Ian Happ got the call yesterday. He hit 2nd and went one for three with a walk and a homerun. He has been swinging a hot bat and could be a good addition for a little bit of time, but is likely to go back down when Zobrist returns. I hope that he can play his way into a rotational role between LF, RF or 2B. Anyways, Let us begin. Every weekend, I will be posting about the minor leaguers you should be stashing on your team. This list will be arranged by impact for this year only. Players that will be called up sooner will be ahead of players with more talent who might only be called up late in the year.
Anyway, let us get to the other prospects:
1) Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia Phillies AAA, ETA: June
Hoskins has 10 RBIS in the last week and continues to smash the ball. The sad part to this story is Tommy Joseph is hitting and has OPS of 1.792 in the last week. This could influence Hoskins time line but I still believe Hoskins is the first baseman of the future for the Phillies.
2) Franklin Barreto, Oakland Athletics AAA, ETA: June
Barreto still has OPS of .900, he has 12 extra base hits, three of which are triples. He has some speed, three stolen bases, but has been caught stealing four times. The stolen bases are not going to be excessive, but he should be a better version of Marcus Semien.
3) Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox AAA, ETA: July
In the last 10 games, Yoan Moncada is 16 for 40 with one HR and 4 stolen bases. More impressive he has six walks to eight strikeouts. Here is the bad news, Dan Hayes reports the White Sox will not rush Yoan Moncada to the majors. Rick Hahn wants to ensure Moncada is sufficiently prepared for the big leagues. This likely means July is the ETA.
4) Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians AAA, ETA: June
Strikeouts are up in May but so are the walks and OPS. He now has nine stolen bases and five homeruns. He looks similar to George Springer. The average will not be great but the power and the speed are real. He will go through cold streaks but the hot streaks can win you weeks.
5) Clint Frazier, New York Yankees AAA, ETA: July
He is looking better and better. His OPS is up to .806 for the year because of a strong May. He has five HRs and two SB this year. He is one of my favorite minor leaguers and when he does get the call, he is an immediate add.
6) Amed Rosario, New York Mets AAA, ETA: July
A hot April hitting .404 has turned into a “cold” month of May with a .265 Avg. He is showing more power in May which is promising. I am starting to like him a little more, but I think he is still a weaker Elvis Andrus.
7) Lewis Brinson, Milwaukee Brewers AAA, ETA: July
Braun went down and a number of managers rushed to the waiver wire and added Brinson. Then the news came and Eric Sogard got the call. Everyone yelled out on anger. Him being called up was not a given though. He is on the 40-man roster but so are Brett Phillips and Ryan Cordell. In addition, they are both smashing just as well as Brinson and Ryan Cordell has position flexibility.
8) Austin Meadows, Pittsburgh Pirates AAA, ETA: July
In April, Austin Meadows hit .195 with .504 OPS and 20 strikeouts in 82 at bats. So far, in May, Meadows has only two strikeouts in 38 at bats, a .263 AVG and a .712 OPS. It is not exceptional, but it shows he is making adjustments. If I was to choose one player on this list to make a Bellinger esq, a Trea Turner hype, a Kris Bryant type of immediate impact, Its Austin Meadows. He has Power, Speed and has the best approach of any player on this list.
9) Dominic Smith, New York Mets AAA, ETA: July
Lucas Duda is back with his .933 OPS. Things do not look great for Dominic Smiths ETA. On the other side, the Mets keep losing and are seven games back from the Nationals. Duda, who is on the last year of his contract, could be on the move in July and Dominic Smith should be the replacement. He keeps hitting well
10) Derek Fisher, Houston Astros AAA, ETA: July
He is a very similar player to Bradley Zimmer. He has power, some speed and can work a count to take a walk but the avg is not going to be great. He has eight homeruns and nine doubles to go with five stolen bases. Down side, he has been caught stealing seven times. He is a good baseball player, more fantasy relevant because his defense is not exceptional. If he is called up, add him. I expect good numbers.
So consider an unlimited dynasty 20-team format. Wouldn’t Rosario be perfect compliment Andrus well? Comparable n interchangeable numbers right?? It’s worked for me well with Cano n “bull”Dozier.