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 Fantasy Baseball Prospects - NL East

Michael Grennell breaks down the best fantasy baseball prospects in the National League East division for 2018. These MLB rookies could be dynasty keepers or redraft sleepers.

Continuing our look at prospects by division, let's take a look at the NL East. In this division more than others it's a case of the Haves vs the Have Nots when it comes to prospects. You have the Braves with an absolutely loaded minor league system, the Marlins making trades left and right to start a rebuild, the Phillies and Nationals have a couple key prospects ready to make an impact at the major league level, and the Mets, who have a very nice stadium.

There are a lot of big name prospects in the NL East, featuring nine prospects generally considered in the top 50 in MLB, two of which are considered top-10 prospects. More than any other division, the NL East features top-tier prospects who can and likely will make an impact in fantasy this season.

Let's take a look at who is ready to make that impact.

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

 

Top 10 Dynasty Prospects - NL East

10. OF Juan Soto  — Washington Nationals

A 19-year-old entering his third season of pro-ball, Soto has shown promise so far in limited playing time, hitting .362 with eight home runs, six stolen bases and a .953 OPS over 83 career games. During an injury-plagued 2017 season, Soto hit .351 with 10 extra base hits including three home runs. His walk rate took a slight dip to 8.9 percent from 10.1 percent in 2016, but he also lowered his strikeout rate from 15.2 percent to 6.0 percent. Soto is definitely one of the up-and-coming prospects in the Nationals organization, and now is the time to add him in dynasty leagues before his value gets higher.

9. OF Monte Harrison — Miami Marlins

After several injury-riddled seasons, Harrison had a breakout year in 2017 between the Carolina and Midwest Leagues. Over 122 games — the first time in his career he reached 100 games — he hit .272 with 28 doubles, 21 HR, 27 steals and a .832 OPS. While the 20-20 potential Harrison displays is very intriguing, his plate discipline is another concern (besides his health) for fantasy owners. Over the last four seasons, his lowest strikeout rate was 21.4 percent and last season he had a 27.1 percent rate. If he can improve his plate discipline and stay healthy for another year, he could quickly rise up the prospect rankings.

8. SS J.P. Crawford — Philadelphia Phillies

Already penciled in as the Phillies Opening Day shortstop, Crawford is ready to make an impact in fantasy leagues in 2018. Over 23 games in Philadelphia, Crawford was less than impressive in his first taste of major league pitching, hitting .214 with a 25.3 percent strikeout rate. His numbers in Triple-A Lehigh Valley though were better, as he hit .243 with 15 HR and a .351 OBP — 12th-highest in the International League. Crawford has double-digit home run and steal potential, and in OBP leagues he could end up one of the better options at shortstop. Over five years in the minors, he has a 13.4 percent walk rate and a .367 OBP. There will be an adjustment period for the 23-year-old to start the year, but he is a must-own in NL-only leagues, and worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues.

7. 2B Scott Kingery — Philadelphia Phillies

Kingery has had a dominant spring this year, hitting .378 with three home runs, four steals and a 1.086 OPS over 14 games. This coming on the heels of a breakout 2017 season where he hit .304 with 26 HR, 29 steals and a .530 SLG — the sixth-highest slugging percentage of any player in the minors last year. Over the last five years, there have been three second basemen with 20-20 seasons: Brian Dozier, Jean Segura and Jose Altuve — who has done so twice. Kingery is a star in the making, and while he will likely start the season in the minors in order to delay his free agency, he has a good shot at being named the starting second baseman in Philadelphia sometime this year. When Kingery does arrive in the majors, he will be a top 20 second baseman almost immediately. In leagues with deep benches, he is worth drafting and stashing until he gets the call-up.

6. LHP Luiz Gohara — Atlanta Braves

Before dealing with a groin and ankle injury that has kept him from pitching this spring, Gohara was considered a dark horse candidate to crack the Braves Opening Day rotation. He made his major league debut last season as a September call-up, posting a 1-3 record over five starts with a 4.91 ERA and a 1.364 WHIP while striking out 31 batters in 29.1 innings. Over five years in the minors, Gohara has accumulated a 10.3 K/9 rate and has never recorded lower than 9.5 K/9 in a season. One thing to keep in mind though is that last year was the first time in his career he logged more than 100 innings. But that being said, he was still able to maintain numbers in line with his career averages despite the increased workload. Entering his age-21 season, Gohara is poised to breakout in a big way and he could end up making an impact at the major league level sometime this year.

5. RHP Kyle Wright — Atlanta Braves

Wright has thrown only 17 innings in pro-ball, but the No. 5 overall pick in last year's draft has a lot of potential to become a top-of-the-line starter for Atlanta very soon. He was less than impressive this spring, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk over 2.1 innings, but Wright will look to build off his 1.000 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 from last year. Out of everyone on this list, Wright has the smallest body of work and therefore is the hardest one to project what his 2018 season will look like. Wright will probably start 2018 back with the Florida Fire Frogs, butwith his potential it wouldn't be surprising to see him dominate in the Florida State League and end up in Double-A before the end of the year.

4. RHP Sixto Sanchez — Philadelphia Phillies

The top prospect in the Phillies system according to MLB.com, Sanchez has improved in each season since his professional debut in 2015. Over 18 starts last year, Sanchez went 5-7 with a 3.03 ERA and 0.958 WHIP while increasing his K/9 rate to 8.0 from 7.3 in 2016. He has also shown impressive command of the strike-zone in his career with a 19.95 percent strikeout rate and a 5.06 percent walk rate. Sanchez will likely start this year back in the Florida State League, where he went 0-4 with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.301 WHIP over five starts. The 19-year-old has the potential to become a top-of-the-rotation starter for Philadelphia soon, and dynasty league owners should add Sanchez now before his value skyrockets.

3. OF Lewis Brinson — Miami Marlins

Brinson was the centerpiece of the the Marlins return from the Christian Yelich trade, and he is already penciled in to the starting lineup in Miami for 2018. As a 23-year-old last year, Brinson hit .331 with 13 HR and 11 stolen bases over 76 games in Triple-A. He also made his major league debut with Milwaukee, where he struggled with a .106 average and .513 OPS over 21 games, but he managed to hit two home runs and a triple in 47 at-bats before being sent back down. Brinson has the potential to be a 15-15 player while scoring a lot of runs from the top of Miami's lineup, but if he's going to succeed at the major league level he'll need to improve upon his career 25.6 percent strikeout rate. He's guaranteed playing time this year and he will be in the team's Opening Day lineup. While he will likely have some struggles as he adjusts to the majors, Brinson is worth a late round flier in any league for his potential upside.

2. OF Victor Robles — Washington Nationals

The Nationals have a crowded outfield right now, but if someone goes down with an injury you will see Robles as one of the first options the team turns to. Over four years in the minors, Robles has amassed a .304 average and .865 OPS while averaging over 27 steals a season. He also has double-digit home run potential, which he displayed last year by hitting 37 doubles and 10 HR over 114 games between the Eastern and Carolina Leagues. Robles will open his 2018 campaign in Triple-A and should get another taste of the major leagues this year. He likely won't have much of an impact in fantasy this year, but he should be able to compete for a starting spot in Washington's lineup next spring.

1. OF Ronald Acuna — Atlanta Braves

There are few prospects right now that are as exciting and as ready to make an impact in fantasy as Ronald Acuna. He will start the year in the minors to delay his service time, but he should be the best rookie in fantasy in 2018. As a 19-year-old last season, Acuna went from High-A all the way up to Triple-A — compiling a .325 average with 21 HR, 44 steals and a .896 OPS. The one concern to keep an eye on with Acuna is he had a career-low 6.9 percent walk rate and a career-high 24.8 percent strikeout rate last year. So while expectations for Acuna should be somewhat tempered, owners should still be excited about the potential he brings to the plate this season.

 

More 2018 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

Terrance Ferguson

Could Benefit from Rams Scheme Changes
Jacob Cowing

Could Handle Gadget Role in San Francisco
Jayden Higgins

to Start for Texans Right Away?
Sauce Gardner

Agrees to $120.4 Million Contract Extension
Marvin Mims Jr.

Could be on Track for First 1,000-Yard Season
Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF