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A look at the top prospects who are coming off an impressive week heading into Week 22 of the 2023 season in the minor leagues and may become strong fantasy baseball waiver wire stashes or pickups.
Welcome back, RotoBallers! We're heading into Week 22 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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Neyfy Castillo - OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
Level: Double-A
2023 stats: 77 G, .248/.307/.468, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 50 R, 17 SB, 6.8 BB%, 34.3 K%, .337 BABIP, .341 wOBA, 98 wRC+
Signed by the Diamondbacks out of the Dominican Republic, Castillo has developed into one of the more exciting hitters in Arizona's system. Known for his right-handed power bat, the 22-year-old has also flashed under-the-radar speed and solid glovework. He has spent most of this season in right field but could shift to a different outfield spot on any given day. The biggest weakness game is his plate discipline, as evidenced by a woeful 6.8 BB% and 34.3 K% at Double-A.
With that said, this past week was one to remember for Castillo. He ultimately went 11-for-23, slugging four homers, including a grand slam. He also drove in a whopping 14 runs while walking twice, striking out six times, and swiping a bag.
DJ Herz - SP, Washington Nationals
Level: Double-A
2023 stats: 17 G, 17 GS, 2-2, 71.0 IP, 3.80 ERA, 3.68 FIP, 12.42 K/9, 5.20 BB/9, 0.63 HR/9, .288 BABIP
Herz is a former Cubs eighth-round pick who has flourished into a very promising pitching prospect. In fact, he garnered so much attention in the minors that he became the centerpiece of the package going to the Nationals when they traded Jeimer Candelario this summer. Originally drafted for his mid-90s fastball that misses bats, Herz has developed a nasty changeup that is now far and away his best offering. Like any well-rounded pitcher, he also throws a breaking ball: an effective slider in the low-80s that has developed into a very strong tertiary pitch.
Herz dominated during his last start on Aug. 16, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings. He silenced the Richmond Flying Squirrels and made his presence felt during his third start in the Nationals' organization. A promotion seems very likely as September nears since that would give him a taste of Triple-A action before he opens 2024 at that level.
Brooks Baldwin - 3B, Chicago White Sox
Level: High-A
2023 stats: 77 G, .261/.351/.456, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 52 R, 19 SB, 11.8 BB%, 20.5 K%, .303 BABIP, .376 wOBA, 126 wRC+
Baldwin has already shown significant promise through just 104 games in the White Sox' system. The 23-year-old is primarily a third baseman but has shown valuable versatility, playing all infield positions, left and center field, and designated hitter this season. He is a solid defender with a strong arm and enough athleticism to stay in a utility role long-term if that's what Chicago desires. He doesn't show a lot of home-run power but still manages to put the ball in play an awful lot, using his impressive bat speed and solid baserunning to produce extra-base hits.
This past week, Baldwin went 11-for-21 with two homers and six RBI. He also showed advanced discipline, working three walks while striking out just two times. He rounded out the effort with four stolen bases, including two in one game (Aug. 16).
Jacob Misiorowski - SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Level: Double-A
2023 stats: 20 G, 20 GS, 4-2, 71.1 IP, 3.41 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 13.88 K/9, 5.30 BB/9, 0.25 HR/9, .282 BABIP
Misiorowski, a physical specimen who checks in at 6-foot-7 and 190 pounds, continues to build on an impressive season. The right-hander has ascended from Single-A to Double-A with ease, showcasing a dominant repertoire headlined by his 102 mph fastball. He has also done a fantastic job developing a mid-80s slider that breaks out of the zone and baffles hitters. Finally, the 21-year-old throws a curveball and changeup, both of which could develop into solid tertiary options.
Misiorowski tossed six scoreless innings during his last outing on August 12, surrendering one hit, three walks, and two hit batsmen. While his control was a little shaky, he still found his stuff for most of the game, racking up a whopping 12 strikeouts. It's safe to say that last year's second-round pick has already developed into one of baseball's top pitching prospects.
Lazaro Montes - OF, Seattle Mariners
Level: Single-A
2023 stats: 52 G, .310/.454/.632, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 47 R, 1 SB, 19.3 BB%, 23.4 K%, .376 BABIP, .486 wOBA, 171 wRC+
Montes is one of the Mariners' most-hyped international signings this decade, inking a $2.5 million deal back in 2022. Although his strikeout rate is high, so too are his walk and home run clips. This suggests that he has the skills needed to thrive at the plate and now just needs to mature and develop under the guidance of Seattle's coaching staff.
In the field, Montes is an average defender who has shown promise in right field but might get penciled into left field or first base long-term. Without a doubt, it's the bat skills that carry his game and makeup.
The 18-year-old impressed this past week, going 12-for-24 with four homers, 13 RBI, three walks, and four strikeouts. Although it came over a small sample size, it was promising to see Montes continue to produce at the plate while limiting his strikeouts. Needless to say, he has absolutely mashed the baseball this season and could be a very dangerous hitter at the big-league level in a few years.
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