Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Prospects (July Update)

July Fantasy Prospect Rankings

In this article, we will regularly take a look at MLB prospects who have the potential to make the biggest fantasy baseball impacts in 2013. There are a lot of great prospects in the minors, and some have more long-term upside then guys listed here, but in this space we will analyze the potential impact prospects for 2013.

1. Nick Castellanos (3B/OF, DET) – Poised for a call-up any day now, Castellanos has hit .319 and 9 HR since May 1 after a slow April. The 3B eligibility also increases his value.
2. Sonny Gray (SP, OAK) – Gray was just called up to the Athletics, but it’s being reported that his role will be bullpen duty. That’s likely to just limit his innings and he’ll be a starter down the fantasy stretch. Don’t sleep on this guy!
3. Michael Wacha (SP, STL) – He’s already proven he can do it in the majors and two of his three starts earlier this season were of the ‘quality’ variety. I love the 1.19 WHIP he posted in those starts as well!
4. Oscar Taveras (OF, STL) – We've all heard the name and he might be the best fantasy prospect in the minors long term, but for this season, he’s still recovering from a serious ankle injury. This guy has keeper potential all over him if he heals up and makes his debut.
5. Billy Hamilton (OF, CIN) – If we go by ‘Player Rater’ (ESPN) or ‘O-Rank’ (Yahoo!), then Hamilton might have the most potential when called up. As long as he gets on base, he’ll be looking to steal every chance he gets. Don’t forget that SS eligibility improves his value, as well.
6. Danny Hultzen (SP, SEA) – The former no. 2 prospect in all of baseball is working his way back from injury. He’s posted two good starts and is stationed at Triple-A. He could burst onto the Seattle scene quickly if he proves he’s 100%.
7. Adam Eaton (OF, ARI) – Eaton was just activated from the DL and is set to begin his career (finally) for the Diamondbacks. He’s not a stud by any means, but can be a decent five-tool fill-in the rest of the way, and a good source of runs.
8. Kyle Zimmer (SP, KC) – The 21-year-old is still just at Double-A, but could make a fantasy playoff impact with the Royals in the second half of the season. He’s their top pitching prospect and has a favorable stadium to perform in.
9. Joc Pederson (OF, LAD) – The Dodgers don’t really have a need for another outfielder, but you can’t ignore what Pederson is doing. He’s got 14 HR and 39 RBI while hitting .299 at Double-A. Add the 25 SB, and you've got the best 5-tool guy in the minors.
10. Taijuan Walker (SP, SEA) – Walker is a stud. He’s only 20 years old, and was recently promoted to Triple-A where he’s given up one run in three starts. He’s not likely called up anytime soon since he’s behind Hultzen, but a late season call-up is justified.
11. Jameson Taillon (SP, PIT) – It was hard to rank Taillon because the Pirates don’t have much need in the rotation for him. He’s working hard on his change-up in the minors and after he gets that down, there isn’t much else for him to learn.
12. Archie Bradley (SP, ARI) – If Walker is the best pitching prospect in the minors then Bradley is 1A. He’s only at Double-A right now, but also working on pitches and delivery to be an all-around better pitcher. He could be up in Arizona to help a Diamondback playoff run.
13. George Springer (OF, HOU) – Springer is on a tear since being promoted to Triple-A batting .422 with 6 HR and 15 RBI in his first 13 games there. The 23 year old is a middle-of-the-order type bat and the future of the Houston offense.
14. Carlos Martinez (SP, STL) – Similarly to Jameson Taillon, Martinez is ranked lower because there just isn’t a need for him in the rotation. He’s pitching better than Michael Wacha right now so perhaps he’ll get the call over him, but I don’t anticipate that unless it’s bullpen work.
15. Travis d'Arnaud (C, TOR) – D’Arnaud hasn't played since April with a foot injury, but is due to return to baseball activities soon. He’s a top catching prospect that projects to deliver average, and power and we may see a major-league audition late in the year.
16. Xander Bogaerts (SS, BOS) – We've had a plethora of middle-infield call-ups this year, and Bogaerts may get his shot later on in the season. Boston is obviously an ideal lineup in which to place a prospect, and Bogaerts can contribute in four categories.
17. Rubby De La Rosa (SP, BOS) – Rubby has already made his debut for the Red Sox, but he’s got good stuff and could be a fifth starter for a playoff team down the stretch. He could also go to the bullpen, which would limit his fantasy usefulness to minimal.
18. Jake Marisnick (OF, MIA) – As we saw with Marcell Ozuna, the Marlins aren’t afraid to call up young guys to see what they have. Marisnick is hitting .295/.362/.498 at Double-A with 10 HRs and 41 RBI. Add the 11 stolen bases and you got sleeper prospect potential.
19. Trevor Bauer (SP, CLE) – I’ll put him on the list for pure talent alone. If he works out his baseball I.Q. and perfects his delivery, Bauer could be a sleeper down the stretch for a team that needs a starter and in the playoff hunt. He is probably the ultimate risk/reward player on this list.
20. Kevin Gausman (SP, BAL) – He should be working on his delivery and location at Triple-A permanently now and awaiting a rotation spot at the major league level. He obviously comes with the risk of his earlier woes this season, but he has very capable, major league stuff.