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

Do These Prospects Matter for Fantasy Baseball? Druw Jones, Brooks Lee, Dylan Lesko, Owen Murphy, more

Emmet Sheehan - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Benjamin looks at top MLB prospects risers for fantasy baseball Week 17 (2023). His minor league hitters and pitchers to know as fantasy and dynasty sleepers.

Major League Baseball has now passed the midseason point, and multiple prospect promotions have occurred over the last week. This will be something to watch over the next couple of weeks before the trade deadline, as teams attempt to showcase potential "trade bait" players.

The biggest baseball even that affected the minor leagues recently was the MLB draft, held July 9-11. In light of the draft happening and providing an influx of players into the minors, it would be wise to reflect back on the selections in last summer's draft to check in on how they are doing in pro ball - at least those that haven't been featured yet.

Look here for insight on potential fantasy baseball dynasty league pickups before they hit and to get to know players as they ascend to the major leagues!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Top Hitter Prospects

Statistical highlights:

Hitter Prospect Outlooks: Fantasy Six-Pack

Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Considered by many to be the most talented player in the draft in 2022, Jones was selected second overall by the Diamondbacks. The son of former Braves star Andruw Jones, Druw was considered to have advanced defensive instincts as well as a blend of other tools.

Between injuries and difficulties barreling the ball, Jones has had a very slow start to his pro career. He opened the season in Single-A Visalia, hitting .175/.283/.200 across 10 games before going on the injured list in late April. He went on a rehab assignment with one of the Diamondbacks' complex league teams upon returning, and he's played four games on the complex, getting two hits over 12 at-bats.

Jones has shown positive skills in his plate discipline, walking 13% of the time though he's also been criticized for potentially being passive at the plate, leading to a 28% strikeout rate as well. That said, a hamstring strain has been the major culprit in his early struggles, so it will be interesting to see how the rest of 2023 plays out.

VERDICT: Those who argued loud for Jones over Jackson Holliday in FYPD drafts are eating a bit of crow right now, but he still has massive talent. He may simply take a "normal" amount of time to mature and reach the majors for a high schooler, instead of the advanced track many thought he'd be on. He should definitely be rostered in deep leagues, and in shallow leagues, he should still carry plenty of trade value if you can't wait that long for him to get healthy and adjust to pro ball.

Jacob Berry, 3B/1B, Miami Marlins

When the Marlins called LSU infielder Berry's name with the sixth pick, it surprised many within the industry. Berry was seen as a strong power hitter but also a free swinger that may get exposed in pro ball.

His debut did nothing to quell those thoughts, as he hit .248/.343/.362 across complex ball and A-ball with just three home runs. It wasn't his strikeouts that did him in though, as he struck out just 17.5%. This season he was bumped up to High-A, and while the strikeout rate has gone up, it's still reasonable at 20.8%, but his walk rate has plummeted to 4.4% and he's struggled to drive the ball, with a .140 ISO.

The big concern in his overall profile is that Berry's defense has been rough at third base, to say the least (16 errors in 58 games this season, a pace of 41 over a season with 150 games). He's played more first base this season, but the Marlins are attempting to be patient with him.

VERDICT: I'm all the way out on Berry. I had him significantly low in 2023 FYPD rankings, and even then, I had him above guys that I'd definitely take over him now. I see no reason to roster him until he can figure out how to drive the ball. This could turn into a second dose of JJ Bleday for Miami.

Brooks Lee, SS, Minnesota Twins

After a strong career at Cal Poly, Lee was selected eighth overall by the Twins last season. He jumped out and worked his way all the way to Double-A by the end of his pro debut, hitting .303/.389/.451 with four home runs in just 31 games.

Lee opened his season in Double-A this year, and he produced rather "meh" results in the first half of the season, posting a .265/.341/.420 line over 62 games, but since Wichita hosted Northwest Arkansas beginning June 28, Lee has been on a tear. He's hit .346/.436/.692, not just controlling the strike zone and getting hits, but driving the ball frequently.

Defensively, the Twins have been very pleased with his work at shortstop, where Lee is more steady than flashy. He may end up moving to second or third in the majors, but his hands and reactions are such that he should definitely work on the dirt.

VERDICT: Lee had a high pedigree for hitting coming out of college, and he's actually exceeded expectations based on college performance. He should be in Triple-A by the end of the year and could contribute to a playing time conundrum in Minnesota around the infield in 2024. Lee should be owned in all dynasty formats.

Gavin Cross, OF, Kansas City Royals

After leading an explosive Virginia Tech offense for two years, Cross was drafted by the Royals with the ninth pick in the 2022 draft. He had a strong pro debut, hitting .312/.437/.633 with eight home runs and four stolen bases in 29 games.

There were some concerns due to Cross's passive-aggressive approach that have come through strong as he moved up to High-A this season. So far, he's hit .203/.294/.373 with 10 home runs and 19 stolen bases over 80 games, but his walk rate has dropped below 10% and his strikeout rate has ballooned over 30%.

Blessed with an impressive arm that had him initially recruited as a two-way talent to the Hokies. His center field is average to above average, but adding in that arm and moving to right could allow Cross to be one of the elite defensive right-fielders in the game.

VERDICT: Cross has elite raw talent, but a typical college bat drafted as high as he was would be in Double-A quickly. He may take more time to develop than many expected, but the talent is still there. Certainly a guy to own in deep dynasty, but if you can't hold on while he develops, he might be a drop.

Kevin Parada, C, New York Mets

Georgia Tech has a history of producing first-round catchers, from Jason Varitek to Matt Wieters to Joey Bart and Parada joined the group as the 11th overall selection last summer. Parada bombed out in his draft year, hitting 26 home runs for the Yellow Jackets.

Parada absolutely has the bat to stick, but whether he'll be able to handle the work behind the plate as he climbs up levels remains to be seen, as he's struggled to control the run game, allowing 84% of runners to successfully steal. He's also tallied six passed balls and seven errors behind the plate in 51 games.

However, with the stick, Parada hit .270/.353/.463 with 10 home runs. He's walked 9% and struck out 24%. He's really turned it on since June 1, hitting .298/.361/.534 with seven of his home runs in that time.

VERDICT: Parada's bat is major-league quality, and he makes adjustments on the fly at the plate. The Mets will do all they can to keep him behind the plate for at least the next year before his bat may force a position change. The bat is worth rostering in all dynasty leagues, but if he could stick at catcher, Parada could be a top-10 fantasy catcher.

Jace Jung, 2B, Detroit Tigers

The younger brother of Texas Rangers infielder Josh Jung, Jace had an impressive career in college, hitting .328/.468/.647 over three seasons for Texas Tech and clubbing 39 home runs over 136 games. Jung was able to produce an impressive walk rate in his pro debut with High-A West Michigan.

Jung returned to West Michigan to open the season, and he's been able to show plenty of power and draw walks. Jace started the season slowly, hitting .228/.353/.386 through May 28, but since May 30, he's hit .276/.400/.537 with eight of his 13 home runs on the season. He's posted consistently strong walk rates all season, but his strikeout rate has gone down each of the three months of the season.

Jung is incredibly sure-handed at the keystone. He doesn't have the arm or range to move to the left side of the infield, but his hands should allow him to be a potential Gold Glove defender at second base and certainly, he should stay there as he moves up to the majors.

VERDICT: Jung should find his way to Double-A soon, with the chance that he could find his way to the majors in 2024. His ownership is surprisingly low in deep and shallow dynasties. It should be higher for a guy who could give 20+ homers and a strong OBP from the 2B position.

 

Top Pitcher Prospects

Statistical highlights:

Pitcher Prospect Outlooks: Fantasy Six-Pack

Gabriel Hughes, SP, Colorado Rockies

Considered by many to be the top pitcher available in the 2022 draft, Hughes ended up going off the board with the tenth selection after an impressive college career with Gonzaga, striking out 218 over 171 innings.

The Rockies pushed Hughes straight to Single-A for his pro debut, and he made one start. This year, he opened with High-A Spokane and has now made six starts with Hartford. Overall, he's posted a 6.21 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and struck out 83 over 66 2/3 innings.

Hughes is still really learning on the mound after spending his first two years of college as a two-way player. He works with a mid-90s fastball and has a plus slider as his second pitch. He also mixes in a cutter and a change.

VERDICT: Hughes has the tools to be a mid-rotation arm, but with a fastball that is quite straight in Colorado, he may need a change of scenery to work in the rotation, but his fastball/slider combination could allow him to be very strong out of the bullpen.

Dylan Lesko, SP, San Diego Padres

If it were not for Tommy John surgery, Lesko may have repeated as the Gatorade National Player of the Year and gone top-five in the draft last summer. Instead, he was the 15th overall selection by the Padres.

Lesko's elite pitch as a prep was his fading change. He touches the upper-90s and sits 93-95. His breaking pitch is a 12-6 curve with elite spin but he sometimes struggles to locate the pitch.

The Padres started Lesko in complex ball, and he's made four appearances, yet to throw more than two innings. He has struck out nine over five innings and has shown above-average command and control, but he's been hit hard so far.

VERDICT: Lesko has potential frontline stuff if his curve can catch up to the fastball and change. He's a guy to hold if you own him, but I'd not pursue him until he's able to locate better with his breaker.

Owen Murphy, SP, Atlanta Braves

Monday, Quinn Priester made his debut for the Pirates. Murphy drew a lot of comparisons to Priester coming into the 2022 draft, and not just because they both were Illinois prep pitchers. The Braves nabbed Murphy with the 20th pick.

He had an impressive few games in his pro debut after being drafted, striking out 17 over 12 innings. This season has been up and down with Single-A Augusta, posting a 4.44 ERA over 50 2/3 innings, striking out 67.

Murphy has a good feel for four pitches, leading with his mid-90s fastball that can induce weak contact along with a hammer curve. The Braves are working with Murphy to develop his slider shape, akin to the same pitch that Luke Jackson and Spencer Strider have thrown with success.

VERDICT: Murphy is a strong athlete and has a consistent delivery, portending a future mid-rotation starter. Though he has a strong floor, Murphy's upside may not be as high as one would like for a high school arm to own in a dynasty before he hits the upper minors.

Brandon Barriera, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

The top prep lefty in the draft, the Blue Jays nabbed Barriera with the 23rd pick, after Brandon dominated the summer showcases in 2021. He made waves at instructs with the Jays but didn't make his pro debut until this season.

He struggled in Single-A this season, posting a 5.40 ERA over 13 1/3 innings, walking six, hitting four batters, and uncorking two wild pitches, but he also struck out 18. While Barriera has an impressive collection of four above-average pitches, he can get a bit stiff on the backside of his delivery, which has been part of his control issues.

As he develops, his combination of stuff from the left side could allow him to be a mid-rotation starter or even better if he can really work on his command and control.

VERDICT: The talent is absolutely there with Barriera, and he has an impressive demeanor on the mound. Once he "gets it" with consistent control, he should move quickly to the upper minors. Like most prep arms, Barriera is best served in a deep dynasty until he works his way to the upper minors or shows absolutely elite stuff.

Noah Schultz, SP, Chicago White Sox

The White Sox picked lanky lefty Schultz with the 26th selection in the first round. Standing 6'9", Schultz towers from the mound. He works with a mid-90s fastball that he throws from a low slot, making it extremely difficult to pick up.

Schultz adds in a sweeping low-80s slider and a mid-80s change to balance the fastball. He has a very lean frame, but he does a very good job keeping his long limbs in sync.

Schultz has yet to allow a run in his pro debut in Single-A. He's tossed 14 1/3 scoreless innings to start his pro career, allowing just five hits and two walks while striking out 21.

VERDICT: The makeup and pitch mix for Schultz are quite impressive, but he's still very young in his career, so there's no need to jump on picking him up quite yet, but his blend of size and stuff could be one that jumps quickly into top-100 lists.

Reggie Crawford, SP, San Francisco Giants

Many were surprised to hear Crawford's name called with the 30th overall pick last summer by the Giants, and even more so when he was announced as a two-way player.

Crawford would have been one of the top prospects in the 2022 draft if not for surgery that kept him out the entire year. He's still hitting, but his focus has been pitching this season, as he's tossed 12 innings with a 4.50 ERA and a 19/6 K/BB ratio. At the plate, he's put up a .250/.278/.563 line over 18 plate appearances.

The 6'4" lefty lights up the radar gun with a fastball that sits mid-90s and touches triple digits. He adds in a plus slider, but his change needs significant work. At the plate, Crawford has huge power but needs more refinement in his eye at the plate.

VERDICT: Crawford's got incredible raw talent, but whether on the mound or at the plate, he needs plenty of polish, still working his way back from surgery. He will be older than a typical prospect as he works his way up. There's no reason to add him at this point, but his talent is absolutely one to keep an eye on.

Check back again next week for more evaluations and look behind the numbers!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Prospects and Rookies




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

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF