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Welcome back, RotoBallers! The regular season is in full gear. We're heading into Week 6 of the fantasy baseball season, and while there has already been plenty of action in the majors, we can't ignore some of the top prospect performances that took place in the minor leagues during Week 5.
It's imperative to monitor the top fantasy baseball prospects who have turned heads thus far. The players listed here are not only coming off dominant weeks but have also impressed over the entire season. Don't be surprised when these exact names are painting corners, mashing homers, and swiping bags at the big-league level soon.
Fantasy managers should certainly keep an eye on these players over the long haul as they may prove to be excellent adds in no time.
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Denzel Clarke - OF, Oakland Athletics
Level: Double-A
2023 stats: 4 G, .500/.579/1.438, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB, 15.8 BB%, 26.3 K%, 372 wRC+, .785 wOBA, .571 BABIP
A fourth-round pick in 2021, Clarke returned from the injured list this past week and wasted no time putting on a show in Double-A. He is known for his ability to make loud contact while hitting the ball to all parts of the field, though he has a tendency to strike out while trying to demonstrate his power. Defensively, Clarke has a strong arm and great speed, making him a long-term center- or right-fielder who should steal plenty of bases.
This past week, Clarke went 8-for-16 with a whopping four homers, nine RBI, nine runs, and one stolen base. He tallied three walks and five strikeouts along the way. The 23-year-old's wheels and pop could make him an appealing fantasy option as early as 2024.
Cade Povich - SP, Baltimore Orioles
Level: Double-A
2023 stats: 4 G, 4 GS, 2-1, 17.0 IP, 1.53 FIP, .343 BABIP, 14.29 K/9, 4.76 BB/9
Povich is a talented southpaw who was selected in the third round of the 2021 draft by the Twins before being flipped to Baltimore at the trade deadline. A mid-90s fastball headlines his well-rounded, five-pitch repertoire. In addition to the heater, he boasts a changeup, slider, curveball, and cutter.
Povich was quite productive on Saturday, allowing zero runs, one hit, and two walks over five innings of work. His control was also otherworldly as he struck out 10 opposing batters. The left-hander should have significant fantasy appeal once he reaches the majors.
Jonatan Clase - OF, Seattle Mariners
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 20 G, .337/.455/.723, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 22 R, 16 SB, 16.8 BB%, 26.7 K%, 207 wRC+, .514 wOBA, .429 BABIP
Clase, at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, is an undersized speed threat who signed with the club back in 2018. Scouts instantly fell in love with his baserunning, but once he joined the Mariners' organization, he started to show off promising bat-to-ball skills and equally impressive power. The outfielder's top-notch bat speed was presumably the source of his unexpected surge of home runs in 2022, and that appears to be continuing into 2023.
The 20-year-old is coming off a big week at High-A in which he went 11-for-28 with four doubles, four homers, and seven RBI. He also tallied three walks, eight strikeouts, and four stolen bases. Outside of the high strikeout rate, these are impressive results that could translate to a long and successful career for Clase. He should gain some long-term interest in dynasty leagues.
Rafael Sanchez - SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Level: Single-A
2023 stats: 4 G, 4 GS, 3-0, 23.2 IP, 1.14 ERA, 2.03 xFIP, 11.79 K/9, 0.76 BB/9, .231 BABIP, 54.0 GB%
Sanchez signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2022 and has wasted no time making an impression on the club. The right-hander's repertoire is headlined by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, as well as a slider and changeup. The latter two pitches could use some more development so that they become strong put-away pitches, but he has already shown progress in this area through just one year. When signed, critics also said that Sanchez needed to work on his command, but that doesn't seem to be an issue so far in 2023.
Sanchez has looked truly impressive this season, including this past week when he allowed just one hit and one walk over 5.2 innings of work. He also struck out a whopping 11 batters. It bears mentioning that Sanchez did allow three runs, but they were all unearned.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. - OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Level: Single-A
2023 stats: 20 G, .268/.409/.521, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R, 13 SB, 15.9 BB%, 27.3 K%, 159 wRC+, .435 wOBA, .349 BABIP
Rincones is a promising young outfielder whom the Phillies selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The FAU product's scouting report suggests that he should have no trouble hitting for power and spraying the ball to all parts of the field. While limited defensively without a spring arm, Rincones could project long-term as an outfielder, first baseman, or designated hitter at some point, even if not early in his career.
The 23-year-old had a great week in the minors, going 8-for-20 with two homers, six RBI, four walks, four strikeouts, and five stolen bases. Out of all his stats, the high stolen base clip feels the most impressive. This should be a clear indication to fantasy managers that Rincones' dynasty value is growing.
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