.95 K/9, 3.56 BB/9, 0.47 HR/9, 1.02 WHIP
ETA: Early May
Unlike some of the other starters on this list, Blake Snell is in a tough position because he would really have to win the rotation spot out of Spring Training to have an early impact. The Rays rotation is young and dependable and it could be tough for Snell to break camp with the team unless someone at the back end like Erasmo Ramirez or Matt Moore warrant a demotion. Still, Snell could potentially be worth drafting in the later rounds of a fantasy draft as he does have the potential to have a big impact in the majors. With the Rays track record of successfully developing young pitching, owners shouldn’t be concerned about Snell underperforming if he makes it to the majors.

8. Lucas Giolito (SP, WAS, AA) – LW: 8
Stats: 117.0 IP, 3.15 ERA, 2.46 FIP, 10.08 K/9, 2.85 BB/9, 0.23 HR/9, 1.28 WHIP
ETA: Late May
Lucas Giolito is in a comparable position to Glasnow. They are both potential x-factors for their clubs, but the teams will likely wait some time before promoting the young pitchers. After only reaching Double-A last season, Giolito should begin 2016 in Triple-A with a chance to be the sixth guy for the Nationals. Giolito is the third ranked overall prospect by MLB.com, and it has been a while since a pitching prospect with such talent has come around. Fantasy owners are encouraged to stash him in the later rounds of their drafts. Expect him to make an immediate impact in the shallowest of leagues once he is promoted.

9. Lewis Brinson (OF, TEX, AAA) – LW: 27
Stats: 504 PA, .329/.404/.598, 21 HR, 23 SB, 21.2% K rate, 10.1% BB rate
ETA: Mid-May
There is a lot of pressure for Delino Deshields to perform in center field to start this season. Too many miscues could result in a promotion for Lewis Brinson. He does not receive as much attention as he deserves considering what he has done in the minors. Brinson’s power/speed combo may be among the best and most balanced. Fantasy owners could expect 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases per season with Brinson to go along with a .280-.300 batting average, but temper your expectations for his rookie year. Brinson has the potential to be one of the best rookies in 2016 if Deshields is unable to repeat or build on his 2015 success.

10. Jon Gray (SP, COL, MLB) – LW: 11
Stats: 114.1 IP, 4.33 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 8.66 K/9, 3.23 BB/9, 0.71 HR/9, 1.49 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day
For all intents and purposes, Jon Gray will enter 2016 as the ace of the Colorado Rockies. Sure, Jorge de la Rosa is still there, but there is no denying that Gray has been groomed for this role for years. If Gray can overcome every pitchers worst enemy, Coors Field, he could be the most legitimate ace the Rockies have every seen and have the value of a number three starter for fantasy owners. Gray’s home/away splits last season were so drastic that fantasy owners are urged to add him off the waiver wire with the intention of streaming him whenever he is starting on the road. Make no mistake-- Gray may be pitching in Coors Field, but he has all the stuff and potential to be a true ace.

11. AJ Reed (1B, HOU, AA) – LW: 13
Stats: 668 PA, .333/.425/.596, 35 HR, 1 SB, 19.5% K rate, 13.8% BB rate
ETA: Mid-May
As discussed in the previous iterations of this list, Jon Singleton will open 2016 as the Houston Astros starting first baseman, but this may be his last chance to prove that he is not a bust. Singleton has provided some pop, but at the expense of a very low (sub-.200) batting average and astronomically high strikeout rates. Fantasy owners would be wise to own AJ Reed and expect him to take over the starting first baseman job by May. A team in a competitive position like Houston will absolutely want to have the best team possible on the field and that would mean putting the very talented Reed at first. Reed could potentially put his name among the top-10 best offensive first baseman in the majors. He is worth targeting in the later rounds of drafts.

12. Orlando Arcia (SS, MIL, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 552 PA, .307/.347/.453, 8 HR, 25 SB, 13.2% K rate, 5.4% BB rate
ETA: Early June
Orlando Arcia is proof of why every move made in the majors has major repercussions. When the Brewers dealt Jean Segura to the Diamondbacks, a hole in the infield was officially made. The Brewers have already stated that Arcia will enter the season in the minors, but I would expect to see him in the majors by the middle of the season. Arcia profiles very similarly to Trea Turner: great defense, plus speed, limited power upside, and an ability to hit for a high average. Arcia may not be worth drafting, but he could be one of the best waiver wire adds in the middle of the season for wily fantasy owners. Don’t expect him to sit behind Jonathan Villar for too long.

13. Jose Peraza (2B, CIN, MLB) – LW: 14
Stats: 521 PA, .293/.316/.378, 4 HR, 33 SB, 8.6% K rate, 3.3% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
The Reds have stated that in all likelihood, Jose Peraza will fulfill some role for them on the team. Even if it is just as a utility player, Peraza could have a lot of value for fantasy owners. There are few players in the minors that are faster than Peraza is and even in a limited role he could provide owners with a great source of stolen bases. Expect him to see occasional starting time at second, center field, left field, and even just pinch running like Billy Hamilton did in 2013. Don’t give up on Peraza just because he doesn’t have a clear starting role.

14. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AAA) – LW: 9
Stats: 571 PA, .317/.393/.446, 7 HR, 9 SB, 11.4% K rate, 11.4% BB rate
ETA: Late April
Fantasy owners at this point would be wise to be skeptical of Josh Bell’s 2016 fantasy value. With players like John Jaso, Michael Morse, and Sean Rodriguez all ahead of him at first base, he has a murky path to playing time. As discussed with Glasnow, the Pirates are in a position where they will need all the help they can get, and I envision them promoting Josh Bell if he continues to perform at Triple-A like he did last season. Bell could have a lot of value if he manages to start for the big-league club, but playing time right now is the biggest concern.

15. John Lamb (SP, CIN, MLB) – LW: 15
Stats: 111.1 IP, 2.67 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 9.46 K/9, 2.91 BB/9, 0.57 HR/9, 1.17 WHIP
ETA: Late April
John Lamb had back surgery in the offseason, but once he returns to the Reds in mid-April he will immediately resume his role in the middle of that rotation. Though his 5.80 ERA was very concerning, Lamb showed a lot of potential upside in his debut. If he can stay away from the home run ball, he can be a great middle of the rotation starter. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but he was much better on the road (3.27 FIP) than he was at home (4.87 FIP). At the very least, Lamb possesses a lot of value as a streamer option, much in the same way that Jon Gray would.

16. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX, AAA) – LW: 10
Stats: 558 PA, .296/.366/.443, 14 HR, 2 SB, 18.3% K rate, 9.3% BB rate
ETA: Mid-June
One of the best pure hitters in the minors, Nomar Mazara has the potential to be an elite slugger in the majors with 30+ home run potential and the ability to hit .280-.300. The biggest concern for Mazara in 2016 is playing time where he is blocked in right-field by Shin-Soo Choo. Mazara’s best chance at playing time in the majors this season would come with an injury or a trade involving Mitch Moreland (the designated hitter) or Choo. At this point, Mazara should be added off the waiver wire if it looks like he is close to a promotion, but he is not worth picking in your 2016 draft.

17. Tyler Goeddel (3B/OF, PHI, AA) – LW: 17
Stats: 533 PA, .279/.350/.433, 12 HR, 28 SB, 18.4% K rate, 9.0% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Though not guaranteed starting time, Tyler Goeddel still could have a lot of value for fantasy owners willing to roll the dice. After being selected in the 2015 Rule 5 Draft by the Phillies, Goeddel seems poised to take advantage of a weak outfield in Philadelphia and show some of the dual threat potential that he has. With a little bit of power and speed, Goeddel could be a major sleeper for fantasy owners willing to take the chance on him. If your team needs a fourth outfielder or just some depth, you could do much worse than to add Goeddel.

18. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA) – LW: 18
Stats: 134.0 IP, 3.83 ERA, 3.82 FIP, 9.40 K/9, 4.70 BB/9, 0.67 HR/9, 1.30 WHIP
ETA: Late June
Robert Stephenson will not enter the year in the Reds rotation, but I would expect to see him there by the middle of the summer. Stephenson made a lot of progress in 2015, really turning the corner and starting to flash some of that ace potential that scouts have always raved about. I expect him to continue to improve at Triple-A next year and eventually put his talents on display in the majors. With the strikeout potential that he has, owners could live with some of the higher walk rates.

19. Trevor Story (SS, COL, AAA) – LW: 19
Stats: 575 PA, .279/.350/.514, 20 HR, 22 SB, 24.5% K rate, 8.9% BB rate
ETA: Late July
Right now, Jose Reyes is still in line to be the starting shortstop for the Colorado Rockies, but with a potential suspension looming, Trevor Story could enter 2016 as the starter for the Rockies. Though frequently overlooked by scouts, Story provides enough speed to steal 20 bases and has enough power to be able to take advantage of the friendly confines of Coors Field and hit 20 home runs. A shortstop with this kind of potential normally would deserve to be much higher on the list, but high strikeout rates in the minors and a potential battle at the position between Reyes and Cristhian Adames provide a lot of risk associated with owning him.

20. Rob Refsnyder (2B, NYY, MLB) – LW: 12
Stats: 522 PA, .271/.359/.402, 9 HR, 12 SB, 14.0% K rate, 10.7% BB rate
ETA: Early June
Playing time no longer looks nearly as close as it once did for Rob Refsnyder. In spite of a strong 2015 season, it appears that the Yankees are going to keep Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius as their starting middle infield duo for the majority of the season. If given an opportunity to play over Gregorious (with Castro moving over to shortstop), Refsnyder would provide quite a bit of fantasy value at a weak position with a solid power/speed combo. As it stands right now though, there won't be enough playing time for much 2016 return on investment.

21. Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX, MLB) – LW: 16
Stats: 374 PA, .240/.342/.520, 23 HR, 2 SB, 37.2% K rate, 13.6% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day

22. Gary Sanchez (C, NYY, MLB) – LW: 20
Stats: 498 PA, .278/.335/.512, 25 HR, 11 SB, 19.5% K rate, 7.4% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day

23. Jorge Polanco (SS, MIN, MLB) – LW: 21
Stats: 525 PA, .288/.339/.386, 6 HR, 19 SB, 13.9% K rate, 7.4% BB rate
ETA: Late May

24. Zach Davies (SP, MIL, MLB) – LW: 23
Stats: 128.1 IP, 3.30 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 7.15 K/9, 3.16 BB/9, 0.42 HR/9, 1.36 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

25. Tyler Wilson (SP, BAL, MLB) – LW: 24
Stats: 94.1 IP, 3.24 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 6.01 K/9, 1.72 BB/9, 0.76 HR/9, 1.19 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

26. Tim Anderson (SS, CHW, AA) – LW: 22
Stats: 550 PA, .312/.350/.429, 5 HR, 49 SB, 20.7% K rate, 4.4% BB rate
ETA: Late May

27. Bradley Zimmer (OF, CLE, AA) – LW: 26
Stats: 549 PA, .273/.368/.446, 16 HR, 44 SB, 23.9% K rate, 10.0% BB rate
ETA: Late July

28. JP Crawford (SS, PHI, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 522 PA, .282/.373/.402, 6 HR, 12 SB, 11.5% K rate, 12.5% BB rate
ETA: Late August

29. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA) – LW: 28
Stats: 540 PA, .255/.330/.448, 20 HR, 7 SB, 26.7% K rate, 9.6% BB rate
ETA: Early August

30. Max Kepler (1B/OF, MIN, MLB) – LW: 29
Stats: 508 PA, .318/.410/.520, 9 HR, 19 SB, 13.4% K rate, 13.6% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August

 

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