🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 MLB Prospect Risers and Fallers: Torres, Bellinger, Fulmer & More

Prospects are like the stock market. One day something looks great, but a day later, that can all change. While there aren't day-to-day fluctuations that might make your outlook on a prospect change so heavily, there are always guys whose stock rises and falls considerably year-to-year and month-to-month.

Today I'm here to take a look at some 2017 MLB prospect risers and fallers as we head into the fantasy baseball draft season. Let's get to it.

Editor's note: Be sure to also check out our 2017 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. It's already loaded up with tons of great rankings articles and draft analysis. Aside from our tiered staff rankings for every position, we also go deep on MLB prospect rankings, impact rookies for 2017, and dynasty/keeper rankings as well. Bookmark the page, and win your drafts.

 

Three Up - Rising Prospects

Cody Bellinger, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Adrian Gonzalez has put together a terrific career, but he’ll be 35 years old in May, and the Dodgers are going to have to find a replacement. Luckily, they probably have that guy already. Cody Bellinger was drafted out of high school in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft. He didn’t show much power in his first couple of years in the minors, but his power profile has really come to fruition the last couple of years.

In 2013, Bellinger hit just .210 with one home run in 162 Rookie-ball at-bats. In 2014, Bellinger did hit .312/.352/.474 in 215 Rookie-ball at-bats, but he hit just three home runs. In his first year in Single-A in 2015, Bellinger really put himself on the map. The lefty hit .264/.336/.538 with an impressive 30 HR, 103 RBI and 10 SB to boot. Bellinger did much of the same last season, hitting .263/.359/.484 with 23 HR in 399 at-bats in Double-A. He also had a cup of coffee in Triple-A, blasting three homers in 11 at-bats.

The first baseman fits the profile of the prototypical first baseman. He hits for power and plays some of the best defense at the position in the minor leagues. Bellinger has continued to become a better hitter as he’s gotten older, and as he’s progressed through the minors. He continues to trend in the right direction, and the 22-year-old will likely get a taste of big league pitching this season. Bellinger has also played in the outfield, and he likely will come up in left field or right field initially. Gonzalez still has two years left on his expensive deal, and he will likely remain a Dodger through the 2018 season at least. Regardless of where Bellinger plays, his bat will produce.

 

Gleyber Torres, SS, New York Yankees

Gleyber Torres has been skyrocketing up all prospect lists over the last couple of years, and rightfully so. The 20-year-old signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2013, and the hype started almost immediately.

Torres made his debut in 2014 and hit .297/.386/.440 with two home runs in 50 games at the Rookie/Single-A levels as a 17-year-old. 2015 saw Torres hit .287/.346/.376 with three homers in 126 games in Single-A. He hadn’t shown the power that scouts expected him to develop, but that changed in 2016. That year, Torres hit .270/.354/.421 with 11 HR and 21 SB in 125 games in Single-A.

Torres is yet to play a game above Single-A, but the tools and talent are real. The Yankees acquired him from the Cubs last season in the Aroldis Chapman trade, and he is the prized possession of the Yankees’ rebuild. Torres was the Cubs’ 23rd-ranked prospect by Baseball America after the 2013 season, and he has steadily climbed to the point he’s at today. The shortstop is ranked third on the MLB Pipeline list of baseball’s top 100 prospects, and he ranks fifth on the same list for Baseball America.

Torres is probably still a year away from the majors, but when he gets there, you can bet he’ll be playing shortstop everyday for the Bronx Bombers. Torres rates as a plus-defender with a plus-arm, and above average hit tools. The Yankees believe they have their heir apparent to Derek Jeter (sorry, Didi Gregorius), and he’s done nothing to indicate that they aren’t right in that summation.

 

Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston Astros

Kyle Tucker is still just scratching the proverbial surface. The 20-year-old product of the legendary Plant High School in Tampa, Florida, was selected with the fifth pick in the 2015 Draft. He got his feet wet in Rookie-ball that year, but he hit just .246/.294/.353 with three homers and 18 SB. Last season, Tucker displayed some of the plus-tools he was believed to have when he was drafted by the Houston Astros. In 2016, Tucker hit .285/.360/.438 with nine home runs, 69 RBI and 32 SB in Single-A. Tucker has shown terrific plate discipline, and the power/speed combination that he showed last year is expected to aid the beginning of Tucker’s ascension through the minor leagues.

Tucker will likely make what is believed to be the biggest jump in the minors this year, which is from Single-A to Double-A. Regardless of how he performs there, he will likely spend much of the year at that level honing his skills. Tucker is on track to possibly make his big league debut in 2018, and the Astros are confident they have yet another budding, young star in the outfielder. He has the potential to be a top-of-the order hitter with 20/20 potential with some good on base capability.

 

Three Down - Falling Prospects

Carson Fulmer, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Carson Fulmer’s rise through the minor leagues was akin to that smart kid in your class who skipped a grade. The comparisons between Fulmer and that baby genius end there. That child probably went on to dominate the fifth grade, but Fulmer didn’t enjoy that same success in the big leagues.

Fulmer was selected eighth overall in the 2015 Draft, and it was expected that the White Sox were going to move him up through their system quickly; that they did. Palmer dominated Rookie-ball and Single-A in 2015, with a 1.96 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 23 innings. He also had a 26/9 K/BB ratio. Despite the dominance, the walks were a bit of a concern. Fulmer pitched in Double-A and Triple-A in 2016, but he also got the call to the show just a year after being drafted. Fulmer struggled at all three levels he pitched in last season. In the minors, all 21 of his appearances were starts, and he was 6-10 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. He had a 104/56 K/BB ratio in 103 innings. In the major leagues, all eight of Fulmer’s games were out of the ‘pen. In 11 2/3 innings, the righty allowed 11 runs and had a 10/7 K/BB ratio.

Fulmer doesn’t throw hard enough to get by with such alarming BB-rates. He has a 4.64 BB/9 IP in 126 career minor league innings, and that total was 5.40 BB/9 IP in his brief taste of big league action last year. Fulmer stands “just” 6-feet tall, and that has had some scouts concerned about the downward trajectory he’d be able to get on his pitches. With his struggles in 2016, those concerns seem very real now. Fulmer will likely end up in a relief role in the big leagues, hurting his fantasy stock immensely. With the trades the White Sox made this offseason- acquiring the likes of Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and even Dane Dunning- Fulmer’s stock in the White Sox’ farm system is starting to plummet quickly.

 

Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Robert Stephenson was drafted in the first round way back in 2011. He turns 24 years old in the next couple of days, and the Reds are hoping that he’s able to contribute this season. Stephenson was progressing nicely through the lower levels of the minors, but his development has hit a snag in the higher levels.

In Rookie-ball and in Single-A in 2012, Stephenson had a 72/23 K/BB ratio in 65 innings, with a 3.18 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. In 2013, Stephenson was very impressive in Single-A, with a 2.67 ERA in 97 2/3 innings at that level. That year, he got a taste of Double-A ball, and started to show his first signs of trouble. In four starts there, he had a 4.86 ERA and 13 BB in 16 2/3 innings. 2014 was Stephenson’s first full year at the Double-A level, and he struggled once again. He had a 4.76 ERA and a 4.87 BB/9 IP in 136 2/3 innings. Despite the struggles, he saw time in both Double-A and Triple-A in 2015. His walk rate was once again an alarming 4.70 BB/9 IP, which led to a 3.83 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Last season was another one to forget for Robert Stephenson. He bounced back and forth between Triple-A and the big leagues, and he had a 4.41 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 136 2/3 innings. That came with a 4.68 BB/9 IP and his K-rate dropped to a career-low 7.90 K/9 IP. In his eight big league starts in 2016, Stephenson had a 31/19 K/BB ratio in 37 inning, and had a 6.08 ERA.

Stephenson is expected to be a part of the Reds’ rotation this season, but if his control issues and struggles in the higher levels of the minors and in the major leagues are any indication, he likely won’t provide much value. His stock is on the way down, and at this rate, his only future (if any) in the big leagues, appears to be as a relief pitcher.

 

Forrest Wall, 2B, Colorado Rockies

Forrest Wall was on almost every top-100 prospect list just a year ago, but his stock has experienced a big drop. The second baseman spent all of 2016 in High-A, and he disappointed with a .264/.329/.355 slash-line, with just six homers (26 extra-base hits) and 22 SB. That came after he hit .286/.366/.439 in Single-A in 2015. Wall has seen his BB-rate fall every season, and has had a corresponding increase in K-rate every season as well. He hasn’t played a day above Single-A yet and the struggles have already started. The 21-year-old is still young enough to put everything together and realize his true potential. A big plus for Wall is that his left-handed bat has shown a fair bit of competence against left-handed pitchers, and his defense appears to be good enough to play at the highest level. The minor leagues are not littered with stud second base prospects, so the Rockies could be patient enough with Wall to give him a couple of years to develop. That said, his value as it stands today is considerably lower than what it was just a year ago.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brandon Aiyuk

49ers' "Optimism Has Run Out" on Brandon Aiyuk
Philip Rivers

Will Start on Sunday Against the Seahawks
Jorge Polanco

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Mets
De'Von Achane

Expected to Play Monday Night
Rome Odunze

Bears Optimistic Rome Odunze Will Play in Week 15
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Return to South Carolina in 2026
Cason Wallace

Off Injury Report Saturday
Keyonte George

Erupts for Career-High 39 Points Against Memphis
Bones Hyland

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Isaiah Joe

To Miss Fourth Straight Game
Isaiah Hartenstein

Removed From Injury Report
Austin Reaves

To Be Re-Evaluated In One Week With Calf Strain
Logan O'Connor

Still Not Ready for Season Debut
Lukas Dostal

Activated From Injured Reserve
NJ

Arseni Gritsyuk Ruled Out for Weekend's Action
Connor Bedard

Ruled Out for Saturday
Zeev Buium

Canucks Acquire Zeev Buium From Wild
Marco Rossi

Moves to Vancouver
Quinn Hughes

Traded to WIld
Joel Embiid

Available Against Indiana
Ja Morant

Back on Friday Night
Rickard Rakell

Available Saturday
Tre Jones

is Returning on Friday
Coby White

Cleared for Action Versus Hornets
Jake Ferguson

Listed as Questionable for Week 15
Bo Horvat

Ruled Out for Saturday
Tre Johnson

to be Limited in Return on Friday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Could Return Monday
Geno Smith

Officially Ruled Out for Week 15
Victor Hedman

to Be Out Until February
Kenny Pickett

to Start in Week 15 Against Eagles
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Available on Friday
Jared McCann

to Miss Three Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
Tyrese Maxey

Under the Weather on Friday
Josh Jacobs

Officially Questionable to Face the Broncos
Victor Wembanyama

Expected to Return on Saturday
Stuart Skinner

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Tristan Jarry

Oilers Acquire Tristan Jarry From Penguins
Anthony Edwards

Sidelined on Friday Evening
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Questionable for Week 15
CFB

Washington State Expected to Hire Kirby Moore as Next Head Coach
CFB

Kyle Whittingham Stepping Down as Utah Head Coach
T.J. Watt

Officially Ruled Out for Monday Night
Manel Kape

Set For UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
Davante Adams

to be Questionable, Expected to Play on Sunday
Brandon Royval

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 112
Rome Odunze

Questionable for Sunday
Kevin Vallejos

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Alvin Kamara

Ruled Out for Sunday
Giga Chikadze

In Dire Need Of Victory
Cesar Almeida

Set To Welcome Cezary Oleksiejczuk To The UFC
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Jayden Daniels

Not Cleared for Contact
T.J. Watt

Undergoes Surgery for Collapsed Lung
Maikel Garcia

Royals Agree on Five-Year Extension
Melquizael Costa

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Looks to Win Second Consecutive Fights
Marcus Buchecha

Looks To Bounce Back
Kennedy Nzechukwu

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 112
King Green

Returns At UFC Vegas 112
Lance Gibson jr

Lance Gibson Jr. Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 112 Main Card
Jake Ferguson

on Track to Play in Week 15
CFB

Sherrone Moore Charged with Home Invasion, Among Other Charges
Jayden Daniels

Cleared for Contact
Tee Higgins

Ruled Out Against Ravens
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Ruled Out for Week 15, Expected Back This Year
Josh Jacobs

"Feeling Pretty Good," Will Practice on Friday
Daniel Gafford

Still Unlikely to Play Friday
Brady Cook

to Get Starting Nod for Jets in Week 15
Khris Middleton

Misses Second Straight Game
Collin Sexton

Sidelined Again Versus Bulls
Coby White

On Track To Suit Up Versus Charlotte
Tre Jones

Expected To Play Friday Vs. Hornets
Ayo Dosunmu

to Miss Friday's Game Vs. Hornets
CFB

Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
Joel Kiviranta

Hurt in Thursday's Win
Lars Eller

Departs Early Versus Blue Jackets
Viktor Arvidsson

Makes Early Exit Against Jets
Bo Horvat

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Win
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Sustains Lower-Body Injury
Roope Hintz

Exits Loss With Injury
Logan Cooley

to Miss at Least Eight Weeks
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

Drops A Decision At UFC 323
Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
Joshua Van

Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
Brandon Moreno

Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Retires After UFC 323 Loss
Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP