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Welcome back, RotoBallers! We're heading into Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season. 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 last week.
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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Spencer Horwitz - 1B, Toronto Blue Jays
Level: Triple-A
2023 stats: 77 G, .319/.432/.465, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 42 R, 6 SB, 15.5 BB%, 16.1 K%, .371 BABIP, .405 wOBA, 131 wRC+
Without a doubt, the Blue Jays found a diamond in the rough by selecting Spencer Horwitz in the 24th round of the 2019 draft. He is an impressive left-handed hitter who takes control of the strike zone every time he steps into the box. Horwitz's offensive profile is his calling card, delivering walks, cutting down on strikeouts, and producing power to all parts of the field. Defensively, he has primarily been limited to first base, though he could be a near-full-time designated hitter by his thirties.
This past week saw great results from Horwitz as he went 17-for-32 (.531) with three homers, 11 RBI, two walks, and five strikeouts. Interestingly enough, this hot streak wasn't enough to earn him a promotion to the majors, but his time will come. Horwitz figures to deliver an impactful bat to the big-league squad in no time.
Connor Phillips - SP, Cincinnati Reds
Level: Triple-A
2023 stats: 18 G, 18 GS, 3-2, 82.1 IP, 3.17 ERA, .365 BABIP, 14.65 K/9, 4.26 BB/9, 1.34 WHIP, .228 OBA
Connor Phillips is one of the top pitchers in a Reds farm system that might be the best in the league. Selected 64th overall by the Mariners in 2020, Phillip was flipped to Cincinnati in last summer's trade centered around Luis Castillo. The 22-year-old has an impressive heater that nearly touches triple-digits, as well as a slider and curveball that are both capable of missing bats. He can also keep hitters off guard and set the tone in at-bats with his changeup.
During his outing Friday, Phillips lasted seven innings, allowing zero runs on three hits and two walks. Most notably, he struck out an impressive 11 batters in the effort. While the Reds' minor league position players have generated plenty of hype, don't sleep on the plethora of young arms headlined by Phillips himself.
Sean Roby - 3B, San Francisco Giants
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 28 G, .278/.346/.598, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 16 R, 8.4 BB%, 28.0 K%, .331 BABIP
Sean Roby is a JUCO product who joined the Giants organization during the 2018 MLB Draft. He has slowly progressed through the lower levels of the minors, reaching Double-A in 2022 but dropping back down to High-A in 2023 as he recovers from an injury. The 25-year-old's best tool is definitely his power, which he has consistently displayed over the last six years. With that said, his discipline at the plate is iffy, and his defensive projection is nothing more than an average first baseman.
This past week was a big one for Roby as he went 9-for-25 (.360) with four homers, 11 RBI, two walks, and five strikeouts. Beyond displaying impressive power, he made headlines with a staggering 472-foot dinger as part of a 10-base effort last Tuesday. The corner infielder certainly looks healthy and should return to Double-A very soon.
Drew Thorpe - SP, New York Yankees
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 16 G, 16 GS, 10-1, 99.1 IP, 2.08 ERA, 2.96 FIP, 11.23 K/9, 2.81 BB/9, 49.3 GB%, .288 BABIP
The Yankees struck gold with Drew Thorpe, a 2022 second-round pick who has already been ranked by MLB Pipeline as the best pitching prospect in New York's farm system. The right-hander flashes a fine fastball, but he really makes his impact felt with an elite changeup that misses bats, as well as a slider that is also quite effective late in counts. Thorpe has used his advanced repertoire and tremendous command to induce strikeouts, avoid walks, and limit balls put in play.
This past week was another big one for Thorpe as he continued to make a name for himself in the minors. He tossed eight full innings on Saturday, allowing zero runs, two hits, and one walk. Most importantly, he struck out a whopping 13 batters in the process. The Cal Poly product is already producing great results just one year into his pro career. At this rate, he could fill a mid-rotation role for the big-league club in no time.
Josiah Sightler - 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 25 G, .444/.518/.778, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 24 R, 1 SB, 12.5 BB%, 10.7 K%, .432 BABIP
Josiah Sightler is a 23-year-old first baseman who joined the Pirates as a 15th-round pick during the 2022 MLB Draft. The South Carolina product possesses impressive power as a lefty, primarily pulling baseballs while also drawing walks and keeping strikeouts to a minimum.
He offers much-needed stability as a valuable defender and hitter at first base, a position that had previously been somewhat devoid of talent in the pipeline. Given his hot start and the Pirates' need for a franchise first baseman, Sightler has the chance to become an everyday contributor as early as late next season.
Of course, Sightler isn't waiting for a promotion to start swinging a hot bat. He did so just this past week, going 15-for-28 with four homers, eight RBI, three walks, and four strikeouts. He also added a stolen base.
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