What's up RotoBallers. This is going to be the last of this type of prospects format for the Top 30 power rankings this season. With rosters expanding on September 1st, most of the names on this list will be called up and anyone left off the expanded rosters will have no fantasy value. The article format will become which MLB called up prospects will have the most fantasy value and should be added to your teams.

Also a quick heads up, the ETA on all of the prospects has been removed as all of them are expected to be called up on September 1st, or slightly later, and not any earlier than that.

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.

Removed from the list
• Robert Stephenson – returning to rotation, status uncertain moving forward
• Trea Turner – called up
• Vincent Velasquez – called up
• Aaron Altherr – called up
• Byron Buxton – called up

Editors Note: Check out all of RotoBaller's MLB prospects analysis here.

 

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 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.

 

1. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 2
Stats: 148.1 IP, 3.09 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 9.28 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 0.67 HR/9, 1.09 WHIP
Jose Berrios put together one of the sharpest starts of his Triple-A career in his last outing. He threw seven innings, gave up one earned run on five hits, walked none, and struck out 10. Berrios is a likely candidate to start for the majority of September. He is easily the top pitching prospect that will be available to own during the fantasy playoff stretch run.

 

2. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 3
Stats: 498 PA, .294/.343/.479, 16 HR, 4 SB, 14.3% K rate, 6.6% BB rate
Corey Seager is the top position player on this list and should be owned for September. Seager isn’t given a guarantee of playing time, but a team like the Dodgers that has seen its divisional lead over the Giants shrink exponentially will likely give Seager a chance to force his way into the lineup. If Seager is their starting shortstop for September, he is a must own in all league formats.

 

3. Hector Olivera (2B/3B, ATL, AAA) – LW: 1
Stats: 106 PA, .286/.340/.388, 2 HR, 0 SB, 11.3% K rate, 7.5% BB rate
There have been a few delays in the call ups of Hector Olivera, but it sounds like it really should happen any day now. Olivera will be given the starting role at third base for the Braves when he is called up and should be plugged in right behind Freddie Freeman in the lineup. Expect him to be a four category contributor (no stolen bases) for any fantasy teams willing to add him off the waiver wire.

 

4. Blake Snell (SP, TB, AAA) – LW: 5
Stats: 119.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 2.78 FIP, 11.19 K/9, 3.63 BB/9, 0.53 HR/9, 0.98 WHIP
Blake Snell started off the season as relatively unknown and now ranks as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He has had a phenomenal year that will likely see him rise from High-A ball all the way up to the Majors in one season. There has been talk that they will relegate Snell to the bullpen to keep his innings total down, but with his talent and the Rays proximity to the Wild Card, expect him to at least see a start or two in the rotation.

 

5. Zach Davies (SP, MIL, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 122.1 IP, 3.24 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 7.21 K/9, 3.24 BB/9, 0.44 HR/9, 1.34 WHIP
With the Brewers rotation pitching so well this year, it is reasonable for people to assume that Zach Davies may not be given a chance at the starting rotation. But with the way that he has pitched and the way Kyle Lohse has struggled, he could worm his way into the rotation. Due to the fact that he doesn’t rack up gaudy strikeout totals, Davies’ value hinges on the idea that he be inserted into the rotation. If he is just in the bullpen, he is likely not worth rostering.

 

6. Joey Gallo (3B, TEX, AAA) – LW: 8
Stats: 346 PA, .243/.350/.534, 22 HR, 2 SB, 37.0% K rate, 14.2% BB rate
Unlike Davies, Gallo’s value is not contingent on his playing time. Gallo has the kind of game changing power where he essentially only hits home runs, but will hit a lot of them. With Adrian Beltre at third base, Gallo is unlikely to receive a starting spot, but he is worth owning for people in need of home runs, RBI, and runs scored at the expense of a low batting average contribution.

 

7. Peter O’Brien (C, ARI, AAA) – LW: 11
Stats: 476 PA, .282/.331/.525, 21 HR, 1 SB, 22.9% K rate, 5.7% BB rate
Peter O’Brien is very similar to Joey Gallo in that he doesn’t need playing time to have a positive fantasy impact. He will not receiving starting playing time, but should get enough to contribute decent power numbers to fantasy owners. It really helps that he qualifies as a catcher in most fantasy leagues, giving him added value (especially in two catcher formats).

 

8. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AAA) – LW: 13
Stats: 510 PA, .314/.381/.449, 7 HR, 8 SB, 12.0% K rate, 10.2% BB rate
The Pirates are in need of some production from first base and it seems increasingly likely that they will plug Josh Bell into the role. Bell hasn’t flashed the power this year that he has in the past, but that could change at any moment. He certainly is a solid bet to contribute in batting average, RBI, and runs scored. For people desperate for production from first base or the corner infield spot, Josh Bell is a must own.

 

9. Sean Manaea (SP, OAK, AA) – LW: 12
Stats: 61.1 IP, 3.23 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 10.27 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, 0.73 HR/9, 1.35 WHIP
Sean Manaea isn’t guaranteed a call up in September, but it seems probable that he will receive one. The Athletics are currently content with their rotation, but Kendall Graveman could soon reach a point where the Athletics opt to limit his innings (he already has thrown a career high 140 IP this year between MLB and Triple-A). Manaea has not thrown very many innings, and since he figures to be in play for a rotation spot next season, the Athletics may opt to plug him in the rotation for a few starts and see how he does against big league hitters.

 

10. Jose Peraza (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 15
Stats: 507 PA, .293/.316/.381, 4 HR, 32 SB, 8.3% K rate, 3.4% BB rate
The acquisition of Chase Utley will surely limit even further the playing time of Jose Peraza in September, but I still believe that he will see enough action to be at least moderately fantasy relevant. As stated in the previous edition of this series, Peraza has a good chance to be used in the same role as Billy Hamilton back in September of 2013 when he was a late inning pinch runner. Peraza’s ability to hit could get him more starting time than the Reds center-fielder though. Since he qualifies for the shortstop position, anyone in need of help from that position would be wise to take the chance on Peraza.

 

11. Manny Banuelos (SP, ATL, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 84.2 IP, 2.23 ERA, 3.44 FIP, 7.65 K/9, 4.25 BB/9, 0.21 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
The Braves have a very young rotation that has seen a lot of innings this season. Manny Banuelos was briefly a part of this rotation and he pitched well in his 21.2 IP with an ERA of 2.49 (though a FIP of 4.51 indicates possible regression). Banuelos has been exceptional at Triple-A in his 82.2 IP with a 2.29 ERA and 3.41 FIP. It wouldn’t surprise if Banuelos takes a few turns in the rotation (while also pitching in the bullpen) to help relieve the stress of the long season for the young staff.

 

12. Brian Johnson (SP, BOS, AAA) – LW: NR
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
No stranger to this list, Brian Johnson is back. Though he was shelled in his 4.1 IP, he still seems likely to start based on how awful the Red Sox rotation as a whole has been. There is also the potential decision by management to limit the innings of young lefties Henry Owens and Eduardo Rodriguez. Johnson has been exceptional at Triple-A all season and would represent a great improvement over a lot of starters currently owned.

 

13. CJ Edwards (RP, CHC, AAA) – LW: 18
Stats: 53.1 IP, 2.87 ERA, 3.34 FIP, 12.32 K/9, 6.92 BB/9, 0.17 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
Unlike the other pitchers on this list, CJ Edwards is guaranteed not to see any time in the starting rotation in September. Regardless of that fact, Edwards would be an elite relief pitcher capable of pitching multiple innings at a time and racking up gaudy strikeout totals. For fantasy owners who are comfortable owning elite setup guys like Wade Davis and Dellin Betances, Edwards is a must own in September.

 

14. Brandon Drury (2B/3B, ARI, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 534 PA, .302/.343/.412, 5 HR, 4 SB, 14.0% K rate, 5.8% BB rate
Don’t look now, but the Diamondbacks are on a nice little hot streak. That is by no means saying that they will make the postseason (0.6% chance of making the playoffs according to Fangraphs), but it does have some fooled into believing that there may be chance. With them so close, they may opt to plug in the hot hitting Brandon Drury into their lineup in place of the offensive blackhole that is second base for them. Chris Owings has really struggled on offense and hasn’t been great defensively which could lead him to be replaced in September.

 

15. Jorge Polanco (SS, MIN, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 467 PA, .287/.340/.393, 6 HR, 18 SB, 13.5% K rate, 7.7% BB rate
Much like the Diamondbacks, albeit in a much more realistic position to make the playoffs (9.7% chance according to Fangraphs), the Twins need some help on offense. Shortstop has been a poor source of production for the Twins. Polanco (who has already spent some time at the MLB level this year) would certainly be a major upgrade. He has great speed and great plate discipline which should help him get a spot in the lineup. He would be a great add for people unable to acquire Corey Seager in September.

 

16. Aaron Blair (SP, ARI, AAA) – LW: 17
Stats: 143.1 IP, 2.95 ERA, 3.95 FIP, 7.16 K/9, 2.83 BB/9, 0.75 HR/9, 1.19 WHIP
While the Diamondbacks certainly believe that they could make the postseason this year, that doesn’t mean that they will push the arm of Patrick Corbin to try and make it happen. Corbin, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has thrown 44.0 innings already and could see some time either in the bullpen or skipping some starts in an effort to keep his innings total down. Aaron Blair would be the most likely candidate at this point to make the starts in his place. He'll work out of the bullpen when there is not a spot open. Blair is worth an add in very deep leagues or NL-only leagues.

 

17. Mike Wright (SP, BAL, AAA) – LW: 25
Stats: 71.0 IP, 2.41 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 7.48 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, 0.38 HR/9, 1.08 WHIP
The Orioles rotation has been atrocious this season and with them looking to make a Wild Card, they will look for improvements anywhere they can. Wright is currently rehabbing at Triple-A and should be back with the team and in the rotation come September. He has thoroughly dominated Triple-A this season and fantasy owners should not be discouraged by his poor showing when he made his debut earlier this year.

 

18. Dalton Pompey (OF, TOR, AA) – LW: 17
Stats: 408 PA, .307/.382/.422, 6 HR, 21 SB, 14.7% K rate, 10.3% BB rate
The Blue Jays have a well documented need for a fourth outfielder. Ben Revere, Kevin Pillar, and Jose Bautista have been great, but their depth is shaky. Dalton Pompey struggled to hit in his first stint in the majors which will force the Blue Jays to limit his at-bats. Much like Jose Peraza, he could be used only to steal bases which gives him at least decent value for fantasy owners in need of some steals and production from the outfield.

 

19. Rob Refsnyder (2B, NYY, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 495 PA, .274/.366/.404, 9 HR, 11 SB, 13.7% K rate, 11.3% BB rate
Stephen Drew has not been what the doctor ordered the Yankees at second base and should be replaced if the Yankees want to compete with the Blue Jays for the division. Rob Refsnyder would certainly be an upgrade at the position as he has a great eye at the plate, decent pop and speed, and a solid glove. At the very least, Refsnyder figures to get some time platooning with Drew and could make himself worth owning for teams in need of some offensive production.

 

20. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA) – LW: 20
Stats: 481 PA, .269/.343/.481, 20 HR, 7 SB, 26.4% K rate, 10.0% BB rate
Aaron Judge could see some time for the Yankees down the stretch as he represents an insanely powerful bat off the bench. Playing time could be an issue for him at first because the Bronx Bombers’ outfield is talented, but his bat is potent enough that he could force the Yankees to find a place in the lineup for him.

 

21. Alex Meyer (SP/RP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 19
Stats: 81.1 IP, 5.42 ERA, 3.52 FIP, 9.41 K/9, 4.98 BB/9, 0.44 HR/9, 1.71 WHIP

 

22. Gary Sanchez (C, NYY, AAA) – LW: 22
Stats: 390 PA, .273/.331/.482, 17 HR, 7 SB, 19.5% K rate, 7.4% BB rate

 

23. Trevor Story (2B/SS, COL, AAA) – LW: 21
Stats: 509 PA, .275/.344/.509, 18 HR, 21 SB, 24.8% K rate, 8.6% BB rate

 

24. Michael Fulmer (SP, DET, AA) – LW: 27
Stats: 115.2 IP, 1.95 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 8.79 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 0.47 HR/9, 1.04 WHIP

 

25. Hunter Renfroe (OF, SD, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 486 PA, .264/.315/.447, 17 HR, 4 SB, 24.3% K rate, 6.8% BB rate

 

26. Tyrell Jenkins (SP, ATL, AAA) – LW: 23
Stats: 136.2 IP, 3.23 ERA, 4.02 FIP, 5.80 K/9, 3.95 BB/9, 0.46 HR/9, 1.36 WHIP

 

27. Gavin Cecchini (SS, NYM, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 485 PA, .317/.377/.442, 7 HR, 3 SB, 11.3% K rate, 8.7% BB rate

 

28. Adam Duvall (1B, CIN, AAA) – LW: 26
Stats: 519 PA, .262/.308/.517, 30 HR, 5 SB, 21.2% K rate, 5.4% BB rate

 

29. Christian Walker (1B, BAL, AAA) – LW: 29
Stats: 529 PA, .252/.321/.412, 15 HR, 1 SB, 22.7% K rate, 8.3% BB rate

 

30. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 495 PA, .284/.356/.439, 13 HR, 2 SB, 19.2% K rate, 9.7% BB rate

 

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