3 Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Stash - Brice Matthews, Colson Montgomery, Didier Fuentes

July 4, 2025

Three top fantasy baseball prospects - Brice Matthews, Colson Montgomery, Didier Fuentes - that can make big impacts. These MLB prospects are waiver wire pickups or stashes.

Every season, fantasy managers see several high-prospects make a strong impact during their first taste of the major leagues. Last season, Paul Skenes and James Wood were among the many names that were called upon. This season, several high-end prospects have made a significant impact, such as Kansas City's Noah Cameron and Houston's Cam Smith.

In this piece, we will look at two hitting prospects on the verge of getting the call at Triple-A. We will also spotlight a pitcher who has recently been called up to the big leagues.

Should those players be left on the waiver wire, or should fantasy managers add them before their breakout? Let's dive in!

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Brice Matthews, INF, Houston Astros

Current Level: AAA
Availability: 5% rostered
2025 MLB stats: 68 G, .285/.403/.492, 48 R, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 23 SB, 15.4% BB%, 28.5% K%, 135 wRC+ 

Matthews is an interesting player and is one of the top five prospects in the Houston system. A first-round pick in 2023, a move from shortstop to second base has helped him defensively and offensively, too, as we can see growth in his hit tool.

In 2024, Matthews hit .265 with 15 home runs and 32 stolen bases, but struck out at a 31.4% clip. That number was for stops at all three levels of Minor League Baseball, but his strikeout percentage at Double-A was 33.7% (181 plate appearances), and a whopping 39.6% (48 plate appearances) in Triple-A.

Tasked with reducing that number this season, Matthews has shaved it down to 28.5%, but is hitting .285 with 10 homers and 23 steals already and looks ready for the major leagues.

Over his last 18 contests, Matthews has been one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues. During this stretch, the utility infielder has posted a remarkable .370/.459/.685 slash line with five doubles, three triples, and four home runs.

Given the Astros' struggles with outfield injuries and the desire to use veteran star Jose Altuve in the outfield, Matthews could pop into their lineup at any time now. With the updated news of shortstop Jeremy Pena heading to the injured list with a fractured rib, could Matthews be the guy who gets an opportunity?

If Pena remains sidelined through the All-Star break, expect the Astros to call on one of their top prospects, especially if he continues this remarkable pace at Triple-A.

We've got MORE accolades 👏👏

Congratulations to RHP Ray Gaither and IF Brice Matthews on being named the June @astros Upper Level Minor League Pitcher & Player of the Month! Hit the link below for the full story!

📰: https://t.co/EQVsrUE86s#Ascend pic.twitter.com/0rX09OEKhU

— Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) July 2, 2025

-Written by Mike Carter

Colson Montgomery, SS, Chicago White Sox

Current Level: AAA
Availability: 1% rostered
2025 AAA stats: 58 G, .217/.294/.425, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 30 R, 4 SB, 7.9% BB%, 32.9% K%, .286 BABIP, .321 wOBA, 80 wRC+

A former top prospect and first-round pick, Montgomery has endured a fall from grace over the past season and a half. Still, we're not out on him, especially as he continues to show spurts of optimism at just 23 years old in Triple-A.

A seemingly anomalous 2023 has tailspun into a concerning 2024 and 2025, with Montgomery showing major swing-and-miss concerns while struggling to get on base. With that said, he's a dependable defender with a great glove and arm strength. He's a solid shortstop for now and could survive a move to third base. The power speaks for itself as he owns a 4.7 percent home run rate this year.

Last week, Montgomery went 11-for-22 (.500) with two doubles, one triple, and four home runs. He added eight RBI, one walk, and five strikeouts along the way. While the poor K/BB rate is glaring, the steady power output, ability to drive in runs, and increased productivity at the plate should leave fans with some optimism.

On Thursday evening, the White Sox announced Colson Montgomery earned the call to the big leagues. Given his power upside, he is worth adding in all 12+ team leagues.

Colson Montgomery last week in Triple-A:

11-22 (.500 BA)
4 HR
8 RBI
338 wRC+

A very good series from the former first-rounder! pic.twitter.com/rtmmr1makP

— The Call Up | An MLB Prospect Podcast (@The_CallUpPod) June 30, 2025

- Written by Andersen Pickard

Didier Fuentes, SP, Atlanta Braves

Current Level: MLB
Availability: 10% rostered
2025 AAA stats: 12 IP, 9.00 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 10 K, 4 BB

Fuentes got the call almost two weeks ago and has made two starts for the Atlanta Braves. Neither of his starts was exceptionally well for the 20-year-old Fuentes, although the first start was better with five innings pitched, four runs surrendered, and three strikeouts.

The home run has been an issue as he surrendered three in his first two starts. He gets his next chance against the Los Angeles Angels. Fuentes will need to work to keep command of his fastball, which he throws at a three-quarters style and has been highly reliant on in the minor leagues.

In his most recent outing on Wednesday evening, Fuentes did not allow a long ball and struck out a season-high six batters across 3 1/3 innings of work.

To stick in the rotation, he needs another good pitch besides his fastball; right now, he is trying to use the sweeper and mixes in a show-me curveball. He has work to do, but he is in the major leagues now and learning on the fly.

You can see his movement profile below.

Fuentes progressed very quickly through the Atlanta system and will likely need several starts to adjust ot the majors. Before getting the call to Atlanta, Fuentes made just one start at Triple-A and five at Double-A. Through these six starts in the upper levels of the minor leagues (26 1/3 IP), the right-hander posted a 4.44 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP.

He showed strong command, allowing only seven walks with 30 strikeouts.

Given his production in the minor leagues, he is worth keeping on your bench in deeper formats, especially if he remains in the Atlanta rotation. With Chris Sale (ribs) recently moving to the 60-day IL and Spencer Schwellenback (elbow), who could miss the remainder of the season, Fuentes could have a path to remaining in the majors for most of the second half of the season.

Didier Fuentes made his MLB debut!

While a 3-run HR spoiled the day, Fuentes made the most of his debut by flashing his strong stuff and pounding the zone with fastballs. As a reminder, he turned 20 earlier this week!

He has a bright career ahead of him pic.twitter.com/o6RyDAcSgU

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) June 21, 2025

- Written by Mike Carter

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