As many of you all may remember, during the regular season I discussed which Top 30 prospects would have the biggest impact for fantasy owners during the regular season. This series will continue into the offseason, but will come out once a month as opposed to once a week. The only requirement to be on this list is that the player must maintain their rookie status going into 2016. That means that a batter may not have more than 130 at-bats and a pitcher may not exceed 50 innings pitched.

The overall format will remain unchanged. The statistics are only their stats from 2015 in the minors and the ETA will tell you when I expect them to be on their team’s active Major League roster. Some players on this list are bound to receive the Kris Bryant treatment (staying in the minors for 12 days after Opening Day to preserve Major League service time) and so the ETA will KBT (Kris Bryant treatment).

Make sure you read more of our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings analysis including dynasty leagues, prospect ranks, and tiers for all positions.

 

Major League Prospects – Fantasy Power Rankings

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, MLB)
Stats: 550 PA, .293/.344/.487, 18 HR, 4 SB, 13.8% K rate, 6.7% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
In his brief time in the majors in 2015, Corey Seager has dazzled and shown everyone why he deserves to be in the best young shortstop in the league conversation with Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa. In 113 PA, Seager has a .337/.425/.561 slash line with four home runs, two stolen bases, a strikeout rate of 16.8% to go along with a walk rate of 12.4%. An early 2016 ROY favorite, Seager will be in the top five most productive shortstops in Major League Baseball next season and should be taken fairly early in the draft. Jimmy Rollins may have blocked Seager for much of 2015, but Rollins will be leaving via free agency and will no longer be present to serve as Seager’s roadblock.

 

2. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, AAA)
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: KBT
Seager would be the hands-down, not even a competition favorite to win the 2016 Rookie of the Year if not for Tyler Glasnow. He flew under the radar in the 2011 draft, falling all the way to the first pick of the fifth round, but you can bet that just about any team in baseball would take him with the first pick in the draft if they could have a do-over. At every level, Glasnow has dominated and looks to be a future Major League ace. Because he has yet to be called up but has seen time at Triple-A, Glasnow will probably start his season in Triple-A and make a start or two before being called up to preserve service time. But with A.J. Burnett retiring, there will be a spot open in the rotation and the Pirates have no better option than Glasnow.

 

3. Lucas Giolito (SP, WAS, AA)
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: Mid-May
Lucas Giolito struggled in his first stint at Double-A but eventually settled in nicely. His first two starts saw him struggling to the tune of 9.00 ERA in 10.0 IP. But after those early outings, Giolito threw 37.1 innings with a 2.41 ERA, 9.16 K/9, 2.65 BB/9, 0.48 HR/9, and a nice 3.05 FIP. With Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister both likely to depart via free agency, the Nationals rotation will start off the season as Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Joe Ross, and either A.J. Cole, Tanner Roark, or Blake Treinen. Giolito will probably start the year off at Triple-A and attempt to work his way up. If anyone at the back end of that rotation struggles, you can bet the Nationals will give Giolito a call-up.

 

4. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, MLB)
Stats: 500 PA, .322/.370/.458, 8 HR, 29 SB, 19.4% K rate, 7.6% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Yet another example of free agency helping the draft stock of a player, Trea Turner is going to be the Nationals’ starter at shortstop in 2016 with Ian Desmond departing for free agency. Sure, Turner struggled in his first stint of Major League action (.225/.295/.325 slash line with one home run, two stolen bases, 9.1% BB rate, and 27.3% K rate), but he has electric speed and has proven time and time again that he is capable of hitting for a high average. He doesn’t have as much fantasy value at short as Correa, Lindor, or Seager, but he does not fall too far behind them.

 

5. Byron Buxton (OF, MIN, MLB)
Stats: 327 PA, .305/.367/.500, 7 HR, 22 SB, 19.3% K rate, 9.2% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Much like Turner, Byron Buxton did not have a very successful first taste of Major League action. In 138 PA, Buxton managed a slash line of only .209/.250/.326 with a pair of home runs and stolen bases, a dismal 4.3% BB rate, and horrendous 31.9% K rate. The reason that Buxton is so high on this list is because he struggled in his first taste of Double-A, owning a .190/.254/.345 slash with only two home runs from April 9 to April 26. But from April 27 until he was promoted, Buxton was on fire with a .313/.380/.536 slash and a 10.2% BB rate and 17.6% K rate. Buxton has a lot of talent and is prone to getting off to slow starts. Don’t risk an early draft pick on him, but don’t let him slip too far undrafted.

 

6. Blake Snell (SP, TB, AAA)
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: KBT
Blake Snell had a season for the ages and it will likely result in his promotion after the first 12 days of the season pass. The Rays always seem to have a plethora of young pitching and every year a new arm finds its way into the mix. Snell is likely going to be the next piece and arguably one of the best since David Price. Snell has the potential to be a top of the rotation starting pitcher for any fantasy team and should be worth a late draft pick in the 2016 draft.

 

7. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX, AAA)
Stats: 558 PA, .296/.366/.443, 14 HR, 2 SB, 18.3% K rate, 9.3% BB rate
ETA: KBT
Nomar Mazara finally made it to Triple-A last season and he really made himself heard while playing there. In 88 plate appearances, Mazara managed a .358/.409/.444 slash line with one home run, a 5.7% BB rate and 11.4% K rate. Mazara is an outfielder that will neither provide much in the way of speed potential nor elite power numbers, but he seems to do a little bit of everything right. He has enough power to hit for 20 home runs and enough talent at the plate to hit anywhere between .270 and .310.

 

8. Jose Peraza (2B, LAD, MLB)
Stats: 521 PA, .293/.316/.378, 4 HR, 33 SB, 8.6% K rate, 3.3% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Jose Peraza was sitting at third in the Dodgers’ second base depth chart with both Howie Kendrick and Chase Utley ahead of him. Then the season ended and just like that, poof, they’re gone. Both are free agents and unlikely to be resigned considering that Peraza is completely major league ready. Peraza is a 2016 fantasy owner’s dream as he is really going to fly under the radar at the draft and could provide great fantasy production from the second base position. He has proven that he can hit for a decent average in the minors. His lethal speed makes him essentially a right-handed Dee Gordon with just a little bit less contact ability and a little bit more power. Look for him to be available late in the 2016 draft and definitely be sure to pick him up as he could be primed for a breakout season.

 

9. Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX, MLB)
Stats: 374 PA, .240/.342/.520, 23 HR, 2 SB, 37.2% K rate, 13.6% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
The idea of starting Joey Gallo in your everyday fantasy lineup is very similar to his hitting style: hit or miss. Gallo has retained his rookie status for 2016 and should see playing time at designated hitter and in the outfield. No other prospect can provide the type of power that Gallo has as he could easily hit 40 home runs in a season, but he also is guaranteed to provide a very low batting average and incredibly high strikeout rates. If your league counts punchout rates against you, taking a risk on Joey Gallo may not be worth it. If your league doesn’t count hitter strikeouts, he is worth drafting because of the power potential alone.

 

10. J.P. Crawford (SS, PHI, AA)
Stats: 500 PA, .288/.380/.414, 6 HR, 12 SB, 10.8% K rate, 12.6% BB rate
ETA: Early May
This is me going out on a limb and guessing that the Phillies will be considering promoting JP Crawford next season. There is absolutely no chance that he starts the season in Philadelphia and quite frankly I would be surprised to see him at any point in April. In other words, he's not a draft candidate. However, I do recommend adding him to the watch list because if he tears apart Triple-A next season, the Phillies may consider promoting Crawford to the majors before the summer comes around.

 

11. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, MLB)
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: KBT
In a surprising turn of events last season, the Twins did not promote Jose Berrios to their Major League roster and they wound up missing the playoffs by three games. Would Berrios have made much of a difference in September? Maybe. Maybe not. Berrios has made a name for himself in the minors. After a strong showing in Triple-A, he seems poised to be with the Major League team sooner rather than later. You will see the ETA for Berrios says Kris Bryant Treatment, but there is also a strong chance he starts the season with the club. He has top of the rotation potential and is draft sleeper gold for next year.

 

12. Steven Matz (SP, NYM, MLB)
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
Speaking of draft sleeper gold, it doesn’t get much better than the 24-year-old lefty for the New York Mets. Steven Matz is the fourth guy in a crowded rotation, but for just about any other team he would be considered a potential two starter. Matz did very well in his first stint of Major League action where he threw 35.2 innings with a 2.27 ERA and a 3.61 FIP. He isn’t necessarily going to be a strikeout machine, but he should be counted on as a consistent source of solid innings. Expect him to be in the Mets’ rotation to start off the year and, barring injury, be there all season.

 

13. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA)
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 April/Early May
Is there a chance that Robert Stephenson earns a starting spot in the Reds’ rotation in Spring Training? Absolutely. His 4.04 ERA in Triple-A last season didn’t look great, but that 3.35 FIP is just too good to ignore. The Reds had an all-rookie rotation last season. Next year, it looks like Anthony DeSclafani, Raisel Iglesias, and John Lamb are virtual locks to retain their spot in that rotation. The Reds are expected to sign a veteran starter to eat some innings, but that still leaves one more spot available that Stephenson could snag. Keep an eye on him as he could provide a 3.50 ERA next season with elite strikeout numbers which would be very nice to add in the later rounds of a fantasy draft.

 

14. Jorge Polanco (SS, MIN, MLB)
Stats: 525 PA, .288/.339/.386, 6 HR, 19 SB, 13.9% K rate, 7.4% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
The Twins made a surprising leap forward in 2015 and though they didn’t quite reach the postseason, fans have to be happy their position. They have a lot of young talent and will be seeing a definite upgrade at shortstop (arguably their weakest position) next season when Jorge Polanco gets the job full time. Polanco is not necessarily going to be a top-ten offensive shortstop next year, but he certainly deserves a look for fantasy owners with his double-digit stolen base potential, decent pop, and .280 production. Polanco is arguably not worth a pick in the draft for teams in 10-12 team leagues, but for deep leagues he will definitely be on the radar. Teams in shallow leagues who get a disappointing shortstop in the draft should definitely consider stashing him.

 

15. A.J. Reed (1B, HOU, AA)
Stats: 622 PA, .340/.432/.612, 34 HR, 0 SB, 19.6% K rate, 13.8% BB rate
ETA: KBT
The Houston Astros have a gaping hole of production at first base where they have Chris Carter, perennial sub-.200 hitter with 30%+ K rates and 20+ home runs, and Jon Singleton, apparent bust and left-handed equivalent to Carter. While it is unlikely that the Astros will turn to Reed to start the season, it certainly seems likely that the first-base job will be his before too long. Reed has immense power and phenomenal plate discipline and appears to be the real deal. So while the first base position is quite loaded with potent bats in the lineup, Reed really stands out as someone who could potentially join the group of elite hitters in the majors. Due to the risk that he may not be called up until later, a late draft pick is advised for Reed.

 

16. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AAA)
Stats: 518 PA, .320/.396/.450, 8 HR, 9 SB, 11.9% K rate, 11.6% BB rate
ETA: KBT
Much like Houston, Pittsburgh also has a hole at the first base position. Pedro Alvarez manned first base for most of the season, but he is essentially a one-tool player as he can really only hit for power. In their farm system however, the Pirates have a 23-year-old prospect named Josh Bell who appears to be ready to take over the first base role . Scouts see a lot of potential for more power with Bell, but he really has yet to show it at any level. What he has shown though is a tendency to limit strikeouts while walking at high rates and hitting for a high average. Fantasy owners may be wondering, why would I draft a first baseman who had only eight home runs in all of 2015? Because he is such a reliable bet to contribute in all other fantasy stats. Bell will really fly under the radar, making him a potential sleeper pick for fantasy owners.

 

17. Rob Refnsyder (2B, NYY, MLB)
Stats: 522 PA, .271/.359/.402, 9 HR, 12 SB, 14.0% K rate, 10.7% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day
Next season, Rob Refsnyder may have the second base role all to himself for the entire season. Stephen Drew will be departing via free agency and there is no one even close enough to Refsnyder’s current ability to challenge him at the position. Refsnyder will provide above-average fantasy production for a second baseman as he should be expected to hit in the upper .200s with double digits in both home run totals and stolen base totals. Is he the next Robinson Cano? No. But he can be counted on for very solid production out of a weak fantasy position. Expect the kind of production that Brandon Phillips provided this season. The Yankees are concerned about his defense so don't be surprised if he starts the year in the minors.

 

18. Jon Gray (SP, COL, MLB)
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
Jon Gray was forced to end his season after only 40.2 innings, but it was still a nice breath of fresh air for the Colorado Rockies as they saw some sharp starting pitching from a guy who could be the first true ace in Colorado. The 5.53 ERA is not very pretty, but his 3.63 FIP, 3.84 xFIP, and 3.88 SIERA indicate that there is a lot to look forward to in Colorado. Due to the ever-present depth of starting pitching, Gray may not be on many fantasy team’s radar, but he should be considered as a decent option for fantasy teams in need of a spot starter. He does pitch in Colorado, but he has a lot of potential and should be viewed as one of the many up and coming young arms.

 

19. Archie Bradley (SP, ARI, MLB)
Stats: 29.1 IP, 2.76 ERA, 4.81 FIP, 9.82 K/9, 3.07 BB/9, 1.53 HR/9, 1.40 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day
Archie Bradley was all set to make a name for himself in the majors this season with Arizona. Unfortunately, a line drive comebacker hit his head. He missed a big chunk of time recovering. Though his time in the majors was not very impressive (5.80 ERA, 4.96 FIP, 5.15 xFIP, and 5.28 SIERA), he flashed impressive stuff. However because of his inconsistent career (including the minors), fantasy owners are advised to hold off on drafting him right away and see how he does in a few starts before considering picking him up off the radar.

 

20. Jesse Winker (OF, CIN, AA)
Stats: 526 PA, .282/.390/.433, 13 HR, 8 SB, 15.8% K rate, 14.1% BB rate
ETA: Early May
The Reds have a big question mark out in left field. Though they have plenty of youngsters, there aren’t a lot of attractive options. Adam Duvall currently appears to be the favorite, though he really is a power-only kind of player. One option whose name has not come up often is Jesse Winker. Winker may not have started off his 2015 season strong, but he sure finished well. In fact, since May 23, Winker hit a slash line of .302/.410/.471 with 11 home runs in only 90 games. Winker will not start the season off with the big league club, but he should eventually work his way into the Reds lineup. Don’t expect eye-popping power numbers, but look forward to a high batting average with great plate discipline. He will make a great waiver wire pickup for teams later in the season.

 

21. Christian Walker (1B, BAL, MLB)
Stats: 592 PA, .257/.324/.423, 18 HR, 1 SB, 23.0% K rate, 8.3% BB rate
ETA: Opening Day

 

22. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA)
Stats: 540 PA, .255/.330/.448, 20 HR, 7 SB, 26.7% K rate, 9.8% BB rate
ETA: KBT

 

23. Hunter Renfroe (OF, SD, AAA)
Stats: 558 PA, .272/.321/.462, 20 HR, 5 SB, 23.7% K rate, 6.6% BB rate
ETA: KBT

 

24. Brian Johnson (SP, BOS, MLB)
Stats: 96.0 IP, 2.53 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 8.44 K/9, 3.00 BB/9, 0.56 HR/9, 1.10 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

 

25. AJ Cole (SP, WAS, MLB)
Stats: 105.2 IP, 3.15 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 6.47 K/9, 2.90 BB/9, 0.77 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

 

26. Marco Gonzales (SP, STL, MLB)
Stats: 80.2 IP, 4.69 ERA, 4.62 FIP, 6.81 K/9, 2.68 BB/9, 1.12 HR/9, 1.56 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

 

27. Sean Manaea (SP, OAK, AA)
Stats: 74.1 IP, 2.66 ERA, 2.98 FIP, 10.90 K/9, 3.15 BB/9, 0.61 HR/9, 1.25 WHIP
ETA: Early May

 

28. Daniel Robertson (SS, TB, AA)
Stats: 359 PA, .270/.365/.407, 4 HR, 3 SB, 16.7% K rate, 10.0% BB rate
ETA: Early May

 

29. Dylan Bundy (SP, BAL, MLB)*
Stats: 22.0 IP, 3.68 ERA, 1.81 FIP, 10.23 K/9, 2.05 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

 

30. Frankie Montas (SP, CWS, MLB)
Stats: 112.0 IP, 2.97 ERA, 3.04 FIP, 8.68 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, 0.24 HR/9, 1.22 WHIP
ETA: Opening Day

*Quick note on Dylan Bundy: because he was called up in 2012, he is out of player options so the Baltimore Orioles must have him on their Opening Day roster

 

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