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We are closing in on the final weeks of the fantasy baseball season and there are still some players in the minors who could help out for fantasy purposes were they to get the call tomorrow, or they're just getting the first taste of major league action.
Even if they do not get the call or produce well this season, these prospects could have big impacts next season, so redraft and dynasty managers alike should be familiar with these players and their profiles.
Prospects are captivating, as many have yet to reach their ceiling and some of them will potentially become the face of the sport and of fantasy for years to come. Let's take a look at three prospects we should be keeping an eye on.
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Jackson Jobe - SP, Detroit Tigers
Current Level: Double-A Erie
Availability: 9% rostered
2024 AA stats: 15 GS, 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 26.7% K%, 13.2% BB%
In 2023, Jackson Jobe was limited to 16 starts due to a back injury, however, he was excellent when he was able to pitch. The Tigers' 2021 first-round draft pick posted a 2.81 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 30.2% K-BB%.
The strong K-BB% was a result of both good stuff and great command. Over 64 IP, Jobe struck out 84 batters (32.6%) and walked just six (2.3%).
There's just something about ballplayers in 2024 named Jackson 😱
Jackson Jobe is dealing for the @erie_seawolves, lowering his ERA to 2.08. pic.twitter.com/MJzgxjhy9b
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 25, 2024
In 2024, the 22-year-old has been limited by injury again (hamstring), missing two months in the middle of the season. This time, however, he has not been quite as sharp. The strikeout stuff is still there (26.7%), but the command has gone awry (13.2%).
Before the injury this season, it seemed Jobe was on track for a big league debut in 2024, but after missing so much time and not having the command issue resolved, it is looking more like 2025 will be when he debuts for the Tigers.
At least to this point, his injuries have not been related to arm problems. If he can stay healthy in 2025, the righty should be one of the most exciting young pitchers to make it to the Show.
He currently ranks as the top pitching prospect in baseball, ranked seventh overall regardless of position, so whenever he does get the chance, fantasy managers should be ready to pounce.
Shay Whitcomb - 3B, Houston Astros
Current Level: MLB
Availability: 1% rostered
2024 AAA stats: 108 G, .293/.378/.530, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 73 R, 26 SB, 19.8% K%, 11.0% BB%
2024 MLB stats: 9 G, .250/.364/.357, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB, 18.2% K%, 15.2% BB%
Shay Whitcomb has put on a power display ever since he made his professional debut back in 2021, blasting 23 home runs that season, 19 the next, 35 in 2023, and another 25 in Triple-A in 2024.
The power used to come at a cost, which was a high strikeout rate. From 2021-23, the product out of UC-San Diego struck out at a 31.0% clip and walked at a below-average rate of 7.6%.
Fast-forward to 2024 and the former fifth-round draft pick lowered the K% to 19.8% and upped his BB% to 11.0%, both a few points better than average.
The 25-year-old finally got the call on August 16, and while we have yet to see him hit one of his trademark long balls, he hasn't shown that he's overmatched either, collecting a hit in six of the eight games in which he's started.
Shay Whitcomb gets the Astros on the board first with a 2-run double!
📺: FS1 pic.twitter.com/bslI77XLHW
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 26, 2024
Unfortunately, he also hasn't received regular at-bats either, with his last start coming nearly a week ago on August 26. Third baseman Alex Bregman has even missed the last couple games due to injury, but it has been Mauricio Dubon who has filled in at the hot corner, not Whitcomb.
Nevertheless, with the strikeouts under control and a more patient approach, look for Whitcomb to have more of a fantasy impact in 2025.
It's hard to imagine Alex Bregman in another uniform, but his contract is up at the end of the year, and Whitcomb is a candidate to take over. With a solid power-speed combo, he could be strong fantasy contributor next season and for years to come.
David Festa - SP, Minnesota Twins
Level: MLB
Availability: 11% rostered
2024 AAA stats: 15 GS, 60 1/3 IP, 4.03 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 34.9% K%, 10.2% BB%
2024 MLB stats: 8 GS, 42 1/3 IP, 4.89 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 28.7% K%, 6.7% BB%
With big-time strikeout stuff, David Festa was able to outperform expectations and quickly move through the Twins' farm system, ultimately debuting for the big league club earlier this season.
Despite walking batters at a rate that is slightly higher than average over the course of his minor league career (9.7%), the Seton Hall product charged through the minor leagues, striking out 29.9% of the batters along the way.
He even bested that number at Triple-A, striking out 34.9% in his 15 starts earlier this year. The 24-year-old is still striking out batters at a better-than-average rate in the majors, 28.7% compared to the average rate of 22.4%.
Of course, major league hitters have posed more of a challenge in terms of not letting runners cross the plate, as he's posted a 4.89 ERA, although his FIP, xFIP, and SIERA all suggest the results should have been better (4.14, 3.38, and 3.35 respectively).
David Festa, Filthy 88mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/pvlh8DO2G8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 29, 2024
And they have been better after his first two starts in which he gave up a total of 12 earned runs, prompting a return to Triple-A. Since being recalled on July 24, he's limited opponents to two runs or less in five of his six appearances, good for a 3.06 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 24.4% K-BB%.
Festa looks like he will stick for the remainder of the year, and although his next couple starts aren't going to be walks in the park (Rays and Royals), he is probably worthy of higher than an 11% rostership as it currently stands, and should be a strong option at SP heading into next season.
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