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Welcome back, RotoBallers! The regular season is in full gear. We're heading into Week 10 of the fantasy baseball season, and while there has already been plenty of action in the majors, we can't ignore some of the top prospect performances that took place in the minor leagues during Week 9.
It's imperative to monitor the top fantasy baseball prospects who have turned heads thus far. The players listed here are not only coming off dominant weeks but have also impressed over the entire season. Don't be surprised when these exact names are painting corners, mashing homers, and swiping bags at the big-league level soon.
Fantasy managers should certainly keep an eye on these players over the long haul as they may prove to be excellent adds in no time.
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Davis Wendzel - SS, Texas Rangers
Level: Triple-A
2023 stats: 44 G, .252/.375/.497, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 13.0 BB%, 23.2 K%, 109 wRC+, .386 wOBA, .296 BABIP
Wendzel, a Baylor product, was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. Offensively, he does a good job putting bat to ball on pitches in the zone but remains vulnerable when chasing pitches away. He has shown flashes of power at times but doesn't project as someone who will be a major home run threat.
Defensively, Wendzel is a smooth fielder with an above-average arm. These traits make up for his subpar range and could allow him to stick at shortstop long-term, though he could certainly survive a shift to second or third base.
Wendzel is coming off a huge week in which he went 10-for-19 with four homers, eight RBI, five walks, and three strikeouts. He showed a blend of power and discipline, demonstrating key strides at the plate as the month comes to a close.
Kyle Harrison - SP, San Francisco Giants
Level: Triple-A
2023 stats: 11 G, 11 GS, 0-2, 34.1 IP, 3.67 ERA, 4.12 FIP, .286 BABIP, 15.99 K/9, 8.13 BB/9, 35.1 GB%
Harrison, 21, is widely viewed as the number one prospect in the Giants' system. Selected in the third round of the 2020 draft, he has quickly climbed through the ranks of affiliated ball through just over two seasons in the San Francisco system. Now, as he puts on a show at Triple-A, one could theorize that Harrison's MLB debut will come sooner rather than later.
The southpaw has developed a fantastic three-pitch repertoire with a mid-90s fastball, mid-80s changeup, and low-80s slider. All three offerings have different movements and speeds but continue to achieve the same goal: miss bats and induce strikeouts. Harrison's advanced control and command help the cause, too.
This past week, Harrison made two starts. He allowed zero runs and just one hit while striking out 14 batters over just 7.2 innings of work. He also walked four batters and plunked one in the process. While Harrison issued free passes a little too often, he did a great job striking out batters while limiting hits and runs. He should be making an impact in the Giants' rotation very soon.
Alberto Rodriguez - OF, Seattle Mariners
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 37 G, .329/.415/.657, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 R, 1 SB, 10.3 BB%, 21.2 K%, 171 wRC+, .460 wOBA, .390 BABIP
Rodriguez, now 22, signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent back in 2017. He spent some time in rookie ball before being flipped to the Mariners in the 2020 Taijuan Walker trade. He has produced varying results since joining the Seattle organization but continues to be viewed as one of the club's consensus top-30 prospects.
Rodriguez has faced major discipline issues at the plate, struggling to consistently connect on pitches in the zone and avoid pitches up, down, in, or out. He grades as an average defender who lacks the flashy speed needed for center field or the strong arm of a right fielder. As a result, he'll likely operate as a left fielder or designated hitter for the big league club, meaning his bat would need to come alive in order for him to stay on the roster.
This past week, the 5-foot-10, 225-pound outfielder showed just how much upside he offers at the plate. Rodriguez logged a hit in all seven games, going 13-f0r-24 with a whopping six homers and 15 RBI. He also drew one walk and struck out seven times.
Jacob Misiorowski - SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Level: Single-A
2023 stats: 8 G, 8 GS, 1-1, 22.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 1.62 FIP, 16.28 K/9, 3.57 BB/9, .265 BABIP, 38.2 GB%
Misiorowski was the Brewers' second-round pick in 2022. He is a physical specimen, checking in at 6-foot-7 and 190 pounds. This type of makeup has created some control problems for the hurler, but he still shows upside by converting his size into impressive velocity.
The right-hander touches the mid-to-upper-90s with his fastball, producing a rising action and effectively missing opponents' bats. He also has a mid-80s slider that breaks out of the zone and baffles hitters expecting a heater. He is also developing a curveball and changeup, both of which could become solid tertiary options within his repertoire. It's also worth noting that the 21-year-old has not allowed a single home run through 10 starts in pro baseball.
During his start last week, Misiorowski tossed five shutout innings, racking up nine strikeouts while allowing one walk and zero hits. It was a truly impressive outing for the JUCO product as he bounced back from a season-worst four-run outing on May 19.
Aaron Palensky - OF, New York Yankees
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 32 G, .352/.434/.744, 12 HR, 34 RBI, 29 R, 10 SB, 10.5 BB%, 23.8 K%, 205 wRC+, .508 wOBA, .405 BABIP
After underperforming at Double-A in 2021, Palensky spent all of 2022 with the Yankees' High-A affiliate in Hudson Valley. He also opened 2023 with the Renegades, but his production in April and May suggests that he could return to Double-A soon.
Palensky was never viewed as a huge power hitter, but it may be time to rethink that as he averages 0.375 homers per game this year. He has also continued to show a solid approach at the plate, drawing walks at a high rate. Defensively, he lacks the speed needed for center field and will likely wind up in left field long-term.
This past week, Palensky went 13-for-21 with two homers, seven RBI, three walks, and six strikeouts. He also stole three bases, bringing him to 10 on the year and breaking his previous single-season best. The outfielder continues to produce tremendous results this year and should be monitored by fantasy managers in dynasty formats.
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