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Three top fantasy baseball prospects - Andrew Painter, Logan Henderson, Trey Yesavage - that can make big impacts. These MLB prospects are waiver wire pickups or stashes.
During the first half of the campaign, fantasy managers have seen several high-end prospects not only get the call to join their major league rosters but also make an immediate impact for fantasy baseball. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz and Cincinnati right-hander Chase Burns have emerged as must-start options in all formats heading into the All-Star break.
In this piece, we will look at three of the top pitching prospects in the minor leagues and determine if they are worth stashing on our benches during the second half.
Should those players be left on the waiver wire, or should fantasy managers add them before their breakout? Let's dive in!
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Andrew Painter, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2025 AAA Stats: 55 2/3 IP, 5.01 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 59 SO, 20 BB
Even though he is coming off a rough outing, the top prospect in Philadelphia will hold the top spot on our list. In his most recent start on July 8, Painter allowed eight hits and five runs across 5 1/3 innings against Triple-A Syracuse. In this start, Painter struck out three hitters and served up one walk.
While his box score leaves much to be desired, this was the first time this season Painter was able to pitch into the sixth inning of a game.
The right-hander was unable to pitch during the entirety of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and seeing him begin to increase his workload is a very promising sign. While his production could be more consistent, Painter's primary focus is on building up his workload.
Over his last 24 2/3 innings, Painter has posted a 4.74 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. During this stretch, the right-hander has struck out 26 hitters while allowing just nine walks. During his first 26 innings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Painter posted a 5.19 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
The former first-round pick opened the campaign with Low-A Clearwater and held a 12:1 K:BB with five earned runs across 10 1/3 innings.
With Aaron Nola (ankle) still on the 60-day IL and not making much progress, and the recent demotion of right-hander Mick Abel, Painter should have a clear path to remain in the rotation when he gets the call.
Earlier this season, Phillies manager Rob Thomson noted that Painter should be in the minors to debut shortly after the All-Star break. The promotion could happen any day. He is a must-stash in all leagues.
Andrew Painter is going to dominate. pic.twitter.com/S8xGk8XaoZ
— The Dynasty Dugout (@DynastyDugoutBB) July 3, 2025
-Written by Andy Smith
Logan Henderson, SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2025 MLB Stats: 21 IP, 1.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 29 SO, 6 BB
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Logan Henderson enjoyed a much-needed bounce-back outing at Triple-A on July 12. In this outing, Hednerson logs six innings of one-run ball against Triple-A Durham. He struck out seven batters and allowed just two hits and no walks.
Before this strong showing, Henderson allowed two runs on July 6 to Triple-A Memphis and five runs on July 1 to Memphis as well. However, before that brief skid, Henderson held a stellar 1.81 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 57:16 K:BB over his last 49 2/3 innings with Triple-A Nashville.
Earlier in the season, the Brewers opted to promote Henderson to the major leagues, and he looked just as dominant, logging 21 innings (four starts) and posting a 1.71 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP. He struck out 29 hitters and showed above-average command, allowing walks at a 7.4% rate. He posted a remarkable 32.2% hard-hit rate and a 33.3% chase rate, both of which are well above the average marks.
However, despite Henderson's impressive performance during his first taste of the major leagues, the Brewers' rotation is crowded, and he does not have a clear path to return in the near future. Right-handed prospect Jacob Misiorowski appears to be in no danger of losing his spot, and they recently welcomed back veteran pitcher Brandon Woodruff.
As a result, Henderson is only worth stashing in deeper 12+ team leagues. While he will carry high upside when he returns to the majors, given his difficult path at the moment, he is best to leave on the waiver wire in shallower leagues.
6️⃣ dominant innings from Logan Henderson
2 H
ER
7 KCarried a perfect game into the 5th. pic.twitter.com/asvJL7rL8t
— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) July 13, 2025
- Written by Andy Smith
Trey Yesavage, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Current Level: AA
Availability: 1% rostered
2025 MLB stats: 67 2/3 IP, 3.19 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 111 SO, 39 BB
While Nolan McLean and Quinn Mathews were in the mix to hold the final spot on this list, when looking for impact, there is no better pitcher to keep an eye on than Trey Yesavage.
Yesavage is viewed as the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Toronto system, and he is the No. 57-ranked prospect in the sport, according to MLB.com.
While he currently resides at Double-A, Yesavage is expected to reach the majors in the second half and has seen his chances increase given Toronto's recent surge in the AL East standings.
In June, Blue Jays beat writer Mitch Bannon noted that it was "not out of the question" that their budding ace could debut in the second half.
Yesavage opened the season with Low-A but needed just 33 1/3 innings to earn the call to High-A. Then at High-A, Yesavage logged just 17 1/3 innings before moving up to Double-A. Through 50 2/3 innings in the lower levels, the 21-year-old posted a remarkable 2.13 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with an 88:18 K:BB.
While he has struggled at times at Double-A, allowing four runs in two separate starts, he has continued to flash high strikeout upside, tallying 23 through 17 innings.
Yesavage is not a stash candidate at the moment, but if he were to move up to Triple-A before the end of the month, he would be a high-priority option. Yesavage would easily find a role at the back of their rotation as the Blue Jays hope to reach the postseason. He carries just as much upside as Painter and Chandler and could be the final piece to push Toronto over the edge in the final weeks of the season.
Strikeouts this season in the minors (ranks — all levels combined):
111 — Trey Yesavage (T-2nd most)
106 — Juaron Watts-Brown (7th)
97 — Khal Stephen (T-14th most)
41 — Kendry Rojas (27.1 IP)Stacked rotation in New Hampshire. pic.twitter.com/cVOjlZEX0G
— BlueJays Muse (@TORBlueJaysMuse) July 14, 2025
- Written by Andy Smith
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