May 25, 2016

Edward Sutelan's top 30 MLB prospects rankings for Week 8. These MLB rookies & minor league call-ups should make fantasy impacts in 2016 as fantasy baseball sleepers.

Colin Moran was finally promoted in an effort to actually provide some positive production out of the third base position. He is by no means a must-own prospect and could actually himself be replaced by Alex Bregman who is absolutely tearing up Double-A right now. But based on his track record, Moran could provide fantasy owners with a solid batting average in deeper leagues as long as he can find the playing time (which could prove to be a legitimate problem for him).

Many other prospects will be called up this season and many can be counted on to have big time contributions to both their big league club and to fantasy owners. Several of these names will be true gamechangers and can help to steer fantasy teams in the right direction. I know at this point, I will need all of the prospect help I can get in one of my fantasy leagues in order to come back from a major deficit, but I’m sure with the help of several top prospects, it can be done.

Editors Note: Check out all of RotoBaller's MLB prospects analysis here. You can also head over to the prospect rankings dashboard. Our Rankings Assistant is a handy free tool where you can find team-specific prospect breakdowns, tiered positional rankings, 500+ player outlooks, dynasty ranks and more - all in one easy place.

Top MLB Prospects - Fantasy Baseball Power Rankings

To be clear, this list is not the top 30 prospects in baseball. This is a list of the top 30 prospects who are likely going to rise to the major leagues and provide fantasy baseball value this season. The qualifications are simple: a player must not be on an active roster, they must have a clear path to the majors, and while they may have played in seasons prior to 2016, they must still have rookie eligibility. If a player is moved to the active roster of their team, they will be removed from this power rankings list and replaced.

1. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT, AAA)
Stats: 44.0 IP, 2.05 ERA, 2.31 FIP, 11.05 K/9, 4.09 BB/9, 0.20 HR/9, 1.16 WHIP
ETA: Early June
As of right now, Gerrit Cole is the only Pittsburgh starter with an ERA below 4.50 and FIP below 4.00. The Pirates’ rotation has been without a doubt the biggest weakness on the team. Fortunately for them, they have a pair of arms waiting in Triple-A who could be ready to have a major impact on the team. Arguably the better of the two names, Tyler Glasnow will likely be up as soon as he passes the Super Two deadline. Though his numbers have not been quite as sharp as that other Pirates’ prospect (a name that can be found at number five on this list), Glasnow is considered a much more talented prospect by many and presents ridiculous strikeout upside. At this point, he should be stashed in all leagues with more than eight teams.

2. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, AAA)
Stats: 182 PA, .317/.381/.466, 3 HR, 15 SB, 18.7% K rate, 9.9% BB rate
ETA: May 30
Turner just continues to hit in what has been a very promising Triple-A season. The 22-year-old shortstop is batting above .300 for the second consecutive season and he has already stolen more bases this year than he did in 205 plate appearances at Triple-A last season (14). The Nationals would retain an extra year of control if they wait to promote the promising shortstop until May 30 and many speculate that that will be the day he is promoted. Between his incredible speed and consistent approach to the plate, he should definitely be owned in all leagues once promoted as he could be a phenomenal fantasy shortstop. If he is not already stashed in your league, do it now. You may not get another chance to do so.

3. Orlando Arcia (SS, MIL, AAA)
Stats: 160 PA, .313/.344/.433, 3 HR, 6 SB, 13.8% K rate, 5.0% BB rate
ETA: Early June
While Arcia has neither dazzled as much as Turner nor received the same recognition, he still is just as much worth owning and stashing. In Yahoo leagues, Turner is already owned in 32% of leagues while Arica is owned in a mere 6%. Sure, the Brewers shortstop has not demonstrated near the same amount of stolen base upside this season, but he had stolen at least 20 bases in each of the three season prior to 2016 and he has hit at least .289 in four of his five professional seasons. The Brewers are not currently competitive, but that does not mean they will keep their promising shortstop locked up in the minors for too long. Turner will get the call first, but expect to see Arcia promoted before the middle of June. He should be stashed in all leagues at this point.

4. Alex Bregman (SS, HOU, AA)
Stats: 130 PA, .327/.426/.673, 10 HR, 3 SB, 8.5% K rate, 12.3% BB rate
ETA: Early June
There is no need for Bregman to come up to the big leagues and play shortstop, but there is a wide open hole at third base. Colin Moran was recently promoted to attempt to provide stability at that position, but he may not be the explosive answer that the Astros are looking for. Bregman, on the other hand, has absolutely mashed at Double-A. From a fantasy perspective, Bregman offers a solid .290+ batting average, double-digit home run totals, and double-digit stolen base totals. As soon as the Super Two deadline passes, the Astros may promote Bregman and at such time, he should be owned in all leagues. As it is, fantasy owners ought to start looking at who to clear out on their roster in order to make room to stash the talented prospect. He could be about ready to have a major impact.

5. A.J. Reed (1B, HOU, AAA)
Stats: 123 PA, .229/.333/.457, 6 HR, 0 SB, 21.1% K rate, 13.8% BB rate
ETA: Mid-June
Just activated from Triple-A disabled list yesterday, Reed is ready to continue to audition for the first base gig in Houston. Tyler White and Marwin Gonzalez are both hitting around .234 (White is .235, Gonzalez is .234), both are striking out 26.1% of the time, and both are likely in need of replacing. And while Reed has been unable to replicate his 2015 success, he still would likely represent a major improvement of either of the two aforementioned first basemen. His .229 batting average this season is largely the product of bad luck as he currently has a dismal .243 BABIP. Someone who hits the ball as hard as Reed does can expect a BABIP much higher than that, likely closer to .300. Reed should be stashed in all leagues at this point and can be counted on to deliver home runs and RBI by the bunches hitting behind Correa in that Houston lineup.

6. Jameson Taillon (SP, PIT, AAA)
Stats: 49.1 IP, 1.82 ERA, 1.93 FIP, 9.30 K/9, 0.91 BB/9, 0.36 HR/9, 0.81 WHIP
ETA: Early June
As discussed with Glasnow, Pittsburgh is going to need some major starting pitching help. And while I do believe that Glasnow has the higher upside, there is no denying that Jameson Taillon is going to be a great starting pitcher for fantasy owners and the Pirates alike. After another scoreless outing last Thursday, Taillon extended his streak of lasting at least six innings in a start to six consecutive outings. The 24-year-old right-hander has a remarkable 10.20 K/BB ratio on the season, reaffirming most that he is very much ready for the big leagues. Just like his current teammate in Indianapolis, Taillon should be stashed in most leagues and will be worth owning in all once he is promoted.

7. Dansby Swanson (SS, ATL, AA)
Stats: 186 PA, .321/.419/.522, 4 HR, 9 SB, 11.3% K rate, 13.4% BB rate
ETA: Mid-June
Daniel Castro has started to receive some playing time at shortstop in the place of Erick Aybar. Has he been better? Yes. By a lot? Not at all. Aybar is slashing .175/.216/.204 while Castro is hitting a slightly improved .198/.232/.209. The only real competition for Dansby Swanson in taking over the shortstop role is the guy at the level above him, Ozzie Albies. My guess, Swanson wins the battle. Swanson is not only the older of the two, but he is also the more highly touted and has done much better at the higher levels. Since being promoted to Double-A, Swanson is slashing .309/.398/.519 with more walks than strikeouts, three home runs, and two stolen bases. He is the future at short for Atlanta and is ready for the big leagues this season. Expect to see him up shortly after the Super Two deadline passes. He is a must own in all leagues.

8. Blake Snell (SP, TB, AAA)
Stats: 41.0 IP, 3.29 ERA, 2.86 FIP, 12.29 K/9, 4.17 BB/9, 0.66 HR/9, 1.37 WHIP
ETA: Early June
Matt Andriese has done a fine job in the Tampa Bay Rays rotation so far this season, but it is likely going to be short-lived as he is really only a placeholder until Snell passes the Super Two deadline. Snell, who had previously not gone more than 5.1 innings in a single start this season, put together his finest outing of the season in his last start for the Durham Bulls as he delivered six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while tying a season-high with nine strikeouts. If the Rays southpaw can continue to build off that last start and show that he can go more than five innings in an outing, he will not be in the minors for much longer. Though fantasy owners may be a bit nervous regarding his control issues and his lack of pitch efficiency, Snell has enough strikeout stuff to warrant owning in all leagues once promoted to the big leagues. He is also a solid candidate to stash in 12+ team leagues.

9. Lucas Giolito (SP, WAS, AA)
Stats: 35.1 IP, 3.82 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 7.64 K/9, 5.60 BB/9, 0.25 HR/9, 1.64 WHIP
ETA: Late June/Early July
We are nearing the end of May and the Nationals’ rotation still has the second lowest ERA in baseball and third highest fWAR. And while Giolito has a nice bounceback outing after his five walk performance on May 14, he has yet to dazzle like many expected him too. He still does not have a game with more than five strikeouts, he has yet to pitch a game without walking anybody, and only his first start this season was a scoreless outing. At this point, it is tough to see him arriving in the majors until the middle of the summer at the very earliest. He may be the most talented pitching prospect on this list, but he is still not quite worth stashing unless there is a clear path opened up for him.

10. Julio Urias (SP, LAD, AAA)
Stats: 41.0 IP, 1.10 ERA, 2.87 FIP, 9.66 K/9, 1.76 BB/9, 0.44 HR/9, 0.78 WHIP
ETA: Late June
April 22nd. That was the last time Urias allowed a run. And even in that outing, he only allowed one run. In fact, if you take away his outing on April 16 in which he allowed four runs in five innings, Urias would have an ERA of 0.25 on the season in 36.0 innings of work. Keep in mind that all of this is happening one level below the Major Leagues. Urias is making a very legitimate argument to be considered as the top pitching prospect in baseball. So why, if he is so dominant, is he not higher on this list? Because a) he is 19-years-old and b) his season-high in innings pitched is 87.2. If he is promoted to the big leagues, expect him to split time between the rotation and bullpen in an effort to save his arm. His immense upside makes him a must-own prospect, but he does not need to be stashed nor is he a must-own in eight team leagues unless the Dodgers announce that he has no innings limit (a scenario which is incredibly unlikely).

11. Jose Peraza (2B, CIN, AAA)
Stats: 152 PA, .289/.336/.378, 1 HR, 6 SB, 14.5% K rate, 6.6% BB rate
ETA: Mid-July
With Billy Hamilton now batting a much more respectable .241 on the season (respectable for Hamilton at least), it does not appear that Peraza will be called up to replace him in the outfield. There is a very strong possibility (at least in my opinion) that Zack Cozart is traded away and Peraza is called up to play shortstop. The 22-year-old utility player got his feet wet earlier this year for the Reds as he saw 12 plate appearances across four games played while Hamilton was on bereavement leave. And while he did not do too much then, fantasy owners can rest assured that he would have plenty of value if given full playing time. Peraza could potentially offer fantasy owners with a high average, decent runs scored totals, and some very nice stolen base totals. He is not yet worth stashing, but he is definitely worth owning in the event of a promotion.

12. Willson Contreras (C, CHC, AAA)
Stats: 155 PA, .328/.419/.481, 3 HR, 2 SB, 11.0% K rate, 12.3% BB rate
ETA: Late June/Early July
I had to do a double take earlier when I was looking at the stats of the two Cubs catchers as I could have sworn I swapped the two. David Ross is currently slashing .246/.347/.443 with three home runs and a 16.9% strikeout rate while Miguel Montero is slashing .210/.342/.339 with only one home run and a 25.0% strikeout rate. Needless to say from an offensive perspective, Willson Contreras would represent a major improvement over either of the two catchers. Contreras has done nothing but hit in the minor leagues and seems liable to continue that trend once he reaches the big leagues. Once the Super Two deadline passes, it really could be any day that the Cubs decide to promote their top catching prospect. They want him to improve defensively, but he has shown to be much more dependable behind the dish than Kyle Schwarber was and should be ready at some point this season. He is not worth stashing because of the unpredictable timeline surrounding his promotion, but he is worth owing in 12+ team leagues once given the call to the big leagues.

13. Robert Stephenson (SP, CIN, AAA)
Stats: 35.1 IP, 2.80 ERA, 4.09 FIP, 8.15 K/9, 4.84 BB/9, 0.76 HR/9, 1.27 WHIP
ETA: Early June
Another starting pitcher for the Reds has hit the DL. Tim Adleman now joins Homer Bailey, Anthony DeSclafani, Raisel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, and Jon Moscot as Reds pitchers on the disabled list. With all these injuries, speculation has swirled that we may soon see Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed join the rotation full time. And while for the moment that does not appear to be the case, one has to expect to see Stephenson donning a Reds’ uniform before the season is over.

He has done very well in Triple-A and has shown promising improvements with regards to his control. As he has improved on control, his stuff has lost some of its dominance as his fastball which used to reach triple digits now reaches upper-90s at best and generally only sits in the mid-90s. Even still, fantasy owners should be able to expect reasonable strikeout numbers (probably 7.50 K/9) and an ERA around 3.50. Bob Steve may no longer look like a future ace, but he still has plenty to offer from a fantasy perspective.

14. Josh Hader (SP, MIL, AA)
Stats: 40.2 IP, 0.89 ERA, 1.84 FIP, 11.95 K/9, 2.88 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 1.01 WHIP
ETA: Late June/Early July
I can’t say that I’m surprised Josh Hader has not been promoted to the majors, but I am a little bit stunned that he dominates in Double-A while Jorge Lopez struggles in Triple-A and no swaps are made. Hader has pitched into the sixth inning in four consecutive starts, has allowed exactly four hits in each of those starts, has walked only five batters in that span, and has struck out a remarkable 27 batters. Hader will likely be called on later this season to replace one of the many struggling Milwaukee starters. He likely will not be promoted right after the Super Two deadline passes, but he definitely could see big league time by July. If promoted, he has plenty of strikeout upside to warrant owning in all leagues.

15. Ozzie Albies (SS, ATL, AAA)
Stats: 184 PA, .301/.363/.446, 3 HR, 4 SB, 16.3% K rate, 7.6% BB rate
ETA: Mid-July
After getting off to a slow start at Triple-A, Albies has begun to put things together. Since May 4, he is slashing .277/.329/.462 with two home runs and two stolen bases. And while it is unlikely that the 19-year-old reaches the big leagues before Dansby Swanson, that does not mean that Albies will not reach the majors this season. In fact, I expect that he will be a starter for the Braves by the middle of July. But it will be at second base rather than shortstop. Albies offers plenty of speed and a decent bat that should be able to hit at least .270 in the big leagues. While he does not have the power/speed potential that Swanson possesses, he still has enough to offer to give fantasy owners ample reasons to own him in most leagues.

16. Peter O’Brien (C/OF, ARI, AAA)
Stats: 163 PA, .318/.331/.631, 12 HR, 0 SB, 28.8% K rate, 1.8% BB rate
ETA: Early June
Since May 11, O’Brien has managed to walk twice. For most people, that would be considered a cold spell, but that is pretty decent for O’Brien. However, in that same time span, O’Brien has only gone one game without striking out and has a total of 16 strikeouts in those 10 games. Just because his plate discipline is horrible does not mean that he is completely lacking in fantasy upside, it just means that .300+ batting average will not last into the big leagues. The power is definitely for real and fantasy owners should be able to count on him to hit something like 20-30 home runs per season. If promoted, playing time could be an issue for the 25-year-old outfielder, but he still could find enough to be worth owning in 12+ team leagues. He should not be stashed in any non-dynasty league.

17. JP Crawford (SS, PHI, AAA)
Stats: 170 PA, .259/.394/.381, 3 HR, 5 SB, 12.9% K rate, 18.2% BB rate
ETA: Late July/Early August
After posting a .265/.398/.390 slash line at Double-A, Crawford received a promotion to Triple-A. Now only one level away from the majors, the 21-year-old shortstop could perform his way up to the big leagues and possibly have a big impact for fantasy owners. The Phillies are in the midst of a surprisingly strong 2016 campaign and could benefit from some improvements at shortstop where Freddy Galvis has just not played up to par. He is slashing a measly .234/.264/.364 with a 21.8% strikeout rate and a 4.2% walk rate. If Crawford continues his strong production at Triple-A and the Phillies continue to remain competitive, he could be promoted as soon as the Super Two deadline passes. With his advanced plate approach and solid speed, he have quite a lot of value to fantasy owners.

18. Daniel Mengden (SP, OAK, AAA)
Stats: 50.0 IP, 0.72 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 9.18 K/9, 2.88 BB/9, 0.18 HR/9, 0.94 WHIP
ETA: Late May/Early June
With Sonny Gray placed on the 15-day DL, there has not yet been a corresponding announcement as to who will be used as a replacement starter for the Athletics. And while it may not be Daniel Mengden, he could very possibly get some time in with the A’s at some point later this season. The A’s have only two starters with an ERA below 5.40 and one of those two has made only three starts on the season. Gray, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt (shut down with TJ surgery), Eric Surkamp, and Kendall Graveman have all struggled mightily this season while Mengden has been outstanding in Triple-A. He could be a potential back end of the rotation starter in the future, but his decent stuff and deceptive delivery give him some intriguing value for fantasy owners if he is in fact called upon to help the struggling Athletics.

19. Joe Musgrove (SP, HOU, AAA)
Stats: 37.1 IP, 0.96 ERA, 2.18 FIP, 10.13 K/9, 1.21 BB/9, 0.48 HR/9, 0.94 WHIP
ETA: Early July
The Astros have underwhelmed greatly in 2016 and at the heart of those struggles lie a starting rotation with a combined ERA of 4.85 and not even one starter owning an ERA below 4.20. If the Astros hope to remain competitive, they will need to make any and all moves necessary to push themselves to become a playoff contender. The first such move would be to promote A.J. Reed, but the second would be to promote Joe Musgrove. The 23-year-old right-hander was recently promoted to Triple-A after posting an ERA of 0.34 in Double-A. In his second start at Triple-A, Musgrove lasted six innings, surrendering two runs (both earned) off six hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.

There really has been no concerning outing this season for Musgrove nor is there really anything to point to as to why he is not ready for the big leagues. Don’t expect him to match the same level of success with the Astros, but his upside is intriguing enough to prompt fantasy owners in most leagues to take a chance on the young starter. He could be a major sleeper for owners willing to snag him.

20. Jesse Winker (OF, CIN, AAA)
Stats: 168 PA, .262/.369/.333, 2 HR, 0 SB, 11.9% K rate, 14.9% BB rate
ETA: Late July/Early August
Adam Duvall has really begun to turn things on for the Reds. Since May 3rd, Duvall is slashing .316/.344/.667 with five of his eight home runs having been hit during that time span. And with the Reds far from reaching the playoffs, there is really no reason to have a battle in left field between Duvall and Jesse Winker when they could give both regular playing time at their current levels. Winker is currently mired in a bit of a dry spell, as he is slashing a miserable .111/.220/.111 since May 12, but fantasy owners should not be too concerned.

At this point, the only way I see Winker receiving regular playing time this season is if Jay Bruce is dealt. That would shift either Duvall or Winker to right with the other starter remaining in left. If promoted, expect to see Winker hit for more power than he has so far since he will be moving to a much friendlier home ballpark and expect him to bat right in the heart of that Cincinnati order. He could be quite valuable for fantasy owners in need of outfield depth.

21. Mark Appel (SP, PHI, AAA)
Stats: 37.2 IP, 3.58 ERA, 3.84 FIP, 8.12 K/9, 4.30 BB/9, 0.72 HR/9, 1.43 WHIP
ETA: Late June

22. Jeff Hoffman (SP, COL, AAA)
Stats: 47.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 7.93 K/9, 3.02 BB/9, 0.76 HR/9, 1.20 WHIP
ETA: Early June

23. Max Kepler (1B/OF, MIN, AAA)
Stats: 117 PA, .267/.350/.446, 1 HR, 1 SB, 11.1% K rate, 12.0% BB rate
ETA: Early August

24. Josh Bell (1B/OF, PIT, AAA)
Stats: 167 PA, .282/.383/.444, 4 HR, 1 SB, 21.6% K rate, 13.8% BB rate
ETA: Early July

25. Gary Sanchez (C, NYY, AAA)
Stats: 141 PA, .288/.333/.515, 5 HR, 2 SB, 14.2% K rate, 5.0% BB rate
ETA: Early August

26. Sean Newcomb (SP, ATL, AA)
Stats: 46.0 IP, 3.91 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 9.00 K/9, 5.67 BB/9, 0.20 HR/9, 1.46 WHIP
ETA: Early July

27. Cody Reed (SP, CIN, AAA)
Stats: 34.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 2.44 FIP, 8.57 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, 0.26 HR/9, 0.98 WHIP
ETA: Late July/Early August

28. Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX, AAA)
Stats: 100 PA, .266/.410/.646, 8 HR, 0 SB, 22.0% K rate, 20.0% BB rate
ETA: Early August

29. Jose De Leon (SP, LAD, AAA)
Stats: 5.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.72 FIP, 16.20 K/9, 1.80 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 0.60 WHIP
ETA: Late July/Early August

30. Jorge Lopez (SP, MIL, AAA)
Stats: 35.1 IP, 6.11 ERA, 4.97 FIP, 7.13 K/9, 6.88 BB/9, 0.25 HR/9, 1.95 WHIP
ETA: Early August

MLB Rookie Rankings

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD)

2. Nomar Mazara (OF, TEX)

3. Trevor Story (SS, COL)

4. Aledmys Diaz (SS, STL)

5. Jon Gray (SP, COL)

6. Byung-Ho Park (1B, MIN)

7. Steven Matz (SP, NYM)

8. Kenta Maeda (SP, LAD)

9. Tyler Glasnow (SP, PIT)

10. Trea Turner (SS, WAS)

11. Orlando Arcia (SS, MIL)

12. Alex Bregman (SS, HOU)

13. A.J. Reed (1B, HOU)

14. Jameson Taillon (SP, PIT)

15. Dansby Swanson (SS, ATL)

16. Brandon Drury (2B/OF, ARI)

17. Blake Snell (SP, TB)

18. Lucas Giolito (SP, WAS)

19. Julio Urias (SP, LAD)

20. Jose Peraza (2B, CIN)

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