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Rookies and prospects who have recently been called up to the Major Leagues. Max Brill evaluates the most relevant rookies for Week 15 of the 2018 fantasy baseball season.
I'm glad I led off last week's article with Kyle Tucker because the Astros made me look great. They called him up this past weekend and it looks like it's going to take a small adjustment period for Tucker to get adjusted to MLB pitching. We'll get to that later.
The calendar turning to July seems to indicate that the prospect onslaught is incoming. Especially with the trade deadline approaching, teams will be more willing to give their prospects some run after they trade away their veterans. There's also a possibility we will see guys like Keston Hiura, who will contribute meaningfully to teams chasing the playoffs down the stretch.
Jonathan Loaisiga, Willians Astudillo, and Gleyber Torres leave the list this week. Kyle Tucker, Enyel De Los Santos, Corbin Burnes, and Jalen Beeks are coming aboard. Without further ado, this week's rookie report:
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:- BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
- PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
- Who should I start? Fantasy baseball comparisons
- Who should I pickup? Fantasy baseball comparisons
- Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
- MLB Props finder tool
- Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
Prospect Call-Ups and Rookie Performances
Kyle Tucker (OF, HOU)
Kyle Tucker is a power-speed outfielder who will get everyday work for the Astros. In 19 PA, he's 4-for-18 with a walk, four strikeouts, a stolen base, an RBI, and four runs. The hitting leaves a lot to be desired, as does the on-base rate, but Tucker's bat will come around. If you're gunning for a title this year you're probably best off capitalizing on the name value and trying to ship him off, but enjoy the ride in dynasty leagues.
Corbin Burnes (SP/RP, MIL)
Burned was called up to the majors this past week for the first time in his career and picked up a save in his first MLB appearance. Burnes is likely going to pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season before transitioning to a starting role for 2019 and beyond. Burnes is a solid add in holds leagues or leagues in which your team needs a ratio buffer, but if you're expecting quality starts or long outings, look elsewhere.
Jalen Beeks (SP/RP, BOS)
Beeks was also called up this week and he's going to pitch in a relief role as well. The upside here is minimal out of the bullpen considering the swaths of good pitchers ahead of Beeks (and the fact that the Red Sox are looking to add to their bullpen) so you can feel free to ignore the call-up for now. If the Red Sox have an opening in your rotation, though, Beeks becomes very interesting. Until that point, let the Sox rookie be.
Enyel De Los Santos (SP, PHI)
De Los Santos made his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Mets and went 6 1/3 innings, allowed three ER, five hits, three BB, and fanned six. De Los Santos lacks a true out pitch so he will likely be a matchup-based streamer from here on out. Feel free to add him in leagues of 14+ teams but in anything smaller he's not a must-own by any means.
Ryan Borucki (SP, TOR)
So, this is interesting. Borucki posted the following line on Sunday against the Yankees: 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO. Like I said last week, Borucki doesn't have overpowering stuff but results are results. Borucki has rattled off three straight quality starts, two of which came against the Astros and Yankees, so he's worth an add in 12+ team leagues. And throw him on the watchlist in the other leagues because this could be a guy that comes up huge in the second half for fantasy teams.
Quick Hits
Shane Bieber (SP, CLE)
Bieber has allowed just 6 walks and has struck out 36 batters in 36.1 innings in the big leagues this season. His WHIP sits at an unsightly 1.40 but his ERA is a solid 3.47. His true talent level is probably somewhere between the two; I would expect an ERA closer to 3.80 but a WHIP closer to 1.25 the rest of the season.
Ronald Acuna (OF, ATL)
Acuna is 3-for-15 over the past week. He's still a must-own based on his upside but in redraft leagues you might be better off trading him, much like Tucker.
Diego Castillo (RP, TB)
Castillo over the past week: 4 IP, 2 SO, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 ER. Still love him as a ratio buffer.
Juan Soto (OF, WAS)
Soto is 8-for-27 with a homer, seven RBI, and a 5:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over the past week. He's well on his way to winning unanimous rookie of the year.
Seranthony Dominguez (RP, PHI)
Dominguez over the past week: 4 IP, 4 SO, 0 BB, 1 H, 0 ER. No saves though.
Josh Hader Update
Hader was actually human this week. 1 G, 1 2/3 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 2 SO. He's still a stud though.
