The trade deadline is almost here. Hooray? Ready or not, it has arrived. That means trades galore and a lot of action around baseball. Rosters will change, hearts will be broken, teams will set up for the postseason and baseball will be aglow with the usual end-of-July thrills. And with big names on the ticket this year – including Tarik Skubal, Randy Arozarena, Garret Crochet, and even Jackson Holliday – it should be another exciting deadline.
But for fantasy baseball managers, the deadline can be very daunting. With so much change on the horizon and an enormous amount of attention, there’s a lot to follow. And simply reacting to all the trades – in competitive leagues, at least – probably won’t cut it. So let’s address that.
Three weeks ago we looked at predicting the deadline and how skippers could buy and sell to get ahead (still relevant as of right now), and today we’ll dive into prospects about to ascend into fantasy relevance. Eight prospects – some already in the big leagues, others knocking on the door – playing on selling teams that, as a result of the deadline, should see an opportunity for everyday big-league playing time as the season rounds out. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Eight Ascending Prospects You Need to Watch
Brooks Baldwin, 3B, 2B, SS, White Sox (CHW No.22 Prospect)
MiLB 2024: .324/.391/.460, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 17 SB, 40 R over 315 AB (82 G)
Though he’s off to a rough start in the show (.219/.265/.344 over 32 AB), 23-year-old White Sox prospect Brooks Baldwin got the call-up from Triple-A Charlotte on July 19. And despite only entering the professional scene in 2022, Baldwin’s stellar numbers this season speak volumes. Impressive for a 12th-round pick, right?
With Paul DeJong (although he too has been scuffling) almost certainly on his way out of Chicago by trade or otherwise, playing time at Baldwin’s main position of shortstop should be readily available. The same fate probably goes for fellow infielder Nicky Lopez, opening the door wide. Thus, playing time should be in abundance, and if Baldwin can carry over his offensive dominance from Charlotte skippers will no doubt be in business.
Playing in his first home game, Brooks Baldwin picks up his first MLB extra-base hit with a double to LF. pic.twitter.com/4r6s4zqIkI
— The Seahawk Perch (@TheSeahawkPerch) July 27, 2024
Jackson Jobe, SP, Double-A Erie (DET No.2, MLB No.11)
1.52 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 2 W, 58 K over 47.1 IP (12 starts)
Already a big name, you’ve probably heard of Jackson Jobe. After all, he’s baseball’s No.11 prospect (MLB.com). And because of that, his ability is obvious. Not to mention, have you seen his 1.52 ERA? Wow.
So the question surrounding the almost 22-year-old is whether or not the Tigers are selling and a rotation spot or two opens up via Tarik Skubal and/or Jack Flaherty trades. After a really hot start to the second half, the Tigers now sit at 52-55 and are 5.5 back in the wild-card standings, meaning the jury’s still out on their organizational direction. Regardless of that, Jobe seems to be knocking – nay, pounding – on the door with his sparkling numbers. And with injuries to Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Matt Manning as well as Kenta Maeda’s shift to the bullpen (6.72 ERA) a Jobe call-up seems even more plausible. Additionally, the Tigers’ options at Triple-A Toledo have been lacking (hence why the Tigers have been forced to pivot to bullpen days of late). All that is to say, the Jackson Jobe era in Detroit seems imminent. Get ready.
Since May 1st, Jackson Jobe has as many hitless outings as earned runs allowed (3)
The best pitching prospect in baseball.pic.twitter.com/PGkb5ES0T8
— The Call Up | An MLB Prospect Podcast (@The_CallUpPod) July 24, 2024
Carson Williams, SS, Double-A Montgomery (TB No.2, MLB No.9)
.258/.349/.477, 14 HR, 39 RBI, 25 SB, 62 R over 302 AB (80 G)
Currently, the Rays have two viable options at the keystone: Jose Caballero and Taylor Walls. Both have been more than serviceable, with defensive maestro Walls seeing more playing time at shortstop lately and Caballero slotting in around the infield at second and third. And as of now, it seems very unlikely either will be dealt.
However, here’s my logic. There have been rumors surrounding sluggers Yandy Diaz and Isaac Parades, two trades that would open up Tampa Bay’s infield. Granted rehabbing top prospect Junior Caminero has to be in consideration for everyday playing time at third base (although it remains to be seen how quickly the Rays will bring him up), the fact of the matter is two trades of that magnitude would almost beckon for No.2 prospect Carson Williams. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Paredes was indeed traded following the submission of this article]
A sound hitter with an excellent on-base clip and equipped with the elite defense Tampa Bay requires (2022 MiLB Gold Glove), it would make a lot sense if sooner or later Carson Williams took over shortstop and Caballero and Walls shifted in the infield. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but skippers have to be prepared for such a highly touted prospect. His potential says it all, and fantasy managers should monitor closely.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF, Triple-A Jacksonville (MIA No.5)
.255/.318/.423, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 5 SB, 48 R over 333 AB (83 G)
The idea here is that with newly appointed Baseball Ops. President Peter Bendix, the Marlins are going through a drastic roster deconstruction. At a record of 39-67 just one year after a playoff appearance, Luis Arraez – only one month removed from a batting title at the time of his May 4 trade – was the first to go. Now, given the trade of Jazz Chisholm Jr., the rebuild is due to continue.
Signed as an international free agent back in 2018, fellow LHB and 22-year-old Mesa Jr. impressed in his first MLB spring training earlier this season. He then proceeded to make the jump to Triple-A Jacksonville which has been relatively impressive. Though he’s struggled in July (.125/.186/.125 over 12 games), Mesa offers decent power with a moderate average with some potential for speed. He also defends center field with Gold Glove caliber defense that forces him into the lineup. Thus, a chance at everyday reps with Chisholm out of the picture could prove valuable. All things considered, with everything up in the air skippers should certainly monitor the Cuban outfielder.
Note: Victor Mesa Jr. left Jacksonville’s game on July 28th after taking an awkward swing. Injury details are uncertain.
Jack Leiter, SP, Triple-A Round Rock (TEX No.5)
3.72 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 5 W, 90 K over 67.2 IP (14 starts)
Fantasy managers may be weary of Jack Leiter, and it’s probably because of his 16.39 ERA in three big-league starts earlier this season. If that’s enough to turn you off Leiter, fair enough. But for those with an iron gut, know that his Triple-A numbers have settled and he has been strong lately.
With the Rangers (51-55) on track to sell (although, that might be changing) and names like Nathan Eovaldi (and even Max Scherzer, very quietly) circling around the rumor mill, a rotation spot or two could very well open up in Texas. Leiter is still only 24 years old and despite the fact his struggles have led his stock to suffer he remains the Rangers’ No.5 prospect. So with better play, another shot this season seems probable. And for enterprising skippers at least, he still deserves to be near the top of any radar.
#TexasRangers No. 5 prospect Jack Leiter struck out seven batters over 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Sunday's victory.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/iF6O5Yc2PC
— Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) July 23, 2024
Edit: Jon Gray is pulled from start @ Blue Jays during warm-ups (Sunday, 1:40 PM ET)
Michael Stefanic, 2B, 3B, Triple-A Salt Lake (Unranked)
.384/.453/.500, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 4 SB, 27 R over 164 AB (44 G)
I love Michael Stefanic. I’ve written about him a few times before, and nothing has changed. Sure he was sent back down to the minors after a 10-game stretch with the Angels (.194/.286/.226), but he has also gone back to raking in Triple-A. With a high batting average and an incredible OBP, a Michael Stefanic breakout in the major leagues seems inevitable (at least, in this author’s opinion).
The Angels (46-60) have two infielders in Luis Rengifo and Brandon Drury likely nearing the end of their tenure in Los Angeles. That’s convenient because Stefanic has been getting looks at both of their positions in Triple-A. Ultimately, Stefanic is 28 years old and if he can’t produce in the majors soon there won’t be a lot of opportunity post-2024. But he showed flashes of it at the end of 2023 (.290/.380/.355 over 62 AB on the season overall) and with his outstanding numbers at Triple-A Stefanic is definitely worth more than attention. Watch the prospect – yes, prospect – closely.
Daz Cameron, OF, Triple-A Las Vegas (Unranked)
.307/.424/.577, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 8 SB, 32 R over 137 AB (41 G)
Don’t overlook the Oakland Athletics. I mean, just look at Lawrence Butler and Max Schuemann in the last two weeks (if they’re still available, the two are must-adds). So with respect to Daz Cameron, I think the same principle applies. And overall his case is pretty simple. While Cameron struggled mightily in his first three big-league seasons with the Tigers, he missed out on all of 2023 and has not found success thus far with Oakland this season (.181/.277/.349 over 83 AB) but he’s doing very well in Triple-A.
With a Brent Rooker trade on the horizon, calling up Cameron – granted Rooker is a DH, so Oakland can go any direction they wish – the 27-year-old has a lot to offer. His minor league numbers prove he’s toolsy, and although it’s difficult to trust him this go around might just be the one. Skippers should add him at their own risk, but at least monitor the outfielder.
Jackson Holliday, 2B, SS, Triple-A Norfolk (BAL No.1, MLB No.1)
.271/.431/.477, 10 HR, 38 RBI, 8 SB, 75 R over 266 AB (73 G)
An honorable mention packaged as an FYI more than anything else, Jackson Holliday has had a really strong July in Triple-A (.277/.410/.538). Coincidentally, Orioles second baseman Jorge Mateo has just hit the IL. See where I’m going with this?
At this point either Holliday will be traded elsewhere in a thrilling blockbuster, or he’ll join the Orioles big-league roster in the very near future. Either way, baseball’s most exciting 20-year-old should be in the majors imminently. There’s a risk, naturally, but fantasy managers should get ready. It’s Jackson Holliday, for crying out loud.
Jackson Holliday tonight: 2-2, 2 HR, 4 RBI
And oh yeah, it's the second inning. pic.twitter.com/TTJwmf6hHZ
— Orioles Player Development (@OsPlayerDev) July 19, 2024