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 Prospects To Watch - Adley Rutschman Promoted, Nate Pearson Close And More

Fantasy baseball prospects, rookies and minor league players to watch. Keith Hernandez looks at rising MLB prospects that owners should be monitoring in Week 21.

We have a little more than a week before August is over and the rosters expand at the beginning of September. We're in the dog days of summer and some teams are limping to the finish line, including contenders like the Braves with three of their outfielders currently on the injured list. Reinforcements are coming.

The rebuilding Mariners are beat up and in last place in the American League West. They didn't feel like waiting until September to call up outfield prospect Jake Fraley (Seattle's No. 8 prospect) and starting pitcher Justus Sheffield (No. 9) this week. Both players should have big roles down the stretch and can make an impact in mixed leagues.

In the same division, the Athletics are ready to let their No. 2 prospect, left-hander A.J. Puk, make his big league debut, albeit out of the bullpen the rest of the way. The No. 5 southpaw prospect in baseball, Puk is recovered from Tommy John surgery and has some of the best strikeout stuff for a young arm. He's very intimidating on the bump, too, standing at 6-foot-7, 238 pounds. The future is coming quickly across the league.

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

 

No. 1 Overall Pick Wasting No Time

Adley Rutschman - C, Baltimore Orioles

Well that didn't take long. The first overall pick in this year's draft, Rutschman is being promoted from Single-A Short Season Aberdeen to Single-A Delmarva after hitting a cool .325/.413/.481 with a home run, triple and seven doubles in 20 games. He had gone 18-for-39 with eight extra-base hits during a 10-game hitting streak.

The 21-year-old was one of the best prospects out of college at Oregon State and hit a ridiculous .411 with a 1.326 OPS and 17 home runs as a switch-hitter his junior season before being drafted. Not only can he hit a lot from both sides of the plate, but Rutschman is also an excellent defender with the glove. He makes consistent hard contact, has great plate discipline and should continue to develop more power as he matures.

As most top picks do, Rutschman has a good chance to rise through Baltimore's minor league system very quickly at a premium position. The O's will want to see what he can do at the higher levels of the minors next year, but it's entirely possible that Rutschman could be the club's everyday catcher by the 2021 campaign. He'll be one of the most coveted fantasy catchers when that happens.

 

Pearson On The Cusp With Jays

Nate Pearson - SP, Toronto Blue Jays

In his debut with Triple-A Buffalo, Pearson tossed a career-best seven scoreless frames while allowing three hits and striking out three on Tuesday. It was fitting, as he also turned 23 on Tuesday. The hard-throwing right-hander earned the promotion from Double-A New Hampshire after posting a 2.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 69 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings (16 starts). Before that he was 3-0 with a microscopic 0.86 ERA and 15.0 K/9 in six starts for High-A Dunedin to start the year.

Pearson was the 28th overall pick in 2017 and is Toronto's No. 2 prospect. He's also the No. 14 prospect in all of baseball and is ranked as the second-best right-handed prospect behind Casey Mize. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder has front-of-the-rotation stuff and boasts the team's best fastball and slider in the system. Pearson's fastball sits in the upper-90s and he regularly hits triple digits on the radar gun.

If he keeps his fastball/slider combination down in the zone consistently, he's extremely tough to hit. Pearson has an incredibly high ceiling at the next level, but the Jays may choose to forgo a September call-up since he only tossed 1 2/3 innings in 2018 due to a fractured forearm. Regardless, he should be in Toronto's rotation next season.

 

KC Lefty Is Special

Kris Bubic - SP, Kansas City Royals

The 22-year-old southpaw has been outstanding all year and is coming off two straight complete games (one run allowed, 22 K's, two walks) for High-A Wilmington in the Carolina League. He was 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 14.2 K/9 in nine starts at Single-A Lexington before his promotion, and he's been just as good at Wilmington (2.34 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) in 14 starts. Bubic's 174 punchouts in 132 1/3 innings (11.8 K/9) leads the minor leagues.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is the Royals No. 6 prospect and was taken 40th overall in 2018 out of Stanford. His arsenal is mainly a fastball and changeup, with his heater sitting in the low-90s. It's not his velocity that's responsible for his high strikeout numbers, but rather his deceptive delivery. Bubic will need to develop his changeup to continue his success at the higher levels.

Bubic doesn't have nearly the upside that an arm like Pearson possesses, but he could be on the fast track to the majors for a rebuilding KC club if he continues to have success in the minors again in 2020. Despite his unorthodox delivery, the left-hander continues to be around the strike zone.

 

Red Birds Blessed With Outfield Depth

Dylan Carlson - OF, St. Louis Cardinals

The 20-year-old Carlson, St. Louis' No. 2 prospect, was promoted to Triple-A Memphis last week and has felt right at home, going 10-for-21 (.476) with two doubles, a triple, a homer and two RBI in his first five games. That comes after he slashed .281/.364/.518 with 24 doubles, six triples, 21 homers, 59 RBI and 18 steals in 483 plate appearances with Double-A Springfield.

The 33rd overall pick in 2016 is a switch-hitter has broken out this year and also earned an invite to the Futures Game in July. There is plenty of potential with his bat from both sides as he develops his raw power. Carlson is also a good athlete and has an advanced knowledge of pitch selection, which should help him continue to hit for a high average.

It remains to be seen if he'll stick in center field in St. Louis when he gets there, but make no mistake, Carlson should be an everyday player for the Red Birds whenever he's in the big leagues. It speaks to his abilities that he has a chance to be a September call-up next month despite the fact that the Cardinals have some pretty good outfield depth already. He's the No. 50 prospect in baseball currently.

 

Robert Has Little Left To Prove

Luis Robert - OF, Chicago White Sox

It's almost a travesty that Robert, Chicago's top prospect and No. 5 overall, isn't in the big leagues yet. The 22-year-old Cuban has received two minor league promotions already this year after starting at High-A Winston-Salem and has done nothing but hit. In 34 games for Triple-A Charlotte, Robert is hitting .305/.353/.649 with 12 home runs, 31 RBI and seven steals. He's clubbed 28 bombs, driven in 84 runs and stolen 36 bags combined in 109 games this season.

If it weren't for injuries the last two seasons, Robert might already be in the Show. He's exciting because of his amazing bat speed, high-end raw power and speed on the base paths. The downside is his raw power comes with a lot of swing and miss; he's fanned 116 times in 2019 and walked only 25 times in 495 plate appearances.

The No. 2 outfield prospect in the minors, Robert reminds us a lot of Braves superstar Ronald Acuna for his 30/30 potential at the next level. His strong arm might make him a good fit in right field in the long run. This 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is a little rough around the edges, but his upside is unmistakable. Robert should already be stashed in all dynasty/keeper leagues, and we're hoping he's one of Chicago's call-ups once September hits.

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

Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
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
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
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
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
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
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
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
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
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
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF