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Welcome to the third and final edition of September call-ups and their fantasy outlooks. Throughout the course of the year, I’ve spoken about household names like Lucas Giolito, Josh Bell, etc. as well as some guys like Ryan Schimpf, who have remained under people’s radars.
Let’s take a look at some guys that haven’t been covered over the last two weeks. Some might have already been mentioned in earlier pieces, but are worth mentioning again as potential September call-ups.
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Top MLB Prospects & Their Fantasy Baseball Outlooks
Gavin Cecchini, SS, New York Mets
Gavin Cecchini was drafted in the first-round way back in 2012 and he’s continued to get better every season. The 22-year-old got his first taste of Triple-A ball this season, and he hasn’t disappointed. Heading into Tuesday night, he’s hitting .329/.391/.454 with seven HR and a 43/52 BB/K ratio in 110 games.
If it wasn’t for some shaky defense, Cecchini could have possibly received the call to the big leagues already. He’s made 33 errors this season and made 27 and 28 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The shaky defense has raised concerns about where he’ll likely end up in the majors- but one thing is for certain- his bat will likely make sure he sticks somewhere. Cecchini has true potential to become a .300 hitter in the big leagues, and could make a contribution as quickly as this season.
Jose De Leon, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have had injuries to their pitching staff all season, but Jose De Leon still hasn’t managed to sneak into the rotation somewhere. The 24-year-old could end up being the Dodgers’ second-best pitcher by next year, and if he gets a September call-up, that could be the case this season as well.
De Leon has been exceptional throughout his minor league career, registering a 3.35 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 12.14 K/9 IP in 330.2 innings. He’s been in Triple-A all season, and he’s outdone even the most optimistic of expectations. In 86.1 innings, he has a 2.61 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and a 111/20 K/BB ratio in the hitter-friendly PCL. The righty has posted three-straight double-digit strikeout performances, giving up just two runs in his last 21.2 innings, with a 33/0 K/BB ratio. The time is now for De Leon, and you can bet the Dodgers know that. He should give them a boost in their quest for an NL West crown, and he should give your team a boost down the stretch as well.
Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds
24-year-old left-hander Amir Garrett has seen action in every level in the minors, and only the majors remain. The rebuilding Reds will likely give the 2011 22nd-rounder a shot at the rotation in September. The Reds were out of the playoff race before the season even began, and kids like Garrett will have an opportunity down the stretch to win 2016 jobs.
Garrett has a 2.45 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across Double-A and Triple-A. He’s been extremely tough to hit, as his .191 opponents batting average would indicate; but his control has been a bit erratic. He has a 126/58 K/BB ratio in 139.1 innings this year, and in 62.1 Triple-A innings he’s given up 30 free passes. There always seem to be a lot of big “ifs” for prospects, and Garrett is no different. If he can find a way to harness his control, he could develop into a pretty decent starter; if he can’t then he will have little to no value when he reaches the majors. Even if Garrett gets a shot, fantasy owners must take a wait-and-see approach with the lefty.
Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Injuries and control issues have really put a damper on Tyler Glasnow and his 2016 season. Since being shelved for almost a month, Glasnow returned on August 14th and has made three separate three-inning appearances. In those nine innings, Glasnow has given up just two earned runs, but seven hits and nine walks show how shaky he has been. 14 strikeouts have helped him limit any potential damage, but as mentioned earlier this season, Glasnow won’t get away with that in the majors.
Glasnow already had an opportunity earlier this season, making two starts for the Pirates. With the team firmly entrenched in a Wild Card race, Glasnow will have to do better than the six runs (five earned) and five walks he allowed in 8.1 innings in his first stint. The 23-year-old should have a successful big league career, but like Garrett, his control (or lack thereof) makes him a risky option. Even if you’re enticed by his potential, you’re better off not using him in your September run. Dynasty league owners should be patient with him though, as he could develop into an ace.
Josh Hader, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Josh Hader has been striking batters out at a scary rate; he has 156 punch-outs in 123 minor league innings. Hader obliterated Double-A hitters earlier this year, producing a 0.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 73 K in 57 innings. Triple-A hasn’t been as friendly to the left-hander, as he’s gotten hit around a bit. Despite a 5.18 Triple-A ERA, he’s still managed to strike out 83 hitters in 66 innings there. Hader’s control has been an issue as well, as he’s given up 51 free-passes in his 123 innings.
The Brewers are looking towards the future, and Hader figures to be a big part of it. The 22-year-old’s control problems make him a risky play this year if he gets the call, but his swing-and-miss “stuff” could make him worth the risk. This is different than Glasnow, who’s shown control issues at the big league level already. Hader might just deserve a shot on your team down the stretch, and he has the ability to really make your risk pay off.
As mentioned, this is the final installment of September call-ups, but the rest of the season and offseason will feature some exciting dynasty-related news. So be sure to tune in regularly for your dynasty fix.
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