MLB Ready Prospects: Top 30 Rankings for Fantasy (Week 16)

July 21, 2015

Edward Sutelan analyzes his top 30 MLB prospects rankings for Week 16. These MLB rookies & call-ups should make fantasy impacts in 2015, and are fantasy baseball sleepers.

This next month is going to tell a lot about the future of Kyle Schwarber. With Miguel Montero injured, Schwarber will be tasked with catching (not all the time however). This is his opportunity to prove to Cubs management that he can catch at the MLB level. His defensive skills will not be great, but if they are at least average or even just slightly below average, his bat could very likely keep him in the Majors for the rest of the season.

And if you haven’t picked up Aaron Nola yet, you should probably get on that. He will make his debut on Tuesday against Tampa Bay. This guy is the real deal and could be a real fantasy asset for a fantasy team making an extra push to get into their league’s postseason.

Removed from the list
• Aaron Nola – called up
• Kyle Schwarber – called up

Major League Prospects – Fantasy Power Rankings

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.

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, AAA) – LW: 1
Stats: 370 PA, .305/.351/.512, 13 HR, 3 SB, 12.4% K rate, 6.5% BB rate
ETA: Whenever Jimmy Rollins is Traded/Released
One of the most intriguing questions about this trade season will be the shortstop position with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jimmy Rollins has been scouted by teams in need of offense from the shortstop position and the Dodgers will want to make him available just to be able to call up Seager. He has continued to hit very well at Triple-A and has shown that he is ready for Major League action.

2. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA) – LW: 12
Stats: 94.1 IP, 3.82 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 10.02 K/9, 4.67 BB/9, 0.86 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Robert Stephenson has inherited top pitching prospect status from Aaron Nola. He is almost a guaranteed guy to be called up, and he has a lot of fantasy potential. In three starts at Triple-A, Stephenson has continued to strike out a lot of batters (9.00 K/9) while also improving control(3.38 BB/9). His last outing was a clunker, but based on how well he has pitched overall, it is likely that he will be the Johnny Cueto rotation replacement.

3. Jose Peraza (SS, ATL, AAA) – LW: 3
Stats: 373 PA, .287/.312/.367, 3 HR, 23 SB, 8.8% K rate, 3.5% BB rate
ETA: Early August
It looks very likely that Cameron Maybin will be traded this month, and that would mean that Jose Peraza will be called up as his replacement in the outfield. Peraza is very fast, and he is able to utilize that speed effectively by frequently putting the ball in play. He will become a must own in most leagues because of his qualification for the shortstop position and his game changing speed.

4. Daniel Norris (SP, TOR, AAA) – LW: 4
Stats: 80.1 IP, 4.15 ERA, 3.51 FIP, 8.18 K/9, 3.92 BB/9, 0.56 HR/9, 1.47 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Daniel Norris’ last few starts have not looked sharp, but he is still in a position to help fantasy owners at some point during the remainder of the 2015 season. If the Jays are looking to acquire a starting pitcher like Johnny Cueto or Cole Hamels, Norris could find himself dealt. It is also a distinct possibility that if the Blue Jays fail to acquire another starter, Norris could start for the Jays. I would be surprised if Norris is not in a Major League rotation by early August.

5. Peter O’Brien (C, ARI, AAA) – LW: 5
Stats: 353 PA, .274/.317/.498, 15 HR, 1 SB, 22.1% K rate, 4.8% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August Notebook"
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a nice young outfield with A.J. Pollock, Ender Inciarte, and David Peralta. Obviously, there is not a lot of room for Peter O’Brien to join the club. The Diamondbacks have discussed the possibility of being buyers given their close proximity to a playoff spot and if they opt to buy, they could use O’Brien as a trade chip. Much like a lot of names on this list, his value is greatly determined by what happens at the trade deadline.

6. Jon Gray (SP, COL, AAA) – LW: 8
Stats: 99.1 IP, 4.80 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 8.15 K/9, 3.17 BB/9, 0.82 HR/9, 1.51 WHIP
ETA: Late July
Jon Gray was so close to starting for the Rockies on Sunday, but the Rockies opted to go with Eddie Butler because Gray’s previous start didn’t go so well. It appears though that Gray is right on the brink of making his debut and could very possibly start in the next couple of days. He is worth a stash because of his potential, but fantasy owners would be wise to sit him in the first couple of starts just to see how he does.

7. Luis Severino (SP, NYY, AAA) – LW: 6
Stats: 88.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 2.57 FIP, 8.56 K/9, 2.55 BB/9, 0.20 HR/9, 1.02 WHIP
ETA: Early August
It is unlikely that the Yankees will land one of the big name pitchers available on the market. They are more likely to target a guy like Mike Leake or Jeff Samardzija. Should they fail to acquire any starters at the deadline, they will likely turn to Luis Severino. The Yankees need help in their rotation and can’t let the memory of the failed Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain experiments prevent them from pushing to the playoffs.

8. Zach Lee (SP, LAD, AAA) – LW: 7
Stats: 71.2 IP, 2.26 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 6.15 K/9, 1.76 BB/9, 0.50 HR/9, 1.03 WHIP
ETA: Early August
Zach Lee was briefly called up on Saturday for the Dodgers double-header. He didn't get a chance to participate in Clayton Kershaw's dominant performance. It is clear that he is the next in line for a rotation spot. However, it is unclear when, if at any point this season, they will need him. He becomes valuable to fantasy owners if he is part of a trade.

9. Hector Olivera (3B, LAD, AAA) – LW: 11
Stats: 74 PA, .348/.392/.478, 2 HR, 0 SB, 12.2% K rate, 6.8% BB rate
ETA: Early August
Hector Olivera is back from his hamstring injury and has resumed tearing up the Minor Leagues at the plate. Olivera is blocked at both his positions (2B by Howie Kendrick and 3B by Justin Turner), but the Dodgers are likely going to find a place for his bat in their lineup.

10. Tyler Duffey (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 13
Stats: 117.0 IP, 2.38 ERA, 2.37 FIP, 8.00 K/9, 2.23 BB/9, 0.08 HR/9, 1.12 WHIP
ETA: Mid-August
Tyler Duffey continued his dominance of Triple-A with his six shutout innings in his last outing. Since June 17, Duffey has allowed only two earned runs in 42.0 IP which gives him a 0.43 ERA to go along with a 6.64 K/9 and 2.79 BB/9 during that span. There is no question that Duffey is Major League ready, the only question is when will he get the call up.

11. Adam Duvall (1B, SF, AAA) – LW: 14
Stats: 380 PA, .271/.318/.523, 21 HR, 4 SB, 21.3% K rate, 6.1% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August
Matt Duffy has continued to be a great fill in at third base for the Giants, and it is unlikely that he will concede his spot anytime soon. At this point, Adam Duvall could be viewed as a prospect to be dealt in a trade if the Giants elect to go out and buy a player. Duvall’s fantasy value this season will likely not come with the Giants.

12. Joey Gallo (3B, TEX, AAA) – LW: 15
Stats: 199 PA, .280/.387/.601, 13 HR, 1 SB, 33.2% K rate, 15.1% BB rate
ETA: Early September
Joey Gallo will probably not see any time between now and September unless there is an injury to the Rangers roster. He is clearly not 100% ready for regular Major League action as his plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired. But his power and potential gives him fantasy value even if it is only for a limited time.

13. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 351 PA, .283/.359/.440, 10 HR, 1 SB, 21.4% K rate, 10.0% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August
Nomar Mazara could find himself with the big league club before too long if he continues to hit and the Rangers outfield continues to struggle. Josh Hamilton is off to a less than spectacular return, Shin-Soo Choo is really not hitting (though he won’t lose his spot with that contract), and Leonys Martin is currently batting an alarming .219. Delino DeShields Jr. is already pushing Martin aside. Mazara would be an immediate upgrade in right field and could really help fantasy teams with his impact power bat.

14. Jose Berrios (SP, MIN, AAA) – LW: 16
Stats: 101.1 IP, 3.55 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 9.24 K/9, 2.49 BB/9, 0.53 HR/9, 1.17 WHIP
ETA: Late August
Earlier, I discussed how excellent Tyler Duffey has been at Triple-A. Now it’s time to talk about how poorly Jose Berrios has performed. His 2.55 FIP at Triple-A should lead to a better ERA, but a 5.60 ERA leaves a lot to be desired. The Twins are unlikely to rush the development of such a highly touted prospect. Duffey is likely one spot ahead of him in the depth chart, but Berrios is a candidate to see a late call up if he can right his ship.

15. Stephen Piscotty (OF, STL, AAA) – LW: 17
Stats: 368 PA, .271/.364/.470, 11 HR, 5 SB, 16.3% K rate, 12.2% BB rate
ETA: Early August
If Stephen Piscotty is going to have a fantasy impact this season, it will be at first base and it will be with the Cardinals. Piscotty is unlikely to be dealt, and the Cardinals currently have insane depth at the outfield position now that Matt Holliday back. Piscotty needs to practice at first base a little bit longer before the Cardinals will feel comfortable having him start there on a regular basis. The club finally appears to be tiring of Mark Reynolds' mediocrity.

Update: on Monday 7/20 it was announced that Piscotty is getting called up (after this article was written). He is expected to make his major league debut on Tuesday night, 7/21, and is an intriguing bat to consider off the waiver wire in deeper leagues. 

16. Yorman Rodriguez (OF, CIN, AAA) – LW: 18

Stats: 313 PA, .271/.311/.427, 9 HR, 3 SB, 24.6% K rate, 5.4% BB rate
ETA: Early August
With Jay Bruce likely to be dealt in the coming days, it seems most likely that Yorman Rodriguez will be the starter in right field for the Reds. He has the power to have an impact in the home run department (especially in Great American Ballpark), he has the speed to steal double-digit bases, and he could provide on batting average. The potential is there for Rodriguez to produce in the outfield, he just needs to prove that he can hit big league pitching.

17. Zach Davies (SP, BAL, AAA) – LW: 19
Stats: 83.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 2.93 FIP, 7.67 K/9, 3.35 BB/9, 0.22 HR/9, 1.24 WHIP
ETA: Late July
Like the Yankees, the Orioles have a pitching prospect who is dazzling in the Minors, but they would prefer to chase a starter through trade than call him up. The Orioles may have the depth required to add that starter, but it would likely require a guy like Davies. He has been too good this season to not see time with a big league club, and I would imagine that he will be up either with the Orioles or another team in August.

18. Joe Ross (SP, WAS, AAA) – LW: 9
Stats: 76.0 IP, 2.61 ERA, 3.11 FIP, 8.17 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, 0.59 HR/9, 1.05 WHIP
ETA: Mid-August
Joe Ross’ fantasy stock tanked when the Nationals filled  their rotation without him following the Strasburg injury. Ross excelled with the Nationals earlier this season, but Washington opted to leave him in the Minors to work a little bit longer. Ross is next in line for the Nationals in the event of an injury, but for now, I can’t recommend stashing him.

19. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, AAA) – LW: 20
Stats: 365 PA, .319/.370/.470, 7 HR, 17 SB, 19.5% K rate, 7.7% BB rate
ETA: Early September
Trea Turner dazzled in the Futures Game and should soon bring his game to the Major League level. Turner is unlikely to be called up before September, but qualifying for a weak offensive position will greatly help his value down the stretch. He could certainly help those fantasy teams in need of shortstop help in September.

20. Kyle Waldrop (OF, CIN, AAA) – LW: NR
Stats: 325 PA, .256/.292/.384, 6 HR, 2 SB, 23.7% K rate, 4.6% BB rate
ETA: Early August
Kyle Waldrop is on this list because he is very likely to be called up. Marlon Byrd’s name has come up a lot in trade rumors and is likely to (and really should) be dealt this deadline. When that happens, Waldrop will inherit left field for the Reds. Waldrop has excellent power and the potential to be a solid outfielder. The only question is whether or not he can find consistency.

21. Josh Bell (1B, PIT, AA) – LW: 23
Stats: 367 PA, .314/.381/.431, 4 HR, 5 SB, 11.4% K rate, 10.1% BB rate
ETA: Late August

22. Alen Hanson (2B, PIT, AAA) – LW: 24
Stats: 343 PA, .283/.329/.418, 5 HR, 25 SB, 17.5% K rate, 6.7% BB rate
ETA: Early August

23. Michael Conforto (OF, NYM, AA) – LW: NR
Stats: 374 PA, .297/.369/.477, 11 HR, 1 SB, 15.8% K rate, 9.6% BB rate
ETA: Mid-August

24. Aaron Blair (SP, ARI, AAA) – LW: 21
Stats: 106.0 IP, 3.23 ERA, 4.28 FIP, 7.05 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 1.02 HR/9, 1.18 WHIP
ETA: Early September

25. Henry Owens (SP, BOS, AAA) – LW: 22
Stats: 104.1 IP, 3.36 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 7.33 K/9, 4.49 BB/9, 0.60 HR/9, 1.15 WHIP
ETA: Early September

26. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, AA) – LW: 25
Stats: 56.1 IP, 2.24 ERA, 1.98 FIP, 10.54 K/9, 2.40 BB/9, 0.16 HR/9, 0.89 WHIP
ETA: Early September

27. Brandon Nimmo (OF, NYM, AA) – LW: 26
Stats: 276 PA, .274/.344/.363, 2 HR, 0 SB, 19.2% K rate, 8.3% BB rate
ETA: Early September

28. Christian Walker (1B, BAL, AAA) – LW: 27
Stats: 364 PA, .252/.310/.369, 6 HR, 0 SB, 23.6% K rate, 7.7% BB rate
ETA: Early September

29. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA) – LW: 28
Stats: 375 PA, .282/.352/.485, 14 HR, 2 SB, 23.5% K rate, 9.6% BB rate
ETA: Early September

30. Gavin Cecchini (SS, NYM, AA) – LW: 29
Stats: 343 PA, .298/.362/.427, 6 HR, 2 SB, 10.2% K rate, 8.7% BB rate
ETA: Early September

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