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Offseason Update: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Dealt in Trades

By Wes Hughes
Kyle Teel Fantasy Baseball Prospects

By the time you read this, we will have about 100 days until Opening Day and be 1/3 of the way through the MLB offseason. The GM meetings, Winter Meetings, Draft Lottery, and MLB Rule 5 Draft have come and gone. The 2025 offseason has seen early fireworks including the signing of Juan Soto, and Blake Snell, and significant trades of Devin Williams, Kyle Tucker, and Jake Burger. With these blockbuster trades come many prospects moving teams and subsequently prospect valuation. Below we dive into the most significant trades thus far, the prospects dealt to new teams, and what it means for their fantasy value.

We would love to analyze every signing, rule 5 transaction, or minor leaguer changing teams, but that doesn’t always help your fantasy team. Let’s focus on the trades and specifically prospects dealt in trades during the winter meetings and how their new teams might affect their value.

Rokie Sasaki Posted: See our breakdown of Sasaki on the Top 2025 Free Agents.

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Prospects Dealt in Trades

Tampa Bay Rays traded LHP Jeffrey Springs and LHP Jacob Lopez to Athletics for RHP Joe Boyle, 1B Will Simpson, RHP Jacob Watters, and a Competitive Balance Round A Draft Pick.

Will Simpson 1B | Tampa Bay Rays | Level: AA | Age: 23

Assessment: Will Simpson showed power in the minors, hitting 18 home runs during his first full season since being drafted in 2023. Drafted in the 15th round by the Athletics, his overall skillset is limited in a crowded Rays system. With Xavier Isaac and Tre’ Morgan ahead of him, Simpson’s fantasy value takes a significant hit. His ceiling appears to be a bench or role player, and he still has a long way to reach that potential.

Jacob Watters RHP | Tampa Bay Rays | Level: AAA | Age: 24

Assessment: Before the trade, Baseball America rated Jacob Watters as having the best curveball in the A’s system, earning a 60 grade. His curve pairs with a fastball that averaged 95 mph and touched 98, giving him plus stuff. While he spent most of his time as a starter, many project Watters as a dominant middle reliever. Command remains an issue, with a career 4.59 BB/9 in the minors hampering his effectiveness. However, given the Rays’ bullpen strategies, Watters has a chance to earn save opportunities in the future.

Jacob Lopez LHP | Athletics | Level: MLB | Age: 26

Assessment: Jacob Lopez, a throw-in reliever for the A’s, doesn’t bring much fantasy upside. His fastball averages just 91 mph, and his stuff is far from dominant. Lopez’s strength lies in limiting hard contact, making him a useful real-life reliever but a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

Milwaukee Brewers traded RHP Devin Williams to New York Yankees for LHP Nestor Cortes and 2B Caleb Durbin.

Caleb Durbin 2B | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: AAA | Age: 24

Assessment: Caleb Durbin was one of the standout performers in the fall league, breaking multiple AFL stolen base records this season. Most notably, he set the single-season record with 29 steals, showcasing his elite speed and baserunning ability. At 5’6” and 185 pounds, Durbin’s game is simple: get on base, steal bases, and score runs. While not appealing to all fantasy managers, he could win the starting second base job for Milwaukee in 2025. This move fits perfectly with the Brewers, who stole 217 bases in 2024, the second most in the league. For context, Durbin moves from the Yankees organization, which ranked 24th in steals with just 88 last season. Power production and RBIs won’t be his strength, with a career total of 22 home runs across four minor league seasons.

If we need a comparable player, there’s another 5’6” second baseman over in Houston who turned out pretty well. José Altuve started as a two-category contributor, more of a Luis Arraez type with speed, before becoming a superstar. Comparing their minor league numbers reveals similarities. Altuve’s final minor league season: .389/.426/.591 with 10 HRs, 10 triples, 22 doubles, 24 steals, and 59 runs. Durbin’s 2024 season at AAA: .275/.388/.451 with 10 HRs, 2 triples, 25 doubles, 31 steals, and 61 runs. I’m not calling him Altuve 2.0, but Durbin should not be overlooked in drafts, especially in roto leagues. He offers a late source of runs and stolen bases with almost no cost. This is particularly valuable in leagues with middle infield slots or for teams built around power bats like Aaron Judge or Vlad Jr.

Houston Astros traded RF Kyle Tucker to Chicago Cubs for 3B Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski, and 3B Cam Smith.

Cam Smith 3B | Houston Astros | Level: AA | Age: 21

Assessment: Cam Smith stands out as arguably the top 2024 draftee, depending on your preference between him, Nick Kurtz, and Christian Moore. Smith recorded 16 extra-base hits compared to Moore’s 12 and Kurtz’s 7 (in just 50 plate appearances). The 14th overall pick slashed .313/.396/.609 while climbing three levels to AA, solidifying his status as a rising star. By season’s end, Smith was on a rocket ship up prospect rankings, and his trade to the Astros is another positive. Leaving the crowded Cubs farm system, where competition with Matt Shaw and Moises Ballesteros loomed, clears his path to playing time.

Smith now slots as the Astros’ top prospect, with Isaac Paredes as his only real positional competition. Paredes could easily shift to first base, further opening opportunities for Smith. Scouting reports rave about Smith’s “80-grade makeup,” highlighting his ability to handle adversity as he climbs to the majors. I rank Smith as the fifth-best third baseman and 67th overall prospect, with MLB time possible as early as 2025. His timeline depends on whether the Astros re-sign Alex Bregman or pursue a trade involving Nolan Arenado.

Chicago White Sox traded LHP Garrett Crochet to Boston Red Sox for C Kyle Teel, OF Braden Montgomery, 3B Chase Meidroth, and RHP Wikelman Gonzalez.

Kyle Teel C | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Assessment: It’s hard to deny the outright talent of Kyle Teel, the #2 ranked fantasy catcher by most accounts. Teel is an all-around great catcher with more offensive upside than anyone at the position except Samuel Basallo. In his first full season, Teel slashed .288/.386/.433 with 13 home runs and 23 doubles, showcasing his potential. At AAA, he posted a 23% strikeout rate and a slightly passive approach with a 65.1% zone-swing rate. Despite this, he makes above-average contact, evidenced by an 82.2% zone-contact rate, comparable to Moises Ballesteros. Ballesteros, one of the minors’ best hitters, hit .289 with an 18% K-rate, 71.9% zone-swing rate, and 84.3% zone-contact rate. While Teel swings less in the zone, his strong O-swing rate of 21.1% shows he doesn’t chase outside pitches. If he becomes more aggressive on pitches in the zone, Teel could unlock another level offensively. Unfortunately, his trade to the White Sox impacts his immediate fantasy outlook. The White Sox won’t be competitive soon, and his MLB arrival timeline likely won’t improve compared to the Red Sox. Additionally, Teel faces competition from Edgar Quero, another highly talented catching prospect in Chicago’s system. Lastly, Fenway Park ranks second in park factors with a strong lineup, while Guaranteed Rate Field ranks 20th with far less offensive support. While Teel remains a favorite of mine, his short-term fantasy value takes a hit despite his immense potential.

Braden Montgomery OF | Chicago White Sox | Level: N/A | Age: 22

Assessment: Don’t let Braden Montgomery’s lack of playing time after being drafted 12th overall fool you, he’s an exceptional talent. Montgomery broke his ankle on a slide during the Super Regional, preventing him from debuting with the Red Sox. Before the injury, he was a consensus Top 5 pick, and the Red Sox were thrilled to draft him at 12th. Montgomery hit 27 home runs during his junior year, ranking sixth in the SEC, while batting .322 overall. He projects as a strong right field profile with power to all fields and improved plate discipline in college. From a fantasy perspective, evaluating a prospect without pro experience is challenging, but Montgomery’s athleticism is undeniable. He could climb the minors as quickly as Dylan Crews, given his talent and physical tools. The analysis for the White Sox aligns with Kyle Teel, but Montgomery is likely a year or more away from debuting. By the time he reaches the majors, the Southsiders may show slight improvement.

Chase Meidroth 3B/2B/SS | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Assessment: Chase Meidroth may not be a “Top 100 Prospect,” but there’s plenty to like about his skillset. The White Sox might have gotten more than expected with this trade piece. In 2024, Meidroth spent the entire season at AAA, slashing .293/.437/.401. Impressively, he walked 30 more times than he struck out, showcasing elite on-base skills. Meidroth doesn’t fit the traditional power-hitting third baseman profile, hitting just seven home runs in 2024. However, he’s highly versatile, playing all over the diamond and potentially fitting best at second base. His plate discipline stands out, swinging at pitches outside the zone only 18.3% of the time. That mark was among the best in the minors. Pair that with a 94% Zone-Contact rate and a 3.2% swinging strike rate, and you see elite bat-to-ball skills. This level of plate discipline and on-base ability plays well regardless of team or park factors. While he won’t lead in slugging, Meidroth is the type of sleeper who could dominate in OBP leagues. Keep him on your radar, as he could be a sneaky fantasy asset for your team.

Wikelman Gonzalez RHP | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Assessment: For Wikelman Gonzalez, stuff outweighs command, though he made efforts to refine his control during the 2024 season. In 2023, he led the minors with a 13.6 K/9 as a starter but also posted a 5.7 BB/9. Over 111 innings, Gonzalez struck out 168 batters while issuing 70 walks, highlighting both his dominance and struggles. He spent the offseason working on mechanical adjustments aimed at improving his command. While his walk rate improved in 2024, his overall stuff regressed, with 92 strikeouts over 83.2 innings. Gonzalez’s fastball sat at 93-95 mph but can reach 95+ when needed. His off-speed pitches flash plus-plus potential, even with inconsistent command. The range of outcomes here is wide. If he fixes the command issues, he could become a top-tier starter. If not, Gonzalez might still thrive as an elite back-end reliever. Taking a flier on him could pay off significantly, but proceed cautiously.

Miami Marlins traded 3B Jake Burger to Texas Rangers for SS Echedry Vargas, SS Max Acosta, and LHP Brayan Mendoza.

Echedry Vargas SS/2B | Miami Marlins | Level: A | Age: 19

Assessment: Echedry Vargas brings a power-speed combination that ranks him as the Marlins’ #16 prospect heading into 2025. He shows surprising pop for his size, excelling on the inner half where he rarely gets beat by opposing pitchers. In 2024, Vargas hit 14 homers with 40 total extra-base hits, showcasing his offensive upside. However, he is a bit of a free swinger, walking just 5% of the time across the season. Likely better suited for second base, his profile resembles a poor man’s Ozzie Albies from the right side. His aggressive pull-heavy approach (56% pull rate in Low-A) may be exploited in the upper minors. Despite this, Vargas maintained a manageable 21% strikeout rate due to his advanced bat-to-ball skills. He also added 29 stolen bases, leveraging his average to above-average speed effectively on the bases. The Marlins are in a full-scale rebuild, but Vargas has time to improve and grow into his potential. At his best, Vargas could reach 25/25 production, an enticing possibility at a currently weak fantasy position.

Max Acosta SS/2B | Miami Marlins | Level: A | Age: 22

Assessment: Xavier Edwards appears locked in as the Marlins’ shortstop, with Carter Johnson now adding depth to their system. This leaves Max Acosta as the Marlins’ most likely option at second base moving forward. While Jared Serna currently ranks higher on MLB’s Marlins list, Acosta outperformed him at the AA level in 2024. Acosta, graded as a better hitter, struck out just 13% of the time with an impressive 9% swinging strike rate. His advanced bat-to-ball skills stand out and pair with upside, as he stole 34 bases and hit nine home runs. While he won’t become a 25-home run second baseman, a 15/40 season isn’t out of the question.

Brayan Mendoza LHP | Miami Marlins | Level: A | Age: 22

Assessment: The Marlins have excelled at developing young pitchers and have produced stars like Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, and Max Meyer in recent years. Brayan Mendoza, while not a Stuff+ standout, gets the most out of his arsenal in a pitching-focused organization. His fastball sits at 91-93 mph, complemented by a plus-breaking ball and an even better changeup. Mendoza rarely walks batters, issuing just 87 walks in 236 minor league innings over four seasons. His 2024 season was his best yet, posting a 2.32 ERA over 101 innings at Low-A and A+. While he lacks dominant stuff, Mendoza’s command allows him to pitch effectively in any count or situation. He likely won’t appear on many draft boards due to his low ceiling, but Mendoza has a high floor. His advanced pitchability should help him climb into the high minors, making him worth monitoring in the fantasy world.

Cleveland Guardians traded 2B Andrés Giménez and RHP Nick Sandlin to Toronto Blue Jays for 1B Spencer Horwitz and OF Nick Mitchell.

Nick Mitchell OF | Cleveland Guardians | Level: Low-A | Age: 21

Assessment: Nick Mitchell, a fourth-round pick from Indiana University, showcased a solid skillset in his first taste of pro ball. He posted a .289/.350/.816 slash line over 103 plate appearances at Low-A Dunedin, showing early promise. In college, Mitchell walked more often than he struck out between his sophomore and junior seasons, highlighting his bat-to-ball skills. Currently, Mitchell doesn’t rank in the Guardians’ top 30 prospects per MLB rankings. For now, he seems like an avoidable fantasy asset unless he surprises with a breakout performance in 2025.

Cleveland Guardians traded 1B Spencer Horwitz to Pittsburgh Pirates for RHP Luis L. Ortiz, LHP Michael Kennedy, and LHP Josh Hartle.

Michael Kennedy LHP | Cleveland Guardians | Level: A+ | Age: 20

Assessment: Michael Kennedy wasn’t the headliner in this deal, but he posted some encouraging numbers mostly at Low-A this season. He struck out 95 batters in 83.2 innings while issuing just 19 walks, showing impressive command. Kennedy finished with a 3.87 ERA and an excellent 1.088 WHIP, showcasing his ability to limit baserunners. The lefty now ranks 16th in the Guardians’ top 30, an organization known for outstanding pitching development. His stuff doesn’t overwhelm, with a fastball averaging 90 mph and touching 92, but it plays up with deception and life. Kennedy keeps hitters off balance by effectively mixing and matching his pitches to great effect. However, his ceiling is likely that of a #4 or #5 starter due to limited velocity. We’ll see how he develops, but hitters in the upper minors and majors could expose his weaknesses.

Josh Hartle LHP | Cleveland Guardians | Level: A+ | Age: 21

Assessment: Sliding in behind Kennedy is Josh Hartle, and though he has a below-average fastball, still landed with the Pirates in the third round. Once considered a sure first-rounder, Hartle had a rough draft year at Wake Forest, causing his stock to fall. His fastball now sits 90-91 mph, but there’s plenty to like about his deep pitch mix. Hartle features a sweeper, cutter, and changeup, giving him a well-rounded arsenal despite the velocity concerns. The Pirates took a risk drafting him, but being traded to the Guardians is a major positive. If any team can enhance his fastball or add velocity, it’s the Guardians. They’ve developed Cy Young winners like Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Shane Bieber without elite velocity. Hartle’s command and arsenal already generate ground balls and weak contact, giving him a solid foundation. His first full season will be critical, but I’m betting on the Guardians’ success in maximizing Hartle’s potential.

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