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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Three Up, Three Down for Prospects - First Basemen

Power. Nothing else defines the position more than pure, raw power. If you have it, you better display it in abundance, or there will be concerns. If you are smaller in stature, there will be concerns. If your talent is just hit tool, there will be concerns. If your defense is lacking, there will be concerns. It is tough for a fantasy manager to have faith in a first base only prospect, as there are concerns.

Much of the minor league prospecting venture is based on finding value. The value can be used for various reasons at various times. Some fantasy managers prospect to provide depth for their team while others try to look for the next elite player. The most significant and often overlooked value is selling for profit.  The biggest thing you can do for your dynasty team is to find prospects that you can trade when the entire dynasty community is interested in them. This is, of course, dependant on individual roster needs. Generally, prospects will have their highest value right before they are set to debut in the majors. After that, it is all downhill. So, we will help you identify prospects that are trending up and down, so you know how best to maximize the values.

Below are three prospects that are trending with increased value as well as three minor leaguers struggling to maintain recognition in the fluid market of first base prospects.

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

 

Stock Rising

Peter Alonso, New York Mets

Few prospects have shot up the rankings more than Peter Alonso and justifiably so. Alonso has demonstrated not only the power necessary to be a first baseman, but he also possesses the plate discipline to ensure other categories aren’t sacrificed. Alonso was a second-round pick in the 2016 draft and in his first full season (2017), he hammered 18 homers with 63 RBI and a .289 batting average across High- and Double-A. For an encore, Alonso tore up Double- and Triple-A to the tune of 36 bombs, 112 RBI, and a .285 AVG in 2018. Also beneficial is a double-digit walk rate which attempts to offset the strikeout rate (26%) in Triple-A, which was eight points higher than his previous minor league career high.

With power and a solid average, Alonso is an excellent choice to one day become one of the top first basemen. Alonso is also perfectly positioned to take over the Mets’ first base job currently projected to be manned by a couple of players on the wrong side of 30 years old. If your dynasty league roster already has a solid first baseman, maximize the hype-driven value of Alonso to package for an increasingly valuable player at another position.

Brent Rooker, Minnesota Twins

Brent Rooker is a right-handed power bat, drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2017 draft. His performance during 2017 in the Rookie and High-A levels (combined 18HR, 281AVG) demanded a promotion to start the 2018 season. As expected, Rooker was promoted to Double-A to begin 2018, where he saw the first challenges of his professional career.

He continued to demonstrate his power with 22 homers, but it came at the expense of his batting average (.254). A drop in BABIP from .341 in 2017 to .316 was the likely cause of the reduction in AVG. He also hit 32 doubles and stole six bases, but that is not a reliable part of his game.

Although Double-A offered new difficulties for Rooker, he did make improvements in some underlying stats. While the strikeout rate (26.4%) is a bit concerning, it is an improvement from his 2017 performance (29%). Additionally, while he does have his fair share of strikeouts, Rooker compensates for it with a decent amount of walks (9.9%). The Twins did make moves this offseason to add a first baseman, but they believe in Rooker’s bat so much that they gave him experience in the outfield as well at Double-A. I don’t think that the current first baseman for the Twins will be much of a roadblock for him. Assuming Rooker will maintain his walk rate and continue to improve his strikeout rate, he can be a valuable asset, even with a BABIP that might put his batting average near .250. Booker could ultimately be a three-true-outcomes player, but even still, his value will continue to climb higher. He is not at his peak of value yet.

Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox

Triston Casas was the 26th overall pick in the 2018 draft, selected out of high school where he played first base. Initially, the Red Sox tried him out at third base, but it is likely he will ultimately get moved to first.

Similar to a Red Sox prospect you will read about below, the 6'4" Casas has legitimate power. As of late, any time you hear of a prospect with real power, you expect he will have poor plate discipline. Casas stands apart in this sense as he is reported to have a very good approach at the plate.

The question that remains is whether he will hit well enough to maximize that power. We got no answer in 2018 as he was only able to get five plate appearances ( 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a walk) before he tore a ligament in his right thumb and had season-ending surgery. One thing to watch in 2019 is to see if he shortens his swing enough to limit any holes in his swing that usually come with a tall hitter.

Despite a shortened season, fantasy managers are already in on Casas and the potential impact he will have at the position. He is a few years away from the majors so a current investment should be minimal. A successful season in 2019 will launch his value. Do not go crazy by drafting him with the first couple of picks in your minor league draft. However, Casas should be in your view as a viable choice with plenty of upside at a very inexpensive cost. This is a perfect example of starting the buy-low and sell-high strategy.

 

Stock Falling

Pavin Smith, Arizona Diamondbacks

Pavin Smith was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft. He was known to be a pure hitter with the hopes of one day developing power that the position traditionally needs. Thus far, those hopes have yet to bud into any sort of fruition. Immediately upon being drafted, Smith started his professional career demonstrating elite plate discipline with a higher walk rate (12%) than his strikeout rate (11%). This led to a .318 batting average, possibly buoyed also by a high BABIP (.363). However, he didn’t hit a single homer in 223 plate appearances and his slugging percentage finished at .415.

To start 2018, Smith was moved to High-A in the California League, which is known to be very hitter-friendly. Smith was able to take advantage to some extent but not likely as much as was expected. He finished with 11 bombs, 54 RBI, and a .255 AVG in his first full season of professional ball. While the batting average dropped, primarily to a .275 BABIP, the plate discipline remained strong with nearly as many walks (11%) as strikeouts (13%).

The primary concern continues to be whether he will develop the power at a power-hungry position. Thus far, he’s hitting the ball into the ground (49%) nearly half the time he steps to the plate. If he can figure it out, he is in a prime position to benefit as the Diamondbacks have traded stud Paul Goldschmidt, announcing they are going younger. Unfortunately, Smith has yet to demonstrate the potential to produce a fraction of Goldy’s skill level. If someone in your league still has interest, sell Pavin on the prospects of being next in line in Arizona.

Josh Ockimey, Boston Red Sox

Josh Ockimey’s value is falling for two reasons; one is his current projection, and the other is the fact that he plays in the Boston Red Sox organization. Ockimey has taken the long road to the majors, which was once considered the regular path. He started his professional baseball career in 2014 as a fifth-round draft pick. During the past five years, he has progressed through the levels based on his power. No one can question that skill. He exhibited that again in 2018 with 20 homers across Double-A and Triple-A. The biggest concern is whether he can take advantage of the power during games. He had a .245 batting average, with a .316 BABIP. This is a considerable drop from the .365 BABIP-driven average of .274 in 2017. Also, Ockimey’s strikeout rate (35%) is so terrible that not even his walks (10%) can bail him out.

Usually, prospects would dream to be a part of an offensive powerhouse like the Red Sox. However, it comes with its own struggles; there isn’t always enough room at the top. Luckily, the Red Sox have a long-term need at first base, but Ockimey has yet to prove that he has earned the position outright. Currently, he carries very little trade value.

Matt Thaiss, Los Angeles Angels

Matt Thaiss has already spent three years in the minors but has yet to demonstrate consistent power. He has always always been known as a contact hitter with very good plate discipline resulting in a high average. The homers hadn’t materialized in any fashion until 2018. With a previous high of nine homers (2017), Thaiss set a new career-high with 16 bombs across two levels in 2018 (Double-A and Triple-A). To that, he added a combined 34 doubles, eight stolen bases, and a .280 batting average. That would appear like a good season, and for Thaiss, it is. However, it isn’t convincing enough to persuade fantasy owners to maintain any allegiance.

While Thaiss’ plate discipline has improved in some sense, it isn’t entirely positive. His strikeout rate across 400 at-bats at Triple-A was an impressive 17%; however, his walk rate (7%) also dropped 10 percent from 2017. A recent small increase in homers is not enough to justify complete confidence that he can take over the job for the Angels. If there were a reason to keep Thaiss on the roster, it would be that he is close to the majors. Those in deep leagues can wait through 2019 to see if Thaiss suddenly displays an upsurge in power. It isn’t advised as there are plenty of other power bats in the minors. If things go in his favor, there will still be time to get back in on Thaiss.

More Fantasy Baseball Prospects & Dynasty




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

DeVonta Smith21 mins ago

Misses Another Practice
Cody Bellinger1 hour ago

Cubs Looking To Trade Cody Bellinger?
Brandin Cooks1 hour ago

Preparing To Play In Week 12
CeeDee Lamb1 hour ago

Not Seen At Thursday's Practice
1 hour ago

Blake Snell Has Met With Red Sox, Dodgers
Aaron Rodgers2 hours ago

Jets Owner Suggested Benching Aaron Rodgers
Mike Evans3 hours ago

Practicing Again On Thursday
Chandler Stephenson4 hours ago

Registers Three Assists Versus Predators
Jason Robertson5 hours ago

Totals Three Points In Wednesday's Win
Nils Lundkvist5 hours ago

Exits Early With A Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Knies5 hours ago

Sustains An Upper-Body Injury
Mikael Granlund5 hours ago

Exits Late With Injury Wednesday
Patrik Laine5 hours ago

Returns To Practice
Ausar Thompson5 hours ago

Listed As Doubtful For Thursday
Walker Kessler6 hours ago

Still Missing For Jazz
Jordan Clarkson6 hours ago

Questionable To Face Spurs
Devin Vassell6 hours ago

To Miss Third Consecutive Game
Chris Paul6 hours ago

Considered Probable For Thursday's Game
Khris Middleton6 hours ago

Medically Cleared To Play
Chris Sale16 hours ago

Wins National League Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal17 hours ago

Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award
Paul George17 hours ago

Exits Game On Wednesday, Hyperextends Left Knee Again
Scoot Henderson17 hours ago

Leaves Game On Wednesday, Won't Return
Jalen Johnson18 hours ago

Active On Wednesday Night
Zach Collins18 hours ago

Uncertain To Play On Thursday
Austin Eckroat18 hours ago

Heads To The RSM Classic After Win
Harris English18 hours ago

Finding Form Heading To The RSM Classic
Ben Griffin18 hours ago

Continues Playing Well Heading To The RSM Classic
Denny McCarthy18 hours ago

Returns to The RSM Classic
Patrick Williams18 hours ago

Likely To Miss At Least One Week
Kyle Anderson19 hours ago

Available For Matchup With Hawks
Victor Wembanyama19 hours ago

Out Again On Thursday
Jusuf Nurkic19 hours ago

Available On Wednesday
Stephen Curry19 hours ago

Will Play Against Atlanta
De'Anthony Melton19 hours ago

To Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
Tre Mann19 hours ago

Probable For Thursday Night Matchup Against Detroit
Mike Conley19 hours ago

Appears On Injury Report For Thursday With Toe Injury
Donte DiVincenzo19 hours ago

Questionable Heading Into Thursday
Josh Jacobs19 hours ago

Limited With Multiple Injuries
DeVonta Smith20 hours ago

Misses Practice On Wednesday
Isaiah Hartenstein20 hours ago

To Make Season Debut On Wednesday
Tyrese Maxey20 hours ago

Active On Wednesday
Seth Jones21 hours ago

Expected To Miss Four Weeks
Sam Darnold21 hours ago

Limited With Foot Injury
Max Domi22 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jalen Hurts22 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Connor Ingram22 hours ago

Out Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Jake Ferguson22 hours ago

Picks Up A DNP On Wednesday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen22 hours ago

Returns To Action Versus Kings
CeeDee Lamb22 hours ago

Listed As Limited, Dealing With Two Injuries
Alex Tuch22 hours ago

Available Wednesday
Tage Thompson22 hours ago

Remains Out On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta22 hours ago

Practicing In Full
Jordan Eberle22 hours ago

To Remain Out On Wednesday
George Kittle22 hours ago

Will Play In Week 12
Ludvig Aberg23 hours ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Ladd McConkey23 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Si Woo Kim23 hours ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy23 hours ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole23 hours ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
San Francisco 49ers23 hours ago

Nick Bosa Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Christian McCaffrey23 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
George Kittle23 hours ago

Limited During Wednesday's Practice
Brock Purdy23 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Alexander Mattison24 hours ago

Zamir White Not Practicing On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta1 day ago

Trending Towards Playing In Week 12
Calvin Ridley1 day ago

Out Wednesday With Illness
Connor Bedard1 day ago

Ends Drought With Two Assists
Sam Reinhart1 day ago

Pushes Point Streak To 11 Games
Mark Scheifele1 day ago

Celebrates Ninth Career Hat Trick
Evan Bouchard1 day ago

Rocks Senators With Three-Point Period
Connor McDavid1 day ago

Nets Two Goals During Three-Point Night
TB1 day ago

Nicholas Paul Exits Early With Injury Tuesday
Zach Hyman1 day ago

Sits Out Third Period Versus Senators
2 days ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers2 days ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
Jonas Brodin2 days ago

Returns To Action
2 days ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Jose Siri2 days ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
2 days ago

Phillies To Meet With Juan Soto
2 days ago

Luis Severino Rejects Qualifying Offer From Mets
2 days ago

Willy Adames Declines Brewers Qualifying Offer
2 days ago

Teoscar Hernandez Declines Qualifying Offer From Dodgers
2 days ago

Juan Soto Declines Yankees' Qualifying Offer
Luis Gil3 days ago

Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award
Paul Skenes3 days ago

Named 2024 NL Rookie Of The Year
Brady Singer3 days ago

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer
3 days ago

Sean Manaea To Reject Mets' Qualifying Offer
3 days ago

Braves Have Interest In Walker Buehler
3 days ago

Astros Interested In Willy Adames
Charles Oliveira3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler3 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva3 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy3 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
Nick Martinez4 days ago

Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
4 days ago

Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
James Llontop4 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig4 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal4 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic4 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones4 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
DJ Moore - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Deebo Samuel, D.J. Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jonathon Brooks, Jauan Jennings, Tank Dell

Many fantasy managers are in must-win situations down the stretch, so it's never been more important to ace your start-or-sit calls. Our Week 12 TNF fantasy football overall rankings for 2024 are here to help. Ahead of the critical Week 12 slate of action, let's find out where players on the start-sit bubble such as […]


Calvin Ridley - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings (RB, WR, TE) - Week 12 Thursday Updates for Chuba Hubbard, Calvin Ridley, Cedric Tillman, Jonnu Smith, Austin Ekeler

It's always tough to compare two flex options at different positions, but bye weeks and key injuries have made those start-sit decisions even tougher. We're here to help guide you with your lineup calls with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. Navigate the rankings below to find out where top flex […]


Tua Tagovailoa - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Superflex 2QB Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Tua Tagovailoa, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Austin Ekeler, Jayden Reed

Time is running out to collect "Ws" before the fantasy football playoffs begin, and if you need assistance, our Week 12 fantasy football Superflex rankings (2QB) for fantasy football can assist your start-or-sit efforts. Let's get to it! To begin Week 12 preparation, let's dig into the rankings to find out where key Superflex options […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday RB Updates for Jonathon Brooks, J.K. Dobbins, Bucky Irving, Najee Harris, Kareem Hunt

We're onto Week 12 of the NFL campaign, which can only mean the fantasy football playoffs are just ahead. Whether you're at the top of your league standings, fighting for a playoff spot, or are just trying to play spoiler, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football running back rankings for 2024 are here to help you […]


Cedric Tillman - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

TNF Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday WR Updates for Cedric Tillman, Jauan Jennings, Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, DJ Moore

At the wide receiver spot especially, bye weeks and injuries are major factors in Week 12. If you don't have an excess of must-start WRs and need help identifying the top available options, we're here to help with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024. Let's dive in below to see […]


Jonnu Smith - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Tight End Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday TE Updates for George Kittle, David Njoku, Will Dissly, Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry

In most leagues, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain. If you desperately need a win to clinch a first-round bye or quality for the playoffs, use our Week 12 TNF fantasy football tight end rankings to help you with tough start-or-sit calls at the challenging TE spot. Ahead of the critical Week […]


Tommy DeVito- Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Not All Heroes...Play On Good Teams - Giants, Patriots, and Cowboys Fantasy Football Outlooks

It's well-known at this point that good offenses can help their players light up the scoreboards in fantasy football leagues. The mantra "trust in good players on good offenses" rings true, and some of the best seasons in fantasy football history have been aided by things like good playcalling and a good supporting cast. The […]


Baker Mayfield - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

TNF Quarterback Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday QB Updates for Anthony Richardson, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud

It's a critical week for fantasy football, as the playoffs are just around the corner. If you need help to nail your optimal lineups this week, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2024 are here to assist. Ahead of the all-important Week 12 slate, let's navigate the rankings below and find out […]


Jaylen Waddle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football Outlook - What's Wrong With Waddle?

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was widely pushed as a potential league-winner in fantasy football in 2024 due to a variety of factors. The explosiveness and big-play ability of the Dolphins offense, the good play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and his talent were a few of them. It's not worked out that way. It's […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 12 Updates for Isiah Pacheco, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Jalen Hurts, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Hurts, George Kittle, Calvin Ridley, more

Week 12 of the NFL's 2024 slate is coming up, and as the fantasy football playoffs draw closer, it's becoming more important than ever to stay ahead of injury news for key players. Leaving a hurt player in your lineup can result in disaster. The author of this article missed out on the fantasy playoffs […]


Jauan Jennings - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Breakouts for Fantasy Football - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends for Week 12 (2024)

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Fantasy Football Breakouts - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends Analysis For Week 12 by Kevin Tompkins Targets are paramount when it comes to evaluating pass-catchers for fantasy football. There are no air yards, receiving yards, receptions, or touchdowns without first earning a target. There’s a reason the biggest and most consistent […]


Video: Week 12 Must-Start Wide Receivers - 2024 Fantasy Football Streamers, Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Analysis

As we head into Week 12 we're dealing with multiple teams on byes. Be prepared to navigate those challenges by checking out our favorite 2024 fantasy football must-start wide receivers for Week 12! RotoBaller's Matt Donnelly discusses his top "Must Start" WRs that will have a fantasy football impact in Week 12, as well as […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

Steelers vs. Browns TNF Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Jameis Winston, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens

The Week 12 TNF game between two bitter AFC North rivals (Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers) is not likely to end up like the Thursday night game from two weeks ago when two different AFC North teams (Bengals and Ravens) battled to a 35-34 shootout. Somewhere deep in the charter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, I […]