To excel in a competitive fantasy baseball league, it’s essential to keep upgrading your roster throughout the season, beyond the initial draft. Today, we’ll explore some lesser-known MLB prospects that you can add to your stash list. These prospects have recently shown potential by moving up levels and could make valuable contributions to their MLB team (and your fantasy team) this year.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
5 Stealthy MLB Prospects for Re-Draft Leagues
Jared Shuster, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Jared Shuster, a left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, was drafted in the 1st round (25th) of the 2020 MLB June Amateur Draft. He stands at 6-3 and weighs 210 pounds, with impressive skills that make him a valuable asset to the team. He throws a fastball at up to 96-97 mph, complemented by a plus changeup and an average slider, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
In 2022, Shuster began the year in AA, achieving a sub-3.00 ERA in 90 innings, earning him a promotion to the AAA International League. Throughout the season, he pitched 139.1 innings, striking out 145 batters and only walking 38. This statistic reflects his skill and determination, as he consistently performs at a high level, even in tougher league assignments.
The Braves organization is committed to developing Shuster as a front-line starter and will continue to work with him to hone his skills and build his strength, ensuring his future success with the team. Although he is currently capable of contributing to an MLB bullpen, his potential as a starter is the focus of their efforts.
James Outman, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
James Outman is a talented 25-year-old left-handed center fielder who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 from California State University. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 215 pounds, Outman has consistently shown impressive performance throughout his career.
In the 2021-2022 seasons, Outman proved his worth as a hitter, boasting a remarkable 140 wRC+ across AA/AAA in 164 games. His strong performance earned him a major league debut in 2022, and he is currently competing for a bench role on the 2023 Dodgers team.
With the Dodgers lacking viable center field options, Outman is expected to play a pivotal role in the outfield throughout the summer of 2023. As a result, his performance and contribution to the team are highly anticipated.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Chicago Cubs
PCA, originally drafted by the New York Mets in 2020, was traded to the Cubs in a high-profile deal that sent Baez, Williams, and cash to the Mets. He has proven himself as one of the top center fielders in baseball, with exceptional defensive skills, agility, and range. In 2022, his power potential was unleashed resulting in impressive extra-base hits, home runs, and runs batted in. He hit for a 174 wRC+ in 38 games with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans before moving up to the South Bend Cubs, where he continued to shine with a 1.000 OPS in 63 games. With his talent and potential, he is expected to be a valuable asset for the Cubs in the near future. He is scheduled to start the season in AA.
Bobby Miller, RHP, Los Angels Dodgers
Bobby Miller, a towering 6’5″ right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 2020 MLB June Amateur Draft. He boasts an impressive arsenal of high-quality pitches, highlighted by his blazing fastball that consistently reaches the upper 90s. Although he occasionally struggles with command, Miller’s raw talent and the Dodgers’ strong history in developing pitching suggest that he has the potential to become a major force on the mound. Having found success in the upper minors, he appears poised to make his debut in the 2023 season and beyond. With his impressive skills and the support of one of baseball’s premier organizations, Miller could be a game-changer in the upcoming seasons.
Ben Joyce, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
Ben Joyce, a highly-touted prospect, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the third round, 89th overall, during the 2022 MLB draft.
His impressive fastball, which consistently reaches speeds of 105 mph, has garnered much attention. However, Joyce’s arsenal doesn’t end there. His plus-plus slider is also a lethal weapon, possessing remarkable speed and movement. With both pitches in his repertoire, Joyce is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Despite possessing two of the top pitches in the draft class, Joyce’s surprising selection in the third round raised eyebrows among many analysts. Some speculated that his limited usage at Tennessee, where he only pitched on back-to-back days once and had three-to-four days of rest between outings, may have played a role in his draft position.
However, the Los Angeles Angels saw the potential in Joyce and signed him to a contract worth nearly $1 million, well above the slot value. With his impressive talent and potential, Joyce could be among the first players from the 2022 draft to debut in the MLB, possibly as early as this year.