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Just a quick heads up to fantasy owners in need of offensive production in the second base/third base department.
Once off the DL, Hector Olivera is expected to be called up by the Atlanta Braves and take the full time role at third base. He looks like a very potent bat and could be a major boost to fantasy owners.
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.
Colin Moran (3B, HOU, Double-A)
Stats: 313 PA, .312/.374/.480, 7 HR, 1 SB, 8.9% BB rate, 18.5% K rate
When the Houston Astros traded away Jarred Cosart to the Miami Marlins, they received the once highly regarded outfielder Jake Marisnick and former sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft Colin Moran. And while Marisnick has become at least a semi-regular with the Houston Astros, Colin Moran has yet to debut for the team. Based on his season at Double-A this year, it won’t be too long before he does debut.
Colin Moran has been viewed by scouts as a batting average first, power second kind of guy. He may eventually be able to slug with some decent power numbers, but for right now he is probably average at best in the power department. Where Moran really strives is with his discipline and contact ability. Moran has a solid swing that produces a lot of line drives and he could become a perennial .300 hitter with consistent time in the majors. His lack of speed and power do drive his fantasy value down, but he profiles as a decent two hitter in the lineup so he could contribute with decent runs scored totals and a solid overall batting average.
With Luis Valbuena playing well enough at third base, it is unlikely that Moran will see much time in the Majors this season even if called up in September. He figures to be the starting third baseman for the Houston Astros in 2016 and could have value as a late round draft sleeper in some mixed leagues.
Yoan Moncada (2B, BOS, Single-A)
Stats: 271 PA, .290/.379/.450, 6 HR, 31 SB, 9.6% BB rate, 22.5% K rate
The Red Sox picked up one of the most electric, young bats from Cuba that may have ever seen in Yoan Moncada. The switch-hitting second baseman was signed to a massive contract over the offseason by the Boston Red Sox and he looks to be a major force in their lineup for years to come when he gets the call up.
What makes Moncada such an electric prospect is his five-tool potential. Scouts see a great bat from both sides of the plate with great speed. While he probably doesn’t have enough power to ever hit .300 or mash 30 home runs in a single season, he certainly has the ability to contribute 20 home runs per year to go along with a solid .270-.290 batting average. His speed should be the real draw for Moncada as he has stolen already 31 bags in only 61 games this season.
Moncada is likely a year or two away, but definitely requires a stash in dynasty leagues next season as he does project to be with the Red Sox as late as 2017 and as early as late 2016. Moncada will likely start 2016 in either High-A or Double-A and could make a quick rise through the minors if he continues to perform like he has in 2015.
Hunter Renfroe (OF, SD, Double-A)
Stats: 426 PA, .262/.319/.436, 14 HR, 4 SB, 7.5% BB rate, 23.7% K rate
Considered to be one of the top bats in the 2013 draft, Hunter Renfroe went 13th overall to the San Diego Padres after completing his junior year in college with Mississippi State. While many believed that the outfielder would be taken a little bit lower in the draft, Renfroe has proven to this point that the Padres did not make a mistake in taking him so early.
Renfroe possesses a lot of the tools that a scout would look for in a prototypical right-fielder. He has a strong arm, above-average power, a solid bat, and enough range to stay at the position and not be forced to move to left field. He does have a tendency to be overly aggressive at the plate which could lead to a lower batting average if he doesn’t improve on his discipline. Renfroe’s bat speed and strength can be viewed as assurance that the power will be there for him in the majors.
With Justin Upton likely departing in the off season, Renfroe will be given a chance to take over his spot with the big league club and more than likely will take it. Fantasy owners would be wise to approach Renfroe with caution as there is a chance his power may not play well in San Diego. But with his potential, he is definitely worth stashing in next year’s fantasy drafts and could blossom into one of the next breakout stars in the big leagues.
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