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Welcome back to top prospects to stash! This list will highlight the top five hitting prospects to hold on your bench in redraft fantasy baseball leagues.
As more teams are incentivized to push their top prospects up the pecking order, the excitement of the game grows. These five fantasy baseball prospects are most worth rostering right now as we continue to see young talent receive promotions to the big leagues.
Check back to see risers and fallers as teams continue to give promotions to their young, talented prospects!
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Top Fantasy Baseball Hitting Prospect Stashes
Colton Cowser - OF, Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most exciting teams in baseball, and it's due (in large part) to their young, electric players. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jordan Westburg are some of the best young talents in the game, and they have the potential to get even better with experience. The Orioles' youthful core is stacked, and they can add Cowser to the mix soon.
Colton Cowser is the second-ranked prospect in the Orioles system and the 14th overall prospect in baseball. The young outfielder has been exceptional at nearly every stage in his minor league development, except in Triple-A last season. The 23-year-old struggled after his promotion, batting .219 with a 30.6% strikeout rate in 27 games. However, it was a small sample size, and Cowser has made it clear that he is more than capable of competing at the Triple-A level.
After struggling in his first Triple-A stint, Cowser is dominating this season. The top prospect is slashing .328/.458/.534 with nine home runs and 10 doubles in 53 games. Any concerns about Cowser's high strikeout rate should also be quelled since he has his lowest strikeout rate since Single-A. The Orioles have started Aaron Hicks daily, but Cowser is part of the organization's future. Cowser has demonstrated the ability to rake in Triple-A, and his promotion to the bigs should come soon.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand - 1B/3B/OF, Cincinnati Reds
Like the Baltimore Orioles, the Cincinnati Reds have some of the best young players. Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain have made this presence felt in the majors so far, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand could be contributing to the team any day now.
Encarnacion-Strand has been one of the most exciting players in the minor leagues this season. In Triple-A, the 23-year-old is slashing .323/.395/.628 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 54 games. The young slugger has truly yet to have an issue with strikeouts and has the lowest strikeout rate in his professional career at 22.9%.
Encarnacion-Strand is currently ranked as the sixth-best prospect in the Reds system, but he is the most major league-ready prospect. His incredible production may force Cincinnati to make some tough decisions. The Reds infield appears full, but Encarnacion-Strand has been taking reps in the outfield in preparation for his promotion. Fantasy managers should recognize the immense upside CES possesses and stash him on their benches in anticipation.
Kyle Manzardo - 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Kyle Manzardo is the fourth-ranked prospect in the Rays system and the 41st-ranked prospect in baseball. This season is Manzardo's first glimpse of professional baseball above Double-A, and he has yet to perform as well as hoped. But the potential for greater things remains.
Through 66 games in Triple-A this season, Manzardo has 10 home runs, 18 doubles, and 34 RBI. Those counting stats are good, but the plate discipline has been an issue lately. The 22-year-old first baseman has the highest strikeout rate at 20.5%, which is not too concerning but a number to keep an eye on. Most of Manzardo's offensive stats are down in 2023, but 66 games are not the biggest sample. The young slugger's numbers could stabilize with more time spent in Triple-A.
The Tampa Bay Rays have numerous players on their roster capable of covering the first base position, which may cause concern. Still, they also switch player positions and lineup decisions nearly every game. If Manzardo finds his rhythm again, the Rays could bring him in for platoon scenarios. He can find himself more opportunities if he produces in those chances. Manzardo is one of the best hitters in the minor leagues and should turn things around soon.
Fantasy managers in deep leagues with a roster slot should stash Manzardo if he puts it all together.
Ronny Mauricio - SS, New York Mets
New York Mets shortstop prospect Ronny Mauricio is one of the best pure-contact hitters in the minor leagues. In 2023, he is slashing .311/.357/.517 with 11 home runs in 71 games. Mauricio has done everything he could to prove he is ready for the next level of competition. If he keeps playing like this, the Mets may have no choice but to promote him.
Aside from his impressive slash line, the 22-year-old has also racked up 12 stolen bases, 24 doubles, and two triples this year. His combination of contact and speed makes Mauricio a constant threat on the base paths, increasing his chances of scoring runs. The young slugger's walk rate of 5.3% could be improved, but his 16.3% strikeout rate is pretty impressive. Despite having the highest payroll, the Mets have been one of the worst teams in baseball, and Mauricio could try to help turn things around.
The 22-year-old top prospect seemed ready for his promotion earlier in the season but was forced to miss games due to a bone bruise on his left ankle. Mauricio seems fully healed now and back to hitting the way he was before the injury. The young shortstop can also play second base and the outfield, so the Mets should be fine trying to fit him in. Fantasy managers in points leagues should consider stashing Mauricio because he can get on base, steal bases, and score runs.
Dominic Fletcher - OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
UPDATE: Fletcher was officially called up on Friday June 20th.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Dominic Fletcher is the 14th-ranked prospect in the Diamondbacks system but proved capable of making a difference at the major league level when given the opportunity.
Earlier this season, Fletcher got to play in the bigs and did not disappoint. In 22 games, he slashed .308/.349/.474 with two home runs and 13 RBI. 11 of those 13 RBI came in one series against the San Francisco Giants, tying the Diamondbacks record for most RBI in a single series.
Fletcher came out of the gates red hot, then cooled off and was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for Jake McCarthy on the roster. The 25-year-old returned to business in Triple-A, collecting multiple hits in six of his last 13 games. Fletcher proved to be a capable contributor as recently as this season and could be called on again as the Diamondbacks try to hold onto the lead in the National League West division.
Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Fletcher because of his plus plate discipline and above-average contact skills. Fletcher's team context is another important factor since better teams drive in more runs and have more plate appearances.
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