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

Fantasy Baseball Rookie Risers/Fallers (Week 7)

Jon Denzler reflects on fantasy baseball prospects and rookie debuts from last week, including prospect stocks that are rising and falling for fantasy owners.

Well, the Major League season is already 23% of the way done. Some owners think that they are on their way to victory while others are patiently waiting for things to turn around. Still, while all the victory laps are being taken, the smart owner is looking forward to the rest of the year and finding what value can still be had. While the season always seems to move quickly, the dog days of summer are still upon us.

Now that we are rolling along, so too are the call-ups. This week, the Rotoballer team keeps tabs on all the new names and faces, with insight into their fantasy value to help any team. For owners looking for a cheap spark, look no further.

For redraft, dynasty, or general fantasy players knowing the new prospects is key to begin to plan out FAAB bids and waiver claims. Target or avoid these players to helps teams keep their competitive windows open.

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

 

Rookie Debuts - Stock Up

These players helped their fantasy value with solid debut weeks for their respective team. If not on owners's radars, these players need to be.

 

Nicky Lopez (2B, KC)

A fifth-round pick back in 2016 by the Royals, Lopez has moved through the system quickly due to a polished hit tool. Through 353 career games in professional ball, Lopez has a .296.378/.403 slash with 20 homers and 69 steals. Stepping into what looks to be a starting gig with Kansas City, Lopez has been hitting second and playing second base every day since the call. This means that Whit Merrifield will move to the outfield, and will hint at future moves with the roster. Whatever the case, Lopez seems to be a factor for the team this year with the early call.

Fantasy owners are happy with five hits in 11 ABs so far, but the lack of any counting stats is telling. Lopez will be a good batting average option but will offer little to no power, and perhaps, a handful of steals. The glove will keep him in the team, but when the Royals are competitive, if he is around, expect him to be hitting in the bottom third of the lineup. Stock is up with the early call, but expect D.J. LeMahieu without the power upside. In dynasty, owners can sell while there is some hype for surplus value.

 

Corbin Martin (SP, HOU)

The Houston native and boyhood Astros fan lit up the league in his first start. While only going 5.1 innings, he managed to rack up nine Ks, and only walked one. Getting the call before fellow top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley, Martin was posting a 1.48 ERA over 24.1 innings before the move. While Whitley still has the higher floor of the pair, Martin took a jump to start this year, and now looks to be a key piece in this rotation. With Colin McHugh heading to the bullpen, the spot is there even with some concerns on length.

Martin offers four pitchers, with a plus fastball being the main out pitch. In his one start he tended to sit with this pitch up in the zone but liked to throw the change-up down and away to righties. While the grouping will need to move a bit more to stay ahead of the hitters, the vertical approach can keep getting him Ks without an elite breaking option. Martin is my top FAAB bid this week and owners should break the bank to add a top arm, on a top team. If Whitley is still out there, wait, but if not, this is the target.

 

Cole Irvin (SP, PHI)

In his debut start of the campaign, Irvin worked effectively and posted seven strong innings versus the Royals. Ranked as a mid-teens  prospect within the Phillies organization by most sites, Irvin projects as an SP4 type over the rest of his career. With a fastball that tops out in the high-80s, Irvin will need to use his command to keep batters off his offerings. In his debut, that was the case, with one walks and five Ks. While he did give up five hits, he did not give up a single barrel.

The stock is up since Irvin could be an innings source for desperate fantasy owners. Not only are the Phillies looking to be on pace to win 90 games this year, a start, with length, can add eight or more victories the rest of the way. While he might only be around until Vince Velasquez is back, that still means three starts to show what he has. Expect the K numbers to be down, but the WHIP will make up for that. Irvin could be an SP3 in fantasy with the wins, and an easy, cheap add this week.

 

Rookie Debuts - Stock Neutral

These players neither helped nor hurt their fantasy value in the first week of play.

Austin Riley (3B/OF, ATL)

Even with the early hot start to his career, Riley’s stock is neutral due to playing time concerns. For the time being, it looks like he will have a chance to play in left, or at least, fill in the outfield with Ronald Acuna Jr. moving to center. Not only does Reilley lack real experience in the outfield, but might only be up for the next week or so. Obviously if he keeps hitting, the Braves will make other moves, but for now, watch the injury news on Ender Inciarte for a clear read on how to roster Riley.

In terms of his fantasy value, Riley might be one pf the top hitting options the rest of the way. A plus hit tool coupled with plus plus power makes Riley an offensive threat in all formats. There is a ton of swing-and-miss, with 1.36 Ks per game in the minors. And yet, the potential is there to make up for it, and if owners can settle for a .240 batting line, Riley can be a crucial option this week. Long-term he is still one of the top prospects in fantasy baseball, and for this year, the only real limit is playing time.

 

Rookie Debuts - Stock Down

These players hurt their fantasy value during their first week of play.

Shed Long (2B, SEA)

After the trade to New York and then to Seattle, Long’s stock is down with the move away from Great American. When the hit tool is the key, even something like the park might be key to what options he offers moving forward. After a hot start to the year at Triple-A, Long found himself in the mix due to some roster needs, and got the call sooner than expected. After slashing .295/.364/.535 with four homers over 33 games, Long was putting together his best showing in the upper minors, and peaked interest in the front office. From there he went hitless in 11 ABs with Seattle and is already back down in the minors, so no dice on that FAAB bid.

Long will be a frustrating prospect to own, as the hit tool shows enough promise to profile as a fantasy bat, but also, he lacks the glove to hold down a spot. After starting as a catcher, he has moved to the outfield, and second. If he can stay at second, he profiles as a .260/15/8 option which will be rosterbable in most formats. And yet, returning to the power limits at his home park, the batting average along might not be there to play. Still, with a spot to play on a team entering a rebuild, there might be playing time to boost the line.

 

Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE)

After being added in an intriguing trade with St. Louis last deadline by Cleveland, Mercado been a lingering option to play in the outfield. With any Cleveland outfielder, the context is critical, as there are no firm starts in the team as out now. Jordan Luplow might be the most apparent option, as the only right-handed bat hitting as of now. With left field, Jake Bauers will be rotated through, but also will take some time at first and designated hitter. Center and Mercado’s best spot is held down by Leonys Martin, but when he has not been hitting, there is a change coming soon.

This all means that Mercado will find playing time, but might be too raw for impact as of now. While he was hitting .294 at Triple-A, owners should expect something closer to the .254 career mark in the minors. With minimal power, the speed and glove are the carrying tools. The issue will be the batting line, as he will struggle early, causing the playing time to drop, and therefore limit the steals. For now let others break the bank, but in dynasty try to buy while the stock is down. With playing time he does have value, but the hype is a bit much for the no floor prospect in Cleveland.

More MLB Prospects Analysis




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

Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Scores Three Touchdowns
Joe Burrow

Suffers Turf Toe and Torn Ligaments in Win
Malik Nabers

Explodes for Two Touchdowns in Overtime Thriller
Joe Burrow

Seen with Boot and Crutches Postgame
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Justin Fields

Diagnosed With Concussion Sunday
Tyrod Taylor

Justin Fields Evaluated for Concussion, Tyrod Taylor Enters Game
Joe Burrow

Ruled Out for Remainder of Week 2 With Toe Injury
Joe Burrow

Questionable to Return in Week 2 with Toe Injury
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
Joe Burrow

Leaves Week 2 Game with Apparent Leg Injury
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Ryan Preece

Seems Slower on Concrete Than on Asphalt
NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club's Short-Track Speed Will Likely Hold John H. Nemechek Back
Erik Jones

Definitely Faster This Year, but Short Tracks Still a Liability
Daniel Suarez

Despite Poor Qualifying Run, Daniel Suarez Might Not Be a Great Choice
Noah Gragson

Unlikely to Be Fast at Bristol but Still Might Be Worth Considering for DFS
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Ketel Marte

Expected to Return on Friday
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Aaron Judge

Matches Yankees Legend with Two-Homer Game
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers

RANKINGS

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