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 Watch For Fantasy Baseball - Week 17

fantasy baseball prospects MLB prospects rookies call-ups

A look at top prospects who impressed during Week 17 of the 2022 fantasy baseball season in the minor leagues and may be strong waiver wire stashes or pickups.

Welcome back RotoBallers, the All-Star break is in the rearview mirror. We're heading into Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season, and the minor league season rages on. It would be foolish to proceed without highlighting the top performances from Week 17.

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 waiver wire adds in no time.

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

 

Joseph Ortiz - SS, Baltimore Orioles

Level: Double-A
2022 stats: 87 G, .258/.314/.416, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 43 R, .295 BABIP, .321 wOBA, 6.4 BB%, 18.0 K%

The Orioles selected Ortiz, a New Mexico State product, in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He is a defense-first player with phenomenal glovework and a plus arm. He projects as the Orioles' shortstop of the future, using his fantastic baseball instincts, fluid footwork, and great glove-to-throw skills. He isn't super speedy, but he has enough range to cover the shortstop position adequately.

Ortiz has never been known as a major power hitter, but he has seen a somewhat surprising uptick in homers over the last couple of seasons. He's an average hitter who will ideally cut down on strikeouts and develop a bit more discipline before he reaches the big-league level.

All criticism aside, Ortiz is coming off a huge week in Double-A. Through six games, he went 14-for-27 with three homers, four doubles, 11 RBI, and nine runs. The 24-year-old undoubtedly factors into Baltimore's future plans and could have some low-end fantasy appeal in the majors as soon as 2024.

 

Spencer Stockton - RP, Cincinnati Reds

Level: Double-A
2022 stats: 21 G, 2 GS, 45.2 IP, 4-1, 2.76 ERA, .297 BABIP, 7.49 K/9, 3.06 BB/9

Stockton went undrafted out of Jacksonville in 2019. He signed with the Reds and has climbed through the lower ranks of affiliated ball, showing the club that it made the right decision when inking him to an amateur contract. The right-hander, who has seen some rotation work but mostly pitches out of the bullpen, has been fantastic this season, allowing more than two runs in just one outing (a rough July 23rd showing in which he surrendered seven runs and didn't escape the first inning).

The 24-year-old has done a very good job limiting walks, all while striking out roughly one batter per inning throughout his three-year career in the minors. He doesn't induce many ground balls whatsoever, but he does have impressive LOB and HR/FB rates.

Stockton had two quality appearances out of the bullpen this week. He totaled six innings, striking out a whopping 10 batters while allowing just three hits and two walks. His outing on July 27 was the best of the pair. Not only was it his first game since the brutal seven-run rough-up, but eight of his 10 outs came on strikeouts and he allowed just one baserunner in the process.

 

Aaron Sabato - 1B, Minnesota Twins

Level: High-A
2022 stats: 73 G, .226/.347/.453, 16 HR, 54 RBI, 46 R, .295 BABIP, .361 wOBA, 122 wRC+, 13.2 BB%, 32.2 K%

The Twins used their first-round pick on Sabato back in the COVID-shortened draft of 2020. The North Carolina product has mostly lived up to expectations so far, showing off a phenomenal power tool while also drawing a solid amount of walks. However, there have been times when he has appeared to be outmatched, especially when facing fastballs. This has led to a high strikeout rate, which often happens to power hitters in the majors but generally doesn't plague the most trustworthy bats in the minors.

To his credit, Sabato has worked hard to improve his swing amidst a challenging transition to pro baseball and wood bats. He has improved his timing and worked to pull the ball to left field rather than go the opposite way. The power is clearly there; now he just needs to take the next step with his contact. He also has good discipline and impressive knowledge of the strike zone, giving the Twins additional optimism about his long-term outlook. However, he does leave a lot to be desired defensively, so Sabato will need to hit his way into the majors and be content playing first base or designated hitter.

This isn't the 23-year-old's first appearance on this list and it likely won't be his last. This past week, he went 7-for-21 with four homers, 11 RBI, four walks, and 10 runs. He showed off his power, drew some walks, and scored almost every time he reached base.

 

Landon Marceaux - SP, Los Angeles Angels

Level: High-A
2022 stats: 16 GS, 85.0 IP, 4-5, 2.65 ERA, .246 BABIP, 56.1 GB%, 7.31 K/9, 1.48 BB/9

The Angels selected Marceaux, a Louisiana State product, in the third round of the 2021 draft. That was the year in which they took all pitchers, and Marceaux had the privilege of being their third choice. After a brutal 3.2 innings of work at the Rookie level in 2021, the right-hander has bounced back with plenty of strong outings at High-A this year.

Marceaux's fastball sits in the low-to-mid-90s, but it gets good run. However, his complementary pitches are the ones that make him such a special pitcher. He throws a low-80s slider and curve, both of which demonstrate good break and work nicely off the heater. He also has a fading changeup that, according to MLB Pipeline, is effective at "generating a lot of groundballs."

The 22-year-old's great command of all four pitches gives him a leg-up over opposing batters and has translated to the stat sheet quite well in 2022. His stats show that while he doesn't get a whole lot of strikeouts, he has kept walks to an absolute minimum and also induced a lot of ground balls.

Marceaux put on a show this past week, striking out eight batters over eight innings during his outing on July 30. He surrendered just two hits and one walk while holding his opponent scoreless for the entire game. Fittingly, he earned the win and brought his ERA down to a fantastic 0.64 in the month of July.

 

Jase Bowen - OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Level: Single-A
2022 stats: 92 G, .278/.358/.450, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 57 R, 20 SB, .363 BABIP, .373 wOBA, 133 wRC+, 9.5 BB%, 27.4 K%

Drafted in 2019, Bowen, like many other minor leaguers, suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic because it limited his opportunities to see crucial game action and progress his development in 2020. As a result, he's still in Single-A, though he's certainly knocking on the door of a promotion.

The 21-year-old's biggest weakness is his hit tool. He has the potential to clobber a lot of homers, but at what cost? Bowen has swung and missed way too many times in the lower levels of the minors. Although he has continued to strike out at a high rate in 2022, it is promising to see that his batting average has climbed to .278 after it was .223 or lower in each of the past two seasons. Defensively, Bowen has the above-average speed, fielding, and arm needed to play center field long-term, though he has taken reps at second base, too.

Bowen is coming off a great week at Single-A in which he went 10-for-22 with three homers, 10 RBI, three walks, and four strikeouts. He was also hit by two pitches and came around to score eight times in the six-game series against Lakeland.

 



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

Ryan Blaney

Finds Speed in Second Practice at Mexico City
Alex Bowman

Still Sore After Wreck at Michigan
Todd Gilliland

a Legitimate Dark Horse in Mexico City
Zane Smith

Has Upside in Mexico
Giancarlo Stanton

Likely Returning Early Next Week
Cole Custer

Is Cole Custer a DFS Option in Mexico?
Spencer Strider

Registers 13 Strikeouts
Hunter Brown

s Records 12 Strikeouts
Emeka Egbuka

"the Talk" of Bucs Minicamp
Royce Lewis

to be Placed on Injured List
Byron Buxton

Exits Early on Saturday
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Jaxson Dart

Working as No. 2 QB During Offseason Workouts
Xavier Gipson

Roster Spot Could be in Jeopardy
Josh Reynolds

the Front-Runner for WR2 Duties
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up This Offseason
Breece Hall

Motivated Going into 2025 Season
Brandon Aiyuk

Making Good Progress From Knee Injury
Keon Coleman

Inconsistent at Minicamp
Mitchell Trubisky

Not a Lock for Backup Job
Dalton Kincaid

Adds Strength and Bulk
James Cook

a Full Participant in Mandatory Minicamp
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Jacob Misiorowski

Expected to Make Next Start
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Charlie Morton

Continues Good Work With 10 Strikeouts
James Wood

Homers, Drives in Four
Agustín Ramírez

Agustin Ramirez Homers Twice to Snap Skid
Isaac Paredes

Astros Hopeful Isaac Paredes Can Avoid the Injured List
Royce Lewis

Dealing With Hamstring Strain
Kodai Senga

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain
Gleyber Torres

Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Jonathan India

Leaves With Apparent Shoulder Injury
Evan Carter

Leaves Early With Wrist Soreness
Anthony Richardson

Should be Fine for Training Camp
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
A.J. Puk

Pauses Throwing Program
Matt Chapman

Can Begin Rehabbing in a Week
Logan Gilbert

Next Start Could Come in the Big Leagues
Cam Akers

Joining Saints
Yordan Alvarez

Still Not Hitting
Michael Mayer

to Get More Involved
Aaron Rodgers

DK Metcalf Building Chemistry with Aaron Rodgers
Colston Loveland

Likely to be Primary Tight End
Jacob Wilson

Returns on Friday
Justin Martinez

Out 12-13 Months With UCL Sprain
Will Johnson

Returns to Practice
Harold Fannin Jr.

Could Have Big Role in Rookie Season
Quentin Johnston

Still Running With Starters
Rashawn Slater

Takes Part in Minicamp
Jack Bech

Mostly Working With Second-Team Offense
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Cody Brundage

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alonzo Menifield

Opens Up UFC Atlanta Main Card
Oumar Sy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Chris Kreider

Ducks Acquire Chris Kreider From Rangers
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Cale Makar

Wins His Second Norris Trophy
Lane Hutson

Voted NHL's Best Rookie
CGY

Adam Klapka Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Considered a Game-Time Call Thursday
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Kevin Porter Jr.

Likely to Decline Player Option
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Kevin Durant

Knicks Not Looking to Trade for Kevin Durant
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
Darius Garland

Kings Targeting Darius Garland
Kevin Durant

Expected to Be Moved Soon
Denny Hamlin

Charges Late to Win at Michigan
Carson Hocevar

Michigan Run is Derailed by A Late-Race Flat Tire
Kyle Larson

Up-and-Down Day Ends With Top-Five Finish at Michigan
Ross Chastain

Quietly Finishes Sixth at Michigan
Corey Perry

Nets Power-Play Goal in Monday's Loss
Chris Buescher

Takes Second Place After William Byron Runs Out of Fuel
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has a Great Points Day to Build Buffer Over the Playoff Cut Line
Ryan Blaney

Flat Tire Results in Poor Finish for Ryan Blaney
Alex Bowman

Playoffs in Doubt After Stage 2 Crash at Michigan
Sean O'Malley

Submitted For The First Time In His Career
Merab Dvalishvili

Defends Bantamweight Belt At UFC 316
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena No Longer A Champion
Kayla Harrison

Is The New Champion
Joe Pyfer

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kelvin Gastelum

Drops Decision
Patchy Mix

Drops Decision In His UFC Debut
Mario Bautista

Extends His Win Streak
Vicente Luque

Submitted At UFC 316
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF