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

Week 6 Rookie Roundup: Recently Promoted Prospects

Ed Sutelan analyzes the performance of recently promoted MLB prospects and how they factor into the 2017 fantasy baseball picture in week six.

Welcome to the 2017 edition of the Recently Promoted Prospects! Here I discuss some recently promoted prospects and what to make of their production for fantasy owners.

We have now cruised into the month of May. And unfortunately for fantasy owners, this is not typically a time where a bunch of top prospects receive promotions. It’s just after the beginning of the season, and just before the Super Two deadline. So unless there is an absolute dire need for a top prospect, we may not see another major promotion until June.

Nonetheless, there are always roster moves made seemingly every day, and some of the moves may have impacts on deeper leagues. While most of these guys aren’t super exciting, some of them may have value in your fantasy leagues, even if that value is relatively minimal. So without any further ado, let’s get right into talking about the recently promoted prospects for week six!

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

 

Hitters:

Jeimer Candelario (3B, CHC) - 1% owned
The most interesting fantasy piece promoted, Candelario was called up to the majors as a corresponding move to the placement of Jason Heyward on the 10-day DL. Candelario will remain on the roster and play third base with Kris Bryant likely taking over a bulk of playing time for Heyward in the outfield.

Prior to his promotion, Candelario had been enjoying arguably his best season in his career. He was walking more than he ever has above rookie league, he was on pace for a career-high 23 home runs with four in 28 games thus far. He also posted career-highs in batting average (.340), on-base percentage (.443), slugging percentage (.649) and wRC+ (186). Scouts have always seen plenty of upside in Candelario’s bat, and now it looks like he will get a chance to flash that potential in the majors. He is starting to tap into his raw power, and has continued to show promising plate discipline and an ability to make consistent contact.

Don’t count on the 23-year-old to stay on the roster once Heyward returns, but most believe he will be traded at this year’s deadline and should immediately start in the majors for whichever team acquires him. This taste of the majors is really just a sample of what he could do over a full season of work, and he could be a productive bat for owners once he finds starting time.

Magneuris Sierra (OF, STL) - 0% owned
Dexter Fowler injured, Jose Martinez injured, Stephen Piscotty injured. Do you call up Harrison Bader from Triple-A? Nope, apparently you call up Magneuris Sierra from Class-A Advanced. Yes, you read that right, he jumped Double- and Triple-A to reach the majors. The Cardinals No. 7 prospect (MLB Pipeline) debuted on Sunday, and is off to a hot start at the big-league level, slashing .357/.400/.357 in 15 plate appearances. Prior to his promotion, he slashed .272/.337/.407 with three steals at High-A.

Sierra is quick, and has the speed to man center field and provide fantasy owners with stolen bases. His contact/speed game also makes him appear poised to be a future leadoff hitter for the Cardinals. But I would not count on much this season. If not for a slew of injuries, he would still be at High-A. He may return to Double- or Triple-A once his time in the majors is over, which will likely happen once the outfielders on the DL start returning. But his speed and regular playing time right now make him an intriguing stopgap for owners missing Piscotty or Fowler.

Brian Goodwin (OF, WAS) - 0% owned
The Nationals are desperately searching for an answer to the absence of Adam Eaton. They have tried Michael A. Taylor and Rafael Bautista, and now Goodwin reaches the majors. He does not figure to be that permanent solution. Though he has shown promise in the past, Goodwin was hitting only .256, while striking out 28.2 percent of the time. And though he was on pace for 19/20 last year at Triple-A (14 HR, 15 SB in 119 games), he currently has only two home runs and two stolen bases. He is probably not much more than a bench bat until the Nationals find a new center fielder.

Bruce Maxwell (C, OAK) - 0% owned
Maxwell is a quiet catching prospect who has actually been a decent hitter for much of his MiLB career. For a while, he practically only reached base, but in 2016, he discovered power, launching 10 home runs in only 60 games at Triple-A, and one homer at the big-league level. He was recently promoted to the majors, and so far, has accumulated 17 plate appearances in six games. If he keeps starting, he could be a sleeper catcher in deep/AL-only leagues with his power and reliable bat. He is by no means the next Gary Sanchez, but there are going to be some owners out there who could use him if he makes the most of his MLB time. And given the Athletics’ rebuilding status, they may be more inclined to start the 26-year-old at catcher rather than 32-year-old Stephen Vogt (who has been struggling mightily at the plate this season).

Tomas Telis (C, MIA) - 0% owned
Unlike Maxwell, Tomas does not figure to receive much playing time. He has been profiled as a backup catcher for a long time, and is only three months younger (to the day) than starter J.T. Realmuto who is having a fringe All-Star caliber season so far. Telis is not super potent with the bat either, so any playing time he does receive, will not be super exciting. He can be ignored in all formats.

 

Pitchers:

A.J. Cole (SP, WAS) - 2% owned
Cole was promoted to serve as a spot starter while Joe Ross spends some time in the minors to rebuild some confidence after a shaky start to his 2017 season. Unlike Ross, Cole looked very sharp in his start, allowing just one run over six innings (albeit against Philadelphia). His solid start was enough to earn him another shot, this time against Baltimore on Thursday.

Though he has never been a great strikeout, Cole has a track record of relative success in the minors. His 2016 was not great (4.26 ERA), but his peripherals suggested he was better than his ERA indicated (3.96 FIP, 3.47 xFIP). Regardless of his past success, he will need to pitch out of his mind to hold Ross down in the minors, and even then he may still be replaced. He is not a recommended spot start against Baltimore, so his value is limited. And by limited, I really mean he should not be owned.

Jeff Hoffman (SP, COL) - 1% owned
Hoffman was up to the majors for Chicago’s doubleheader, and while that may have briefly excited some people, he was optioned down to the minors right after the game. And as of right now, German Marquez is starting to heat up on the mound, making a potential starting chance for Hoffman look bleaker by the day. Unless you are in a deep dynasty league, he should not be owned.

Jake Thompson (SP, PHI) - 1% owned
Thompson has always had a reputation of being a bulldog pitcher with an innings-eating mentality and future ahead of him. So it is a bit puzzling that he was promoted with the intention of serving as a reliever for Philadelphia. He looked sharp his first time out against Washington, but was tagged two days later for two runs on two hits and three walks over two innings against the Nationals. He could be a rotation option for the team later on down the road, but until he starts seeing starts, he does not need to be owned.

Editor's Note: Thompson was demoted Wednesday afternoon after this article was written

Austin Brice (RP, CIN) - 0% owned
Brice has been up and down from the minors all season long, but now may be up for a more extended period of time as both Amir Garrett and Rookie Davis were optioned to the minors given the need for only four starters over the next couple days. Brice used to be a starter, but has transitioned to the bullpen, and it appears to be a move for the better as he now appears more consistent. But he is not a reliever likely to see any save opportunities with Cincinnati given their surprisingly solid bullpen. A reliever without saves and without even a guaranteed spot on a big-league roster does not make for a promising fantasy option, so don’t worry about adding him any time soon.

Chad Green (SP, NYY) - 1% owned
Like Hoffman, Green was promoted to the majors, made one appearance and was sent back down to the minors. Unlike Hoffman, his appearance was very successful as he struck out three batters and allowed just one hit in an inning of work. He has been very successful as a starter this season in the minors, and may very possibly be the Yankees’ sixth man for their rotation. He is not worth owning, but expect to hear his name called again later this season.

 

More Top MLB Prospects & Rookies




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

Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
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
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
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
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
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
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
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
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF