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The minor league season rages on. Now that fantasy baseball teams have been drafted and the season is underway, it's imperative to monitor the top fantasy baseball prospects who have turned heads thus far.
At this point in the season, excellent prospect performances shouldn't be taken too seriously. Sure, there's no denying that short sample sizes can correspond to long-term success, but we'll need to see a bit more out of the players listed below before we go into a deep dive.
Regardless, keep an eye on these names over the long haul as they may prove to be excellent waiver wire adds soon.
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Jackson Chourio - OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Level: Single-A
2022 stats: 18 G, .371/.417/.595, 4 HR, 23 R, 25 RBI, .488 BABIP, 176 wRC+, 7.9 BB%, 26.0 K%
Just 18 years old, Chourio signed with the Brewers out of Venezuela for $1.8 million at the start of 2021. He has impressed through two minor league seasons, though 2022 has clearly been the better of the two years. Ranked ninth among MLB Pipeline's Brewers prospects, Chourio has an impressive ability to know his zone, attacking pitches that will be called strikes while laying off balls. This led to nearly even strikeout and walk rates last season, though he hasn't had quite the same success this year. Still, it's a trait that should suit him well as he continues to develop. Defensively, Chourio projects as a solid threat up the middle. Originally a candidate to play shortstop, Chourio's speed and glove play better in center field; he should stick there long-term.
Chourio had an impressive opening week of June, going 10-for-21 with three homers and eight RBI. Not only is the overall production nice to see, but the three homers offer a glimpse into Chourio's future. Up to this point, it has been hard to project his potential power since he hasn't filled out his frame yet. However, the fact that he can launch three balls out of the park in five days suggests a trend in the right direction.
Kelvin Caceres - RP, Los Angeles Angels
Level: Single-A
2022 stats: 15 G, 27 IP, 3-1, 5.33 ERA, 3.81 xFIP, 16.67 K/9, 7.67 BB/9, .279 BABIP
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Caceres hasn't advanced much through the levels of affiliated ball. He spent his first two years in Rookie ball and the last two in Single-A. Although a speedier progression would be ideal for the 22-year-old, his production on the mound in 2022 suggests that he could be getting that promotion to High-A soon. Caceres has a phenomenal ability to strike out batters; his 16.67 K/9 rate this season is an anomaly, but it's not too much higher than the double-digit rate he posted in 2021. Caceres also has a lethal fastball that pairs nicely with a strong curveball. The biggest concern with Caceres is his command. Sure, he strikes out batters, but he also walks them. A lot. His BB/9 rate has been above 6.6 for each of the last three seasons, including a whopping 13.02 last year.
Caceres finds himself on this list of prospects thanks to a strong week of pitching in Single-A. Through five scoreless innings of relief work, he struck out nine batters, walked just one, and allowed one hit. In an impressive twist, he has issued just one base on balls over his last 11 innings. It remains to be seen if this is sustainable, but it's at least promising to see Caceres battle the biggest obstacle holding him back.
Troy Johnston - 1B, Miami Marlins
Level: Double-A
2022 stats: 44 G, .312/.378/.662, 5 HR, 26 R, 26 RBI, .374 BABIP, 119 wRC+, 8.6 BB%, 20.3 K%
Johnston mashed the ball as a junior at Gonzaga, putting his name on the draft radar. He ended up finding his way to Miami in the 17th round of the 2019 draft and has climbed through the lower levels of the minors ever since. Johnston's best tool is his hitting. The Marlins' No. 25 prospect is a smart hitter with a sound approach and nice swing. He is able to send the ball to all parts of the field, and although he's never been a huge power hitter, he still boasts impressive bat speed. Defensively, Johnston has been relegated to first base due to a lack of speed and arm strength. He has spent just over one season at the position after originally being drafted as a corner outfielder.
Johnston put on an impressive display of offense this past week, going 15-for-24 with four homers, 11 RBI, three walks, and three strikeouts. Although that's a small sample size, it shows plenty of upside. Those stats show an ability to get base hits, hit for power, hit with runners in scoring position, and be smart when swinging at strikes and watching balls. He's still at least a couple of years removed from any potential MLB action, but Johnston's solid offensive production will put him on the fantasy radar if he does reach The Show.
DJ Herz - SP, Chicago Cubs
Level: High-A
2022 stats: 10 GS, 1-0, 37.1 IP, 1.45 ERA, 2.91 FIP, .186 BABIP, 89.7 LOB%, 12.78 K/9, 4.10 BB/9
Due to signability concerns, Herz fell to the eighth round of the 2019 draft, where Chicago scooped him up and managed to ink him to an above-slot deal. The talented prep southpaw had caught their attention thanks to his electric arm and solid command. After parts of three seasons in the minors, he continues to impress. Herz ranks ninth among Cubs prospects, boasting a mid-90s fastball. He also has two strong pitches that complement his heater: a changeup with late fade and a curveball with nasty vertical break.
Herz had a phenomenal outing this past week. During his start on June 1, the 21-year-old struck out a whopping 12 batters over just five innings of work. Furthermore, he gave up zero runs, one hit, and one walk. He has now thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings, all while posting fabulous numbers and making himself a top candidate for promotion to Double-A. Although a call to the majors isn't on the radar for Herz this year, 2023 could be a different story. If he does get the nod, fantasy managers should monitor the lefty's availability.
Colin Barber - OF, Houston Astros
Level: High-A
2022 stats: 21 G, .328/.446/.520, 6 HR, 15 R, 20 RBI, 4 SB, .434 wOBA, .376 BABIP, 162 wRC+, 12.8 BB/9, 17.4 K/9
Drafted out of high school in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, Barber signed an over-slot deal worth $1 million thanks to the power potential and speed he boasted on the prep circuit. A shoulder injury and the pandemic restricted Barber to just 44 games from 2019 to 2021, but looked solid during that window and has only gotten better during a more normal 2022 campaign. Barber demonstrates an ability to work deep into counts, forcing pitchers to eventually make a mistake pitch that he can drive. He has great bat speed and has shown impressive improvements in terms of power. Defensively, he has the quickness and arm needed to survive in center field for the time being.
Barber has hit the ball very well this season. Specifically, this past week, he went 11-for-21 with five homers, nine RBI, three walks, and just one strikeout. This blend of power and an ability to avoid strikeouts is rare, so the Astros certainly hope it's sustainable. Houston's No. 5 prospect, Barber could make his MLB debut as soon as the second half of the 2023 season. When he does, fantasy managers would be wise to roster him due to his relatively rare blend of speed and power.
Juan Mercedes - SP/RP, Seattle Mariners
Level: High-A
2022 stats: 21 G, .328/.446/.520, 6 HR, 15 R, 20 RBI, 4 SB, .434 wOBA, .376 BABIP, 162 wRC+, 12.8
The Mariners signed Mercedes out of the Dominican Republic in 2017. The now-22-year-old's rise through the lower levels of the minors hasn't been fast by any means, but he has shown enough developmental improvement to keep Seattle's front office satisfied. Specifically, Mercedes has boasted improved command, a bit more velocity on his low-to-mid-90s fastball, and more control on his secondary offerings. Just this season, Mercedes was summoned to Triple-A, completely skipping Double-A altogether. He's back down in High-A for now, but it seems very likely that he'll return to Tacoma by the end of the season.
Mercedes posted great results through two outings this past week. Between a seven-inning no-hitter as a starter on May 31 and a strong five-inning relief appearance on June 5, the right-hander struck out 14 batters, walked two, and surrendered just two hits. He gave up zero runs in the process.
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