One of the best ways to add top-tier talent to your fantasy team is to snag a stud who was just promoted to the majors. The following is our list of the top 10 prospects who could have a massive impact on your fantasy team.
1. Paul Skenes
(P - PIT)
Tommy John feels inevitable for any pitcher who throws close to triple digits, so it’s time the Pirates let Paul Skenes use his bullets in the pros. If they want to limit the number of innings Skenes throws, he would be very useful as a multi-inning reliever. However, the fantasy player in me wants him to be a starter, as he could put up some great strikeout numbers and solid ratios.
2. Heston Kjerstad
(OF - BAL)
On nearly every other team in the majors, Heston Kjerstad would be hitting in the top half of their lineup on a nightly basis. Kjerstad destroyed pitching in Spring Training and only didn’t make the opening-day roster due to Baltimore’s abundance of young studs. The former 2nd overall pick has continued his momentum into the minor league season, where he recently posted a two-homer 10 RBI game. Austin Hayes is struggling, but Colton Cowser is still ahead of Kjerstad, and it may still take an injury. That said, when Kjerstad does get the call, he may end up raking and being a quality fantasy player.
3. James Wood
(OF - WAS)
One of the centerpieces of the Juan Soto trade from the Nationals a few years back, James Wood has cemented himself as a top prospect in the fantasy world. He possesses insane power and solid speed that was on display this spring, batting .364 with four home runs in just 44 at-bats. When Wood does get the call later this summer, you will want to get him on your team. The fact that he steals bags and is an above-average hitter props up his floor.
4. Junior Caminero
(UTIL - TBR)
Junior Caminero returned from the IL yesterday and returned to his hitting ways with a homer and 5 RBIs. He is possibly the best pure hitter left in the minors, and the Rays could use a little juice in their lineup. They are well known for being slow with promotions, but he could make some waves once he is promoted.
5. Christian Scott
(P - NYM)
Christian Scott opened this year as a force, striking out 19 batters in just nine innings. He also posted impressive strikeout rates last year but has taken it to another level so far this year. The Mets do not have the pitching to keep Scott down for long and he will potentially be a stud out of the gate.
6. Coby Mayo
(3B - BAL)
Coby Mayo continues to absolutely rake with the bat and impress with the glove. Mayo is part of the Orioles AAA squad and is putting a hurt on opposing triple-A pitchers. An incredible amount of talent blocks Mayo in front of him with the Orioles infield, but with an injury to any number of players, he may get the promotion and take over a starting role. Jordan Westburg has begun hitting, but Mayo’s talent is undeniable.
7. Jackson Jobe
(P - DET)
Jackson Jobe is one of the most talented pitchers in the minors. He has an impressive arsenal and could be pushed up if the Tigers are in contention by mid-summer. Jobe will not be rushed, as the Tigers have a glutton of young pitchers that they want to continue to try out, but he is probably the most talented other than Tarik Skubal. The two could headline an impressive rotation in Detroit for multiple years.
8. Kyle Stowers
(OF - BAL)
See above for any of the Orioles prospects. They all bop, and they all are waiting for extra space in the majors to get their chance. Kyle Stowers was the hottest of all of them during spring training and has continued his power into the early stages of the season. He may be trade bait come mid-summer and can contribute right away with an opportunity.
9. Joey Loperfido
(1B/OF - HOU)
Joey Loperfido has shot up the rankings with an incredible start to the season, and with Jose Abreu struggling, he has a shot to jump into the majors soon. Loperfido is up to 10 home runs in just 57 at-bats and is just demolishing the ball. The Astros paid Abreu a few offseasons ago but are in win-now mode and may decide to bring Loperfido up to let him start getting some at-bats at the highest level.
10. Chase Delauter
(OF - CLE)
Chase Delauter was possibly the hottest spring training bat in baseball, and Cleveland’s outfield has been poor. Delauter would inject some pop into a lineup that will be attempting to win the AL Central title this year. They typically are slow with their prospects, but Delauter may just be too good to keep down past the end of April.
