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

Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF