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Just a quick heads up about two of the names on this list. Domingo Santana is still listed even though he's on the active roster. He's expected to be sent down once Jacob Marisnick returns from a short DL stint. It's a similar story with Kyle Schwarber. He will be sent down on Monday.
To be clear, this list is not the top 30 prospects in baseball. This is a list of the top 30 prospects who are likely going to rise to the major leagues and provide fantasy baseball value this season. The qualifications are simple: a player must not be on an active roster, they must have a clear path to the majors, and while they may have played in seasons prior to 2015, they must still have rookie eligibility. If a player is moved to the active roster of their team, they will be removed from this power rankings list and replaced.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more MLB prospects, rookies and potential call-ups, be sure to check out our MLB prospects for fantasy baseball homepage which has lots of great weekly analysis.
Removed from the list
• Matt Wisler – called up
All stats current as of Sunday, June 21st.
Major League Prospects - Fantasy Power Rankings
1. Steve Matz (SP, NYM, AAA) – LW: 1
Stats: 85.1 IP, 2.11 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 9.07 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, 0.53 HR/9, 1.11 WHIP
ETA: July 1
Joel Sherman recently tweeted that Steve Matz is expected to be called up to the Majors on July 1. If you have the room available, stash him now before someone else swoops in and takes him. Some scouts have described Matz as the best pitching prospect in the Mets system. That includes Noah Syndergaard.
2. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 2
Stats: 255 PA, .321/.369/.526, 9 HR, 1 SB, 13.3% K rate, 7.1% BB rate
ETA: Early July
There has been much speculation that it is only a matter of days before Corey Seager gets called up. The Dodgers have continued to state that they call up players not because there is a roster need, but because the player is ready. Seager has demonstrated that he is ready and Jimmy Rollins has demonstrated that there is a desperate need. Seager would have immediate fantasy value and figures to be just a step below Carlos Correa in terms of fantasy production.
3. Stephen Piscotty (1B/OF, STL, AAA) – LW: 3
Stats: 263 PA, .257/.354/.438, 7 HR, 4 SB, 16.0% K rate, 12.2% BB rate
ETA: Early July
The Cardinals continue to roll amidst injury issues (and that wonderful hacking scandal). But they will soon realize that their depth on the bench is hurting because players who were bench players are now expected to be starters. In the past two weeks, Mark Reynolds is batting just .238 with only two home runs. Meanwhile, Stephen Piscotty has played himself into a position to be called up and replace Reynolds.
Piscotty has above average power and could hit 20 home runs in a full season with a decent average. The organization views him as an outfielder, but he could help the club immediately at first base.
4. Andrew Heaney (SP, LAA, AAA) – LW: 5
Stats: 73.2 IP, 4.40 ERA, 3.07 FIP, 8.80 K/9, 2.93 BB/9, 0.24 HR/9, 1.45 WHIP
ETA: Mid July
Andrew Heaney will remain in the minors until he finds a way to get his high opponent’s batting average down. The Angels need starting pitching. While Heaney’s FIP says that he is the guy, he is still giving up way too many hits at the Triple-A level yet to be given the call. But once he does get the call, he is immediately fantasy relevant and figures to be one of the top rookie pitchers in all of baseball.
5. Brian Johnson (SP, BOS, AAA) – LW: 11
Stats: 68.0 IP, 2.51 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 8.74 K/9, 2.65 BB/9, 0.66 HR/9, 1.06 WHIP
ETA: Early July
The Red Sox may have played themselves out of postseason potential with their latest losing streak. That doesn’t mean that they are unlikely to trade for Cole Hamels because they will want to compete next year, but it makes them a little less likely to deal for any other pitcher. Brian Johnson has pitched extremely well in Triple-A and has shown that the is ready for a call up. He may get it soon if the Red Sox can’t get more out of Joe Kelly or Rick Porcello.
6. Aaron Nola (SP, PHI, AAA) – LW: 7
Stats: 76.2 IP, 1.88 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 6.93 K/9, 1.06 BB/9, 0.47 HR/9, 0.89 WHIP
ETA: Late July/Early August
Even Ruben Amaro isn’t denying that Aaron Nola will be up sometime this season anymore. Nola was recently promoted to Triple-A which is a great sign for a call up this season. Amaro said, “He [Nola] earned his spot and his opportunity to Triple-A . . . I fully expect him to be in the big leagues at some point this year.” Many are saying that he won’t be up until September, but he could be promoted once Cole Hamels is traded.
7. Adam Duvall (1B/3B, SF, AAA) – LW: 4
Stats: 265 PA, .272/.317/.516, 14 HR, 2 SB, 21.9% K rate, 6.0% BB rate
ETA: Late July
Like I said last week, the better Matt Duffy plays, the less likely Adam Duvall is to be called up. If Duvall does get the call, it will be to start at third base. Right now, it looks like he'll need an injury or trade to get his chance. He certainly has the power to make an impact even at two positions that are loaded with offensive stars.
8. Jose Peraza (2B/SS/OF, ATL, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 252 PA, .279/.316/.345, 2 HR, 17 SB, 8.7% K rate, 4.8% BB rate
ETA: Late July
Jose Peraza is another guy who is blocked at his position. Jace Peterson has played very well this year, Andrelton Simmons is a phenomenal shortstop, and the only outfield spot open for Peraza would be left field with Cameron Maybin and Nick Markakis playing so well. Peraza has the necessary speed to make himself immediately fantasy relevant if given the call up. He doesn’t have too much left to prove.
9. Hector Olivera (3B, LAD, AAA) – LW: 18
Stats: 47 PA, .341/.383/.432, 1 HR, 0 SB, 14.9% K rate, 6.4% BB rate
ETA: Early July
The Dodgers are just going to see how Hector Olivera plays at Triple-A before the commit to a plan. They may have two players (Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero) who have played very well at the position this year, but neither of them are 30 years old nor are they on a six-year, $62.5 million contract. He should be expected to start for them very soon.
10. Kyle Schwarber (C, CHC, AAA) – LW: 17
Stats: 10 PA, .600/.600/1.100, 1 HR, 20.0% K rate, 0.0% BB rate (2015 MLB stats)
ETA: Mid-August
Kyle Schwarber was up, and now he is back down, but not as far down as before. Schwarber had a brief stint in the majors in which Theo Epstein said that he was up solely to be an extra bat and would not be up for the remainder of the season. The question isn’t about his bat, it is about working with him to be better defensively behind the dish. If he shows improvement, he could be up before the end of the season and would have an immediate fantasy impact with his bat at the catcher position.
11. Daniel Norris (SP, TOR, AAA) – LW: 8
Stats: 44.1 IP, 3.45 ERA, 3.49 FIP, 8.93 K/9, 4.87 BB/9, 0.41 HR/9, 1.58 WHIP
ETA: Late July
The Jays desperately need starting pitching help and Daniel Norris can contribute to that need. Just not in the way you might think. The Blue Jays have been linked with names like Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels. Norris could find himself dealt to the Reds or Phillies where (in both cases) he would jump immediately into the rotation. He is a great strikeout pitcher, but he won’t go too deep into games.
12. Zach Lee (SP, LAD, AAA) – LW: 10
Stats: 56.2 IP, 2.38 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 6.99 K/9, 1.91 BB/9, 0.64 HR/9, 1.09 WHIP
ETA: Early July
Zach Lee will likely get called up before the Dodgers make any moves. He has dominated Triple-A batters and could be an easy internal solution for a team in need of some pitchers at the back end of the rotation. Lee doesn’t have as much fantasy value as other starting pitchers on this list due to his groundball nature, but he knows how to get outs and can be counted on for a low ERA and WHIP.
13. Jon Gray (SP, COL, AAA) – LW: 12
Stats: 74.0 IP, 4.62 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 6.45 K/9, 2.68 BB/9, 0.97 HR/9, 1.41 WHIP
ETA: Mid-July
Chad Bettis has been a pleasant surprise for the Rockies, but as expected every other Rockie starter is incredibly bad. Of pitchers who have thrown over 20 innings for the Rockies, Bettis is one of only two who has an ERA below 4.00. After an April in which he really struggled (10.70 ERA in 17.2 IP), Jon Gray has pitched extremely well, owning a 2.72 ERA with 36 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 56.1 IP. He's nearing his first major league audition.
14. Peter O’Brien (C, ARI, AAA) – LW: 16
Stats: 269 PA, .308/.349/.559, 13 HR, 1 SB, 21.9% K rate, 4.8% BB rate
ETA: Early August
It appears that the Dbacks have decided to move their young prospect, Peter O’Brien, from catcher to outfield. Fortunately for fantasy owners, he still qualifies as a catcher in most leagues. It's a good reason to pick him up. He has great power and has proven that he is ready for the Show.
15. Miguel Sano (3B, MIN, AA) – LW: 22
Stats: 249 PA, .248/.349/.486, 12 HR, 5 SB, 25.3% K rate, 13.3% BB rate
ETA: Mid-July
Twins manager Paul Molitor recently said, “Every day that goes by, he’s [Miguel Sano] closer to getting here. That’s kind of a general answer, but whether it’s in a couple weeks or September, we’ve been looking for him to get consistency.” Miguel Sano is essentially a right-handed Joey Gallo. Sharp defensively, jaw-dropping power, and a lot of swings and misses. But that shouldn’t matter too much because his exceptional power will more than make up for the iffy batting average.
16. Dylan Bundy (SP, BAL, AA) – LW: 13
Stats: 22.0 IP, 3.68 ERA, 1.85 FIP, 10.23 K/9, 2.05 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Mid-August
Dylan Bundy is currently scheduled to undergo an MRI for his right shoulder. If that goes well, he will likely move up on this list because he does have great fantasy potential as one of the top arms in the game. If it doesn’t go well, he could lose all fantasy value for this season. Bundy has all the potential in the world but could struggle with injuries.
17. Luis Severino (SP, NYY, AAA) – LW: 20
Stats: 59.2 IP, 3.17 ERA, 2.78 FIP, 8.90 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 0.30 HR/9, 1.12 WHIP
ETA: Mid-July
Before the Yankees buy on Johnny Cueto, I expect them to see how well Luis Severino does in the majors. He has pitched extremely well at every level so far this season and could be a dominant top of the rotation guy if given the chance. He could be a great pitcher to add off the waiver wire for any fantasy owner because the potential value is there for Severino.
18. Jameson Taillon (SP, PIT, NA) – LW: 21
Stats: NA
ETA: Mid-August
Jameson Taillon has recently started throwing in extended Spring Training. He may see time at one of the Pirates’ affiliates some time in the next couple of days. Once that happens, Taillon won’t be rushed back, but will be sent through the levels. If he pitches exceptionally well, he could see time in August. He was major league ready before the surgery, and it appears that he is very close to reaching that point again.
19. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 65.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 10.47 K/9, 5.37 BB/9, 0.83 HR/9, 1.29 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Robert Stephenson makes a big jump onto this list for a number of reasons. One, Jon Moscot is done for the season with shoulder surgery after he made a leaping tag on Anthony Gose. Two, the Reds are probably going to sell two of their starting pitchers (Mike Leake and Johnny Cueto) leaving only Michael Lorenzen and Anthony DeSclafani (and eventually Raisel Iglesias) in the rotation. Stephenson struggled from April 9 to May 1 to the tune of an 8.31 ERA with 11 walks, 19 hits, and 22 strikeouts in only 17.1 IP. Since then, he has an ERA of 2.25 with 54 strikeouts, 28 walks, and 26 hits in 48.0 IP. He looks ready to make the jump although the high walk rate is a concern.
20. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AA) – LW: 29
Stats: 78.2 IP, 3.09 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 9.50 K/9, 2.40 BB/9, 0.69 HR/9, 1.16 WHIP
ETA: Late August
The Twins have seen their fair share of struggles in the rotation this season, but continue to stay in the playoff hunt. Phil Hughes hasn’t been very good, Ricky Nolasco and Trevor May have low FIPs but high ERAs, and Kyle Gibson and Mike Pelfrey have low ERAs but high FIPs. They could use some consistency if they wish to stay in the hunt. Berrios has shown flashes of top of the rotation potential. The Twins have also shown that they will not be too reluctant to call up players from Double-A.
21. Alex Meyer (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 14
Stats: 50.0 IP, 5.76 ERA, 3.46 FIP, 10.08 K/9, 5.40 BB/9, 0.36 HR/9, 1.76 WHIP
ETA: Early September
22. Domingo Santana (OF, HOU, AAA) – LW: 15
Stats: 5 PA, .500/.600/1.250, 1 HR, 1 SB, 20.0% K rate, 0.0% BB rate (2015 MLB stats)
ETA: Early August/Early September*
*Early August is contingent on a trade occurring involving him; September if he is not traded
23. Tyler Duffey (SP, SDP, AAA) – LW: 23
Stats: 83.0 IP, 3.14 ERA, 2.01 FIP, 8.89 K/9, 1.84 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Early August
24. Christian Walker (1B/3B, BAL, AAA) – LW: 27
Stats: 264 PA, .254/.314/.350, 2 HR, 0 SB, 22.7% K rate, 8.0% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August
25. Marco Gonzales (SP, STL, AAA) – LW: 19
Stats: 28.1 IP, 6.35 ERA, 5.73 FIP, 6.99 K/9, 2.54 BB/9, 1.91 HR/9, 1.59 WHIP
ETA: Early September
26. Zach Davies (SP, BAL, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 60.1 IP, 3.13 ERA, 2.65 FIP, 7.91 /9, 2.98 BB/9, 0.15 HR/9, 1.28 WHIP
ETA: Early August
27. Colin Moran (3B, HOU, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 122 PA, .277/.320/.375, 0 HR, 0 SB, 14.8% K rate, 5.7% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August
28. Matt Olson (1B, OAK, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 288 PA, .217/.389/.387, 7 HR, 0 SB, 23.6% K rate, 21.9% BB rate
ETA: Early September
29. Henry Owens (SP, BOS, AAA) – LW: 26
Stats: 70.1 IP, 3.45 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 7.42 K/9, 5.50 BB/9, 0.51 HR/9, 1.29 WHIP
ETA: Early September
30. Aaron Blair (SP, ARI, AA) – LW: 30
Stats: 87.1 IP, 3.40 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 7.01 K/9, 2.58 BB/9, 1.03 WHIP
ETA: Early September
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