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Three top fantasy baseball prospects - Max Clark, Jacob Gonzalez, River Ryan - that can make big impacts. These MLB prospects are waiver wire pickups or stashes.
Every season, managers see high-end prospects earn the call to the majors and make an impact for fantasy. Through the first two months, players like A.J. Ewing and Payton Tolle have emerged as top waiver wire pickups following their promotions.
In this piece, we will check in on three of the top prospects at the Triple-A level who are not only showcasing high upside but are also on the verge of earning the call to the big leagues.
Should fantasy managers stash these high-end prospects? Let's dive in!
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Max Clark, OF, Detroit Tigers
Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2026 AAA Stats: 45 G, .268/.340/.393, 13 2B, 2 HR, 11 SB
The 21-33 Detroit Tigers have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this season. Fortunately for fantasy managers, underperformance often creates opportunity for top prospects.
Earlier this year, we discussed Tigers No. 2 prospect Max Clark, and now it may be time to revisit him as Detroit searches for an offensive spark. At Triple-A this season, Clark hasn't dominated, but he has shown an advanced approach at the plate.
Although he is not walking at an elite rate, he has lowered his strikeout rate while maintaining a .250 expected batting average or better against fastballs, sliders, changeups, and cutters. He has also shown the ability to handle fastballs up and in as well as sliders down and away.
While the power is still developing, Clark possesses a good hit tool and excellent speed. The biggest question is simply when he will be promoted, and the answer should be very soon. Over the past few weeks, Tigers outfielders have collectively posted a 68 wRC+ with just two home runs across 173 plate appearances. If Detroit does not turn things around quickly, Clark could arrive sooner rather than later.
If the Tigers fall out of contention by the trade deadline, Clark could get called up for the stretch run if Scott Harris and the front office decide to reshape the roster.
The next month will be important in determining that direction. Fantasy managers should monitor both Clark’s power numbers and Detroit’s place in the standings. They should also keep an eye on Clark’s Triple-A teammate, Max Anderson.
Anderson is another top Tigers prospect who plays second base. In 16 games with the Mud Hens, he is slashing .338/.357/.477 with two home runs and 13 RBI.
At the major league level, Gleyber Torres is still dealing with a sore oblique and has not been cleared to swing at full speed. Since Torres went down, Detroit has used Gage Workman at second base, but his 75 wRC+ suggests he is not a long-term answer, leaving the door open for Anderson.
Since there is still no clear timeline for when either Clark or Anderson could be promoted, fantasy managers are better off keeping both players on the waiver wire for now. However, they should still be monitored closely, especially in 15-team leagues.
-Written by Marty Tallman
Jacob Gonzalez, INF, Chicago White Sox
Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2026 AAA Stats: 49 G, .294/.406/.594, 9 2B, 15 HR, 7 SB
Update - Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, Jacob Gonzalez is set to join the MLB roster on Saturday, with Munetaka Murakami going on the injured list. He is worth adding in all standard 12-team leagues ahead of his debut.
The White Sox have seen many of their prospects not only increase their dynasty value but also get called up to the majors. The leader of this group was left-hander Noah Schultz, but also utility man Sam Antonacci, who has been quite productive in his first stint in the majors. However, while Braden Montgomery has taken most of the minor league headlines, infielder Jacob Gonzalez has been just as productive.
Gonzalez joined the White Sox as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Ole Miss, but was never found high on most prospect boards. Currently, on MLB.com's team rankings, Gonzalez ranks as the No. 24 prospect in the system, which does not suggest his overall fantasy ceiling is particularly high.
However, the 23-year-old has made major strides at Triple-A this season and could be approaching his MLB debut much sooner than the team anticipated. In 2025, Gonzalez opened his season with High-A and spent most of his time there before earning a call-up to Double-A in the second half. Over both levels (134 games), Gonzalez held a .232/.307/.369 line.
However, at Double-A, his power production took a bit of a decline as his .603 OPS was nearly 70 points lower than what it was at Double-A. Despite the struggles he endured, the infielder was assigned to the top club in the system to open the 2026 campaign and has silenced most doubters.
Throughout his first 48 games against the top pitching in the minor leagues, Gonzalez has posted an impressive .299/.409/.603 line with nine doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. His 15 home runs have already set a new season-best for the 23-year-old.
When looking under the hood, Gonzalez has drastically lowered his infield fly-ball rate from 31.9% (in 2025) to 17.9%. Additionally, his HR/FB has also taken a massive jump from a low 4.9% to 26.8%. While managers should not expect him to maintain this pace given his previous career marks, it is worth noting that he has been able to optimize his wing against much tougher pitching.
Gonzalez has also raised his BB% to 14.4%, which would match the marks he posted in the lower levels of the system during the 2023 season, and only seen his K% climb four points (16.3% - 20.3%) despite facing Triple-A pitching.
While managers should not expect this power surge to continue, Gonzalez has shown much greater upside than previously anticipated. He should be in the mix to debut before the end of the first half and has officially put himself on the "redraft" stash radar.
JACOB GONZALEZ GRAND SLAM!!
It's a brand new ballgame! pic.twitter.com/E4sao21CbS
— Charlotte Knights (@KnightsBaseball) May 17, 2026
- Written by Andy Smith
River Ryan, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2026 AAA Stats: 22 IP, 2.05 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 29 SO, 3 BB
While I'm surprised it didn't happen last week, I still strongly believe that the call-up for River Ryan is going to come very soon. After missing a month of action, Ryan has combined for nine innings of one-run ball with one walk and 11 strikeouts in his first two starts since returning to the Triple-A Oklahoma City rotation. In his outing on May 21, Ryan tossed five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out seven.
In his most recent start on May 28, Ryan continued to look sharp, logging six frames on one-run ball (unearned run) with four hits allowed and eight punchouts.
As of now, Ryan remains on the outside looking in when it comes to joining the Dodgers' rotation. Even with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell currently on the injured list, the Dodgers acquired Eric Lauer to provide some rotation depth. With that said, Lauer has mostly struggled this season, so a swap from him to Ryan in the coming weeks wouldn't surprise me if Lauer doesn't pitch well in his next outing or two.
2026 Prospect Fantasy Baseball Redraft Stash Rankings
Who are the top fantasy baseball prospects to know? Check out our latest 2026 prospect fantasy baseball rankings which are updated regularly by Eric Cross:
Promoted Last Week: Colt Emerson (SEA), Jonah Tong (NYM), Jhostynxon Garcia (PIT), Gabriel Gonzalez (MIN), Pedro Ramirez (CHC), Kevin Alcantara (CHC), Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT)
Honorable Mentions (Hitters): Lazaro Montes (SEA), Harry Ford (WAS), Ryan Clifford (NYM), Zac Veen (COL), Deyvison De Los Santos (MIA), Hector Rodriguez (CIN), Blaze Jordan (STL), Jacob Melton (TBR), James Tibbs III (LAD), Michael Arroyo (SEA), Jonathon Long (CHC), Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (ATH)
Honorable Mentions (Pitchers): Hagen Smith (CHW), Brody Hopkins (TBR), Jack Wenninger (NYM), Hunter Barco (PIT)
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | ETA |
| 1 | Kaelen Culpepper | SS | Twins | June |
| 2 | Kade Anderson | SP | Mariners | August |
| 3 | Edwin Arroyo | 2B/SS | Reds | June |
| 4 | River Ryan | SP | Dodgers | June |
| 5 | Jett Williams | SS/OF | Brewers | June |
| 6 | Gage Jump | SP | Athletics | NOW |
| 7 | Max Clark | OF | Tigers | August |
| 8 | Braden Montgomery | OF | White Sox | July |
| 9 | Luis Lara | OF | Brewers | June |
| 10 | Charlie Condon | 1B | Rockies | July |
| 11 | Cooper Pratt | SS | Brewers | July |
| 12 | Joshua Baez | OF | Cardinals | July |
| 13 | Jacob Gonzalez | SS | White Sox | June |
| 14 | Thomas White | SP | Marlins | July |
| 15 | Walker Jenkins | OF | Twins | August |
| 16 | Elmer Rodriguez | SP | Yankees | July |
| 17 | Cole Carrigg | OF | Rockies | June |
| 18 | Yohandy Morales | 1B/3B | Nationals | June |
| 19 | Carlos Lagrange | SP | Yankees | July |
| 20 | Ralphy Velazquez | 1B | Guardians | August |
| 21 | Spencer Jones | OF | Yankees | July |
| 22 | Aidan Miller | SS | Phillies | August |
| 23 | Jaxon Wiggins | SP | Cubs | July |
| 24 | Kemp Alderman | OF | Marlins | July |
| 25 | Jordan Lawlar | INF/OF | Diamondbacks | July |
Who Should I Pickup Fantasy Baseball Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
2026 Player Decisions. Looking to pick up someone else instead? Today's focus is on specific players like Max Clark, River Ryan, Josh Jung, Dylan Crews, Jackson Holliday, Colt Emerson, Gregory Soto, GageJump, Jacob Latz, JJ Bleday. These are some common searches for 2026 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four MLB players at once, and then click the Who To Pickup? button to see who the recommended waiver wire pickups are based on fantasy baseball rankings, projections, and more.
Improvements For Who Should I Pickup? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Pickup? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win on the waiver wire in 2026. You'll see MLB player tiles with stats, projections, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings and projections based on their research, and updates them constantly throughout the week. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked.
Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Looking to pick up someone else instead? Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2026 for players like Max Clark, River Ryan, Josh Jung, Dylan Crews, Jackson Holliday, Colt Emerson, Gregory Soto, GageJump, Jacob Latz, JJ Bleday:
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