MLB Ready Prospects: Top 30 Rankings for Fantasy (Week 15)

Edward Sutelan analyzes his top 30 MLB prospects rankings for Week 15. These MLB rookies & call-ups should make fantasy impacts in 2015, and are fantasy baseball sleepers.

At this point, the MLB trade market is a big factor in whether the remaining MLB prospects will get called up before September, and with which team they will play. Guys like Aaron Nola will see much of their value come from players ahead of them in the depth chart being dealt. Other names like Alen Hanson have much of their value based on the idea that they will be dealt themselves.

Removed from the list
• Brian Johnson – called up
• Rob Refsnyder – called up
• Buck Farmer – called up, optioned

Editor’s Note: to read about even more MLB prospects, rookies and potential call-ups, be sure to check out our MLB prospects for fantasy baseball homepage which has lots of great weekly analysis.

Major League Prospects – Fantasy Power Rankings

To be clear, this list is not the top 30 prospects in baseball. This is a list of the top 30 prospects who are likely going to rise to the major leagues and provide fantasy baseball value this season. The qualifications are simple: a player must not be on an active roster, they must have a clear path to the majors, and while they may have played in seasons prior to 2015, they must still have rookie eligibility. If a player is moved to the active roster of their team, they will be removed from this power rankings list and replaced.

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 1
Stats: 358 PA, .308/.355/.521, 13 HR, 3 SB, 12.8% K rate, 6.7% BB rate
ETA: Whenever Jimmy Rollins is Traded/Released
Jimmy Rollins’ name has started to appear in some trade rumors, but it does seem unlikely that many teams will want to pick him up unless the Dodgers eat his contract. It does not appear probable that the Dodgers will bench Rollins in favor of Corey Seager; they will either release him or trade him. If Rollins is still the shortstop for LA on August 1, Seager’s 2015 fantasy value will tank.

2. Aaron Nola (SP, PHI, AAA) – LW: 4
Stats: 106.1 IP, 1.95 ERA, 2.70 FIP, 7.53 K/9, 1.35 BB/9, 0.42 HR/9, 1.00 WHIP
ETA: Whenever Cole Hamels is Traded
As we approach the trade deadline, it becomes increasingly apparent that Aaron Nola is going to be the replacement for Cole Hamels in the Phillies’ rotation. Nola has proven that he will not need any additional development time and that right now he needs innings in the Majors. He certainly has earned that eventual call up.

3. Jose Peraza (SS, ATL, AAA) – LW: 3
Stats: 361 PA, .280/.306/.359, 3 HR, 23 SB, 9.1% K rate, 3.6% BB rate
ETA: Late July
Another fantasy prospect whose value hinges on a potential trade, Jose Peraza has continued to dazzle with his speed at Triple-A. Peraza lately has been tested in the outfield and could jump into left field for the Braves. He could also take over center field if the Braves opt to deal breakout star Cameron Maybin. He immediately becomes fantasy relevant because of his game changing speed and the fact that he qualifies as a shortstop in Yahoo leagues.

4. Daniel Norris (SP, TOR, AAA) – LW: 5
Stats: 69.2 IP, 3.62 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 8.91 K/9, 3.75 BB/9, 0.52 HR/9, 1.42 WHIP
ETA: Late July
The Jays have one of the worst pitching staffs in the Majors and could use an upgrade either via trade or call up. It seems like Norris has worked out any kinks that he had earlier this year with Toronto as he is walking fewer batters (3.75 BB/9 now as opposed to 4.63 earlier in the Majors) and he is averaging more innings per start (5.77 IP/GS now compared to 4.62 earlier this year). He could be the help that the Blue Jays desperately need.

5. Peter O’Brien (C, ARI, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 345 PA, .274/.316/.497, 15 HR, 1 SB, 22.3% K rate, 4.9% BB rate
ETA: Late July
Certain peripherals like a 22% strikeout rate and 5% walk rate are concerning, but O'Brien's power and potentially decent average are enough to make him fantasy relevant. Despite transitioning to the outfield, he still qualifies as a catcher in Yahoo leagues. Take advantage when he's activated.

6. Luis Severino (SP, NYY, AAA) – LW: 7
Stats: 83.1 IP, 2.59 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 8.64 K/9, 2.59 BB/9, 0.22 HR/9, 1.06 WHIP
ETA: Late July
I noticed on Reddit for the most recent prospect power rankings that there was a debate over whether or not Luis Severino would be placed in the rotation or the bullpen. If Severino is called up, it will not be to pitch in the bullpen. The Yankees rotation needs upgrades and has plenty of health concerns. Should anyone get injured or should the Yankees remove Sabathia from the rotation (as unlikely as it sounds), Severino is the guy who fills the void.

7. Zach Lee (SP, LAD, AAA) – LW: 9
Stats: 71.2 IP, 2.26 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 6.15 K/9, 1.76 BB/9, 0.50 HR/9, 1.03 WHIP
ETA: Early August
A lot of Zach Lee’s value hinges on his possibility of being traded. Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Mike Bolsinger, and Brett Anderson are locked in that Dodgers rotation and while Lee could very easily supplant Frias if called up, the Dodgers are also in the market for another starter which would eliminate any value of Lee. If a trade for a starting pitcher happens and Lee isn’t dealt, his value will tank.

8. Jon Gray (SP, COL, AAA) – LW: 15
Stats: 96.1 IP, 4.58 ERA, 4.18 FIP, 7.85 K/9, 3.08 BB/9, 0.84 HR/9, 1.47 WHIP
ETA: Late July
It should only be a matter of time until the Rockies call up Jon Gray. He doesn’t have anything left to prove in the Minors and could really benefit from time in the Majors. His strikeouts may be down, but he still is the best pitcher to come out of Colorado in a long time.

9. Joe Ross (SP, WAS, AAA) – LW: 11
Stats: 71.0 IP, 2.79 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 8.37 K/9, 2.41 BB/9, 0.63 HR/9, 1.10 WHIP
ETA: After All-Star Break
With Stephen Strasburg likely out for a while longer, the Nationals need another starter in the rotation. But with several off days lining up perfectly, the Nationals have the luxury of being able to wait until after the All-Star break to have to worry about filling that spot in. Joe Ross is the favorite and likely the answer to their rotation questions. Ross has already proven this season that he is not afraid of these Major League hitters.

10. Kyle Schwarber (C/OF, CHC, AAA) – LW: 8
Stats: 310 PA, .323/.430/.591, 16 HR, 1 SB, 23.2% K rate, 15.8% BB rate
ETA: Early September
Don’t let Kyle Schwarber’s throw in the Futures Game throw you off, he is not yet ready to catch for any team in the Majors. The Futures Game MVP’s bat is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best remaining in the Minors, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. With the Cubs already possessing one of the best offenses in the Majors (and a pretty solid catcher in Miguel Montero), there is no need to rush Schwarber’s development along.

11. Hector Olivera (3B, LAD, AAA) – LW: 10
Stats: 70 PA, .354/.400/.492, 2 HR, 0 SB, 12.9% K rate, 7.1% BB rate
ETA: Early August
If I were the GM of the Dodgers, the first guy who gets dealt for me at the deadline is Justin Turner. There is no reason not to deal him. The Dodgers have made it abundantly clear that Hector Olivera is going to be their third baseman for the near future. Turner is in the midst of a career year that could result in a big time return. Of course, I am not the Dodgers’ GM. But a trade of Turner would be an easy solution for several current Dodgers’ problems.

12. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA) – LW: 12
Stats: 89.1 IP, 3.43 ERA, 3.92 FIP, 10.18 K/9, 4.74 BB/9, 0.81 HR/9, 1.21 WHIP
ETA: Early August
According to a recent tweet by the Reds beat reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer, John Fay, the replacement of Cueto “would be Tony Cingrani or him [Robert Stephenson.]” Stephenson has fixed most of the control issues that he dealt with last season at Double-A and has a ceiling of a top two pitcher due to his electric fastball/curveball combo.

13. Tyler Duffey (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 13
Stats: 111.0 IP, 2.51 ERA, 2.30 FIP, 7.95 K/9, 1.95 BB/9, 0.08 HR/9, 1.12 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Tyler Duffey finally gave up a home run. It only took 111 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A. This guy has the making of a future middle of the rotation arm and could be used as trade bait for a Twins team that needs some upgrades on offense. Because the Twins are currently full on pitchers in the rotation that aren’t going anywhere, Duffey’s value (like many other players on this list) hinges greatly on a trade going down.

14. Adam Duvall (1B, SF, AAA) – LW: 14
Stats: 370 PA, .267/.314/.513, 20 HR, 3 SB, 21.4% K rate, 6.2% BB rate
ETA: Early August
Adam Duvall slugged three home runs in a game on July 11 to retake the Triple-A lead with 20 home runs. Duvall is in the midst of yet another great minor league season in the power category and shows that he has enough power to easily hit 30 homers every year. For a Giants team in the midst of a competitive season with two great players dividing time at first base (Brandon Belt and Buster Posey), Duvall could find himself on the trade block as a Major League ready power bat for any offenses in need.

15. Joey Gallo (3B, TEX, AAA) – LW: 17
Stats: 190 PA, .280/.384/.578, 11 HR, 1 SB, 32.6% K rate, 14.7% BB rate
ETA: Late August/Early September
Joey Gallo has started his Triple-A career right where he left off his MLB career: striking out and hitting for power. Gallo already has two home runs in 10 games, but he is also hitting just .175 with a 29.5% K rate. While it is a small sample size (44 AB), it does highlight the need for the young lefty to improve in his approach a bit more before being called up. He will be back in Texas this season, but it will be a while.

16. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 18
Stats: 101.1 IP, 3.55 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 9.24 K/9, 2.49 BB/9, 0.53 HR/9, 1.17 WHIP
ETA: Late August
Jose Berrios fits right in with Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano as untouchable Twins’ prospects. Berrios will not be among the many prospects dealt this deadline and it is very understandable. Berrios has dominated at every level and is on the fast track to the Majors. The Twins will likely hold off on calling him up too soon, but they may find a need for an arm like his as it gets closer to the playoff push, that is, if they still find themselves in the race.

17. Stephen Piscotty (OF, STL, AAA) – LW: 16
Stats: 354 PA, .272/.364/.469, 10 HR, 5 SB, 15.8% K rate, 12.1% BB rate
ETA: Early August
It is very concerning that Stephen Piscotty has not been called up yet. The expectation was that he would be called up to replace Matt Adams when he went down, but instead they opted to go with Mark Reynolds. Piscotty is now officially playing some first base regularly at Triple-A and should be expected to replace the struggling Reynolds before too long.

18. Yorman Rodriguez (OF, CIN, AAA) – LW: 29
Stats: 304 PA, .272/.310/.432, 9 HR, 3 SB, 24.7% K rate, 5.3% BB rate
ETA: Early August
Yorman Rodriguez is currently in line to be the heir to right field if Jay Bruce is dealt which seems more likely by the day. Rodriguez has all of the tools to be a great outfielder for the Reds as he has above average speed that will translate to double-digit steals each season (12 last season and career-high 20 in 2011), above average power that could easily reach double-digit home runs, and the ability to hit for a decent .270 average. He has taken his time to develop. Still Rodriguez, 22, looks like he is ready to turn the corner as the Reds next right fielder.

19. Zach Davies (SP, BAL, AAA) – LW: 19

Stats: 83.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 2.93 FIP, 7.67 K/9, 3.35 BB/9, 0.22 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Zach Davies has shown himself to be a very good starter for Triple-A Norfolk this season, and it looks like he could be ready for big league action. The Orioles have been reportedly scouting all the big name starting pitchers in baseball, but Zach Davies is ready for a job and is probably the backup plan in the event that they lose in a bidding war for a starter.

20. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, AAA) – LW: 20
Stats: 356 PA, .318/.368/.472, 7 HR, 17 SB, 19.4% K rate, 7.6% BB rate
ETA: Early September
Trea Turner has flown under most people’s radars as a great shortstop prospect, but he likely will start to gain more attention as he had a tremendous outing in the All-Star Futures Game. People should start to pay attention because he is going to make a name for himself very soon. Turner will likely be one of the September call ups for the Nationals and could see time before then if Ian Desmond is dealt.

21. Aaron Blair (SP, ARI, AAA) – LW: 21
Stats: 106.0 IP, 3.23 ERA, 4.27 FIP, 7.05 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 1.02 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Late August

22. Henry Owens (SP, BOS, AAA) – LW: 23
Stats: 104.1 IP, 3.36 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 7.33 K/9, 4.49 BB/9, 0.60 HR/9, 1.15 WHIP
ETA: Early September

23. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 360 PA, .312/.380/.431, 4 HR, 5 SB, 11.1% K rate, 10.3% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August

24. Alen Hanson (2B, PIT, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 330 PA, .286/.32/.422, 5 HR, 23 SB, 17.9% K rate, 6.4% BB rate
ETA: Early August

25. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 49.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 2.19 FIP, 10.40 K/9, 2.74 BB/9, 0.18 HR/9, 0.95 WHIP
ETA: Early September

26. Brandon Nimmo (OF, NYM, AA) – LW: 22
Stats: 268 PA, .278/.347/.369, 2 HR, 0 SB, 19.8% K rate, 8.2% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August

27. Christian Walker (1B, BAL, AAA) – LW: 27
Stats: 350 PA, .253/.311/.363, 5 HR, 0 SB, 23.4% K rate, 7.7% BB rate
ETA: Early August

28. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 364 PA, .280/.353/.477, 13 HR, 1 SB, 23.8% K rate, 9.9% BB rate
ETA: Early September

29. Gavin Cecchini (SS, NYM, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 325 PA, .298/.357/.431, 6 HR, 2 SB, 10.5% K rate, 8.0% BB rate
ETA: Early September

30. Mark Appel (SP, HOU, AAA) – LW: 30
Stats: 78.2 IP, 4.57 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 6.86 K/9, 3.05 BB/9, 1.02 HR/9, 1.52 WHIP
ETA: Early September

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