August 12, 2015

Edward Sutelan analyzes his top 30 MLB prospects rankings for Week 19. These MLB rookies & call-ups should make fantasy impacts in 2015, and are fantasy baseball sleepers.

Jose Peraza was recently called up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He should be owned in all leagues because of his speed and shortstop eligibility. Peraza will likely lose playing time when Howie Kendrick returns from his injury, but it appears Kendrick will be out for awhile.

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 to 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 list and replaced.

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

Recently Called Up:
• Jose Peraza (SS, LAD)

Major League Prospects – Fantasy Power Rankings

1. Hector Olivera (2B/3B, ATL, AAA) – LW: 3
Stats: 74 PA, .348/.392/.493, 2 HR, 0 SB, 12.2% K rate, 6.8% K rate
ETA: Mid-August
Recent reports suggest that once Hector Olivera has rehabbed enough from his hamstring injury, he will be called up to start at third base for the Atlanta Braves. Fantasy owners should be ready as he is could be a major fantasy contributor. He figures to be a middle of the order bat and could produce in all categories except stolen bases.

2. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA) – LW: 1
Stats: 118.1 IP, 3.50 ERA, 3.82 FIP, 9.89 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, 0.76 HR/9, 1.22 WHIP
ETA: Mid-August
The Reds have an entire rotation of rookies and all except for Keyvius Sampson and Anthony DeSclafani are expected to reach their innings limit soon. Robert Stephenson is likely to be one of the starters who gets some innings in the rotation with names like Michael Lorenzen and Raisel Iglesias likely being shifted to the bullpen in an effort to keep them pitching without reaching their limits. Stephenson would be an elite fantasy option because of his strikeout ability and has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm.

3. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, AAA) – LW: 7
Stats: 78.1 IP, 2.41 ERA, 2.15 FIP, 11.60 K/9, 3.22 BB/9, 0.23 HR/9, 1.07 WHIP
ETA: Late August
As long as there is a chance that Tyler Glasnow gets called up, he will be high on this list. He has as much potential as any pitching prospect and could be an elite fantasy option. His presence would really help the Pittsburgh Pirates in their postseason run. The main reason fantasy owners should be cautious is that the Pirates tend to show some restraint when handling top pitching prospects. They may wait until 2016 to call up their top prospect.

4. Zach Davies (SP, MIL, AAA) – LW: 5
Stats: 107.1 IP, 2.77 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 7.38 K/9, 3.02 BB/9, 0.34 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
ETA: Late August
The trade to Milwaukee didn’t affect Zach Davies fantasy value one way or the other as his new team also needs starting pitching. Davies pitched very well in his first start with the Brewers and doesn’t have much left to prove in the minors. He could be up to join the rotation before September, but he is one player that is almost guaranteed to be a starter for the team for the final month of the season.

5. Tyler Duffey (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 4
Stats: 132.0 IP, 2.66 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 7.98 K/9, 2.05 BB/9, 0.07 HR/9, 1.12 WHIP
ETA: Late August
Tyler Duffey was not very sharp in his Major League debut lasting only two innings. He gave up six runs on two home runs with two walks and one strikeout. In his defense, he ran into an offensive juggernaut in Toronto. The door has certainly not shut on Duffey’s 2015 season in the majors. Expect him to rejoin the team sometime before rosters expand.

6. Byron Buxton (OF, MIN, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 282 PA, .289/.358/.490, 6 HR, 21 SB, 18.4% K rate, 9.9% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
Another player who was unimpressive in his brief Major League stint, Byron Buxton recently finished his rehab stint and was optioned to Triple-A. He may not be called up again until rosters expand, but with his tools he should have a profound impact for most fantasy teams. Don’t give up on the young outfielder just yet.

7. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 2
Stats: 437 PA, .297/.348/.489, 14 HR, 3 SB, 13.3% K rate, 6.9% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
You may notice that Corey Seager’s name is starting to slide down this list. That is because as Jimmy Rollins plays better, it becomes increasingly less likely that Seager will replace him before September. It is probable that Seager will be called up when rosters expand, and he may be given a chance to take the starting shortstop role. Approach Seager with caution unless you are in keeper leagues.

8. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 135.1 IP, 3.06 ERA, 3.14 FIP, 8.98 K/9, 2.39 BB/9, 0.60 HR/9, 1.12 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
Jose Berrios scuffled mightily in his first few starts at Triple-A, but he has really been sharp in his last five outings. He has a 1.59 ERA in 34.0 IP with an 8.21 ERA, 2.12 BB/9, and 0.79 HR/9 in those starts. Duffey was given a chance to make his name known in Minnesota when he was called up for the spot start, but Berrios may be given the next opportunity.

9. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX, AA) – LW: 8
Stats: 449 PA, .288/.361/.449, 13 HR, 2 SB, 20.0% K rate, 9.8% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
Nomar Mazara could be a huge boost for most fantasy teams if he is called up in September. Mazara has enough power and speed to make himself fantasy relevant. He should receive plenty of playing time with his sweet lefty swing providing both hits and power. He may play more than most September call ups.

10. Sean Manaea (SP, OAK, AA) – LW: 12
Stats: 44.2 IP, 3.50 ERA, 3.82 FIP, 9.89 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, 0.76 HR/9, 1.22 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
Another player who should get a lot of playing time, Sean Manaea could potentially be a guy that finds himself inserted into the starting rotation for the Oakland Athletics when called up in September. He has some of the best stuff in the minors. He could be a future top of the rotation arm if he can improve on his control. Perhaps exposure to major league game preparation could help.

11. Peter O’Brien (C, ARI, AAA) – LW: 10
Stats: 431 PA, .271/.319/.511, 20 HR, 1 SB, 23.4% K rate, 5.6% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
Peter O’Brien is definitely a player that fantasy owners should keep an eye on because he will produce a lot offensively at a weak fantasy position. He's still catcher eligible even though he's now an outfielder. Playing time may be an issue at first as he will have to battle with several talented outfielders. He has enough bat to carve out a role.

12. Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX, AAA) – LW: 11
Stats: 293 PA, .253/.362/.574, 21 HR, 2 SB, 36.2% K rate, 14.7% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
The best power prospect left in the minors (with Miguel Sano now in the majors), Joey Gallo has so much offensive potential that he could not be left unowned in September. He may strikeout a lot, but he has the potential to do things special with his power. Playing time may be an issue for him as he will likely have to do battle with Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder, and Mitch Moreland to get at bats, but his bat is potent enough to have a major fantasy impact even in limited playing time.

13. John Lamb (SP, CIN, AAA) – LW: 13
Stats: 111.1 IP, 2.67 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 9.46 K/9, 2.91 BB/9, 0.57 HR/9, 1.17 WHIP
ETA: Late August
As mentioned earlier with Robert Stephenson, the Reds have a lot of rookies in their rotation and many of them will soon reach an innings limit. Lamb will not be on much of an innings limit given his extensive development, and he still has the potential to be a multiple category contributor because of his ability to strike out hitters at an above-average rate while limiting walks and home runs.

14. Vincent Velazquez (SP, HOU, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 30.0 IP, 2.10 ERA, 2.64 FIP, 12.30 K/9, 3.30 BB/9, 0.60 HR/9, 1.00 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
Vincent Velazquez was very impressive in his brief stint in the majors this year as he compiled a 3.05 FIP in 41.2 IP and posted a respectable 3.67 ERA. He is not a given to take a rotation spot, but he could be at worst a power relief option for fantasy owners (like Wade Davis). Or he could win a rotation spot and help fantasy owners in need of starting pitching help.

15. Aaron Altherr (OF, PHI, AAA) – LW: 14
Stats: 460 PA, .292/.366/.489, 14 HR, 16 SB, 18.3% K rate, 10.0% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
The Phillies take the development of their prospects very cautiously and tend to hold off on calling up their top prospects unless they have proven that they cannot be kept in the minors. Aaron Altherr is one of those prospects who has shown that he doesn’t need much more development time. He figures to be a middle of the order bat in a weak Phillies lineup. He has the power and speed necessary to be a five category contributor to fantasy teams. If he is called up, playing time will not be an issue. He wasn't a highly regarded prospect entering the season, but modest improvements in his plate discipline have helped him to perform better.

16. Blake Snell (SP, TB, AAA) – LW: 16
Stats: 108.2 IP, 1.24 ERA, 2.80 FIP, 11.18 K/9, 3.73 BB/9, 0.50 HR/9, 1.01 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
The Tampa Bay Rays rotation has been solid this season, but it may get an improvement in September when they likely call up Blake Snell. He has been very good in the minors this season and has moved very rapidly through levels as he started off the season in High-A, dazzled in Double-A, and has continued to dominate in Triple-A. Snell is not guaranteed to be inserted into the rotation, but the Rays have a lot of young pitching that could potentially face an innings limit which would open a spot in the rotation.

17. Aaron Blair (SP, ARI, AAA) – LW: 17
Stats: 125.1 IP, 3.09 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 7.18 K/9, 2.94 BB/9, 0.86 HR/9, 1.19 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
Aaron Blair would almost certainly be put into the rotation if he is called up in September, the only question is whether or not he is very successful. Blair was very good in Double-A earlier this year, but has struggled a bit in Triple-A to the tune of a 4.50 FIP. The nice thing for Blair is that the Diamondbacks rotation has really scuffled with only Robbie Ray having a FIP and ERA lower than 4.00.

18. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AAA) – LW: 19
Stats: 465 PA, .299/.370/.420, 6 HR, 7 SB, 12.5% K rate, 10.5% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up
The current situation in Pittsburgh makes it difficult to tell how much playing time Josh Bell would receive if called up. Josh Bell would certainly represent a potential upgrade at first base offensively even with Pedro Alvarez performing well enough. Bell could be a great bat for fantasy owners in need of some offensive production from the first base position.

19. C.J. Edwards (RP, CHC, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 51.1 IP, 2.81 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 12.45 K/9, 6.66 BB/9, 0.18 HR/9, 1.21 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
C.J. Edwards is currently the top pitching prospect in the Cubs system, but he appears to be more of a relief pitcher than a starter. He is incredibly thin and that gives many the impression that he may not be capable of handling a starting pitcher’s workload. Make no mistake, Edwards is an elite relief option and could post up numbers much like a Kelvin Herrera or Wade Davis. Poor walk rates also point to a future in the bullpen.

20. Alex “Chi Chi” Gonzalez (SP, TEX, AAA) – LW: 20
Stats: 70.1 IP, 4.09 ERA, 4.33 FIP, 4.86 K/9, 3.20 BB/9, 0.38 HR/9, 1.48 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up
Chi Chi Gonzalez may not be an elite fantasy contributor, but he posted a respectable 3.74 ERA in the majors. Fantasy owners would be wise to approach Alex Gonzalez with caution though as he did walk more batters than he struck out in 43.1 IP so he could potentially struggle with his ERA unless he can find more control or strikeouts.

21. Tyrell Jenkins (SP, ATL, AAA) – LW: 18
Stats: 128.2 IP, 3.01 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 5.74 K/9, 3.92 BB/9, 0.35 HR/9, 1.34 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up

22. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA) – LW: 21
Stats: 431 PA, .266/.339/.468, 16 HR, 5 SB, 26.0% K rate, 9.7% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

23. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, AAA) – LW: 24
Stats: 462 PA, .317/.366/.458, 8 HR, 26 SB, 19.7% K rate, 7.6% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

24. Adam Duvall (1B, CIN, AAA) – LW: 9
Stats: 472 PA, .274/.318/.543, 29 HR, 4 SB, 21.0% K rate, 5.3% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

25. Brett Phillips (OF, MIL, AA) – LW: 23
Stats: 505 PA, .313/.379/.539, 16 HR, 15 SB, 20.2% K rate, 7.5% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

26. Michael Fulmer (SP, DET, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 105.2 IP, 1.79 ERA, 2.55 FIP, 8.77 K/9, 2.21 BB/9, 0.34 HR/9, 1.04 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up

27. Jake Thompson (SP, PHI, AA) – LW: 22
Stats: 101.1 IP, 4.25 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 7.26 K/9, 2.92 BB/9, 0.71 HR/9, 1.34 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up

28. Mike Wright (SP, BAL, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 71.0 IP, 2.41 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 7.48 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, 0.38 HR/9, 1.08 WHIP
ETA: September Call Up

29. Alen Hanson (2B, PIT, AAA) – LW: 28
Stats: 430 PA, .274/.321/.408, 6 HR, 29 SB, 17.4% K rate, 6.7% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

30. Christian Walker (1B, BAL, AAA) – LW: 30
Stats: 467 PA, .257/.315/.407, 12 HR, 0 SB, 23.1% K rate, 7.1% BB rate
ETA: September Call Up

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