Today the Heavy Hitters blog will analyze some of the top prospects in baseball. First, we will look at some prospects that have had a short audition in the big leagues and see how they will look to help their teams. Second, we will talk about some prospects that are ready to make an impact in the majors but are stuck in the minors currently. Let’s talk prospects!
Taijuan Walker, RHP-Seattle Mariners
First up is the Mariners top-pitching prospect, Taijuan Walker. Walker made his season debut last night against the Astros and got into some early trouble by giving up a home run to George Springer. He settled in after that and got the win after only giving up three runs while striking out six through six innings. Look for Walker to average a strikeout per inning and provide steady production to a desperate Seattle rotation. He will look for his second win in as many tries on Saturday against the White Sox.
Fantasy Recommendation: If he is still available, pick him up and enjoy the ride.
Mookie Betts, RF- Boston Red Sox
Mookie Betts was all the buzz this weekend as he was somewhat of a surprise call-up by the Sox. Then the buzz quickly died down as he sat the bench! In hindsight, that was probably a good call because facing Masahiro Tanaka in your major league debut seems like a daunting task. Betts also takes a hit with his position eligibility. He played primarily second base in the minors, but I am assuming most of you have heard of that Pedroia guy. He isn’t going anywhere. So Betts will start out in the outfield. He still has plus speed and stole 29 bags between Double-A and Triple-A this year, with eight homers to boot.
Fantasy Recommendation: Pick him up if you need steals. Other than that keep a close eye on him.
Domingo Santana, RF- Houston Astros
Santana is a brand new call-up; today as a matter of fact as the Astros keep getting more and more exciting. Santana was having a stellar year at Triple-A, slashing .304/.382/.502 with 13 bombs and 52 RBIs. Much like fellow prospects Springer and Singleton, Santana is a free swinger that strikes out too much. Look for him to get plenty of playing time and be able to provide some instant pop into an up-and-coming Astros lineup.
Fantasy Recommendation: Keep an eye on him in case he shows signs of a hot streak; not worth the grab until then.
Andrew Heaney, LHP- Miami Marlins
Heaney, the top-pitching prospect in the Marlins system, has struggled out of the gate in his major league career. Heaney has dropped his first three contests and has an ugly 5.29 ERA with a respectable 1.12 WHIP. Do not be fooled! Heaney has the stuff to be a staff ace, but won’t have to be with Jose Fernandez in town. He sported a 10.57 strikeout rate in Triple-A last year with a plus fastball and slider with a decent changeup. Keep your eye on Heaney, he will be highly coveted for years to come.
Fantasy Recommendation: If he is still available or if an ignorant owner dropped him, pick him up immediately!
Joc Pederson, RF- Los Angeles Dodgers
Pederson kicks off our list of players waiting for their turn in the majors. Pederson is the top outfield prospect in the Dodgers system. He currently has a separated shoulder, but that is not his biggest problem getting to The Show. There currently just is not a spot for Pederson in the Dodgers outfield with Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Andre Ethier firmly entrenched in the starting lineup. Whenever Pederson does get his chance, you will want to keep a close eye on him.
Fantasy Recommendation: If you have the roster spot, stash him. He could be a August call-up.
Kris Bryant, 3B- Chicago Cubs
Bryant is one of the few reasons Cubs fans have for excitement. Chances are slim he will make it to the majors this year, as the Cubs have been vocal about taking it slow with their future players. He smacked 22 homers in 248 at bats in Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A. He has major league-ready power, but swings and misses most of the time if it does not leave the park. Look for him to try and improve his plate discipline in Triple-A the rest of the year and make an impact next year, but do not rule out a September call-up.
Fantasy Recommendation: Stash in a keeper, in a redraft no need. He will not have an impact in the majors this season.
Jimmy Nelson, RHP- Milwaukee Brewers
Nelson is ready for the majors. He had a single game audition in May and made it count by getting a win against the Marlins with six strikeouts. He has a 9.71 strikeout rate at Triple-A this year with a plus fastball and slider. Keep your eye on Nelson, he will be back in the majors before long.
Fantasy Recommendation: If you need the pitching stash him, he will be called up this season and make an impact.