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

Hot MLB Prospects To Know For Fantasy Baseball - Week 9

fantasy baseball prospects MLB prospects rookies call-ups

A look at the top prospects who impressed during Week 8 of the 2023 season in the minor leagues and may become strong fantasy baseball waiver wire stashes or pickups.

Welcome back, RotoBallers! The regular season is in full gear. We're heading into Week 9 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 8.

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.

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

 

Colt Keith - 3B, Detroit Tigers

Level: Double-A
2023 stats
: 36 G, .309/.379/.577, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 25 R, 8.9 BB%, 23.7 K%, 156 wRC+, .422 wOBA, .363 BABIP

Keith is a fast-rising prospect in the Tigers' system who has continued to turn heads throughout various levels of affiliated ball. The 21-year-old impresses from the left side of the plate with a swing that is fast yet under control. As a result, he is capable of putting the ball in play at a high rate, and he has also reduced his strikeout rate following a tough 2021 campaign.

Keith lacks range but has a very strong and effective throwing arm, suggesting his long-term home will be third base despite spending time at second base in the minors. His glovework is currently average at best, but it's an area that he should be able to develop before he reaches the majors.

This past week was unforgettable for Keith. The infielder went 13-for-25 with four homers, 10 RBI, four walks, and five strikeouts. Although he had multiple strong outings during this six-game stretch, his best came on May 16 when he went 6-for-6, slugged two home runs, and hit for the cycle.

 

Julio Robaina - SP, Houston Astros

Level: Double-A
2023 stats
: 7 G, 4 GS, 2-3, 31.1 IP, 3.47 FIP, .299 BABIP, 7.47 K/9, 2.59 BB/9, 40.0 GB%

Robaina, 22, was signed by the Astros out of Cuba in 2017. The southpaw throws a low-90s fastball, and although he does a fine job locating the pitch, it lacks the spin or velocity needed to be a truly lethal offering. From time to time, he also throws a changeup that has flashed potential with impressive fade. However, he struggles to command this off-speed offering and therefore doesn't use it a whole lot.

Robaina rounds out his three-pitch mix with a curveball, which is undoubtedly his best offering. It has nasty vertical break, and the lefty is able to command it quite well. As a result, it is more than just a putaway pitch and can work off the fastball in various counts.

During his start last Wednesday, Robaina tossed 6.1 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and zero walks. He struck out a whopping 10 batters and was credited with the win in what was arguably the best outing of his career. Perhaps this big game is a sign of things to come for Robaina as he looks to demonstrate increased consistency on the mound.

 

Gavin Cross - OF, Kansas City Royals

Level: High-A
2023 stats:
37 G, .212/.299/.452, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 23 R, 9 SB, 9.6 BB%, 32.9 K%, 109 wRC+, .339 wOBA, .279 BABIP

Cross, a 2022 first-round pick, is widely regarded as the top prospect in the Royals' farm system. The Virginia Tech product played so well through just 26 games at Single-A last season that he started 2023 in High-A. The quick promotion has resulted in an underwhelming stat line through the first month-plus of action, but there's still a whole lot to love about Cross' makeup.

A lefty, Cross demonstrated improved bat control in his latter college years and even into pro baseball. There were also some indications that he had been able to cut down on strikeouts, but his 32.9 K% in 2023 suggests we may need to be a little more patient on that front. Defensively, he has the range needed to play in center field long-term but could probably handle a shift to right field if necessary.

This past week was a big one for Cross as he went 9-for-24 with five home runs, 11 RBI, six walks, and 10 strikeouts. He also swiped two bags. Despite a strikeout rate that continues to be elevated, Cross' latest outings suggest that his offensive dominance is returning after a slow start to the season.

 

Connor McCullough - SP, Chicago White Sox

Level: Single-A
2023 stats:
6 G, 6 GS, 3-2, 32.1 IP, 1.67 ERA, 2.44 FIP, 10.86 K/9, 1.67 BB/9, .247 BABIP, 51.4 GB%

McCullough, 23, was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Kansas State in 2022. A low-risk addition at the time, the right-hander has developed into a very promising arm within Chicago's system. Despite a limited sample size, one could argue that the White Sox found a true diamond in the rough.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound hurler has a standard four-pitch mix with a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. The fastball and curveball appear to be his best two offerings; they complement each other nicely and both have proven to be effective at striking batters out. He has also done a great job locating the strike zone, minimizing walks and home runs, and inducing plenty of weak contact.

This past week, McCullough delivered an impressive seven-inning no-hitter. He allowed just one walk and struck out eight batters along the way. Furthermore, he has not allowed a single run through three starts in the month of May. Keep an eye on McCullough because it appears the White Sox might have uncovered a rising star.

 

Jackson Holliday - SS, Baltimore Orioles

Level: High-A
2023 stats:
21 G, .286/.322/.595, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 1 SB, 5.6 BB%, 21.1 K%, 141 wRC+, .402 wOBA, .288 BABIP

Making his second appearance of the season on this list is Holliday. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft has been hitting the ball quite well in the minors. He has a rare ability to do it all at the plate, whether it be pushing the ball to the opposite field, working counts and drawing walks, or driving in runs.

Viewed as a five-tool player, Holliday is equally talented on defense and should have no trouble sticking at shortstop long-term with his advanced glovework, strong arm, and fantastic range. Additionally, his baseball IQ is quite impressive for a 19-year-old. Barring any hiccups, he should have a quick ascension to the majors.

This past week, less than one month after his promotion to High-A, Holliday went 13-for-21 with two homers, 14 RBI, three walks, one strikeout, and two stolen bases. These are impressive numbers across the board, from his exceptionally strong ability to drive in runs to his rare knack for avoiding strikeouts.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Prospects and Rookies




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

Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF