This past week or so has been a crazy time for prospect analysts like me. I’m here for you like a big cold air conditioner in the middle of Spring. Here’s the latest news on the fantasy baseball prospects front.
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MLB Prospects Making News
- Likely the biggest news of the week came today. Eury Perez is arguably a top-3 pitching prospect in all the minors and will get to make his debut against the Reds on Friday. I’ll be tuned in. He will likely have a short leash given his age.
- JJ Bleday was called up on the day of my last article. He has hit 3 home runs in 29 ABs and looks strong. A rare bright spot for the As.
- Unfortunately, Mason Miller is dealing with a bum elbow. Despite his strong start, he will be sidelined for the time being. An MRI was promising and showed no structural damage.
- Braden Shewmake got the call for the Braves but has only been able to garner one start where he went 0-for-4. Unless something picks up I assume he will be getting sent down for regular ABs soon.
- Brandon Pfaadt is on a very short leash as he has gotten shelled in his first two major league starts. He will make one more start but struggles could lead to him being sent down to work on his mechanics.
- You know I have to keep you updated on Jhonny Brito. Jhonny only made it through 4.1 innings yesterday. If there isn’t improvement soon, he will be sent down once the rest of the Yankees staff gets healthy.
- Juan Then has been called up and worked 3 innings this week. The news of Andres Munoz being shut down again could leave an open spot for Then if he continues to pitch well.
- Garrett Crochet has been promoted to AAA and could be back soon after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
- Last and least is Jose Miranda. Most had Miranda pegged as a real sleeper this year for a silver slugger but with his recent struggles he has been sent down. Hopefully, he can regain the magic that gave him an Opening Day roster spot.
Prospect Notes
Ty Madden, Tigers
Most of the time I try my best to bring you obscure prospects fairly out of most people’s sight range. I feel I have to bring Ty Madden up due to the fact he isn’t on MLB’s top 100 pipeline prospects. Madden had a monumental career at Texas and has continued since being drafted by the Tigers. He has pitched 23 innings at AA this year posting an ERA of 2.35. The ceiling for Madden is SP1 and he should be owned in most leagues that roster minor leaguers.
Colton Gordon, Astros
The Astros have been winning for years and promoted so many stars from within that the farm system isn’t what it used to be. Colton Gordon has approached top 10 status in the Astros organization due to his pinpoint control. Since coming to AA he has struggled with control, but I believe he will right the ship. He doesn’t have the arsenal of pitches like George Kirby but he can very well keep the pitches under control and be a dependable pitcher in the future for the Astros.
Cesar Prieto, Orioles
The Orioles have no shortage of young exciting infield talent, but Cesar Prieto said hold my beer. Prieto currently owns a .922 OPS in AA while batting .380. While these numbers are likely unsustainable in the future for a man that’s 5’9 175 lbs., he is getting some love from us here at Fantrax HQ. It is unknown what position he will play for the Orioles, but they are moving him around and we could be looking at a future super-utility type if he doesn’t stick at second base.
Shane Sasaki, Rays
The Rays know how to produce productive players and I believe in Shane Sasaki. A plus hitter with a career .296 average in his minor league career, Sasaki can play all 3 outfield positions. He can steal the occasional base and actually reminds me of current Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. (Yes I know I questioned Kwan’s ability in the past). The upside potential is here for a cheap stash with solid production coming back your way.