*Age=Reflects player’s age for 2018 season.
1. Shohei Ohtani, RHP/OF, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 24 | ETA: 2018
Ohtani is not your typical top prospect. Then again, there really isn’t anything typical about Ohtani at all. His fastball has been clocked in the triple-digits, and he does it with ease. There are two more pitches here that can miss bats in his slider and his change, and he also has a curveball and straight change he’ll mix in for good measure. And if that weren’t enough, Ohtani is also a very accomplished hitter. The calling card is his power; the lift in his swing along with his bat speed allows him to take the ball out to any part of the park. The hitting talent lags behind, and he’ll pile up the strikeouts with a long swing. He’s also a top-of-the-scales runner who can steal 30 bases if given the opportunity. The sky’s the limit here, and he can be a top-of-the rotation starter who also hits 20-plus homers in 2018.
2. Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta Braves
Age: 20 | ETA: 2018
If you didn’t include Ohtani as a prospect, Acuna would be the top fantasy prospect and with good reason. He was spectacular in the 2017 campaign, hitting .325/.374/.522 with 21 homers and 44 stolen bases while reaching Triple-A as a teenager. There are certainly contact issues here as underscored by his 144 strikeouts, but the ball jumps off his bat, and he uses the entire field to give him a chance to be a plus hitting talent. He’s also just tapping into his power, which could easily reach plus-plus territory as he gets stronger. The best talent at his disposal is his speed, but he will need to work on his jumps, as he was thrown out 20 times last year. He’s also an excellent defender in the outfield, and while that may not seem to matter in fantasy, it does make him closer to big-league ready. There’s room in the Braves outfield right now for Acuna, and although it’s unlikely he makes the team out of spring training, it would be a shock if he wasn’t playing every day for Atlanta by this summer.
3. Victor Robles, OF, Washington Nationals
Age: 21 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Robles is going to be compared to Acuna, as they’re both young outfielders who ooze athleticism and have performed well at high levels, and he actually had a chance to play at the highest level with Washington; posting a respectable .766 OPS in 13 games for the Nationals. Robles has a slightly different skillset, however. He does offer some power, but he’s more of a 15-to-20 homer player at his best than a guy who could be among the league leaders like Acuna could. He’s also more likely to hit for average, as he makes hard contact to all parts of the field with his quick, line-drive stroke. Once on base, he’s a nuisance to pitchers, and 30-plus steal seasons are well within possibility. He’s also a strong defender in the outfield who can handle any position, but he profiles best in centerfield. There’s less of an obvious spot for Robles than there is for Acuna, but with his talent, they might have to find room for him by the All-Star break.
4. Gleyber Torres, IF, New York Yankees
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
Torres was well on his way to reaching the bigs in 2017, but a freak accident at home plate caused his season to end in June after he underwent Tommy John surgery. He’s expected to be ready for spring training, however, and has a real shot at being an everyday player for the Yankees in 2018. He has a smooth, line-drive stroke that excels at making hard contact to all parts of the field, and he’s strong enough that he could hit 20 homers a year, especially if he’s playing in Yankee Stadium half the season. Torres doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s a smart base runner who gets good jumps once he’s on base. He would be more valuable at shortstop, but wherever he plays on the infield, the offensive profile is good enough to be a fantasy factor in 2018 and beyond.
5. Eloy Jimenez, OF, Chicago White Sox
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
Acquired in the deal that sent Jose Quintana to the Cubs, Jimenez continued to put up big numbers after entering the Chicago system, registering a .947 OPS at the High and Double-A levels. Few prospects who hit from the right side – or any side – have as much power, but he’s not simply a power hitter. He’s improved his plate discipline, and the ball jumps off his bat to the pull and opposite-field side. The only thing Jimenez isn’t going to give you is steals, as he’s a below-average runner who goes station to station. If he’s hitting for average and power at the big-league level, you’re not going to mind that he doesn’t help you in the steals category too much. The only question now is when he’ll reach the big leagues, but if Jimenez hits at the Triple-A level, he has a real chance to be hitting every day for the rebuilding White Sox this year.
6. Francisco Mejia, C/3B, Cleveland Indians
Age: 22 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
After a breakout 2016 campaign, Mejia followed that up with a strong 2017 season where he hit .297 with 14 homers and reached Cleveland for a cup of coffee. The switch-hitting backstop hits screaming line drives all over the park to give him one of the best hitting abilities of any prospect. He’s also filling out his frame and could have plus power from both sides of the plate in time. The biggest question mark now is where he’ll play. He’s a fine defender behind the plate with a strong arm, but Cleveland took a look at him at third in the Arizona Fall League. The reports there were mixed, so it’s likely that he’s going to make his living behind the plate. That’s good news for Mejia’s fantasy stock, as his value is much higher behind the plate than at the hot corner.
7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 19 | ETA: 2019
Guerrero Jr. was the breakout star of 2017, hitting .323 with 16 homers at Low-A Lansing and High-A Dunedin in his first full professional season. The son of future Hall-of-Famer Vladimir Guerrero, the younger Vlad has his dad’s ability to hit for average and make hard contact all over the field. Unlike his father, however, he’s a patient hitter who works counts, and he could be a 100-plus walk hitter at the highest level. The power is still very much a work-in-progress but should be solid to plus as he gets stronger. He took to third base well, and there’s at least a chance that he’ll stay there long-term. If not, he’d be fine in either corner outfield spot. He could be the top fantasy prospect at this point next year.
8. Brendan Rodgers, SS, Colorado Rockies
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
After dominating at High-A Lancaster to the tune of a 1.078 OPS, Rodgers was promoted to Double-A, where he wasn’t nearly as successful (.737 OPS), but he showed more than enough flashes to believe he’s one of the best shortstop prospects in the game. He’s one of the few players at the position who has a chance to hit for average and power, with both talents projecting at least above-average, possibly plus. The key going forward will be showing more discipline at the plate, as he won’t be able to get away with walking 14 times in a season at the highest level. There’s also a chance he could move to third or second base, and while the bat will play there, the value is much higher at short. He has a slight chance of playing for the Rockies in 2018, but he’s much more likely to be playing every day for Colorado the year after.
9. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 22 | ETA: 2018
Yoan Moncada was the big name in the Chris Sale trade, but Kopech has a chance to be the best player acquired in the deal. He reached Triple-A in 2017 and finished with an impressive 172 strikeouts in just over 134 innings. His arm strength is second to none, and he routinely gets his fastball up to triple-digits, clocking as high as 103 miles per hour. He complements that fastball with a slider that can get swings and misses as well, and his change has made progress, too. The only thing that could keep Kopech from being a top of the rotation starter is his command; he can lose his delivery and will fall behind hitters too often at this point. He has made strides, however, and Kopech’s delivery shouldn’t keep him from being a starter. If he takes another step forward in locating his pitches, he should be in the White Sox rotation by summer.
10. Nick Senzel, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
The second-overall pick of the 2016 draft, Senzel got off to a slow start, but still finished with a strong .905 OPS with 14 homers and 14 stolen bases in his first full professional season. His pitch recognition skills are outstanding, and while he’s not immune to striking out, he draws enough walks and makes enough hard contact to compensate. The power isn’t prototypical for a hot corner prospect, but 20-plus homer seasons are well within his reach. He’s also the rare player at the position who can give you double digit steals with his above-average speed. The Reds have talked about using him all over the diamond, and he could handle second base and possibly the outfield if they choose. He profiles best at third, however, and that’s his most likely long-term landing spot. He could help Cincinnati this season.
11. Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston Astros
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
The fifth-overall selection of the 2015 draft, Tucker broke out in a big way in 2017, hitting 25 homers, stealing 21 bases and posting a respectable .874 OPS while reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old. His swing draws mixed reviews, but it gets through the zone quickly, and it gives him a chance to hit for both power and average from the left side. He’s an above-average runner, but that speed plays up because he reads pitchers well and rarely gets a poor jump. He’s also a quality outfielder, and that should help him advance through the system quickly. It’s also worth noting that Tucker hit lefties just as well as righties, so he may not have to be a platoon player. Even on a loaded team like Houston, he has a chance to make an impact this season.
12. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
It was somewhat surprising that Honeywell didn’t make his debut in 2017, especially after he struck out 172 batters in 136 ⅔ innings at Triple-A Durham. The Rays felt he needed more time at the level, and it makes him one of the best pitching prospects for the 2018 campaign. His most famous pitch is the screwball, but there are three other pitches here that flash above-average, including a sinking fastball that sits in the mid-90s. The stuff is good, and the command might be even better, as he rarely misses his spots by more than the size of a baseball or two. It would be a huge upset if Honeywell wasn’t one of Tampa Bay’s five starters before the end of the season, and he should pitch very well once he’s at the highest level.
13. Lewis Brinson, OF, Miami Marlins
Age: 24 | ETA: 2018
Brinson once again dominated the Triple-A level to the tune of a .331/.400/.562 line for Colorado Springs in the Pacific Coast League, but struggled mightily at the highest level, hitting just 106 with 21 strikeouts in 17 games for the Brewers. That sample size (47 at-bats) was far too small to take too seriously at this point, and Brinson remains an upper-echelon outfield prospect, only now he’s a member of the Marlins after heading to Miami in the Christian Yelich Blockbuster. He is always going to pile up the strikeouts, but when he does make contact it’s hard, and 30 homer seasons aren’t out of the question. Add in the fact he’s no longer allergic to walks and he’s a plus runner who can steal bases, and Brinson is ready to contribute. He now has much less competition for a starting spot, and assuming there aren’t roster shenanigans, he should be Miami’s everyday center fielder for most of the 2018 season.
14. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Age: 22 | ETA: 2018
Keller continued his rise in the Pittsburgh system after a breakout 2016 season, and after registering a 3.03 ERA with 116 strikeouts in just as many innings with the Pirates’ High and Double-A clubs, reports were that he was the pitcher in the Arizona Fall League with the best stuff and command. He won’t throw his fastball by hitters, but it gets into the mid-90s, and there’s loads of sink on the heater. His curveball gives him another plus pitch that can miss bats and get groundballs, and the change has made progress every year. Keller pounds the strike zone with all three pitches, and his command is catching up with his control. He doesn’t have the same upside of the pitchers above or a few below, but there’s certainly a high ceiling here, and his floor is as high as any pitching prospect in any system.
15. Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 18 | ETA: 2020
Greene ended up going second in the 2017 MLB Draft to the Reds, but with all due respect to first-overall pick Royce Lewis, most pundits believed that Greene was the most talented player in that draft class. There’s still projection left in his 6-foot-4, 197-pound frame, but he already has touched 100 miles per hour with his fastball and sits in the mid-to-high 90s. Both his slider and change flash above-average – occasionally plus – but both pitches need to show more consistency before he’ll be able to start at the big-league level. He does repeat his delivery well, and as Greene builds strength and builds more confidence in his stuff, there’s no reason to think he won’t throw enough strikes to be a starter. Greene also would have been a high draft pick as a shortstop and can swing the bat, but his future is on the mound. His upside is palpable.
16. Walker Buehler, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 24 | ETA: Debuted in 2018
Buehler struggled in his time with Los Angeles, but it’s in no way indicative of what the future should hold for the right-hander. There are three pitches in Buehler’s arsenal that can miss bats: a fastball with movement that gets up to 98 miles per hour, a slider with bite and a curveball with depth. He’ll throw all three for strikes, in any part of the count. His delivery also offers deception, and he should be just as effective against left-handers as he is against right-handed hitters. The issue here could be durability; he’s slim, and he’s already gone through arm issues, including Tommy John surgery. That could mean he ends up in the bullpen, and while he could be a future closer, it would substantially limit his value. You could see him throwing in relief for the Dodgers in 2019, but Buehler still projects as a potential No. 2 starter long term.
17. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
Whitley was a first-round pick in 2016 who teams coveted thanks to his size (6’7”/240) and arm strength, so he was far from an unknown coming into 2017. To say he’s exceeded expectations, however, is an understatement. He’s consistently getting his downhill fastball up to 97 miles per hour while sitting in the 92-94 range, but it’s his secondary pitches that enabled him to strike out a whopping 143 batters in just over 92 innings. His slider is slightly ahead of his curve and change, but all three pitches flash plus. Add in the fact that he’s learning to repeat his delivery and repeat his arm slot, and you have the potential for something special. He reached Double-A as a teenager, and Whitley will spend most of the 2018 season as a 20-year-old at either that or the Triple-A level. There’s a real chance he’s pitching for the Astros before his 21st birthday.
18. Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, San Diego Padres
Age: 19 | ETA: 2019
When the Padres traded James Shields to the White Sox for Tatis, Jr., it was considered a salary dump, with Tatis considered a lottery ticket. It appears San Diego might have the winning numbers. The 18-year-old shortstop reached Double-A in 2017, and his 22 homers and 32 stolen bases help show just how much upside there is in the right-handed hitter’s bat. There’s a lot of swing and miss in his game, but he helps justify it by hitting line drives all over the park when he does make contact, and he draws more than his fair share of walks as well. Tatis is not a lock to stick at shortstop, but he has a flair for making the spectacular play, and if he does stick there, he’s a potential superstar. Even if he has to move to third or second, there’s still a lot of upside, but potential fantasy owners should hope he can stay between the bags.
19. Alex Verdugo, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 22 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Verdugo has one of the best hitting talents of any outfield prospect in baseball, and that was on display in Triple-A with his .314 average and .389 on-base percentage for Triple-A Oklahoma City. What wasn’t on display was much power, as he hit just six homers in a hitter-friendly league. There is raw power in his left-handed bat, however, and adding more loft to his stroke should allow Verdugo to be a 15-plus homer guy at the big-league level. He also has enough speed to be a double-digit steals player as well. The hitting ability is really the calling card here, however, as he has excellent hand-eye coordination and sprays balls to all parts of the field. He could hit near the top of the Los Angeles batting order at some point in 2018, even in the loaded Dodger outfield.
20. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Age: 24 | ETA: Debuted in 2016
Reyes is one of the biggest fallers from last year’s list, but it has nothing to do with stuff. He missed all of 2018 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and while the level of success for those who have suffered the injury are high, it’s far from a sure thing. If he is the same pitcher he was in 2016, this ranking will be several spots too low. His heater gets into the high 90s easily, and he can reach back and get into triple digits at times. His curveball flashes plus, and because of his deceptive arm speed, his change comes close to matching that as well. We’ll have to see what kind of command he’ll show once he returns, as it was below-average even before missing an entire year. Reyes has the stuff to be at or near the top of the rotation, but there is reason to at least be cautious when talking about him as a fantasy prospect. Don’t be surprised if he winds up pitching in the bullpen, which would also severely dampen his fantasy value. Even in relief, however, he has a chance to pile up the strikeouts; the stuff is that good.
21. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins
Age: 19 | ETA: 2020
It was Lewis and not Greene who went first-overall in the 2017 draft, and although most of the industry considered it at least a slight reach, his performance in 2017 as a professional turned heads. His best talent is his plus-plus speed, which could put him among the stolen base leaders if he gets on base enough. He should be able to do that, as he has a great feel for the barrel and has shown a willingness to get on base via walks. There are two question marks here, one far easier to answer. The power is his question offensively, and while he is filling out his frame, it’s more than likely he’s “just” a 10-to-15 homer player. The question that’s harder to figure out is his position, with centerfield being the more likely landing spot than shortstop when talking to scouts. Wherever Lewis plays, he has a leadoff hitter skill set.
22. Ryan McMahon, IF, Colorado Rockies
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Many analysts wrote McMahon off after he struggled in 2016, but he was impossible to ignore in 2017. He hit .355 on the year, including .374 in 70 games after being called up to Triple-A Albuquerque. He shortened his swing, and he used more of the opposite field, which raised his hitting ability at least a grade if not more. He still has plus power, and as an everyday player in Coors Field, 25 homer seasons are certainly realistic. He’s also a quality athlete who was a former quarterback in high school, and double-digit steals are also possible. His best defensive position is third, but with the Rockies having a perennial MVP candidate at the hot corner in Nolan Arenado, Colorado is likely to move McMahon to another position, with second and first being the most likely options. One way or another, McMahon should spend most of the year in Colorado, and the 23-year-old is ready to contribute both in the real and fantasy arenas.
23. Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Indians
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
McKenzie was as good as any starting pitching prospect in the game in 2017 in terms of missing bats, striking out 186 hitters in 143 innings for High-A Lynchburg. He didn’t do it with smoke and mirrors, either, although you could probably see smoke in his 94 miles per hour fastball that will get faster as he gets stronger. His most consistent pitch is his curve, a pitch he can either locate for strikes or bury down in the zone when he gets ahead of hitters. The change doesn’t have the same swing-and-miss ability as his curve, but it also flashes above-average with late fade and good deception from his arm speed. The command is behind the control, but the control is good enough for him to easily project as a starter, and the command should make progress as he gets stronger. McKenzie is wafer-thin (listed at 165 pounds), but he’s not just a projection hurler. There’s huge upside in McKenzie’s right arm.
24. Willy Adames, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
The Rays acquired Adames in the David Price trade, and slowly but surely, he’s developed into one of the best shortstop prospects in the American League, if not all of baseball. His approach gets better each year, and while his willingness to take pitches puts him in a lot of two-strike counts, it also helps him get on base via walks. He has no issues going with pitches, which allows him to make hard contact to the opposite field. The power is very much a work-in-progress, but progress is being made, and he could have solid-average power when all is said and done. Adames is no lock to stick at short, but he has a shot because of his solid speed that also helps him on the bases. If he does move to second base, he can still be an everyday fantasy player, but again, the value goes way, way up if he can stay at the premium position. He’ll play somewhere for the Rays at some point in 2018.
25. Jason Groome, LHP, Boston Red Sox
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
Groome’s season got off to a disastrous start, as he couldn’t get out of the first inning and then was shut down with a lat strain not long after. In the second-half of the season, however, Groome showed why he’s one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the game. You won’t find a pitching prospect with a better curveball in the minors, and his fastball is nearly at the same level with the ability to get into the high 90s. He also has an above-average change, and he throws all three of these pitches for strikes. Command has been an issue for the left-hander at times, but he’s getting stronger, and that should help him repeat his delivery going forward. He is not a fast-track prospect, but Groome has a huge ceiling, and could jump up this list with a strong 2018 campaign.
26. Kolby Allard, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
Allard slid to the 14th pick of the 2015 draft because of concerns over back trouble, but those haven’t shown up as a pro, and he’s shown the high-floor – and ceiling – that made him so appealing before that draft. The arsenal is complete: a fastball that gets up to 94 miles per hour that he throws to both sides of the plate, a swing-and-miss curveball and a quality change that has the same arm speed as the fastball. The command is even better than the arsenal, and he not only throws strikes, he locates his pitches where he wants to place them. There are certainly pitching prospects with more upside, but not many, and there aren’t many who can match his floor because of his ability to locate.
27. Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
There is no hitting prospect who saw his stock rise more than Bo Bichette did in 2017. That’s what hitting .362 with 14 homers and stealing 22 bases will do for you. Bichette hits everything hard, and his exceptional hand-eye coordination along with his quick stroke and a willingness to go the other way gives him a chance for plus-plus hitting talent. The son of former All-Star Dante Bichette, he doesn’t have his dad’s 40-plus homer power, but he’s not a dink-and-dunk hitter by any means. He’s currently an above-average runner, and while that will likely change as he fills out, he’s still a threat to steal double-digit bases. Bichette is no lock to stick at shortstop, but whether he moves to second, third, or even the outfield, the bat plays. This is a player who could someday win a batting title.
28. Scott Kingery, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 24 | ETA: 2018
If Bichette was the most improved offensive prospect, Kingery wasn’t far behind. A second-round pick out of Arizona, Kingery made adjustments to his swing and approach and finished with an OPS of .889 with 26 homers and 29 steals while reaching Triple-A. He squares everything up, and the added loft to his stroke gives him a chance for above-average power, possibly plus. The added loft did add some length to his swing, so 100-plus strikeout seasons are likely, if not guaranteed. Kingery could play anywhere in the field, and the Phillies allowed him to play all over the diamond in 2017. His best position is second, however, and he has a strong chance of being brought up early in the 2018 season and manning the keystone for Philadelphia as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.
29. Juan Soto, OF, Washington Nationals
Age: 19 | ETA: 2019
Victor Robles is the most famous young outfield prospect in the National system, but there are some who believe that Soto has the highest ceiling of Washington’s prospects. He hit .351/.415/.505 at the lower levels, and he drew more walks than strikeouts in his first full season, impressive for any age, much less a teenager. Signed in July of 2015, the teenage outfielder isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s the rare hitter who has a chance to have both plus hit and power talents. The former is much more advanced than the latter, but he’s still getting stronger, and the ball jumps off the bat. He recognizes pitches well, and has shown a willingness to get on base via walks. Even if Soto won’t provide much value on the bases, his offensive upside is very impressive.
30. Willie Calhoun, OF, Texas Rangers
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Calhoun crushed Triple-A pitching while a member of the Dodgers organization, and he did the same after coming over to Texas in the deal that sent Yu Darvish to Los Angeles. Despite his small frame (5’8”/187), Calhoun is still able to generate plenty of bat speed, and he’s strong enough that hitting 30 homers – as he did in 2017 – is within the realm of possibility. He’s not just a grip-and-rip homer hitter, though, as he has excellent bat-to-ball skills and uses the entire field. The issue with Calhoun is his defense. He’s a former second baseman, and his lack of a strong throwing arm and foot speed limits him to left field. While he definitely has the offensive potential to play anywhere, it does put pressure on his bat to max out for him to become an everyday player. Texas could give him that chance this summer, maybe sooner if he does well in spring training.
31. Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
Shohei Ohtani isn’t the only two-way prospect in baseball, and unlike Ohtani, McKay’s future money-making position is up for debate. As a pitcher, the left-handed hurler has two plus pitches in his fastball and his curveball, and while he hasn’t thrown his change much, it shows promise. He also throws all three pitches for strikes. As a hitter, McKay has an excellent eye, and along with above-average hitting talent, the power isn’t far behind. This would play much better in the outfield, but the Rays seem committed to keeping him at first to keep the former Louisville Cardinal star healthy, and manning first limits the chances of injury. It’s a long-shot that he ends up doing both professionally, but if he does, this ranking is too low. Either as a hitter or a pitcher, however, he’s a valuable prospect.
32. Cal Quantrill, RHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
Quantrill didn’t pitch in his final season at Stanford, but the Padres still gave him a hefty bonus, and so far, he looks like he’s going to be worth every penny. His out pitch is a change that dances away from hitters with fastball arm speed, but he also gets his heater up to 96 miles per hour. His slider gets mixed reviews – and results – but it only needs to be an average pitch for him to pitch at or near the top of the rotation. All three pitches play up because he can locate them in the strike zone, and his feel for pitching is outstanding, as you might expect from the son of a former All-Star reliever. Quantrill has a real chance of pitching for San Diego before the end of the 2018 season.
33. Luis Urias, SS, San Diego Padres
Age: 21| ETA: 2018
Luis Urias can flat out hit. Despite being one of the youngest players in the Texas League, Urias hit .298 with a .398 on-base percentage, and he posted a .924 OPS in the Arizona Fall League. His swing never leaves the plane, and the quickness and ability to hit the ball hard to the opposite field makes him an easy potential .300 hitter. He’s only an average runner, so you shouldn’t expect more than 10-to-12 steals a season. He also doesn’t have a ton of power, but he’s strong enough to give you double-digits there, as well. Urias is going to have to stay at shortstop to justify this high of a ranking, but because of his feel for the barrel, he’s a potential star.
34. Leody Taveras, OF, Texas Rangers
Age: 20 | ETA: 2020
In terms of players who weren’t drafted in 2017, Taveras probably had the worst statistical year of any player on this list; hitting just .249 with eight homers in 134 games. Those numbers aren’t close to indicative of how talented the 19-year-old outfielder is. This is a true multi-talented player, one who is capable of spraying line drives, and one who is developing power from both sides of the plate. The speed is big-league ready, and he’s a lock for 20-to-30 steal seasons if he gets on base enough to do so. Taveras can also go get it in the outfield, which should help him move through the Texas system relatively quickly. You still likely won’t see him play in Texas before the end of the decade, but if you’re looking for a long-term fantasy play, you can do a lot worse than Taveras.
35. Nick Gordon, SS, Minnesota Twins
Age: 22 | ETA: 2018
The son and brother of All-Stars (Tom and Dee, respectively), Gordon had an inconsistent 2017 season, but he showed flashes of what made him the fifth pick of the 2014 MLB Draft. The left-handed hitting shortstop still struggles with pitch recognition and can’t afford 134 strikeout seasons with below-average power. The good news is he draws his fair share of walks, and when he does make contact, it’s hard, and he goes with the pitch. He’s also an above-average runner who gets good jumps on the bases, so he should be a solid stolen base threat. His best skill is his defense, as he’s a borderline lock to stick at shortstop as long as Minnesota doesn’t have someone better to play there. If he did move to second, there’d be some value, but because he’s so likely to play at shortstop, he has a chance to be a well above-average fantasy regular.
36. Franklin Barreto, SS, Oakland Athletics
Age: 22 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Acquired by Oakland in the deal that sent Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays, Barreto struggled in his first taste of big-league life with a .602 OPS and 33 strikeouts in 25 games. His 15 homers and stolen bases and .290 average in Triple-A Nashville are much more accurate descriptors of the 22-year-old shortstop’s talent. He has above-average power from the right side, and it gets better each year. He also has impressive bat speed, but because his approach is so poor, he’s unlikely to be an on-base machine. The hard contact does gives him a chance to hit for a high average, however, and once on base, he’s a threat to steal with his speed. He isn’t a foregone conclusion to stay at shortstop, but he has at least a chance to play there, and if he can stick there’s real offensive upside in his right-handed bat.
37. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland Athletics
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
The A’s took Puk with the sixth-overall pick, and to be blunt, there was no reason he should have fallen that low in the draft. Not when you’re a 6-foot-7 left-hander who can get his fastball in the high 90s, and you have a plus slider at your disposal. He is also improving his change, and he used all three pitches to strike out 184 hitters in 2017. The command isn’t where it needs to be yet, but it’s not uncommon for tall pitchers to find their mechanics later than others. Puk’s stuff is ready for the big-leagues, and if the A’s are convinced that he can throw enough strikes, he could be a part of the Oakland rotation before the end of the season.
38. Yadier Alvarez, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
Alvarez was signed for a hefty $16 million in the summer of 2015, and despite numbers that don’t scream ace (4.68 ERA in just over 92 innings), he showed stuff that suggested he was easily worth that sort of financial investment. There aren’t many right-handers – or left-handers – who throw harder, and he consistently touches triple-digits with a fastball that has movement. He has two breaking-balls that he can miss bats with, and his change might have more potential than both because of how quickly his arm works. The stuff is impressive, but the command needs a lot of work. He falls behind too many hitters and will cause self-inflicted damage with walks. There’s a lot of work to be done here, and there’s a chance he’s going to have to pitch in the bullpen, but if everything clicks, Alvarez has a chance to be a superstar.
39. Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox
Age: 21 | ETA: 2020
Robert was signed by the White Sox in May, and while it was against vastly inferior experience, it was still impressive to see him post a 1.027 OPS in his first professional season. Everything here projects above-average, as the 20-year-old outfielder is an exceptional athlete who can get the bat through the zone with lightning quickness, and the power is on its way. The only reason Robert isn’t a top 25 prospect here is because we don’t know how he’s going to adjust to higher-level pitching. In terms of just pure talent, there are only a handful, at most, of hitting prospects who have a higher ceiling. He’s a candidate to jump up next year’s list, so get him early if you can.
40. Franklin Perez, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
Justin Verlander led the Houston Astros to their first World Series championship. In exchange for trading their long-time ace, the Tigers acquired Perez; a pitcher who doesn’t have Verlander’s upside, but isn’t that far off. He’s still getting stronger and filling out his frame, but he already touches 96 miles per hour with his fastball. There are two more pitches that flash plus in his repertoire as well; a power curveball and a change that fades away from left-handed hitters. He repeats his delivery well, and while he’s far from immune to self-inflicted damage, there’s no reason at this point to think that he can’t throw enough strikes to be a starter. It’s a long-term play, but those who are patient could be rewarded handsomely.
41. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 19 | ETA: 2021
Gore only threw 21 ⅓ innings as a professional, but they were very impressive; he struck out 34 hitters and registered a 1.27 ERA. The third-overall pick of last June’s draft, Gore is a rare combination of projection and advanced stuff that you typically don’t see in prep pitchers. His fastball jumped from the high 80s to touching 92 in 2017, and there’s reason to believe there’s more to come. He has two separate breaking-balls that could be swing-and-miss pitches, and the change isn’t far behind those offerings, either. You’d never guess he was a teenager watching him pitch, as he has excellent feel for his arsenal and excellent mechanics. He’s far from a finished product, but when he’s done developing, he could be an ace. There’s no such thing as a “can’t-miss” prospect, but Gore isn’t far from that.
42. Kyle Wright, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
It was a strong group at the top of the draft in 2017, but it was still surprising to see Wright fall to the fifth pick. The Braves weren’t complaining. The former Vanderbilt star has four pitches that can miss bats, starting with a fastball that has gotten up to 98 miles per hour when he reaches back for more. He also has a power curveball that he can throw for strikes or bury down in the zone, a cutter that bears into left-handed hitter’s hands and a strong change that keeps hitters off-balance. The key for Wright to become a fast-track player is going to be throwing these pitches for strikes and also showing this same stuff consistently throughout a campaign. If he can’t, there’s a chance he becomes a reliever. If he can, he’s a future No. 2 starter, possibly better.
43. Chance Sisco, C, Baltimore Orioles
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Sisco got his first sample of big-league pitching in 2017, and posted a robust 1.232 OPS, albeit in only 18 at-bats. That’s a very small sample size, but it illustrates that Sisco is ready to be a big-league contributor. The left-handed hitting backstop and former second-round pick doesn’t have much power, but he can capitalize on mistakes enough to hit double-digit homers. The hitting talent is much more advanced, as he has an excellent approach at the plate, and he uses the entire field to give him a chance to hit for a high average. He’s not going to move positions anytime soon, and that obviously adds value since he’s going to be playing a premium position. The catching position is his to win this spring, and if he does, he should provide enough offensive value to be a viable fantasy option.
44. Jorge Mateo, SS, Oakland Athletics
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
Mateo came over to Oakland in the deal that put Sonny Gray in pinstripes, and he performed well once entering the system, stealing 13 bases in 30 games and hitting .292/.333/.518 for Double-A Midland. His calling-card is his 80-grade speed, and even though he can sometimes get trigger-happy, he is still a lock for 40-plus steal seasons if given the opportunity to run. He’s also beginning to tap into his raw power, which should allow him to hit 12-15 homers a year, possibly more. He also took big strides with his approach at the plate, but he still gets too aggressive and doesn’t put the ball in play as much as you’d want from a speed demon. Shortstop is probably not his long-term position, but assuming he moves to center and doesn’t move to somewhere like left-field, his value will be high.
45. Chance Adams, RHP, New York Yankees
Age: 24 | ETA: 2018
The Yankees were asked by several teams in trades to move Adams, but they wouldn’t add him to packages. It’s understandable why. The 2015 fifth-round pick has a well-rounded arsenal; starting with a 98 miles per hour fastball with loads of life and often finishing with a plus change that can make hitters who are sitting on the heater look foolish. He has two breaking-balls, and while neither of these pitches is more than average, his ability to locate those pitches – along with the fastball and change – helps them play up. Adams doesn’t have the most picturesque delivery and can occasionally lose his arm-slot, but he should throw enough strikes to start. It wouldn’t be a shock if Adams was making starts in the Bronx this summer for the Yankees.
46. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Age: 22 | ETA: 2018
Very quietly, Burnes put up monster numbers in his first full season in the Milwaukee system, with a 1.67 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 145 ⅔ innings to show for his efforts. His fastball went up a couple of ticks after being drafted, and he now gets it up to 96 miles per hour. That pitch is complemented with a plus slider, and he also shows an average change and occasionally a curveball. What makes him a top 50 fantasy prospect is his ability to command that stuff, as Burnes rarely puts runners on via walks, and he does an excellent job of hitting his spots. Burnes isn’t a future ace, but with quality stuff and the ability to locate his arsenal, he has a great chance of pitching in the middle of a rotation. High-floors in pitchers often go underrated.
47. Mike Soroka, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 20 | ETA: 2018
Soroka was seen by some as a slight reach when he was taken with the 28th pick in 2015. All he’s done in his time with the Braves is change minds and confirm what Atlanta saw in him; particularly with his 2.75 ERA in Double-A as a teenager for most of the season. He throws everything for strikes, and he does a quality job of locating his secondary stuff either early in the count or when ahead. Though not overpowering, Soroka does touch the mid-90s with his fastball, and his ability to get ahead makes his above-average curveball and change play up. Soroka has an excellent chance of making his big-league debut in 2018, and he should be a member of the rotation full-time in 2019.
48. Luiz Gohara, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 22 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
It’s just another member of the Braves’ pitching prospects to make this list, and he’s not the last. Atlanta was somehow able to acquire Gohara from Seattle for Mallex Smith, and the talented Brazilian left-hander struck out 147 batters in just under 124 innings before pitching 31 innings at the highest level. The burly southpaw gets his fastball in the high 90s with quality movement, and he gets better at commanding the pitch every year. The slider isn’t quite at that level, but it is an above-average pitch that can cause swings and misses from lefties and righties. For him to reach his impressive upside, he’ll need to throw his change more often and also improve his below-average change. Gohara should have a rotation spot at some point with Atlanta again in 2018, and if he does make the necessary adjustments, he won’t give it up anytime soon.
49. Riley Pint, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
Pint was taken with fourth-overall pick by Colorado in 2016, and in his first full professional season, there were plenty of ups, and even more downs. Fortunately, there were flashes of brilliance, and there’s plenty of time to get things right. There aren’t many hurlers who can make hitters look foolish with three pitches, but Pint is one of them. His fastball has been clocked up to 101 miles per hour, and both the curve and change have flashed plus on numerous occasions. They also are rarely in the strike zone – the same can be said about the fastball – and consistency doesn’t appear to be his middle name at this point. He’ll need to show marked improvement to remain a top 50 prospect, but it would be foolish to give up on him right now, even with the struggles and knowing that he might make half his starts in Coors Field.
50. Jack Flaherty, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Age: 22 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
After struggling for large portions of 2016, Flaherty once again flashed the stuff that made him a first-round pick in 2014 with an impressive 2.18 ERA, and he reached St. Louis for five starts. The 22-year-old right-hander has one of the best changeups at the prospect level, and it makes his low 90s fastball play up as hitters have to fear it. His slider is also an above-average pitch, and he’ll mix in an average curveball for good measure. He repeats his delivery well, and while the control is ahead of his command, both are good enough to project Flaherty as a member of a rotation. There’s no guarantee that Flaherty will be a member of the Cardinals’ rotation in 2017, but the stuff and command suggest he’s ready to pitch for St. Louis again this summer, possibly sooner.
51. Anderson Espinoza, RHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 20 | ETA: 2020
Espinoza’s season didn’t get off to a great start, and he ended up not having any starts as he was sidelined with Tommy John surgery. There’s a good chance we won’t see him throw a pitch in 2018, either, and yet he still ranks this high because his stuff is that good. He gets his fastball into the mid-to-high 90s, and both of his secondary pitches can cause swings-and-misses, particularly his change. He also throws his pitches for strikes, and has a clean, efficient delivery that suggests he’ll be able to stay as a starter. Missing two years would be a “kill” for a lot of prospects, but not for a pitcher that won’t turn 21 until 2021. The upside is just too tough to ignore here.
52. Carson Kelly, C, St. Louis Cardinals
Age: 24 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Kelly’s “real life” value may exceed his fantasy value because of his defense behind the plate, but there’s still a lot of value here as the Cardinal -- or another team’s -- catcher of the future. His power and hitting talents both have a chance to be average, meaning you could be looking at a catcher who hits in the .260 range with 15-plus homers in a season. When you consider how little offensive value there is at the position, Kelly can certainly be a fantasy starter. He’ll likely need a trade to reach his ceiling, but if he’s an everyday backstop for someone, there’s reason to be optimistic about his value, despite his struggles in 2017 with St. Louis.
53. Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 20 | ETA: 2020
Manning’s first full professional season had ups and downs, but the ninth pick of the 2016 MLB Draft showed more than a few flashes of brilliance. His low-to-mid 90s fastball comes with very little effort, and his height (6-foot-8) allows plenty of extension. He complements that fastball with a plus curveball, and his change should be a solid third offering in time. The command needs a lot of work, but most teenagers struggle with repeating their delivery, especially those as tall as Manning. The upside here is quite palpable.
54. Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Hays was one of the true breakout stars of the 2017 season, posting an OPS of .958 with 32 homers and reaching Baltimore, although he struggled in his 20 games with the club. Hays has a swing that’s conducive to hitting line drives, and there’s just enough loft in his stroke that the power talent has a chance to be plus as well. The one glaring thing that could keep him from reaching that lofty goal is his approach, as his aggressiveness puts him behind in counts, and he’ll strike out more than his short swing should allow. Still, there’s a lot to like about his offensive upside, and there’s a real chance he’s a contributor to the Baltimore lineup for most of 2018.
55. Kyle Lewis, OF, Seattle Mariners
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
Lewis was the 11th pick in 2016, and when he’s been healthy, she’s shown talent that suggests he was the steal of the draft. When is unfortunately the operative term, as he had gruesome leg injury near the end of 2016 that caused him to get a late start on the 2017 season, and he battled minor leg injuries throughout most of the year. When at full-strength, he shows plus power from the right side, and while there is a lot of swing and miss here, he does make enough hard contact to project average hitting talent. He also is capable of stealing double-digit bases, but his speed has never been his strength. If Lewis can show he’s fully recovered, he has a chance to contribute to the Mariners as soon as this summer.
56. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 20 | ETA: 2020
Anderson was somewhat of a surprise as the third-overall pick in 2016, but in his first full professional season, the right-hander showed quality stuff and struck out 101 hitters in 83 innings. His 92-94 miles per hour fastball has quality movement, and when he reaches back he can touch the mid-90s. Both the curveball and change project above-average -- and will show plus -- with the curve slightly ahead at this point. He can lose his arm angle and doesn’t always repeat his delivery, but he should have enough control to remain a starter. if the command takes a jump up to above-average, he could be a frontline starter. If not, he’s a solid mid-rotation arm or potentially a closer if he has to move to the bullpen.
57. Adrian Morejon, LHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 19 | ETA: 2019
Morejon was given an $11 million dollar bonus in July of 2016, and he looked like he was worth every penny in 2017. The Cuban defector can miss bats with four pitches, starting with a fastball that touches 96 miles per hour and should be consistently in the mid-90s as he fills out his frame. He has two change-ups that can miss bats -- one of them a knuckle-change -- and his curveball should be a plus pitch as he gains refinement. He throws strikes, and the strikes are generally where he wants them to go. His age creates volatility, but the upside here competes with any left-handed starter.
58. Austin Meadows, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
It would be tough to find a prospect who had a more disappointing season than Meadows in 2017. Not only did he post a mediocre .707 OPS, he also missed nearly half the year because of injuries. Fortunately for Meadows, he’s still young and talented enough for this to just be a bump in the road. He has three plus talents in his hit, run and glove; while his power doesn’t reach those levels, 15-to-20 homers aren’t out of the question for the outfielder. Meadows is going to have to be much better this year to justify this ranking, but if someone in your fantasy league is willing to “sell low,” you should jump on it.
59. Corey Ray, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Age: 24 | ETA: 2019
Ray was seen as a “can’t-miss” prospect coming out of the 2016 MLB Draft, but so far, he hasn’t looked like one. And yet because of his skillset, there’s still a lot to like here. He’s a patient hitter -- perhaps too patient -- and when he’s on base, he’s a threat to steal 30-plus bags in a season. He also has above-average power from the left side, although he hasn’t tapped into that as a professional. He’s going to have to cut down on the strikeouts -- 156 in 2017 -- but if he can, he has a chance to be an above-average outfielder that could help the Brewers soon.
60. Anthony Alford, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 24 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Despite missing significant time with a broken hamate bone, Alford had a successful 2017 season, hitting .299 and stealing 19 bases in 77 games. A former quarterback, Alford is still refining his baseball skills, but he’s shortened his swing and makes consistent hard contact to all parts of the field. There’s some obvious raw power here as well, but the swing isn’t conducive to hitting big homer totals. The best skill here is his speed, which is plus-plus and should make him an easy 30-to-40 steal player, if he’s a regular. He’s also a quality defender, which gives him a high floor. He should be playing every day for Toronto at some point in 2018.
61. Luis Ortiz, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
Acquired in the deal that sent Jonathan Lucroy to the Rangers, Ortiz has seen his stock diminish over the last two years, but he’s still a quality starting pitching prospect. There are two plus pitches here; starting with a fastball that can get up to 96 miles per hour with sink, and often ending with a slider with good tilt. The command comes and goes, but he throws those two offerings for strikes, as well as a change that has average potential. Ortiz struggled to miss bats in 2017, but the stuff is there for him to accrue enough strikeouts/get enough weak contact to be a solid -- if not spectacular -- mid-rotation starter.
62. Blake Rutherford, OF, Chicago White Sox
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
The Yankees traded Rutherford to the White Sox in the deal that sent over Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to New York, and despite his struggles after the deal (.543 OPS), it’s a deal the Yankees could grow to regret in time. The 2016 first-round selection has a quality approach at the plate, and uses the entire field to give him potentially a plus hitting ability. There’s also raw power from the left side, but he’ll need to add more loft to his swing to capitalize on it. He’s a solid-average runner, so double digit steals are also possible. The struggles are a bit concerning, but at his age and with his talent, there’s still plenty of reason for optimism.
63. J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
If this was just a ranking of prospects, Crawford would rank much higher because of his defense and acumen on the field. Those don’t help you much in fantasy, however. That’s not to say there aren’t things to like about the shortstop, especially in leagues that value on-base percentage and don’t punish low batting averages. There’s also some power here, but it remains to be seen if that can translate at the next level. He’s also not going to provide many steals, which makes Crawford’s total package a good -- but not elite -- fantasy prospect.
64. Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 25 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
The Phillies picked up Alfaro in the Cole Hamels deal, and in his time in the Philadelphia organization, he’s tantalized with his talent and frustrated with his lack of approach. Fortunately, he’s a catcher, and that significantly helps his fantasy profile. The power is well above-average, and when he does make contact, it’s often of the hard variety. He also never walks, and he piles up the strikeouts. It’s flawed, but because he’s a catcher who can hit 30-plus homers, he’s definitely a quality fantasy prospect.
65. Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Minnesota Twins
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
Gonsalves has seen his stock rise every year since he entered the Minnesota system in 2013, and he now ranks among the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball. His fastball isn’t overpowering, but it gets up to 94 miles per hour, and it plays up because hitters have to be cognizant of his quality change. The breaking ball comes and goes, but at its best it’s a competent third offering that is helped by his quality command. There isn’t huge upside here, but he has one of the highest floors of any pitcher on this list, and he should be in Minnesota at some point this year.
66. Dylan Cease, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
Cease is the “other” prospect that was included in the trade that sent Jose Quintana to the Cubs, and while he doesn’t offer the rare potential of Eloy Jimenez, he’s a quality prospect in his own right. Few hurlers throw harder than the right-hander, and he has touched triple digits with his fastball on several occasions. His curveball might actually be his best pitch thanks to its spin and hard, downward break, and he has also made progress on his change. The only thing that could keep him from being a starter is his control, which is well below-average. That could make him a reliever in the long-term, but a very good one.
67. Yusniel Diaz, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
Diaz was given a $15.5 million dollar signing bonus in October of 2016, and while his first professional season wasn’t without flaws, he still was able to reach Double-A and hit .292 with 11 homers. There are four above-average skills at his disposal, with the only one that doesn’t project 55-grade or better is his power, but he’s strong enough to hit double-digit homers if he’s a full-time player. He also should run more going forward, as his speed is his best asset. Diaz will need to make improvements to justify this ranking, but he’s a high-floor player that can do a bit of everything, making him a worthy follow.
68. Beau Burrows, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
With Franklin Perez, Matt Manning, Alex Faedo and Burrows, the Tigers have a “big four” of sorts. While Burrows doesn’t have the stuff of the other members, he might have the highest floor, and there’s definitely ceiling here, too. Both his low 90s fastball and big breaking curveball flash plus, and he does a good job of locating both offerings. He also mixes in an average change, and he’ll throw a below-average slider to keep hitters honest as well. He pounds the strike zone with all four pitches, which gives him a great chance of being a mid-rotation starter -- maybe higher if one of those pitches take a step up.
69. Keston Hiura, IF, Milwaukee Brewers
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
The Brewers took Hiura with the ninth pick of the 2017 draft, and based on what we saw from his professional debut -- .372/.422/.611 -- it’s hard to justify him falling that far. The hitting talent has a chance to be plus-plus thanks to his line-drive swing and feel for the barrel, and the power -- while not at that level -- could be above-average as well. The only issues here are that he won’t provide any value on the bases, and there are serious defensive questions as to where he’ll be able to play. Because he’s so good with the bat, however, it might not matter. He could be one of the first players from his draft class to make his debut.
70. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 22 | ETA: 2020
Sanchez wasn’t an unknown coming into the 2017 season, but things escalated when he struck out 84 hitters while only walking 18 in 95 electric innings. He’s still filling out, but he already gets his fastball into the high 90s, and he has an above-average curveball and solid-average change at his disposal as well. He throws all three pitches for strikes, but the command is behind the control at this point. He’s also not the biggest hurler you’ll see (6’0”/185), so there are questions about durability. If he shows the same stuff at the higher levels in 2018, he’ll jump up this list.
71. Taylor Trammell, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 21 | ETA: 2020
Trammell was taken with the 35th pick by the Reds in 2016, and he and Nick Senzel could make this a special class for Cincinnati. His best skill is his speed, and his plus-plus wheels make him an instant threat to steal anytime he’s on base. There are still some questions about how often that’ll happen because of contact issues, but he has a quality approach at the plate, and he is developing some power from the left side as well. There’s still some work to be done here, but Trammell offers plenty of upside, and his speed and defense give him a relatively high floor.
72. Jeren Kendall, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 22 | ETA: 2020
Kendall was at one point a candidate for the first-overall pick in last year’s draft, but a so-so season saw his stock drop. The Dodgers aren’t complaining. Kendall is a 70-grade runner who can be among the leaders in steals if he gets the chance to run. He should get that chance, as he makes hard contact from both sides of the plate, and there’s above-average power here, too. He’ll need to cut down the strikeouts and show more selectivity at the plate, but if he can, he’s a potential leadoff hitter who can give you 20-plus homer seasons as well.
73. Alec Hansen, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
Like Kendall, Hansen was once a candidate to be the top pick in his draft (2016), but concerns about injuries and command saw him drop to the second round. It appears that the concerns aren’t valid at this point. Hansen had a whopping 191 strikeouts in his 141 ⅓ innings, and he has the stuff to suggest it wasn’t smoke and mirrors. There are three plus pitches here at his disposal, and his fastball gets into the high 90s with movement. The control isn’t great, and because there’s effort in his delivery, there’s at least a chance he might have to move to the bullpen. Another strong 2018 campaign will have Hansen ranking among the best starting pitching prospects in baseball.
74. Estevan Florial, OF, New York Yankees
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
Florial went from lottery ticket to legitimate outfield prospect quickly, and he could make another jump in 2018. The only skill here that doesn’t project to be at least above-average is his hitting talent, but he has made strides and he should hit for a respectable average as he matures. He’s a dynamic base runner who can give you big stolen base totals, and he could be a 30-30 player if he maximizes his raw power. There’s a reason the Yankees were unwilling to trade Florial near the deadline, and no one should be surprised if he shoots up this list before the start of the 2019 season.
75. Kevin Maitan, SS, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 18 | ETA: 2021
It was a slightly disappointing season for Maitan -- at least when you consider the outrageous hype for a teenage baseball player -- and it was a bizarre winter that saw his contract voided to make him a free agent, and he signed with the Angels in December. There’s huge power potential in his switch-hitting bat, and he makes enough hard contact to all parts of the field to suggest an above-average or plus hitting ability. The key will be seeing how he makes adjustments, something he struggled with in 2017. He also was barely old enough to attend a ‘Rated R’ movie, so it’s somewhat explainable. There’s still plenty of reasons to believe Maitan is one of the best infield prospects in the game.
76. Pavin Smith, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
The Diamondbacks have one of the worst systems in baseball, but they appear to have found a gem in Smith after selecting him in the first round this June. The left-handed hitting first baseman has a gorgeous swing that was built to shoot line drives all over the field. Despite the lack of power he showed in his first professional season (zero homers in 51 games), there is pop in his swing as well, and it should be at least average as he gains more confidence in swinging with loft. Even if he’s only a double-digit homer hitter, he still has a chance to be a fantasy starter because of his high averages and on-base percentage. If the power develops into more than that, he’s a potential elite first base prospect.
77. Fernando Romero, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Age: 23 | ETA: 2018
Romero followed up a strong 2016 season with a solid -- if not spectacular -- season that proved he’s here to stay. There’s very little effort in his plus-plus fastball, and it will get as high as 99 miles per hour when he does reach back for more. Add in his plus slider, and he has two pitches that can miss bats. He also has an average change that isn’t at that level, but it’s good enough to keep hitters from sitting on the fastball/slider combination. He’s also improving his ability to throw strikes and repeat his delivery. There’s a good chance he’ll make his debut with the Twins at some point this summer, and he should handle it well.
78. Jesus Sanchez, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
Sanchez showed flashes of being a top 100 prospect after his 2016 season, and doubled down on that with an .825 OPS in his first full professional year. Every skill at his disposal has a chance to be plus, including the hit, power and speed, which gives him a chance to be a .280 hitter who can hit 25 homers and steal 25 bases. He’s also a quality defender, so even if he doesn’t max out his offensive potential he has a chance to be a regular. We need to see it at the higher levels, but there’s no doubt that Sanchez is a prospect who is on the rise.
79. Michael Chavis, 3B/1B, Boston Red Sox
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
The Red Sox took Chavis in the first-round of 2014, and he finally had his breakout season in 2017 when he hit 31 homers at the High-A and Double-A levels. The power is easily plus-plus thanks to his strength and ability to lift the baseball. The hitting talent isn’t near that level, but he does use the entire field, which gives him a chance to hit for average. The biggest question mark is where he’ll play in the field, as he may not have the range for third base. That would put a damper in his stock, but even at first base, he has a chance to be fantasy-relevant because of his power.
80. Justus Sheffield, LHP, New York Yankees
Age: 22 | ETA: 2018
Sheffield is another prospect who probably doesn’t have the same value as a fantasy prospect as he does to the Yankees, but he has a chance to help both New York and your team. There are three above-average pitches in his left arm, starting with a low 90s fastball with good movement. His “strikeout” pitches are his slider and change, with the former slightly ahead because of its hard movement. He had some command issues in 2017, but he repeats his delivery well, and he should throw more than enough strikes to be a starter at the highest level. The only question is if that’s at the back or in the middle of a rotation, but either way, there’s reason for optimism.
81. Shane Baz, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Age: 19 | ETA: 2019
The Pirates took Baz with the 12th pick, and while the right-hander struggled with control, he showed the stuff of a potential ace. He has five legitimate pitches, starting with a fastball that can get up to 98 miles per hour without much effort. His cutter, slider and curve all flash plus, and there’s enough of a difference between all three to keep hitters honest. He’ll also mix in an average change, and when he’s at his best, he throws all five offerings for strikes. He’s a long-term prospect, but the upside here is beaten by few. Keep an eye on Baz over the coming seasons.
82. Yordan Alvarez, 1B/OF, Houston Astros
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
Alvarez joined the Astros after being traded from the Dodgers for Josh Fields, and the Astros are likely counting their blessings. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound hitter has plus power from the left-side of the plate, but the hitting talent is the calling card here thanks to his smooth, line-drive stroke. The big question mark here is where he’ll play, as while he has held his own as an outfielder, his size likely makes him a first baseman. The bat could play anywhere, but if he does play in the grass, it increases his value substantially.
83. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 19 | ETA: ETA: 2021
The Angels’ system has made a substantial improvement over the past year, and one of the keys to that improvement was the selection of Adell in the first-round in June. The former prep star has tremendous talent, and his plus power and plus-plus speed make him a potential 30-30 player at the next level. If he’s going to do that he’s going to have to make more contact, and improve his selectivity at the plate. He’s certainly young enough to make those adjustments, and if he performs as we expect in 2018, he’ll be among the best outfield prospects in baseball at this point next year.
84. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP, Houston Astros
Age: 21 | ETA: 2020
If Bukauskas was a few inches taller and a few pounds heavier -- he’s listed at 6-foot, 185-pounds -- he likely would have been a top five selection. Some concerns about his size and effort in his delivery caused him to fall to number 17, and he could be one of the steals of the draft. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with plenty of movement, and his slider is another plus-plus offering with ridiculous tilt and spin that can make hitters look foolish. The key for him remaining a starter will be throwing more quality strikes, and developing his change to make it a solid third offering. If he can, the sky’s the limit. If he can’t, he could be dominant as a reliever.
85. Garrett Hampson, SS, Colorado Rockies
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
When Hampson was drafted by the Rockies in the third round in 2016, he was seen as a defensive-first shortstop by many. Then he went ahead and hit .326 and stole 51 bases in High-A, so things have changed. The defense is still there, and that helps, as his bat plays much better playing the premium position. When you combine that with the fact that he has plus-plus speed and excellent hand-eye coordination at the plate, you get one of the more underrated shortstop prospects in baseball. If he hits like this at the higher levels, Hampson will be a top 50 fantasy prospect in 2019.
86. Logan Warmoth, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 22 | ETA: 2019
Warmoth had an excellent junior season at UNC, and after being selected 22nd in June, he had an excellent professional debut (.302/.350/.418) with the Blue Jays’ system. He’ll go with the pitch and uses the entire field, and once on base his above-average speed and ability to read pitches gives him 20-plus steal ability. There’s also some power in his bat, but asking for more than 15 homers a year is probably asking too much. He’s a high floor player, but because he should be able to stay at shortstop, there’s obvious upside, too.
87. Alex Faedo, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 19 | ETA: 2018
Faedo was the Tigers’ first-round pick in 2017, and the former Florida Gator ace has a chance to be one of the best hurlers out of the draft class. When he’s firing on all cylinders, he has a plus fastball, and one of the best sliders of any pitching prospect in the game. Unfortunately, he hasn’t always shown that stuff consistently, which helps explain why he fell to the 18th pick. If he can show that stuff from start-to-start, he’ll jump up this list, but there’s absolutely some volatility here as well. He’s worth the risk in dynasty leagues.
88. Heliot Ramos, OF, San Francisco Giants
Age: 18 | ETA: 2021
The Giants had very little in their system in terms of offensive upside, but they certainly acquired some when they took Ramos with the 19th pick in 2017. The young outfielder crushed pitching in his first professional year, and he showed solid hitting talent and big-time power potential from the right side in the process. He is also a plus runner, so he has the potential to help you in quite a few categories. Keep in mind that consistency was an issue with Ramos as an amateur, and the sample size of dominance is small. Still, there’s a lot to like with his profile, and he could shoot up these ranks if he tears up full-season pitching.
89. Bobby Bradley, 1B, Cleveland Indians
Age: 21 | ETA: 2018
If you’re looking for power, Bradley can give it to you. He’s exceptionally strong, and his ability to create a launch angle gives him easy plus-plus power from the left side. He also has patience at the plate, and he should draw more than his fair share of walks. The issue here is the strikeouts. Bradley has significant contact issues, and he doesn’t use enough of the field to project even average hitting ability at this point. Still, because he hits bombs and because he is willing to get on via walk, there’s upside here, even at first base.
90. Mickey Moniak, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 20 | ETA: 2019
Moniak was the first pick of the 2017 draft, but struggled mightily in his first professional year with a .236 average and a .625 OPS. Despite those struggles, we’re still optimistic, albeit cautious. He has plus speed, and when he does make contact, the ball jumps off the bat to all parts of the field. His approach leaves a lot to be desired, however, and the length in his swing means there will always be contact issues. He’s a bounce-back candidate because of his previous status, but he’ll have to make numerous adjustments to remain a legitimate top 100 prospect in 2019.
91. Joey Lucchesi, LHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 25 | ETA: 2018
In a loaded San Diego system, Lucchesi doesn’t get the attention that some of the other big names do, but the Padres know they have a very good pitching prospect in the southpaw. His fastball, curve and change are all above-average pitches, and while his heater isn’t overpowering in the low 90s, it plays up because of his ability to locate it. The same can be said about his curve and change, as Lucchesi pounds the strike zone and puts his arsenal where he wants to. He won’t pile up the strikeouts, but he’s efficient, and that gives him a great chance of being a member of the rotation at some point in 2018.
92. Sam Carlson, RHP, Seattle Mariners
Age: 19 | ETA: 2021
Carlson was consistently mentioned as one of the top prep pitching prospects in the 2017 class, so it was surprising to see him fall all the way to Seattle’s second-round selection. What a steal this could turn out to be. The right-hander will touch 97 miles per hour with his fastball, and his frame suggests there’s more to come. He also shows a plus slider, and the change gives him three above-average offerings to work with. The control is ahead of the command, but both are good enough at this point to project him as a starter. Carlson has the upside to be a top-of-the-rotation starter that the Mariners desperately need in their system, and he could be a fantasy bargain if you buy low now.
93. Starling Heredia, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 19 | ETA: 2020
The Dodgers’ system is full of high-upside players, and Heredia is no exception. The 19-year-old outfielder has big power from the right side of the plate, and could be a 30-plus homer player if he gets the chance. Whether he gets that chance will depend on how his hitting ability develops, but when he makes contact, Heredia hits screaming line drives to every part of the field. He also has enough speed to make him a double-digit steals candidate, so there are a lot of things to like here. He’s at least a couple years away, but the reward could be quite sizable, if you’re patient.
94.Mike Shawaryn, RHP, Boston Red Sox
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
Shawaryn seemingly came out of nowhere to strike out 169 hitters in just under 135 innings in 2017, and while he was old for his levels (Low and High-A), the stuff he showed during that time suggests it wasn’t just smoke and mirrors. There are three above-average pitches that he’ll show, starting with a fastball that gets up to 94 miles per hour with sink. Both his slider and change flash plus, and they play up -- as does the fastball -- because of his ability to locate them for strikes. He’ll need to show similar levels of competence at the higher levels to justify this ranking, but we think he can do just that.
95. Nick Pratto, 1B, Kansas City Royals
Age: 19 | ETA: 2021
Pratto is the Royals’ best prospect, and while that might not be saying a lot considering the state of the system, he does represent more than the best from a bad situation. He had one of the best swings in the 2017 draft class, and he makes hard, line-drive contact to left and right field. He’s not your prototypical power hitter at first, but he’s strong enough to project 15-plus homer seasons if he adds more lift to his swing. He’s also a smart base runner who can give you some steals at first, which is a rare value at the position. He’s several years away, but Pratto has a great deal of upside, even if he’s locked into first base.
96. Dustin Fowler, OF, Oakland Athletics
Age: 23 | ETA: Debuted in 2017
Fowler suffered a gruesome leg injury after he crashed into the outfield wall in his big-league debut with the Yankees, and came over to the Athletics in the Sonny Gray trade. Assuming he’s fully recovered from the injury, he has a great chance of making an impact with Oakland in the near future. He has above-average hit-and-power talent potential in his left-handed bat, and he’s also a plus runner who can provide value on the bases. The only reason Fowler ranks this low is because we don’t know how he’ll respond to his missed time, but if he’s the same player, he’s certainly fantasy-relevant.
97. Dane Dunning, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
Yep, another White Sox pitcher. This system is just stacked with quality right-handed pitching, and Dunning might have the highest floor of any of them. The 23-year-old right-hander has had his fastball cocked as high as 97 miles per hour, and there’s a great deal of sink on the pitch to make it a ground ball offering. His slider and change are both competent offerings that will flash plus when he’s firing on all cylinders, and all three pitches are routinely in the strike zone. He may not have the upside of Michael Kopech or Alec Hansen, but his ability to locate with a complete arsenal gives him just as high of probability, if not higher.
98. Braxton Garrett, LHP, Miami Marlins
Age: 21 | ETA: 2019
Garrett missed almost all of the 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, and likely won’t be ready for the start of the season. When healthy, the 2016 first-rounder has an arsenal and command that would be impressive for any age, much less someone who won’t turn 21 until August. He gets his fastball as high as 94, and there’s some projection left that suggests it’ll be faster as he fills out. His curveball is an easy plus pitch that he can locate for strikes or bury in the zone, and his change is another above-average offering. We’ll need to see how he recovers from the surgery, but if he’s a semblance of the pitcher we saw before, he’s a very good fantasy prospect.
99. Colton Welker, 3B, Colorado Rockies
Age: 20 | ETA: 2020
Welker crushed pitching in the Pioneer League in 2016, but it’s a league plenty of prospects hit well in because of the friendly confines. It became much more impressive when the 20-year-old infielder posted a .901 OPS in his first-full professional season. He hits bullets to all parts of the field, and while there isn’t elite power here, he does have close to average power, and that’ll play up if he’s playing half his games in Coors Field. Welker’s stock will explode if he puts up similar numbers in 2018, so it would be wise to get in on the ground floor.
100. Mitchell White, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 23 | ETA: 2019
White was somewhat unknown when the Dodgers took him with the 58th pick of the 2016 draft, but that has changed quickly. The 23-year-old right-hander will throw four pitches for strikes, often starting with a fastball that touches 97 miles per hour and sits 92-95 with quality movement. His curveball gives him another potential plus offering, and his cut-like slider gives him an above-average one. The change isn’t at that level, but it only needs to be average, and it’s close to that. White needs to show more consistency with his arsenal and improve his command, but if he can, he’ll be much higher than the last spot in next year’s rankings.
