Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are always on the lookout for their next breakout stars. Whether you’re in a keeper league or just looking for a late-round steal, analyzing prospects is a vital part of fantasy success. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top fantasy baseball prospects to watch, highlighting their potential impact and when to expect them on the big stage.
1. Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays): As the top-ranked prospect in baseball, Franco is a must-watch for fantasy owners. The 20-year-old switch-hitting shortstop possesses an impressive hit tool, power, and speed. While it’s uncertain exactly when Franco will make his MLB debut, he has all the tools to be a fantasy superstar, potentially even in his rookie season.
2. Jarred Kelenic (Seattle Mariners): Kelenic has been making waves in the minor leagues, showcasing his power and speed combination. The highly-touted outfielder has the potential to hit for both average and power while stealing bases. The Mariners have stated that Kelenic will likely debut in 2021, making him an attractive target in dynasty leagues and late-round fliers for redraft leagues.
3. Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles): Rutschman was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft for a reason. As a switch-hitting catcher, he possesses an intriguing combination of offensive and defensive skills. Rutschman has a solid eye at the plate and the potential to hit for both average and power. While his debut might not happen until 2022, he is worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues.
4. Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers): The number one overall pick in the 2020 draft, Torkelson is a power-hitting first baseman with the ability to hit for average as well. He has shown an advanced approach at the plate in college, and his power potential is off the charts. While Torkelson might not debut until 2022, he should be considered a top target in dynasty leagues and a player to monitor closely in keeper leagues.
5. Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners): Rodriguez has been highly regarded as one of the top outfield prospects in baseball. He possesses tremendous raw power and an ability to hit for a high average. While he is likely to debut in 2022 or later, his potential as a fantasy contributor makes him a valuable asset in dynasty leagues.
6. MacKenzie Gore (San Diego Padres): Gore is a left-handed pitching prospect with an impressive arsenal of pitches. He has the potential to be a frontline starter, showcasing excellent command and a devastating curveball. While the Padres’ rotation is stacked, Gore’s talent could force him into the big leagues soon, making him an enticing stash in dynasty leagues and a potential late-season addition in deeper redraft leagues.
7. Dylan Carlson (St. Louis Cardinals): After making his MLB debut in 2020, Carlson showed glimpses of his potential. The switch-hitting outfielder possesses a balanced set of skills, including power and speed. Expect Carlson to take another step forward offensively in his sophomore season, making him an intriguing target in redraft leagues.
8. Sixto Sánchez (Miami Marlins): Sánchez made his much-anticipated debut in 2020 and impressed with his explosive fastball and excellent command. He has the potential to be a front-line starter if he can develop his secondary pitches further. Sánchez’s strong showing in his rookie season makes him an attractive pickup in redraft leagues and a valuable long-term asset in dynasty formats.
When analyzing fantasy baseball prospects, it is essential to consider factors such as their ETA (estimated time of arrival), team situation, and playing time outlook. While all these prospects have tremendous upside, it’s important to temper expectations, as the transition to the big leagues can be challenging. However, hitting on a top prospect can often lead to fantasy success and bragging rights among your league mates. So keep an eye on these top prospects, do your research, and have fun drafting your team!