👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 18 Rookie Roundup: Recently Promoted Prospects

The trade deadline necessitated a flurry of roster moves around the league. Those included below are just the most important prospect call-ups. Since we have so many names to slog through, I'll be going rapid fire on those who require the least analysis.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the recent rookie call-ups, and their outlooks moving forward.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium MLB Subscription for only $1.99 per week. We have all the tools to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Sleeper Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, PLUS Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

Hitters

Andrew Benintendi - Boston Red Sox

After failing to acquire a left fielder at the trade deadline, the Red Sox settled for the internal solution by promoting Benintendi. The double-jumped the 22-year-old from Double-A. The lefty raced through the minors with barely a stumble, but he did require a few weeks to catch on in Double-A. The gap between there and the majors is huge - don't be surprised if he slumps before adjusting to the majors.

The statistical profile is a fantasy player's dream - solid power, above average speed, and excellent plate discipline. Be wary of red flags. His stolen base success rate at Double-A was just 8-for-15. He may not have a green light in the majors. Fenway is tough on left-handed power - the 10 feet left of Pesky's Pole being the lone exception. Don't expect a ton of early career power. Plate discipline sometimes evaporates in Triple-A and the majors. Since we didn't get to see him play at Triple-A, it's anyone's guess if he'll retain his quality strikeout and walk rates.

Orlando Arcia - Milwaukee Brewers

Fantasy owners have been clamoring for Arcia's promotion since before the season. Personally, I'm surprised it happened. He did very little to earn it, posting a below average batting line at arguably the highest octane hitting environment in professional baseball (Colorado Springs). Arcia features minimal pop, plus speed, and the potential to eventually hit for a high average. Give the 22-year-old a couple years to develop before you expect steady production. Consider him a source of empty steals for the rest of 2016.

Charlie Tilson - Chicago White Sox

Tilson tore a hammy in his debut on Wednesday. He's done for the season. The speedy lefty reminds me of Jon Jay. The profile reads like a good fourth outfielder with good plate discipline, almost no power, and plus speed. Redraft owners can cross him off their lists. Those in deep dynasty leagues may want to stash him for next spring.

Brandon Nimmo - New York Mets

With Yoenis Cespedes hitting the disabled list, Nimmo is back in New York. The left-handed hitter was nearly traded for Jay Bruce. Incidentally, the presence of Bruce, Michael Conforto, and Curtis Granderson all but assures Nimmo will spend most of his time on the bench. It's where he profiles best due to a wealth of merely adequate skills and no standout talents.

Richie Shaffer - Tampa Bay Rays

Shaffer is a power-first corner infielder whose top skill declined this season. He popped just eight home runs in 424 plate appearances at Triple-A. While owners in deep dynasty leagues should take a flier just in case, his path to playing time is muddy enough to ignore in most formats. If he does play, expect a low average, passable OBP, and modest power.

Gary Sanchez - New York Yankees

The Yankees still have Brian McCann blocking Sanchez, but they'll begin the transition by getting him extra reps as the designated hitter. Sanchez is an aggressive hitter with good power for a catcher. That puts him behind the eight ball as a batter-only. Developmentally, it's important for him to carve out a role as a regular receiver. He needs to make McCann expendable to the Yankees if he wants to take over next season. His fantasy use case is minimal outside of two catcher leagues. He'll bat down in the lineup and projects to provide a below average batting line.

A.J. Reed - Houston Astros

Reed may have officially entered the Quad-A phase of his career. He played 11 games in the minors after a late-July demotion. Over that span, he hit .436/.500/.821 with four home runs in 44 plate appearances. Since returning to the majors, he's 0-for-7 with three strikeouts. If it ever clicks, Reed offers an advanced power bat with plenty of plate discipline. Expect the strikeout rate to remain around 30 percent. I've noticed he can be too passive early in counts, falling behind by watching hittable pitches.

Jorge Polanco - Minnesota Twins

The Twins have called upon Polanco a few times over the years. Finally, they're committing to actually playing him. Polanco has double-plus contact skills with a hint of power and speed. The fantasy profile isn't jaw dropping, but he could become a younger, better Joe Panik. He profiles best as a super utility guy with a high average and OBP. Don't expect him to maintain his current .277 ISO. He'll probably post somewhere around a .120 ISO.

 

Pitchers

Mike Clevinger - Cleveland Indians

The Indians have a number of pitching prospects with breakout potential like Clevinger and Cody Anderson. Clevinger's short term prognosis isn't particularly exciting - something like a league average strikeout rate with too many walks and runs allowed. As he learns to command his arsenal more consistently, he could become an occasional streamer candidate.

Ariel Miranda - Seattle Mariners

The Mariners acquired Miranda in exchange for Wade Miley. As of this writing, the 27-year-old was scheduled to make his first major league start later in the evening. The Cuban reportedly owns a 94-95 mph fastball with a solid curve and changeup. He may profile better in relief. He averaged 93 mph on the gun in a two-inning debut.

Brock Stewart - Los Angeles Dodgers

Stewart had the misfortune of pitching at Coors Field on Wednesday. It did not go well. However, the righty has a useful mix of traits. He can induce whiffs, throws 93 mph, and has above average command. Although he isn't a touted prospect, he has the stuff and wherewithal to become a back end fantasy starter. If they continue to use him this season, there may be a few streaming opportunities.

Julio Urias - Los Angeles Dodgers

Urias appeared in relief of Stewart and that didn't go well either. The 19-year-old phenom is set to chill in the bullpen. He could be a good source of ratios and vulture wins if you have a particularly deep bench. Now may also be a good time to pry him from contending owners in keeper leagues.

Jose Berrios - Minnesota Twins

Berrios earned his first major league win on Monday. He held the Indians to three runs in six innings of work. Berrios is one of the top pitching prospects in the league because he can overwhelm opponents with his 94 mph fastball and a sharp power curve. The pitch is particularly tough on right-handed hitters. Scouting reports credit him with an above average to plus changeup, but I've yet to see much from that particular offering. Command remains an issue for the young righty.

Joe Musgrove - Houston Astros

Musgrove is expected to take the place of Lance McCullers while he recovers from a (hopefully minor) elbow injury. As is the case with most command and control prospects, Musgrove will need to quickly adapt to working the edges. In the minors, command pitchers can run a tiny walk rate without getting punished. If they fall behind in the count, they just pump strikes. In the majors, they have to be more willing to pitch outside the zone in three ball counts. This must be done deceptively with pitches that legitimately look like strikes.

If it comes together, Musgrove could post numbers comparable to Jordan Zimmermann. That's the upside, expect closer to a high-3s ERA with 7.00 K/9 and 3.00 BB/9.

 

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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Daniel Jones

a QB1 When Healthy?
NFL

Nicholas Singleton Cleared to Resume Running
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Jock Landale

Hawks Plan to Re-Evalute Jock Landale in Two Weeks
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
Jonathan Isaac

Considered Questionable for Matchup Versus Hornets
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Listed as Questionable for Friday
Paris Johnson Jr.

Cardinals Pick Up Paris Johnson Jr.'s Fifth-Year Option
Joel Embiid

Expected to Miss Start of Playoffs
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
New York Giants

Giants Want "a Lot" for Dexter Lawrence
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers, Derwin James Expected to Pick Up Contract Talks After Draft
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
New York Jets

Jets Cancel Visit With David Bailey
NFL

K.C. Concepcion Visits With Chargers, 49ers
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals a Real Threat to Select Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 Overall
Cameron Ward

Should Throw at Minicamp
De'Von Achane

Spotted at Dolphins Training Facilities
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
NFL

Can Zacharia Branch Actually Succeed for Fantasy Managers?
Cade Otton

Could be at Risk on Day 1 of NFL Draft
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tetairoa McMillan

It's Possible That Tetairoa McMillan Has Only Shown His Floor
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
T.J. Hockenson

Should Still Have More to Give
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Jordan Love

a Middle-of-the-Road Superflex Option
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shane Wright

Returns With a Goal Wednesday
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads Clippers in Scoring Wednesday Night
Kristaps Porzingis

Impresses in Play-In Win
Stephen Curry

Leads Warriors to Vital Victory With 35 Points
Desmond Bane

Scores Game-High 34 Points in Play-In Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Guides 76ers Into Playoffs With 31-Point Effort
LaMelo Ball

Receives $60,000 Fine for Tuesday's Actions
Thomas Bryant

Practices in Limited Capacity Wednesday
Spencer Jones

Limited at Wednesday's Practice
Peyton Watson

Limited to Non-Contact Work at Practice
Bam Adebayo

NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball's Trip of Bam Adebayo
Isaiah Jackson

Cleared for Wednesday
Terrance Ferguson

Can Terrance Ferguson Establish a More Consistent Role in 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Could See a Reduced Role in Houston in 2026
Kimani Vidal

Playing Time in Los Angeles an Open Question Heading into 2026
Juwan Johnson

Looking to Build on Breakout 2025 Campaign
Chuba Hubbard

Set to Re-Emerge as a Top-24 Running Back?
Gunnar Helm

Poised for Expanded Role in 2026
Immanuel Quickley

Remains Day-to-Day After Workout
Isaiah Jackson

Probable to Return for Play-In Game
Tyler Kolek

Returns to Practice Ahead of Playoffs
Trendon Watford

Active on Wednesday
Jonathan Isaac

Ruled Out for Play-In Game Wednesday
Dylan Harper

Expected to Suit Up for Game 1 on Sunday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Alex Lyon

Expected to Miss Playoff Opener
Zach Hyman

Set to Return Thursday
Sam Steel

Back in Action Wednesday
Gustav Forsling

Sits Out Season Finale
Matthew Tkachuk

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
TB

Max Crozier Available Against Rangers
Brandon Hagel

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
Sam Antonacci

Officially Called Up by White Sox
Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Ryan Weathers

Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday
Byron Buxton

Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice in Loss to Astros
JJ Wetherholt

Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF