TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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 MLB Prospects to Claim Off the Waiver Wire in Week 23

Well guys. We’ve made it to September. The MLB Ready Top 30 Prospects list is over because rosters have officially expanded. Now, it is time to tell you who is in the big leagues that needs to be added. In another article, I will cover 10 other names who have yet to be promoted who could potentially have value. In today’s issue, we're covering the top prospects currently in the big leagues. To be clear, these are guys who have been promoted recently (August 28 is the cut-off), and it must have been their first opportunity this season (sorry Byron Buxton). And no, if a player has not been promoted yet, they cannot be on the list. My apologies to all you Dan Vogelbach fans out there.

But before I get to that, time for my predictions (just like I did last year) for Rookie of the Year. This year, unlike the last, does not feature a lot of close contests. In fact, I bet the National League will be unanimous the the American League will be pretty dang close to unanimous. Dodgers’ rookie phenom Corey Seager will win the NL Rookie of the Year and it won’t even be remotely close. In the American League, Tigers’ young starter Michael Fulmer has been outstanding this season and will run away with the award.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

 

Top MLB Prospects to Add Right Now off the Waiver Wire

1. Yoan Moncada (2B, BOS)

Double-A Stats: 207 PA, .277/.379/.531, 11 HR, 9 SB, 30.9% K rate, 13.0% BB rate

If he is not already owned in your league, stop what you’re doing right now and add him. This guy is poised to take over at third base for the Boston Red Sox, at least against right-handed pitching (spoiler alert: that’s most pitchers), and he has been absolutely electric in the minors. He has power, he has speed, and he should hit for a great average. There is no player in the minors more electric than Moncada and now, he has a chance to take his talents to the big stage. He is a must-own in all leagues.

2. Tom Murphy (C, COL)

Triple-A Stats: 321 PA, .327/.361/.647, 19 HR, 1 SB, 24.3% K rate, 5.0% BB rate

Do you like catchers who hit home runs? You do? Good, then Murphy is the guy for you. Sure he strikes out a ton, and he does not seem likely a reliable bet to hit for a good average. However, he plays in a park that breeds dingers, and he has already hit 19 home runs in 80 games at Triple-A. Murphy is not going to be the next Gary Sanchez, but he will receive a lot of playing time and should have no problem posting some impressive power numbers.

3. Hunter Dozier (3B, KC)

Triple-A Stats: 434 PA, .294/.357/.506, 15 HR, 3 SB, 23.0% K rate, 9.2% BB rate

Dozier has not always been the most highly touted guy in the minors, but he truly exploded onto the scene in 2016. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he has mashed 23 home runs with a .296 average. He is not going to get much playing time in at first, third, or designated hitter with Eric Hosmer, Cheslor Cuthbert and Kendrys Morales manning those three spots respectively. But Dozier will see some time in the outfield and could get a spot start at one of those three spots. He has a potentially explosive bat, and the Royals recognize this fact. Expect him to start on a semi-regular basis from now until the end of the season.

4. Raimel Tapia (OF, COL)

Triple-A Stats: 110 PA, .346/.355/.490, 0 HR, 6 SB, 10.9% K rate, 1.8% BB rate

Another member of the Rockies, Tapia is a very exciting prospect simply because of where he plays. He has not displayed much power this season (only eight home runs between Double-A and Triple-A), but he has plenty of speed (23 SB), never strikes out and has shown an ability to hit for a decent average. Playing time could be a bit of an issue for him moving forward as the Rockies also have David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez in their outfield, but if Tapia plays, he could put up some impressive numbers.

5. Jharel Cotton (SP, OAK)

Triple-A Stats: 135.2 IP, 4.31 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 10.28 K/9, 2.59 BB/9, 1.33 HR/9

If you have read my Top 30 prospect rankings articles, you have probably noticed that Cotton has been near the top of the list for the past couple of weeks. That has been because of two things: his dominance since arriving at Triple-A Nashville and the likelihood that he becomes a starter for Oakland once he was promoted. Well, Athletics manager Bob Melvin recently confirmed that Cotton would be in the A's rotation for the remainder of the season, solidifying his fantasy value for the rest of the year. Since arriving over from Los Angeles, Cotton has posted a 2.82 ERA and 3.41 FIP thanks in large part to a rock solid 8.45 K/9 and 1.64 BB/9. He looks like he could be a very productive arm for playoff fantasy rotations and he should be a guy most teams want to own.

6. Lucas Giolito (SP, WAS)

Triple-A Stats: 37.1 IP, 2.17 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 9.64 K/9, 2.41 BB/9, 0.72 HR/9

It is unknown at this time whether or not Giolito will be starting for the Nationals, but I bet they give him at least one or two trips through the rotation. He has been sensational at Triple-A, particularly in his last outing when he delivered eight shutout innings with only three base\runners (two hits and one walk). He has not been sharp in the big leagues, but he warrants another look (especially with the Nationals way ahead in the division race). He could potentially be a very solid stream option if he is given starts.

7. Jose De Leon (SP, LAD)

Triple-A Stats: 86.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 11.57 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, 0.94 HR/9

De Leon looked really sharp in his big league debut. He picked up the win, struck out nine batters. and only gave up six hits over six innings. Now the four earned runs could have been a lot better, but if nothing else he showed a lot of promise moving forward. The Dodgers have had a lot of issues in their rotation this season and though Clayton Kershaw could come back, the smart money is on De Leon staying in the rotation. He is worth a speculative own just for the upside if he sticks in the rotation.

8. Joey Wendle (2B, OAK)

Triple-A Stats: 526 PA, .279/.324/.452, 12 HR, 14 SB, 21.3% K rate, 4.9% BB rate

Wendle has not been a prospect people go crazy over, but he has put together a very solid offensive season for a middle infielder. With 12 home runs and 14 stolen bases, his promising power/speed combination has many viewing him as a possible sleeper if he can get some regular playing time. And though he will likely only receive semi-regular starts, Wendle could eventually see more opportunities down the road as the Athletics wind up their dreadful season and try to get the youngsters some playing time.

9. JaCoby Jones (SS, DET)

Triple-A Stats: 324 PA, .243/.309/.356, 3 HR, 11 SB, 29.9% K rate, 7.7% BB rate

Since a ridiculous 2014 season at Pittsburgh’s Class-A team in which he blasted 23 home runs and stole 17 bases, Jones has trended downward. He hit 18 home runs in 2015 with 26 stolen bases between Rookie ball, High-A and Double-A, but experienced more problems with strikeouts. That issue has continued into this season where he has too many strikeouts while also seeing some notable decreases in both power numbers (seven home runs) and  speed (13 steals). But there is still a fair amount of hype for Jones as scouts still like his power/speed upside, leaving him as an intriguing add off the waiver wire. He won’t play too much time at short, but he could be an interesting streaming option in some leagues.

10. Raul Alcantara (SP, OAK)

Triple-A Stats: 45.2 IP, 1.18 ERA, 2.80 FIP, 6.31 K/9, 0.59 BB/9, 0.20 HR/9

The second Athletics pitching prospect to make it on this list, Alcantara too has been given assurance that he will be in the rotation for Oakland for the remainder of this season. Alcantara has not quite produced the strikeouts that I'm sure fantasy owners would love to see, but he has still been outstanding for Nashville this season, posting a 1.18 ERA and 2.80 FIP. To top those two numbers, he posted a ridiculously low 0.59 BB/9 rate in his 45.2 innings of work. Alcantara is not the greatest prospect in the world, but he has a locked up rotation spot, something that owners in deeper leagues could certainly take advantage of if they need some pitching depth.

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




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

Paul George

Resting Versus Charlotte
Joel Embiid

Won't Play on Monday Night
Kawhi Leonard

Will Face Brooklyn on Sunday
Norman Powell

is Cleared for Sunday's Contest
Kasparas Jakucionis

Upgraded to Available
Jalen Green

is Ruled Out for Sunday's Game
Aaron Wiggins

to Suit up on Sunday
Jose Alvarado

is Making his Return on Sunday
Trey Murphy III

is Available for Sunday's Game
Ja'Kobe Walter

is Returning on Sunday
Immanuel Quickley

is Cleared for Sunday's Game
Norman Powell

is Upgraded to Probable on Sunday
Davion Mitchell

is Downgraded to Out
Philipp Kurashev

Joins Sharks for Road Trip
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Placed on Injured Reserve
William Nylander

Doesn't Have Timeline for Return
Teuvo Teravainen

Remains Out Sunday
David Kampf

Scratched on Sunday
Kris Letang

Expected to Return Sunday
Linus Ullmark

Dresses as Backup Sunday
Matthew Stafford

Plans to Return in 2026
Jonathan Kuminga

is Dealing with Bone Bruise
Norman Powell

Holds Questionable Tag for Sunday
Davion Mitchell

Tagged as Doubtful for Sunday
Noah Clowney

is Downgraded to Out
Caris LeVert

Won't Suit up on Sunday
Cade Cunningham

is Available on Sunday
CFB

Arthur Smith to Become Ohio State's Offensive Coordinator
Zach LaVine

Iffy for Sunday Against Detroit
Bo Nix

Sidelined for 12 Weeks With Broken Ankle
Stephen Curry

De'Anthony Melton Could Sit Sunday vs. Minnesota
Jose Altuve

to Mainly Play Second Base
Nicolas Hague

Out Week-to-Week
Yu Darvish

Considering Retirement
Simon Edvinsson

Misses Second Straight Game
Alexandre Texier

Cleared for Original Six Matchup
Anze Kopitar

Still Out Saturday
Drew Doughty

Set to Rejoin Kings Lineup Saturday
Matt Boldy

Expected to Return Saturday Night
Brad Marchand

Available Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Finalizing Deal to Make Mike McCarthy Their Head Coach
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Signs Seven-Year Extension With Guardians
Gunnar Henderson

is Fully Healthy Heading into Spring Training
Bo Horvat

Rejoining Islanders Lineup Saturday
Dylan Holloway

Out Friday
Ross Colton

Won't Play Friday
Filip Chytil

Ready to End Three-Month Absence
Mason McTavish

Misses Second Straight Game Friday
Anthony Stolarz

Returns to Action Friday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Available Friday
Tyreek Hill

Dolphins Expected to Release Tyreek Hill
Paddy Pimblett

Set For Interim Lightweight Title Fight
Justin Gaethje

An Underdog At UFC 324
Song Yadong

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Sean O'Malley Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Derrick Lewis

Returns At UFC 324
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Philip Rivers

Interviewing for Bills Head-Coaching Job
NFL

Fernando Mendoza Officially Declares for NFL Draft
CFB

Arch Manning Undergoes Foot Surgery
Dalton Kincaid

Played Through Torn PCL
CFB

College Football Playoff Expected to Remain a 12-Team Field in 2026
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Hire Jesse Minter as Their Head Coach
Indianapolis Colts

FBI Investigating the Death of Colts Owner Jim Irsay
MacKenzie Gore

Rangers Acquire MacKenzie Gore From the Nationals
Brandon Sproat

Dealt to Brewers in Four-Player Trade
Jett Williams

Brewers Acquire Jett Williams From Mets
Freddy Peralta

Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta From Brewers
Kyle Tucker

Expected to Bat Second or Third in Dodgers' Lineup
Brandon Aiyuk

has "Played his Last Snap as a Niner"
Cody Bellinger

Signs Five-Year, $162.5 Million Contract With Yankees
Adam Scott

Looks to Overcome Putting Woes at American Express
Billy Horschel

Looking to Rebound at The American Express
Josh Allen

Might Need Foot Surgery
Russell Henley

Looks to Build on Strong Start at The American Express
Jason Day

Looking to Start 2026 Strong at The American Express
Wyndham Clark

Looking to Regain Form at The American Express
Sam Burns

Looks to Continue Success at The American Express
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Flip the Script at The American Express
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looking to Build on Strong Fall in Season Debut
Kurt Kitayama

Hopes To Continue Strong Start to 2026 Season at American Express
CFB

Princewill Umanmielen Expected to Sign with LSU
Scottie Scheffler

Returns To American Express After Missing Last Year's Edition
Robert MacIntyre

Keeps Momentum Rolling Heading Into American Express
Brian Harman

Can Challenge at American Express if His Putter Stays Hot
Ben Griffin

Outstanding Form Continues Heading Into American Express
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Playing Well Following Outstanding Finish to 2025 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Get a Jump Start on His 2026 Season
Blades Brown

Set to Make First PGA Tour Appearance of 2026
Kevin Roy

Has Some Confidence Heading to Southern California
Min Woo Lee

Poised to Make Bigger Impact in 2026
Max Homa

Needs a Better Start for 2026
Tony Finau

Trying to Reverse Disturbing Trend
Cam Davis

Aims for More Accuracy at American Express
Luisangel Acuña

Luisangel Acuna Sent to White Sox in Trade
Luis Robert Jr.

Mets Acquire Luis Robert Jr. from White Sox
Los Angeles Chargers

Mike McDaniel Expected to Become Chargers Offensive Coordinator
Carlos Beltran

Andruw Jones Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Expected to Land at Georgia Tech
Malik Nabers

Giants Hope Malik Nabers Will be Back for Start of Training Camp
CFB

Duke Suing Quarterback Darian Mensah
Cam Skattebo

Should be Ready by OTAs
George Kittle

Expects to Return "Well Before November"
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Entering Transfer Portal
Mookie Betts

Plans to Retire at the End of his Current Contract
Tennessee Titans

Titans Set to Hire Robert Saleh as Next Head Coach

RANKINGS

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