PROSPECT: Cooper Hjerpe, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
ANALYSIS: The Cardinals' first-round selection last summer out of Oregon State, the lefty made big impressions in fall instructs but hadn't made his pro debut until this season, when the Cardinals sent him to Peoria in the Midwest League.
Hjerpe has a fastball that reaches the mid-90s along with a sweeper slider, a strong change, and a below-average curve. He makes all of his raw stuff play up when he's at his best due to his low arm slot and long extension. In his pro debut, Hjerpe has struggled significantly with control, walking 18.2% of hitters. He's also posted one of the highest FIPs in the minors at 8.46.
VERDICT: Hjerpe's location is leading to hitters being able to sit on his fastball, leading to an exorbitant home run rate. He's shown excellent control in the past, so if he can regain that control, he could re-establish himself as an intriguing prospect. For now, stay away.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Noelvi Marte - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in 12+ Team Leagues (9% rostered) CALL-UP ETA: June 27 ANALYSIS: Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte is currently serving an 80-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Marte originally tested positive for a type of steroid on March 8, which has kept him out through the start of the season. However, the 22-year-old is now just one month away... Read More
Luis Matos - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats ROSTERED IN: 20% of Leagues ANALYSIS: San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos was recently promoted to the major leagues and is worth adding in all standard leagues. Through seven games, the 22-year-old has posted an incredible .385/.385/.731 slash line with two home runs, 17 RBI, and zero strikeouts. ... Read More
Marco Luciano - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Giants have embraced the youth movement and it's paying off in a big way so far. Luciano is the latest young player to be called up to San Francisco this week with Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos both joining the club... Read More
Heliot Ramos - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Heliot Ramos and the rest of the Giants offense have been feasting on the Colorado pitching staff this weekend. The Giants have scored 24 runs in their last two games with major contributions from Ramos, Luis Matos, and Jorge Soler among others.... Read More
Jonatan Clase - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June-July ANALYSIS: Jonatan Clase is a speed specialist, stealing 55 bases at Single-A in 2022 and another 79 between High-A and Double-A in 2023. He doesn't hit for a high batting average, with a career .253 BA over 1078 minor league at-bats, but you can't steal that many... Read More
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!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!