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

Top 25 Fantasy Baseball Prospects To Stash: Redraft Rankings (April 8 - 14 Updates)

Joey Loperfido - Fantasy Baseball, Prospects, Rankings

Eric Cross's top 25 fantasy baseball prospects rankings for Week 2 (2024). MLB prospects, rookies, call-ups who can be fantasy baseball sleepers in redraft.

We're only a week and a half into the season, but pandemonium has already filled the baseball world. This has caused fantasy managers to hit the waiver wire harder than we'd like to this early in the season, but for every injury that surfaces, we have to quickly pivot to plan B.

Sometimes, plan B can be the arrival of a potential impact prospect, which is where these weekly Top 25 Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Stash here on RotoBaller comes into play.

But remember, stashing prospects should be done strategically and varies from league to league. Don't leave your teams without much depth just because you want all the high-upside prospects on your roster.

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

 

Top 25 Prospects to Stash for Fantasy Baseball

Notes on plenty of prospects can be found below the rankings table. And remember, these rankings are for 2024 redraft value only. These are MLB prospects to potentially make a rest-of-season fantasy baseball impact in 2024.

Honorable Mentions (No Particular Order): Owen Caissie, Matt Shaw, Adael Amador, Jackson Jobe, Spencer Jones, Carson Williams, Luisangel Acuna, Jacob Misiorowski, Ben Rice, Jakob Marsee, Jace Jung, Andy Pages, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Ryan Bliss, Chase Hampton, Will Warren, Alexander Canario, Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger, Justin Foscue, Marco Luciano, Cade Povich.

Rank Player Pos Team ETA Prev
1 Jackson Holliday 2B/SS BAL April 1
2 Paul Skenes SP PIT April 3
3 Junior Caminero 3B TBR May 2
4 Coby Mayo 3B BAL May 4
5 Joey Loperfido OF/1B/2B HOU May 6
6 Chase DeLauter OF CLE May 5
7 Heston Kjerstad OF BAL May 22
8 Kyle Manzardo 1B CLE May 7
9 Ricky Tiedemann SP TOR May 8
10 Thomas Saggese INF STL May 19
11 Christian Scott SP NYM May 12
12 Jordan Beck OF COL May 14
13 Pete Crow-Armstrong OF CHC May 9
14 Tyler Black 3B MIL May 10
15 Jasson Dominguez OF NYY June 11
16 AJ Smith-Shawver SP ATL May 20
17 Connor Norby 2B BAL May 24
18 Blake Dunn OF CIN May 13
19 Brooks Lee 3B MIN May 15
20 Dylan Crews OF WAS July 16
21 James Wood OF WAS July 17
22 Drew Thorpe SP CHW May 25
23 Colson Montgomery SS CHW June 18
24 Cade Horton SP CHC July 21
25 Drew Gilbert OF NYM July 23

 

Fantasy Baseball Prospect Rankings Analysis

Update: On Tuesday evening April 9th, it was announced that the Orioles are calling up top prospect Jackson Holliday.


Heston Kjerstad (OF - BAL)

The term "red hot" doesn't even begin to describe how Heston Kjerstad has been hitting to start the 2024 season. In nine games, Kjerstad has already swatted four doubles and six home runs to go along with a stellar .462/.522/1.026 slash line.

It's obvious that he and others in this Norfolk lineup are ready for regular playing time in the majors, but Baltimore can only put nine players on the field at one time. And unfortunately for Kjerstad, Colton Cowser is already up with Baltimore and playing sparingly as its fourth outfielder. As of now, it's really hard to predict when Kjerstad will get his shot, but whenever that time comes, he could make an impact in the power department.

Connor Norby (OF/2B - BAL)

You could literally just copy and paste most of what I said above for Kjerstad here for Connor Norby. Like most in the star-studded Norfolk Tides lineup, Norby is red hot to start the 2024 season, slashing .395/.438/.767 through his first nine games with four doubles and four home runs. Norby has been playing primarily left field this season for Norfolk after handling the keystone in most of his starts last season.

Regardless of which position he's at, there's no clear path to playing time for Norby either as he would have to battle with Kjerstad and Cowser for any outfield reps and Jackson Holliday for any second base reps. As is the case with Kjerstad, Norby has the offensive skill set to make a solid fantasy contribution if he does get regular playing time, but he's just one to monitor for now until a spot opens up.

Joey Loperfido (OF/1B/2B - HOU)

We're eight games into the season for Joey Loperfido and he won't stop going yard, now up to five in eight games. And for anyone yelling about his 38.9% strikeout rate, it would only be 26.7% if you take out his 0/6 with 6K performance last week that I'm sure was possibly the worst game of Loperfido's life at the plate. Yes, the strikeout rate has always been a little worse than average, but it isn't a major concern moving forward.

Loperfido's power and speed blend give him plenty of upside for fantasy purposes and is coming off a 25/27 season in just 124 games last year. He's been starting in center field for Triple-A Sugar Land but current Houston center fielder Jake Meyers has been holding his own at the plate so far with a .250 AVG and two home runs in nine games. However, Jose Abreu has looked lost and Loperfido has played first base in the minors as well. If he continues hitting well, Loperfido won't remain in Triple-A for much longer.

Jordan Beck (OF - COL)

Another hitter off to a hot start in Triple-A is Colorado outfield prospect Jordan Beck. In eight games, Beck already has six extra-base hits and three home runs with a .321/.444/.786 slash line. This coming after a 25/20 season in 126 games last season between High-A and Double-A.

Beck's plus or better power and at least average speed give him 30/15 upside in Coors if everything clicks, and I can see a path to playing time here. That path would be the struggling Michael Toglia getting sent back to Triple-A (or to the bench) and Nolan Jones shifting to first base, which would open up a corner outfield spot for Beck.

Paul Skenes (SP - PIT)

Through his first two starts of the season for Triple-A Indianapolis, nobody has been able to really touch Paul Skenes. In six innings, Skenes has allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out 11 of the 20 batters he's faced. In his last outing on Friday, Skenes recorded a 36% whiff rate and 36% CSW while averaging 99.9 mph on his 4-seamer.

No pitching prospect can match the level of upside and proximity that Skenes has right now and it shouldn't be long before he's in Pittsburgh's rotation potentially making a Eury Perez type of impact for fantasy managers. Honestly, how much longer can the trio of Martin Perez, Bailey Falter, and Marco Gonzales hold off an elite talent like Skenes?

AJ Smith-Shawver (SP - ATL)

With Spencer Strider unfortunately hitting the IL for an extended period, AJ Smith-Shawver's ETA has been pushed up a bit. It's looking like Bryce Elder will get the first crack at replacing Skenes, but he was largely ineffective last season after his hot start. Eventually, I'm expecting Smith-Shawver to slide into the rotation, and while the impact likely won't be Skenes level, AJSS still offers intriguing upside for fantasy purposes.

There's a reason why the Braves pushed Smith-Shawver as hard as they did last season, even it they might have overdone it just a tad. If he can keep the walk rate in check, Smith-Shawver has SP2/3 upside and could realistically make 20 or more starts for the Braves this season.

If you enjoyed these rankings and want to see additional rankings, analysis, and more, check out Eric's Toolshed Fantasy Patreon.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




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

Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early on Friday
Xavier Worthy

Injures Shoulder Early in Brazil, Questionable to Return
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on Injured List With Quad Strain
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched on Friday With Back Tightness
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Play in Season Opener
Christian McCaffrey

Listed as Questionable for Season Opener With Calf Issue
Tyreek Hill

Cleared for Week 1
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched From Friday's Start for Undisclosed Reasons
Christian Kirk

Ruled Out for Week 1
Shohei Ohtani

Returning to the Mound on Friday
Kyle Finnegan

Lands on Injured List With Adductor Strain
Aaron Judge

Returns to Right Field on Friday
De'Von Achane

Without Injury Designation Heading Into Week 1
Christian McCaffrey

Seen Working on Side Field During Friday's Practice
Malik Nabers

Cleared to Play on Sunday
Willson Contreras

' Suspension Reduced, to Start Serving it on Friday
Kodai Senga

Mets Send Kodai Senga to Triple-A to Get Right
Chris Godwin

Officially Ruled Out for Week 1
Malik Nabers

' Reps Limited Friday Due to "Tight" Back
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Axel Sola

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Saquon Barkley

Scores Touchdown in Low-Yardage Outing
Jalen Hurts

Rushes for Two Touchdowns on Thursday
Javonte Williams

Salvages Inefficient Outing With Two Touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb

110-Yard Game Marred by Four Drops
Will Shipley

Questionable to Return on Thursday Night
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Expected to Return on Friday
Micah Parsons

Expected to Play in Week 1
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Exits With Knee Contusions
Christian McCaffrey

Listed as Limited With Calf Injury
Justin Jefferson

Not on Week 1 Injury Report
Omarion Hampton

to Start Against Chiefs on Friday
Will Smith

Unlikely to Play This Weekend
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch on Monday
Najee Harris

Off the Final Injury Report, Will Play in Week 1
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Christian Kirk

Expected to be Sidelined in Week 1, Could Miss More Time
Brandon Sproat

to Start for Mets on Sunday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Mike Trout

Plans to Return on Thursday
Will Smith

X-Rays Negative on Will Smith's Hand
Will Smith

Exits With Hand Contusion
Jackson Chourio

in Lineup Wednesday Despite Hamstring Cramps
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
Christian Yelich

Dealing With Soreness in Lower Back
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time
Kyle Finnegan

Dealing With Groin Issue
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch "Sometime This Weekend"
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Rest of EuroBasket
Jared McCain

"On Pace" for Training Camp
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dylan Holloway

Good to Go for Start of Season
Josh Morrissey

Fully Healthy for Start of Season
Dennis Hildeby

Signs Three-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Franz Wagner

Collects Double-Double in Blowout Win
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Achieves Rare Numbers at EuroBasket
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Dominates Against Sweden
Kristaps Porzingis

Finding Form at EuroBasket
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Suffers Minor Injury at EuroBasket
Victor Wembanyama

Looking "Quite Stellar"
Denny Hamlin

Ends Eventful Day at Darlington in Seventh Place
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Almost Earns a Top-Five Finish at Darlington
John Hunter Nemechek

has His Best 2025 Performance at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Has An Underwhelming Performance At Darlington
Josh Berry

Crashes Early and Suffers A Playoff Setback at Darlington
Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Staying in Milwaukee"
Chase Elliott

Under Playoff Pressure After 17th-Place Darlington Finish
Kyle Larson

Despite Hendrick Mediocrity, Kyle Larson Remains Pretty Safe in Playoffs
Alex Bowman

Opening-Lap Crash and Botched Pit Stop May Have Sunk Alex Bowman's Playoff Hopes
Erik Jones

Darlington Master Erik Jones Comes Up Short but Still Finishes Third
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Impresses at Southern 500
Daniel Suarez

is A DFS Risk for Darlington Lineups?
Noah Gragson

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Noah Gragson for Darlington?
Ty Dillon

is an Excellent Punt Option for Darlington DFS Lineups
Denny Hamlin

Picking Up Where He Left Off At Darlington
Kyle Larson

The Sky Is The Limit for Kyle Larson at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

a Strong DFS Play at Darlington This Weekend
Tyler Reddick

Shouldn't Be Overlooked at Darlington This Weekend
Alex Bowman

An Easy Place-Differential Play in DFS This Weekend
Ty Gibbs

Could Be Strong at Darlington This Weekend
Erik Jones

Has Best Darlington Qualifying Effort Since Last Win
Zane Smith

Hopeful For Another Solid Run At Darlington

RANKINGS

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