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 In Dynasty Baseball (Week 25)? Justice Bigbie, Agustin Ramirez, Jairo Iriarte, Carson Palmquist, more!

Carson Palmquist - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Prospects, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Benjamin looks at top MLB prospect risers for Fantasy Baseball Week 25 (2023). He shares his minor league hitters and pitchers to know as fantasy and dynasty sleepers.

Expanded playoffs have led to more MLB teams still involved in the playoff chase into the month of September. That can be very exciting for fans of those teams as their favorite club makes an effort to reach October...but what about those fans whose team is already out of it?

This week, we include a six-pack of hitters and a six-pack of pitchers of interest from organizations whose MLB team is out of contention in 2023. While learning about more players in the system isn't the same as a playoff chase, it's at least something to get excited about!

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

Justice Bigbie, OF, Detroit Tigers

Bigbie played four years for Western Carolina. While the slash line statistics were excellent, he never displayed standout power or speed in his collegiate time. This led him to fall to the 19th round of the 2021 draft before the Tigers picked him up.

Bigbie didn't catch many eyes last season in his full-season debut, split between Single-A and High-A. He slashed .269/.347/.380 with three home runs and four stolen bases over 406 plate appearances. For a guy who spent most of his time at first base, the lack of power production seemed to predict a future minor league "org guy" sort of role for Bigbie.

After offseason work on swing decisions and his swing path, he has completely turned a switch in 2022. He has played primarily in the corner outfield and slashed .343/.406/.540 with 18 home runs and six steals. He also slashed his strikeout rate, from a respectable 24% in 2022 to an impressive 15% this season.

VERDICT: Many inside and outside the Tigers organization are comparing Bigbie to fellow former 19th-round draft pick Kerry Carpenter, and with good reason. There's impressive bat control and raw power that Bigbie's unlocked this season, though where he will play ultimately leaves him on the deep and mid-size dynasty suggestion for now. He could jump to a must-own in all formats if he continues to build on this season.

Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals

The Royals stayed close to home in the third round of the 2021 draft, selecting Jensen from local Park Hill High School in Kansas City. He immediately showed off his potential and athleticism by slashing .281/.388/.404 and swiping four bags in 19 complex games in his pro debut that year.

Last season was Jensen's introduction to full-season ball as an 18-year-old in Single-A. He showed a little power and speed, with 11 home runs and eight stolen bases. But he also showed that he's not likely going to win a batting title anytime soon, with a swing grooved to air balls out that also led to a .227 batting average.

He's shown similar skills in High-A this season, playing most of the year at age 19. He's powered out 11 home runs, stolen 11 bases, and drawn plenty of walks. But he's also hit .211. The lefty-swinging Jensen has drawn a number of comparisons to Mickey Tettleton with his impressive power and his ability to walk his way on base, though also consistently putting up subpar batting averages.

VERDICT: The Royals already moved an impressive hitting catcher in MJ Melendez to the outfield in deference to Salvador Perez. Jensen could face a similar fate. By the time he's ready for big-league action, he could be the push that the Royals need to move Perez. As with most young catchers before Double-A, hold off for now. But the power is special if he can simply get on base enough to tap into it.

Wilfred Veras, OF, Chicago White Sox

The White Sox signed Veras in July of 2019 out of the Dominican. Due to the pandemic, he did not make his pro debut until 2021. He hit well in the Arizona Complex League, slashing .322/.416/.533 with four home runs, splitting his time between third base and first base.

Veras spent most of the 2022 season between third and first, spending most of the season at Single-A Kannapolis before being promoted to Double-A as part of "Project Birmingham" to end the season. He totaled 20 home runs and a .267/.318/.462 slash line over 113 games.

This year, Veras showed up to camp with improved physicality. The 6'2" right-handed hitter was moved out to right field where his fringe plus arm has played well this year, totaling nine outfield assists. He's also hit .289/.327/.467 with 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases on the year, showing significantly more base running skill in his new shape.

VERDICT: Veras has made himself into an impressive athlete and has legit plus raw power with an extremely fast bat. But he also rarely takes a walk. His bat speed can cover that up to some degree, but it can also be an issue when he begins facing MLB-quality fastballs and breaking stuff. Leave him be until he shows recognition of improvement for dynasty.

Colby Thomas, OF, Oakland Athletics

After choosing to go to school when the Orioles selected him out of high school in Georgia in the 37th round, Thomas was drafted in the third round in 2022 by the A's out of Mercer, signing for $750,000. If it weren't for shoulder surgery, Thomas would have had an argument to be selected at the back end of the first round.

Recovering from the surgery, Thomas did not make his pro debut until this season. He certainly made sure not to waste any time making an impact. Thomas has slashed .286/.351/.493 across both A-ball levels with 63 extra-base hits and 25 stolen bases.

Thomas does struggle with his pitch recognition, walking just 6.5% of the time while also striking out 26% of the time. As a college draftee, that pitch recognition in A-ball levels is something that will require adjustment.

VERDICT: The raw tools from Thomas are impressive, and he's been able to produce on the field so far. No reason to pick him up at any level until he can show an ability to handle upper minors pitching.

Jadiel Sanchez, OF, Los Angeles Angels

Most reviewing Phillies/Angels trades last deadline focused on Brandon Marsh and Logan O'Hoppe. But the two teams made another deal, as the Angels sent Noah Syndergaard to Philly for Mickey Moniak and Sanchez. The Puerto Rico native Sanchez was originally a Phillies draft pick in the 12th round of 2019.

The switch-hitting Sanchez worked his way to Single-A in 2021, but really had his first full season of play as a pro last year. He played 54 games in Single-A, working around multiple injuries. He slashed .259/.315/.426 showing some speed and power, with six home runs and a pair of stolen bases.

This year, Sanchez has been healthy all season, repeating Single-A and hitting all season. He's slashed .297/.378/.475 with 10+ doubles, triples, and home runs and seven steals as well. He's also had impressive plate control, with a 10.6% walk rate and 14.4% strikeout rate.

VERDICT: Sanchez has an impressive arm in right field, which has allowed him to tally 15 assists from the outfield this season and also be part of four double plays. He is still 22 and only in Single-A, however, so put him on a watch list. Let him be until he can show his stuff against upper minors pitching in 2024.

Agustin Ramirez, C, New York Yankees

The Yankees signed Ramirez in 2018 out of the Dominican Republic. He was highly regarded for his raw power and his arm strength and showed that off in his pro debut. He also made 11 errors behind the plate and totaled 14 passed balls.

After the pandemic, the Yankees utilized the next two seasons to work with Ramirez on his receiving and pitch-calling. He's improved somewhat. But as most young receivers deal with, his bat had moments of stagnation as he worked on his backstop skills. He was able to slash .304/.386/.506 in 44 complex games last season.

Built for power, Ramirez has shown that off more in 2023. He jumped up three levels to Double-A while totaling 18 home runs and 40 extra-base hits, also stealing 12 bases. He's also exhibited excellent plate discipline, with a 12.5% walk rate and a 17% strikeout rate.

VERDICT: Ramirez has definite work to do behind the plate, even though he has improved significantly from his pro debut. But the bat might carry him quickly. He's a guy to grab in deep and mid-size dynasty leagues, but there's no need to worry about him in shallow leagues.

 

Top Pitcher Prospects

Statistical highlights:

 

Pitcher Prospect Outlooks: Fantasy Six-Pack

Carson Palmquist, SP, Colorado Rockies

Really not heavily regarded coming out of high school in Florida, Palmquist was plugged into the bullpen at Miami for his first two years of college. He showed enough in his second year to earn a spot on the Team USA roster. He really responded to coaching while playing on the national team before having a strong season for the Hurricanes in 2022, striking out 118 over 84 innings. The Rockies selected the lefty in the third round last summer.

In his first taste of full-season ball this year, Palmquist opened at High-A Spokane and found plenty of success. He earned a promotion to Double-A Hartford, where he's only had a handful of starts but struggled with hard hits. Overall, Palmquist has posted a 4.07 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 86 1/3 innings with a 129/35 K/BB ratio.

Palmquist's major differentiator is a sidearm look from the left side, which gives his pitches a tough angle. However, he doesn't work with any single pitch that grades plus, with his fastball, curve, and change mix each ranking average to above average. The unique arm angle also leads to moments with rough locations for Palmquist. He's been known to "aim" his heater in those moments, leading to very hard hits.

VERDICT: While he's made it to the upper minors as a starter, there's still plenty of reliever risk with Palmquist. He very well could be an excellent reliever from the left side with his unique arm angle. Right now, he's only rosterable in the deepest of dynasty leagues.

Jairo Iriarte, SP, San Diego Padres

The Padres signed Iriarte in July 2018 out of Venezuela. He struggled in his pro debut in 2019 in the Dominican Summer League, posting a 3.31 ERA over 35 1/3 innings. He also posted a 21/14 K/BB ratio and struggled to land his secondary pitches.

Iriarte has grown into his 6'2" frame more and more over the last few years. This past offseason, he took the final step. He showed up this spring with two to three extra ticks of velocity, reaching 100 mph and sitting at 94-96 with his fastball. That has also allowed his slider and change to play up, but it's also led to issues controlling the pitches.

This season, Iriarte has pitched at High-A and Double-A with 85 1/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, an 11.7% walk rate, and a 32.5% strikeout rate. The added movement on all three of his pitches has allowed Iriarte to limit home runs, but he's also plunked nine hitters this year.

VERDICT: The raw stuff is incredibly impressive, but Iriarte's struggle to control his added velocity has a significant reliever risk. The stuff is good enough to roster Iriarte in deep dynasty. Right now, mid-sized and shallow dynasties can have him on a watch list.

Chen-Wei Lin, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals signed Lin this July as the first-ever player in the organization from Taiwan. He spent two summers playing in American summer leagues, finishing with an impressive performance with Frederick this summer in the MLB Draft League.

Lin spent time in the complex league and Single-A this year. The 21-year-old has combined to post a 6.06 ERA over 16 1/3 innings with a 21/12 K/BB ratio.

The 6'7" Lin can brush 100 mph with his fastball, but he is still working to repeat his delivery and especially his arm swing in order to tunnel his pitches better.

VERDICT: Lin has a long way to go, but the raw talent is rare in the Cardinals system right now. It is filled with high-floor, low-upside arms. No reason to roster him yet, but definitely an intriguing talent.

Hunter Barco, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Even though he was strong in his commitment to the University of Florida, Barco went in the 24th round to the Mets in the 2019 draft. He went to school, and he was up and down in his time with the Gators before he had Tommy John Surgery in 2022. This dropped his draft position to the Pirates in the second round.

The 6'4" lefty works with a strong three-pitch mix that is all coming at a hitter from a low arm slot. He "only" tops out in the mid-90s but his fastball plays up when he's fully healthy due to the arm slot and the unique movement the slot creates. He also has a sweeping slider and a change that really pairs well with the heater.

Coming off his surgery this season, he's understandably had command issues. His control has been strong with a solid 7.7% walk rate and a very good 35.9% strikeout rate. He's been more hittable than he (and the Pirates) would like as he's missed spots at times, despite generally filling up the strike zone.

VERDICT: Barco has an excellent lefty mid-rotation build and repertoire. He simply needs to return healthy and comfortable in his delivery to get there. No need to hold him in a dynasty at this point, but he should be high on watch lists coming into 2024.

Mitchell Parker, SP, Washington Nationals

Parker was the rare player who was drafted three times -- first by the Cubs in the 28th round of the 2018 draft out of high school in New Mexico. After, it was by the Rays after his first season of JuCo in the 27th round in 2019 before he finally signed with the Nationals after being drafted in the fifth round in 2020.

With no 2020 season due to the pandemic, Parker made his pro debut in 2021. He was pitching across both A-ball levels, striking out 144 in 101 2/3 innings. The lefty then had a very strong season in High-A, pitching to a 2.88 ERA and 117 strikeouts over 100 innings.

Parker's high arm slot allows his rising low-90s fastball to play up. He pairs that with a trio of average-ish pitches, using a downer curve and a nasty splitter as well as a fringe-average change. While his pitches are average, they have enough movement that they can land out of the zone. That has been Parker's biggest bugaboo in Double-A this season as he's struck out 132 over 113 2/3 innings.

VERDICT: If Parker can repeat his delivery consistently, he has the stuff from the left side to be a strong backend starter. He could be a strong setup guy from the left side if the Nats choose to move him to the bullpen. Neither role is worth using a dynasty spot at this point.

Paul Gervase, RP, New York Mets

The Mets drafted the towering (6'10") righty from Louisiana State in the 12th round of the 2022 draft. He was coming off a season for the Tigers where he made 29 appearances out of the bullpen, striking out 52 over 39 innings and posting a 1.85 ERA. Gervase then went to the Cape Cod League before the draft, striking out 18 over 11 1/3 relief innings with a 1.59 ERA.

Due to his height and extension, Gervase's low-90s fastball really jumps on hitters. He pitches roughly 80% fastballs, altering the shape of the pitch to give it a different look. He mixes in a fringe-average low-80s slider as his "off-speed" pitch.

After working up to Single-A in his pro debut last summer, Gervase has pitched across High-A and Double-A this season. Combined, he's made 37 appearances, tossing 55 innings with a 2.13 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and striking out 37% of hitters. He has struggled with his control at times, walking just short of 17% of batters.

VERDICT: The Mets certainly learned this season the value of a dominant reliever at the back of the bullpen. While Gervase could potentially get there someday, he's not there yet. He shouldn't be held in a dynasty league until he's made a big league bullpen.

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

Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front Row Start, but Probably Won't Sustain It
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience, but It Probably Won't Help
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014 Subbing for Denny Hamlin
Erik Jones

Despite Increased Intermediate Speed, Mexico City Will Likely Be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports's Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr's Worst Track Type
Riley Herbst

Surprisingly Outqualified 23XI Racing Teammates at Mexico City
Cody Ware

a Very Experienced Road Racer, but Still a Longshot
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win in Mexico City
Christopher Bell

the Chalk DFS Play in Mexico City
Tyler Reddick

Has a Lot of Work To Do To Be Competitive in Mexico
AJ Allmendinger

Struggling to Find Speed in Mexico City
Chris Buescher

Says Car is "Bad Fast" Heading into Mexico City Race
Michael McDowell

Confident Heading into Viva Mexico 250
Giancarlo Stanton

Likely Returning Early Next Week
Spencer Strider

Registers 13 Strikeouts
Hunter Brown

s Records 12 Strikeouts
Emeka Egbuka

"the Talk" of Bucs Minicamp
Royce Lewis

to be Placed on Injured List
Byron Buxton

Exits Early on Saturday
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Jaxson Dart

Working as No. 2 QB During Offseason Workouts
Xavier Gipson

Roster Spot Could be in Jeopardy
Josh Reynolds

the Front-Runner for WR2 Duties
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up This Offseason
Breece Hall

Motivated Going into 2025 Season
Brandon Aiyuk

Making Good Progress From Knee Injury
Keon Coleman

Inconsistent at Minicamp
Mitchell Trubisky

Not a Lock for Backup Job
Dalton Kincaid

Adds Strength and Bulk
James Cook

a Full Participant in Mandatory Minicamp
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Jacob Misiorowski

Expected to Make Next Start
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Charlie Morton

Continues Good Work With 10 Strikeouts
James Wood

Homers, Drives in Four
Agustín Ramírez

Agustin Ramirez Homers Twice to Snap Skid
Isaac Paredes

Astros Hopeful Isaac Paredes Can Avoid the Injured List
Royce Lewis

Dealing With Hamstring Strain
Kodai Senga

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain
Gleyber Torres

Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Jonathan India

Leaves With Apparent Shoulder Injury
Evan Carter

Leaves Early With Wrist Soreness
Anthony Richardson

Should be Fine for Training Camp
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
A.J. Puk

Pauses Throwing Program
Matt Chapman

Can Begin Rehabbing in a Week
Logan Gilbert

Next Start Could Come in the Big Leagues
Cam Akers

Joining Saints
Yordan Alvarez

Still Not Hitting
Michael Mayer

to Get More Involved
Aaron Rodgers

DK Metcalf Building Chemistry with Aaron Rodgers
Colston Loveland

Likely to be Primary Tight End
Jacob Wilson

Returns on Friday
Justin Martinez

Out 12-13 Months With UCL Sprain
Will Johnson

Returns to Practice
Harold Fannin Jr.

Could Have Big Role in Rookie Season
Quentin Johnston

Still Running With Starters
Rashawn Slater

Takes Part in Minicamp
Jack Bech

Mostly Working With Second-Team Offense
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Cody Brundage

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alonzo Menifield

Opens Up UFC Atlanta Main Card
Oumar Sy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Kevin Porter Jr.

Likely to Decline Player Option
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Kevin Durant

Knicks Not Looking to Trade for Kevin Durant
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
Darius Garland

Kings Targeting Darius Garland
Kevin Durant

Expected to Be Moved Soon
Sean O'Malley

Submitted For The First Time In His Career
Merab Dvalishvili

Defends Bantamweight Belt At UFC 316
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena No Longer A Champion
Kayla Harrison

Is The New Champion
Joe Pyfer

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kelvin Gastelum

Drops Decision
Patchy Mix

Drops Decision In His UFC Debut
Mario Bautista

Extends His Win Streak
Vicente Luque

Submitted At UFC 316
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF