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

Minor League Spotlight: Top Fantasy Prospects from Week 5

I have been very neutral in both of the Bryce Harper debates that have gone on between this season and last season. Last season, people were saying that he was overrated and will never be a great hitter. I knew that was too harsh on him considering his youth and still blossoming career (he is younger than Kris Bryant). But now that he is hitting, I find myself also having to disagree with many people who are now asking if he can be compared to Mike Trout again. Bryce Harper is a tremendous player with plenty of upside, but he has a long way to go before there is even a discussion between him and Mike Trout.

There has not, and likely will not be a debate so hotly contested between young stars like Trout and Harper any time in the distant future. They were considered one and two top prospects and both were considered future Hall of Famers before they were in the Majors. Today, the closest thing to that is the three way debate between Byron Buxton, Kris Bryant, and Carlos Correa. But there are certainly other talented prospects that could be in the Majors soon. Here are some players in the Minors who have played very well to start off their 2015 season.

Editor's Note: For more fantasy prospects coverage, check out RotoBaller's weekly top 30 prospect rankings

 

Kyle Schwarber (C/OF, CHC, Double-A)

Stats: .325/.442/.590, 5 HR, 0 SB, 18.3% BB rate, 21.2% K rate
I remember watching the 2014 draft and listening to the surprise by the analysts that catcher Kyle Schwarber was drafted fourth overall. The pick is starting to look quite good for the Cubs so far. Schwarber has demonstrated fantastic power out of the catcher’s position and looks like someone who will be a future perennial silver slugger winner from that position.

The Cubs have liked the production of Miguel Montero so far this season, but Schwarber has flown through the Minor Leagues and at this rate could see Major League time by September. Even if he is only up in the Majors for a month, Schwarber provides the kind of power that fantasy owners crave from a position that generally is weak offensively and could be a valuable asset to fantasy teams down the stretch of the season.

 

Adam Duvall (1B/3B, SFG, Triple-A)

Stats: .322/.362/.645, 9 HR, 0 SB, 6.2% BB rate, 20.8% K rate
If Adam Duvall is going to reach the Majors this season, it will be at third base. It was a known weak spot for the Giants coming into the season after losing Pablo Sandoval and it has lived up (or down for that matter) to those expectations. First base is currently blocked by the incredibly effective platoon of Buster Posey and Brandon Belt. Duvall has tremendous power, hitting 27 home runs ins only 91 games last season at Triple-A, hitting 17 the season before at Double-A, and 30 in 2012 at High-A ball.

There is no doubt that Duvall has plenty of power and so far this season he has brought the batting average up to par with the rest of his hitting ability. Given how awful the Giants have been at third base this season (combined four home runs and slash line of .224/.261/.328), expect Duvall to be called up sooner rather than later. Both of those positions are notoriously full of potent hitters, but Duvall could certainly be a fantastic add with his power potential in NL-only leagues and 12+ team leagues.

 

Alex Castellanos (OF, NYM, Triple-A)

Stats: .358/.453/.802, 8 HR, 3 SB, 11.6% BB rate, 15.8% K rate
Alex Castellanos is a funny player. He just is. Drafted in 2008 by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 305th overall pick, he has since bounced around to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, and now finds himself with the New York Mets. Almost every season, Castellanos puts up numbers that look so tempting to put on a full time roster. Four times in his Minor League career has Castellanos hit double digit home runs and stolen double digit bases. He has also held a BA over .300 in a season twice. At 28-years-old, many don’t consider him to be a highly touted prospect, but he may have some value for the wary fantasy owner. Castellanos could get a call up at any moment considering the injury history of Mets’ left-fielder Michael Cuddyer and the offensive struggles of Juan Lagares throughout his career. A pickup of Castellanos would require major necessity for production in the outfield, but he certainly has the potential to hit for some decent power and provide some stolen bases.

 

Blake Snell (SP, TB, Double-A)

Stats: 33.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1.82 FIP, 11.73 K/9, 3.82 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9
I would be remiss if I did not mention the pitcher who has arguably been the pitcher of the MiLB season. In 33 innings as a starter, Tampa Rays’ 22-year-old prospect Blake Snell has yet to allow a run. Not just an earned run, no runs period. Snell was drafted 52nd overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011 and has never been concerned as an elite level prospect, but he has pitched well in his career with the exception of a little bit of control issues. With the position that the Rays are in right now, Snell could potentially see time this season with the big league club if he continues to impress.

The news of Drew Smyly being out with season-ending surgery certainly does help Snell’s fantasy value as that does move him up the depth chart. Will he give up a run? At some point it will happen especially given his track record of excessive walks and the .206 BABIP is certainly unsustainable. But given Snell’s history of also recording a lot of strikeouts, limiting home runs, and getting outs, he could be a solid pickup for fantasy owners in mixed leagues if given the call to the big leagues.

 

Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, Double-A)

Stats: 25.2 IP, 1.40 ERA, 1.93 FIP, 9.82 K/9, 2.10 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9
Jameson Taillon was on the fast track to the Majors, or so it appeared. Pirates fans were ready for him to follow in the footsteps of Gerrit Cole and bolster that young rotation. But Tommy John surgery held him back significantly, and he has yet to throw a pitch in the 2015 season. This has allowed Tyler Glasnow to emerge into the picture as the next starter to potentially join the Pirates staff.

Glasnow was the 152nd overall pick in the 2011 draft and wasn’t considered to be much, but now he is viewed as the steal of the draft. Glasnow has struggled with command and will have to improve on it before being called up, but he has a fastball that is being talked about in the same sentence as that of Lucas Giolito, a curveball that is viewed as a perfect complement to that fastball, and a changeup that is becoming a decent third pitch. Glasnow could still be a year or two away, but he could see time if Taillon proves to need a little bit more time. He would provide plenty of strikeouts and has the stuff to be a top of the rotation type starter.

 

Julio Urias (SP, LAD, Double-A)

Stats: 32.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.98 FIP, 10.74 K/9, 1.38 BB/9, 0.28 HR/9
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a lot of issues with pitching this season. Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke have been at their usual dominant level, but after that they have not been lucky at all. Brandon McCarthy was shut down with Tommy John surgery, Hyun-jin Ryu has yet to get healthy, and all of the other pitchers who have made starts for them have not looked like permanent fixtures in their rotation.

With the aggressive history of the Dodgers on the trade market, it would be a surprise if they did not acquire another pitcher by the trade deadline, but Julio Urias is in a position to potentially surprise some people and see time this season. He looked very sharp in Spring Training and has been nothing if not elite at every level in which he has pitched in the Minors. Urias has elite control and three pitches that are close to Major League ready. He is behind a number of pitchers like Zach Lee in the Minors to fill in the rotation. But, if called up, Urias could be a phenomenal pickup considering his elite potential and current ability.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="700px"]

 




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

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
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
Jordan Clarkson

Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Trent Grisham

Exits With Hamstring Tightness
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr., Bucks Reach Agreement on a New Contract
Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell Heading to Dallas
Denver Nuggets

Bruce Brown Jr. Heading Back to Denver
Atlanta Hawks

Clint Capela Returning to Houston
Cameron Johnson

Traded to Denver
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Michael Porter Jr.

Traded to Brooklyn
Matt Chapman

Could Return for Start of Giants Homestand
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Return on Saturday
Yanquiel Fernández

Yanquiel Fernandez Called Up to Majors
Tyler Mahle

Dealing With Rotator-Cuff Strain
Brooklyn Nets

Ziaire Williams Expected to Return to Nets
Austin Wells

to Miss Next Two Games
Tre Mann

Set to Become an Unrestricted Free Agent
Bo Bichette

Scratched With Sore Knee
Cody Martin

to Enter Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
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
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
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
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
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
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
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
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
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
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
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
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF