X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

3 Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Stash - Zebby Matthews, Chase Dollander, Andrew Painter

Zebby Matthews - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups - icon rotoballer

Zach analyzes three top fantasy baseball prospects - Zebby Matthews, Chase Dollander, Andrew Painter - who could make big impacts this season. These MLB prospects are potential waiver wire pick-ups or stashes.

As the MLB season approaches a month old, starting rotations are getting stretched thin both in Major League Baseball and fantasy baseball. One way to add reinforcements to your squad is to scoop up some top prospects off the waiver wire. While it's unlikely that any midseason callup matches the impact of Paul Skenes last year, there are some very important arms to keep a close eye on as the season continues.

In this article, we'll look at three excellent pitching prospects that could help your team as the season goes on. Chase Dollander of the Rockies has already arrived in the majors, while Zebby Matthews of the Twins and Andrew Painter of the Phillies are still awaiting the call to the bigs.

Each of these three youngsters has good upside, but each of their situations is very different. We'll review how each one is performing and assess their outlook for the remainder of the season. Let's dive in and see how these prospects can impact your fantasy team in the coming months.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins

Current Level: St. Paul Saints (Triple-A)
Availability: 19% rostered
2024 Triple-A stats: 4 G, 1.45 ERA, 1.32 FIP, 24 K, 3 BB, 18 2/3 IP

After zooming through the Twins' minor league system last year, Matthews struggled to a 1-4 record with a 6.69 ERA and 5.72 FIP in nine starts in the majors. He refined his mechanics and adjusted his pitch mix heading into spring training.

He allowed just four hits and no runs over 9 1/3 innings with 12 strikeouts in the Grapefruit League but was still sent to Triple-A to start the season with the St. Paul Saints. In Triple-A this season, he has continued to show dramatic progress. He had a 5.68 ERA in Triple-A last year, but this year, he has dropped that to a 1.45 ERA. Last year, he had a 10.6 K/9 in Triple-A, but this year, he has improved that to 11.6 K/9.

Matthews struggled a little in his last start, giving up seven hits but still allowing no earned runs with four strikeouts in 3 2/3 IP.

When Pablo Lopez landed on the 15-day IL, the Twins opted to call up David Festa instead of Matthews, and now that Lopez has returned, both top prospects are back in St. Paul. Matthews' long-term ceiling is higher than Festa's, although both are great options if they're available and in the rotation in the majors.

If any member of the Twins' rotation stumbles or gets injured, Festa and Matthews are waiting in the wings. If you have the space, Matthews is a great stash, but there is no impending plan to promote him, so you can also wait and be ready to pounce when it's time for him to move to MLB. Some managers may be deterred by his numbers from last year, but Matthews has vastly improved since that cameo.

 

Chase Dollander, SP, Colorado Rockies

Current Level: Colorado Rockies
Availability: 8% rostered
2025 MLB stats: 4 G, 1-3, 7.91 ERA, 7.32 FIP, 21 K, 19 1/3 IP

The Rockies called up Dollander after just one minor league start, but things haven't gone smoothly for the 23-year-old from Tennessee. Dollander was the No. 23 prospect in baseball coming into the season, according to MLB Pipeline, and the top prospect in the Rockies' system.

He had a great year in the minor leagues last season, going 6-2 in 23 starts at Single-A and Double-A, compiling a 2.59 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and a 12.9 K/9. He got hit around a little bit in spring training, but also recorded 24 strikeouts in 17 2/3 IP. He made one start in Triple-A before making his MLB debut on April 6.

In his debut against the A's, he went five innings and was roughed up for four runs but got the win thanks to some good run support and his ability to work out of trouble. His second start was his most impressive of the year to date. He faced the hot Padres in San Diego at the time and went 5 2/3 IP with just three hits and two runs allowed while striking out seven.

He has been hit hard by the Nationals at Coors Field and the Royals on the road in his two starts since then, causing his ERA and FIP to balloon to 7.91 and 7.32, respectively. He had allowed 20 runs and eight homers in his four starts over just 19 1/3 IP.

Despite giving up all those runs, Dollander has still showcased his potential. He has outstanding stuff and the ability to throw a variety of pitches in different locations and counts.

Dollander still has some major growing pains, but he has the potential to be an Ace once he's fully ready. The problem is that he'll sink your ERA in category leagues while he's figuring it out. He could have some spike starts and deliver incredible strikeouts, but he'll be a high-risk, high-reward play in every matchup, as half of his matchups will be at Coors Field, which raises the risk factor even higher.

It's definitely worth watching Dollander closely, even if you don't feel confident adding him just yet. As he grows and matures, he has the potential to be the Rockies' front-line starter for years to come, but he'll have to keep working through his adjustment to MLB-level hitting, which so far has been a steep learning curve for him.

 

Andrew Painter, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Level: Clearwater Threshers
Availability: 15% rostered
2025 A stats: 3 G, 2.45 ERA, 1.63 FIP, 10 K, 1 BB, 7 1/3 IP

Of the three starting pitchers in this post, Painter brings the highest ceiling, but he also could be the furthest from making an impact since Dollander is already in the majors, and Matthews seems relatively close. Painter is still working his way back to full strength in Single-A, but he's widely considered the top pitching prospect in baseball.

The Phillies snagged Painter with the No. 13 pick back in the 2021 MLB Draft, and the big righty has dazzled almost every time he has pitched. He had huge numbers right after the draft in 2021 and in 2022, looking ready to skyrocket through the system to the MLB. However, he didn't pitch at all in the minors in 2023 or 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and his following recovery.

After such a long layoff, the Phillies sent him to the Arizona Fall League to get some work, and he was impressive there as well, earning the AFL’s Pitcher of the Year Award. In 15 2/3 IP in the AFL, he had a 2.30 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, and a .189 batting average against. He piled up 18 strikeouts and only issued four walks, showing elite control and premium punchout potential.

He was given a two-inning cameo in spring training and sent to continue his build-up in Single-A with Clearwater. He has looked sharp throughout his three starts. He has allowed just two runs in three outings, but both runners scored after he left the game in his first start.

He has built up to 43 pitches and has racked up 10 strikeouts in his 7 1/3 IP, showing no ill effects of his surgery or his extended layoff.

Based on everything we have seen from Painter, he will make an impact when he arrives in Philadelphia, but the question is when to expect him in the majors. Even after the layoff, he's only 22 years old, so the Phillies can afford to take their time and get him back to full strength with plenty of strong years ahead of him.

Even though he has never pitched above Double-A, the Phillies are already planning for his arrival in MLB. Earlier this season, Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski said Painter could arrive in the majors "July-ish." Dombrowski was also very clear that the plan is to use Painter as a starting pitcher and not out of the bullpen.

After the All-Star break, Painter could make a few exciting showcase starts, but it depends on his recovery and how many innings he logs if he'll be able to stick around throughout the stretch run and possibly the playoffs. If there's any way you can stash him, he'll be worth it when he gets to the majors. However, since that's still a few months away, it depends on your league settings and roster construction whether he's worth holding for so long.

As we approach the dog days of summer, though, you'll definitely want to keep a close eye on Painter since, when he does get to Philadelphia, he has the potential to make a huge impact for the Phillies and your fantasy baseball squad.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Prospects and Rookies

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Good to Go For Thursday Night Football
Tucker Kraft

Suffers "Little Knee Tweak," Checks Out OK
Jaylen Waddle

Expected to Play and be a "Big Factor" on Thursday Night
Tucker Kraft

Suffers Knee Injury During Thursday's Practice
Clayton Kershaw

Will Retire at the End of the Season
Malcolm Brogdon

Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon Both Staying with the Knicks?
Detroit Pistons

Charles Bediako Agrees to a Training Camp Deal with Detroit
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery, Uncertain for Training Camp
Charlotte Hornets

DaQuan Jeffries Waived by the Hornets
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Questionable For Saturday
Braden Schneider

Limited in Training Camp
Lars Eller

Recovering From Abdominal Procedure
Nick Jensen

in Danger of Missing Start of Season
Brandon Montour

to Miss Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery
Gabriel Landeskog

a "Full Go" for the Season
Samuel Girard

Avalanche Hope to Have Samuel Girard Available for Start of Season
Mackenzie Blackwood

Out Week-to-Week
Alex Tuch

Day-to-Day With Undisclosed Injury
Jordan Greenway

to Sit Out Training Camp
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Simon Edvinsson

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Mikael Backlund

Signs Two-Year Extension
Connor Ingram

to Be Waived by Mammoth
Zach Hyman

Misses Start of Training Camp
Nick Paul

Out Until November
Kris Letang

Cleared for Training Camp
David Pastrnak

Out for Start of Training Camp
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Be Out Until December
NBA

Trevelin Queen Joins Chinese Team
Damian Lillard

Not Rushing His Return
Brooklyn Nets

Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP