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

Prospect Stock Watch with Fantasy Implications - Week 2

Well, the Major League season is already 6% of the way done. Some owners think that they are on their way to victory while others are patiently waiting for things to turn around. Still, while all the victory laps are being taken, the smart owner is looking forward to the rest of the year and finding what value can still be had. While the season always seems to move quickly, the dog days of summer are still upon us.

Now that we are rolling along, so too are the call-ups. This week, the Rotoballer team keeps tabs on all the new names and faces, with insight into their fantasy value to help any team. For owners looking for a cheap spark, look no further.

This week’s list is not as deep as the opening to the year, but expect this to pick up with new injuries and deals bound to happen. And yet, the lack of name value is only good for careful owners. Take a look at the list today and grab names than many others in your leagues have yet to discover.

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

 

Rookie Debuts - Stock Up

These rookies hit the ground running in their 2019 debuts and have matched the preseason hype so far. The question is whether this provides a sell-high opportunity or if the fantasy owner should hold tight.

Jon Duplantier (SP/RP, ARI)

While he was already sent back down to the minors on Monday night, Duplantier is a player to know and own moving forward. While he projects as a starter, he debuted in the bullpen which might lead to some hints on his usage over the rest of the season. And yet, being sent down seems to mean that the Diamondbacks either want him to throw more often or that they still view him as a starter long-term. Whatever the case, Duplantier has good stuff, with a fastball and slider that grade out at 60, according to Fangraphs, and a curveball/changeup mix that could be plus offerings as well.

While only having four innings under his belt, Duplantier held his fastball velocity at 93.5 MPH and flashed a sinker that did not appear on other scouting reports. This could show either a new pitch, or a slider that is moving a bit differently, but either way, the stuff is there for Duplantier to be successful. In his first four innings, he allowed two walks and two hits, but also struck three batters out. While owners might need to wait a bit, Duplantier has been one of the top pitching prospects in the system and is clearly part of the D-backs' long term plans. The stock is up, even with the demotion, for the fact that the team has shown that he will play a role this year.

Josh Fuentes (3B, COL)

Fuentes raked at Triple-A Albuquerque last year, with a .327/.354/.517 slash with 14 homers. The one reason to hold back a bit is that the slugger had the benefit of both a hitter’s park and leagues. This means that owners should expect some regression even when he gets regular playing time with the Rockies. Still, the hit tool is there. The main issue for Fuentes right now is that he plays the same position as the Rockies' most expensive player in Nolan Arenado. Since the team locked up their star, Fuentes has been getting more time at first, and with the injuries to Ryan McMahon and Daniel Murphy, there seems to be a bit of a path to playing time.

With the Coors factor alone, if he is playing regularly, Fuentes will be a bat to own. Through his first four games, he has two hits and two runs scored, so he is already flashing production. The power will not be much but should be a double-digit option with the Rockies, so not an empty batting average at a critical spot. The other thing to watch will be walk rate, as while he struck out less than 20% of the time in the minors, he also did not walk more than 5% of the time. Something to watch for sure, but Fuentes will be one to stash for real upside.

 

Stock Neutral

These players neither helped nor hurt their fantasy value in the first week of play.

Jason Martin (OF, PIT)

With Corey Dickerson out for a bit, Martin looks to be getting his chance to impress early this year. After starting off hot at Double-A in 2018, he struggled a bit in Triple-A. Over a similar amount of games, the batting average dropped from .325 to .211, but the power and speed were still there. Over the full year, across both levels, Martin slugged 13 homers and stole 12 bases. With a glove that grades out as average, Martin looks to be the right profile to earn owners steady production out of a rookie call-up.

Currently slotted in on the long side of the platoon in left field, Martin will get his chance to earn staying power with the Pirates. And yet, owners should not expect him to be up all year unless he mashes. When the second half struggles kept him down a level, there is still some seasoning needed before a full-time gig. Still, Martin looks like the poor man’s Austin Meadows, with 12/12 potential a decent batting line. In deep leagues, Martin is worth a small FAAB bid, but do not be breaking the bank to add him.

Ryne Harper (RP, MIN)

At 30 years of age, Harper is old for a rookie, but not old enough for a Disney movie. This is a fun story to root for this year, and Harper has the skills to be a real impact for the Twins. So far, in 3.1 innings, Harper is yet to allow a run and has only given up two total hits. The upside for fantasy value comes from the stuff. Last year, between Double-A and Triple-A, Harper struck out 32.6% of the batters that he faced. The walk rate was even better, with a career line under 5%. If this can translate to the Twins, Harper will be a great match-up option late in the game. While not in line for any saves, this is a bullpen in flux, so there might be a chance with more struggles late in games. Holding the stock neutral now, but he is on the radar with the call and playing time.

 

Stock Down

These players didn't get off to the kind of start fantasy owners would have liked but it's too early to discount them too much.

Richie Martin (SS, BAL)

While he has been with the Orioles since the beginning of the year, Martin appears on this week’s list due to the need for a more significant sample. Unlike other rookies who made their teams out of the spring, Martin was a Rule-5 pick, and therefore no one expected him to hit the ground running. While he was well regarded in the Athletic's system, there were fewer data points to use for projections than others who broke camp. For all of that, Martin was on the radar, but two weeks of batting data seemed to make the call a bit cleaner.

Through 11 games, Martin is slashing .179/.281/.250 with four runs and one steal. Nothing so far seems to hint that Martin will be that valuable in fantasy this year, as even if he does begin to hit, there is nothing around him to support the counting stats. While Baltimore might have made an excellent pick in the draft, this is not one that fantasy owners should be giving much thought for now. And yet, for owners needing ABs more than anything, it would be a shock to see Martin not stick with the team all year. Hard pass for now, but in those draft and holds, Martin might be a player that will offer valuable August and beyond? Even that is a stretch though. 

Frank Schwindel (1B, KC)

Schwindel making the roster to open the year was a massive boon for deep leaguers. An older prospect, with the bat skills in the minors to attract interest, this was the type of profile that was going to be given a shot at some point. And yet, the production so far has been underwhelming. Through five games he is slashing .083/.083/.083 with a single hit and two punch-outs. While, as usual, small sample size warning, if this prospect cannot make more contact against the likes of Chicago, Detroit, and Seattle there is not much to go on at this point.

The stock is down since this was a player who needs the contact skills to carry his playing time, especially when there are players like Ryan O’Hearn competing with him for time. The Royals clearly would like all their players to hit, but would not be disappointed to see O’Hearn run away with the job. That being said, the power is there, with a 20 plus floor in the minors for Schwindel. If he begins to hit, there is definite upside, but without some production, expect him to not be with the Royals for long this year.  

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

Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Scores Three Touchdowns
Joe Burrow

Suffers Turf Toe and Torn Ligaments in Win
Malik Nabers

Explodes for Two Touchdowns in Overtime Thriller
Joe Burrow

Seen with Boot and Crutches Postgame
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Justin Fields

Diagnosed With Concussion Sunday
Tyrod Taylor

Justin Fields Evaluated for Concussion, Tyrod Taylor Enters Game
Joe Burrow

Ruled Out for Remainder of Week 2 With Toe Injury
Joe Burrow

Questionable to Return in Week 2 with Toe Injury
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Ryan Preece

Seems Slower on Concrete Than on Asphalt
NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club's Short-Track Speed Will Likely Hold John H. Nemechek Back
Erik Jones

Definitely Faster This Year, but Short Tracks Still a Liability
Daniel Suarez

Despite Poor Qualifying Run, Daniel Suarez Might Not Be a Great Choice
Noah Gragson

Unlikely to Be Fast at Bristol but Still Might Be Worth Considering for DFS
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Ketel Marte

Expected to Return on Friday
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP