Impact Fantasy Baseball Prospects Ready To Shine: Owen Caissie, Jace Jung, Colby Thomas

August 8, 2024

Brian analyzes three top fantasy baseball prospects - Owen Caissie, Jace Jung, and Colby Thomas - who could make big impacts this season. These MLB prospects are potential waiver wire pick-ups or stashes.

As the fantasy baseball season continues to roll along, two months remain in the baseball calendar, leaving some time for major league teams to look to prospects in the minor leagues in an attempt to get a glimpse of the future or get that extra boost to make a playoff push. 

The trade deadline shook up rosters enough to create some prospect movement, but there is plenty of time for more prospect call-ups. 

Here is a look at three prospects currently in the minor leagues that could impact fantasy rosters if they are given the opportunity to make their major league debut before the end of the season.

Owen Caissie - OF, Chicago Cubs

Current level: Triple-A Iowa
Availability: 10% rostered
2024 stats: 90 G, .278/.373/.459, 12 HRs, 53 RBI, 44 R, 6 SB

Caissie, the red-headed Canadian masher, is just 22 years old and can flat-out rake. He hit his 12th homer at Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and has shown good on-base skills at Triple-A this season. 

The Cubs’ No. 3 prospect has 65-grade power making him a viable stash candidate with the hopes that the Cubs give him a shot at a big-league debut this season. 

Owen Caissie tags home run No. 12 at Triple-A!

The @Cubs' No. 3 prospect has hit successfully in every game this month for the @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/rAcbSuJyLY

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 7, 2024

Caissie does have a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, like a lot of power-hitting prospects these days. But his .278 average is more than respectable, and if he can hit at that level in the big leagues, his power will make him an immediate must-add. It would behoove fantasy managers to get ahead of the game on Caissie.

Jace Jung - 3B, 2B, Detroit Tigers 

Current level: Triple-A Toledo
Availability: 13% rostered
2024 stats: 88 G, .262/.385/.477, 15 HRs, 59 RBI, 50 R, 3 SB

Jung has transitioned to third base this season for Toledo after spending much of his minor-league career as an everyday second baseman. The defensive shift has had little impact on his bat as Jung has continued to show off his polished left-handed swing. 

The Tigers’ No. 3 prospect missed a bit of time with a wrist injury this season but still has 15 homers on the season. Jung boasts 60-grade power with a 50-grade hit tool. He doesn’t project as a big base stealer but that is probably the only category where he won’t be a plus contributor. 

Jace Jung sends one out in a hurry 🚀

MLB's No. 40 prospect (@tigers No. 3) crosses the 50-RBI mark with homer No. 14 for the Triple-A @MudHens. pic.twitter.com/kLJYCAzQan

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 27, 2024

The Tigers could certainly make room for Jung at third base if they so choose. Gio Urshela, Zach McKinstry, and Matt Vierling are the main options right now at the position in Detroit. Jung could be a significant offensive upgrade over all three, and Vierling spends a lot of his time manning an outfield spot anyway. Adding Jung now might be a shrewd move.

Colby Thomas - OF, Oakland Athletics

Current level: Triple-A Las Vegas
Availability: 2% rostered
2024 stats: 96 G, .291/.356/.579, 23 HRs, 74 RBI, 53 R, 14 SB

Thomas is a little more of a dart throw than Caissie and Jung, but he might have the quickest path to the major leagues with the rebuilding A’s. As evidenced by his 2% roster numbers, he is not really on the radar of most fantasy managers. 

But he has raked all season long and even more so since joining Triple-A. In 37 games with Las Vegas, the 23-year-old is hitting .306 with nine homers and 27 RBI. Oakland’s No. 11 prospect, Thomas has 55-grade power as well as 55-grade speed.

Colby Thomas has been red hot lately in Triple-A.

Last 12 G: 55 PA, .404/.455/.894, 8 2B, 5 HR#Athletics pic.twitter.com/PXwu55QQ0X

— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) August 6, 2024

That’s the golden ticket for fantasy and makes Thomas an intriguing fantasy option. Thomas has shown the ability to contribute across the board, and that 5-category potential is a reason to get ahead of the game and give him a look now.

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