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Scott Slezak analyzes MLB prospects and minor league players traded that can have fantasy baseball value. Anthony Banda is the featured prospect & future rookie call-up.
With the whirlwind of activity at the non-waiver trade deadline this past Thursday, we saw the big names like David Price, Jon Lester and Yoenis Cespedes change teams. But looking at the transaction wire, or hearing reports on TV, there are always the unnamed minor leaguers who come to teams as throw-ins or for organizational depth. Today, I take a look at a handful of these guys who have new homes this weekend. I will follow up tomorrow with Part Two of Prospects on the Move, discussing a few more players who could be future contributors to your fantasy rosters.
Arizona Dbacks Trade Deadline Prospects
The Arizona Diamondbacks received Anthony Banda and Mitch Haniger from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Gerardo Parra.
Anthony Banda is a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher whom the Brewers selected in the 10th round of the 2012 draft; he was rated #27 among prospects in the organization by Baseball America after the 2013 season.
He has pitched in 20 games (14 starts) with Wisconsin of the Midwest League, and has compiled a 3.66 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 83.2 innings this year.
The Diamondbacks have kept him in Single-A with their South Bend affiliate. Banda has good size (6'3'') and a three-pitch arsenal; he projects to be a mid-rotation starter.
Mitch Haniger is a 23-year old outfielder who was a supplemental first-round pick by the Brewers in 2012. The right-handed hitter was ranked as the Brewers’ #3 prospect coming into 2014. Haniger has spent all of this season so far in Double-A, where he has hit .255/.316/.416 with 10 home runs in 243 at bats.
Some scouts think he can be a 20+homer guy in the majors, though with an average in the .250-.260 range. The D-backs have elected to keep Haniger at Double-A; if he passes that test, he could be in the big-league mix as early as next season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks received Peter O’Brien from the New York Yankees in exchange for Martin Prado.
Peter O'Brien is a 23-year-old catcher/third baseman/outfielder who was drafted by the Yankees in the second round, out of the University of Miami in 2011. He was ranked as the Yankees’ #23 prospect. The right-handed hitter is best described by a single word: power.
Between Single-A and Double-A this season, he has pounded 33 home runs in 386 at bats. O’Brien will never hit for a high average and he strikes out too much, swinging at a lot of pitches and usually for the fences. Defense is his bigger concern, though, as he is below-average behind the plate and does not have the mobility to handle third base. Most reports see him as a slugging corner outfielder or designated hitter type. The D-Backs assigned O'Brien to Double-A Mobile.
Boston Red Sox Trade Deadline Prospects
The Boston Red Sox received Eduardo Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Andrew Miller.
Eduardo Rodriguez is a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher who ranked as the Orioles’ #3 prospect before the season. He was a 2010 international signee out of Venezuela. A successful debut put Rodriguez on the organization's “fast track,” where he saw action in Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2013.
Following the season, Rodriguez tossed three shutout innings in the Arizona Fall League Championship. He returned to the Eastern League in 2014 to make 16 starts, recording a 4.79 ERA in 82.2 innings. He throws three pitches: a 93-mph fastball, a slider and a changeup.
The Red Sox placed him with Double-A Portland. His less-than-stellar performance this year may have stalled his progress slightly, but he could see Triple-A before the season is out in preparation for an MLB debut in 2015 as a 22-year-old. He projects as a #3 or #4 starter.
