Hot MLB Prospects To Know For Fantasy Baseball - Week 21

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We're heading into Week 21 of the fantasy baseball season. There were plenty of impressive prospect performances in the minor leagues last week.

It's imperative to monitor the top fantasy baseball prospects who have turned heads thus far. The players listed here are not only coming off dominant weeks but have also impressed over the entire season. Don't be surprised when these exact names are painting corners, mashing homers, and swiping bags at the big-league level soon.

Fantasy managers should certainly keep an eye on these players over the long haul as they may prove to be excellent adds in no time.

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Wilyer Abreu - OF, Boston Red Sox

Level: Triple-A
2023 stats: 80 G, .268/.380/.521, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 60 R, 6 SB, 15.4 BB%, 21.4 K%, .286 BABIP, .390 wOBA, 121 wRC+

Abreu has come on strong for the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester. Acquired from the Astros in last year's Christian Vazquez trade, the outfielder has consistently shown off a strong arm and enough speed to cover the middle of the outfield. Although he is primarily viewed as a center fielder, Abreu has the skills to play both corner spots, too. Offensively, he has shown an advanced approach and discipline (15.4 BB%) while still tapping into his power (20 HR, .521 SLG).

This past week, Abreu went 13-for-22 with a whopping six home runs, headlined by a three-homer showing on Aug. 13. He also drove in 16 runs, walked once, and drew four strikeouts. Boston is currently satisfied with its outfield situation, but a promotion for Abreu, who is on the 40-man roster, can't be too far away.

Andrew Alvarez - SP, Washington Nationals

Level: High-A
2023 stats: 21 G, 18 GS, 7-4, 103.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 8.36 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, 0.35 HR/9, 57.1 GB%, .301 BABIP

Originally off most people's radars as a 12th-round pick in 2021, Alvarez has emerged as a very solid left-handed option in the Nationals' farm system. The southpaw is doing a great job of inducing weak contact, limiting home runs, and avoiding walks, but this is nothing new. He has looked like an effective pitcher ever since his pro debut in 2021, suggesting that his impressive results are far from a fluke.

Repertoire-wise, one of Alvarez’s most exciting pitches is his slider, which he throws around 80 mph with great breaking action to dismantle hitters. Meanwhile, he doesn’t get a whole lot of velocity behind his fastball but has demonstrated advanced control with the offering.

While Alvarez has always been a pitcher who gets outs via weak contact rather than missing bats, he actually did a little bit of both this past week, tossing eight no-hit innings with a final line that included a whopping 11 strikeouts and just two walks. Time and time again, Alvarez has flashed potential on the mound, and this latest gem suggests that he could be a reliable rotation staple long-term rather than a multi-inning reliever.

Jack Brannigan - 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates

Level: High-A
2023 stats: 68 G, .275/.390/.534, 15 HR, 39 RBI, 52 R, 21 SB, 13.9 BB%, 27.9 K%, .345 BABIP, .418 wOBA, 147 wRC+

Brannigan is a defense-first infielder who joined Pittsburgh via the 2022 draft. With a collegiate pitching resume that includes a 100 mph fastball, it’s no surprise that he has an electric arm at third base (to accompany strong glovework and instincts). Offensively, he has a knack for big hits but still leaves a lot to be desired in regard to discipline and working counts.

This past week, Brannigan went 12-for-31 with a whopping six homers and 14 RBI. He is currently in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak and has been swinging an aggressive bat — perhaps a little too aggressive, though, because he has 12 strikeouts and just one walk over his last seven games.

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