Fantasy Baseball 2015: Ranking the Top 25 Prospects to Target for This Season
Over the past several weeks, a number of sites, sources and publications—from Baseball America to MLB.com to ESPN to Baseball Prospectus to FanGraphs—have unveiled their top prospect rankings as a way to highlight Major League Baseball's best young talent.
This is different.
Those rankings are aimed at both real-life baseball and the big picture, as in how prospects stack up against each other from this point until well into the future.
This top 25? This is all about how prospects' profiles and skill sets translate to making an impact in fantasy baseball—and specifically this season. As in 2015 only.
For many young players who either have barely gotten their feet wet in the majors or have yet to even dip their big toe in (but do have their swimming trunks on), their fantasy value for the upcoming 2015 campaign can be as much about opportunity as it is about talent.
In other words, no matter how highly a prospect grades out on the 20-80 scouting scale, he also has to be both developmentally ready and in a position on his club's depth chart to contribute in order to be among the best of the best this year.
That's why, on the pages to follow, you'll notice that the top 25 fantasy prospects have ratings in both "talent" and "opportunity" (scaled out of 10).
As an example, take Byron Buxton, who doesn't have a spot in this ranking. A consensus top-two prospect in baseball, the Minnesota Twins center fielder of the future would earn a 10 in talent but merely a five or six in opportunity, since the 21-year-old played but one game at Double-A during an injury-ravaged 2014. As such, the 21-year-old is unlikely to debut until August or September—and that's only if everything goes just right.
What's more, to better represent the fantasy factor here, also included are the standard five-by-five categories in which each prospect could be best expected to contribute this year. And each player write-up comes complete with his potential 2015 fantasy peak role to help you better grasp how he might fit into your roster if everything all clicks just so.
It's also worth pointing out that to be eligible as a prospect for these purposes, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 30 appearances. (Service time, however, was not considered.)
That means you will not see the likes of Gregory Polanco, Javier Baez or Mookie Betts among the hitters or Taijuan Walker, Jimmy Nelson and Ken Giles among the pitchers. They all played a little too much in 2014 to remain prospects in 2015.
Who will you see? Click on to count down the top 25 fantasy prospects for 2015.
These rankings are based on 10- or 12-team mixed leagues with standard five-by-five rotisserie scoring for hitters (BA, R, HR, RBI, SB) and pitchers (W, ERA, WHIP, K, SV).
To be eligible as a prospect, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 30 appearances. Service time was not considered. And to be eligible at a particular position, players either must have played at least 20 games there in 2014 or be in line to start there in 2015.
Honorable Mentions
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Jon Gray, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Raisel Iglesias, SP/RP, Cincinnati Reds
Ryan Rua, OF, Texas Rangers
Alexander Guerrero, 2B/3B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Odubel Herrera, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Billy Burns, OF, Oakland Athletics
Christian Bethancourt, C, Atlanta Braves
Henry Owens, SP, Boston Red Sox
Nick Kingham, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Steven Moya, OF, Detroit Tigers
Robert Refsnyder, 2B/OF, New York Yankees
Jose Pirela, 2B, New York Yankees
Andrew Susac, C, San Francisco Giants
J.T. Realmuto, C, Miami Marlins
Randal Grichuk, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Brandon Finnegan, SP/RP, Kansas City Royals
Eddie Butler, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Nathan Karns, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
Alex Colome, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
Rafael Montero, SP/RP, New York Mets
Kendall Graveman, SP, Oakland Athletics
Trevor May, SP, Minnesota Twins
Stephen Piscotty, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Devon Travis, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Davidson, 3B, Chicago White Sox
Rymer Liriano, OF, San Diego Padres
Potential Second-Half Call-Ups
2 of 27
Joey Gallo, 3B, Texas Rangers
Addison Russell, SS, Chicago Cubs
Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
Miguel Sano, 1B/3B, Minnesota Twins
D.J. Peterson, 1B/3B, Seattle Mariners
Aaron Nola, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Jameson Taillon, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Blake Swihart, C, Boston Red Sox
Kevin Plawecki, C, New York Mets
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Boston Red Sox
Steven Matz, SP, New York Mets
Alex "Chi Chi" Gonzalez, SP, Texas Rangers
A.J. Cole, SP/RP, Washington Nationals
Kyle Zimmer, SP, Kansas City Royals
Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins
Dilson Herrera, 2B, New York Mets
Mark Appel, SP, Houston Astros
Jose Berrios, SP, Minnesota Twins
Robert Stephenson, SP, Cincinnati Reds
Braden Shipley, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Dylan Bundy, SP, Baltimore Orioles
Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF, Minnesota Twins
Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees
Yoan Lopez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees
Jorge Alfaro, C, Texas Rangers
Luis Severino, SP, New York Yankees
No. 25: Jose Peraza, 2B, Atlanta Braves
3 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Double-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league 2B
How is a guy who already has been optioned to minor league camp checking in as the No. 25 fantasy prospect for the 2015 season? Glad you brought that up.
Yes, Jose Peraza is only 20, and yes, he was optioned to Triple-A, per David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but that doesn't mean he will stay there. The Atlanta Braves have little in front of Peraza at second base—sorry, Alberto Callaspo isn't an obstacle and Jace Peterson is more of a utility man type—so it's really a matter of Peraza doing his part to force the Braves' hand.
Considering Peraza has played only 44 games above A-ball, that might not happen until June or July. Regardless, he might need only about half a season in the majors to be one of this year's better fantasy rookies. That's because the righty-swinging Peraza has a skill set that translates very well: He makes a ton of contact (10.8 percent strikeout rate for his career), hits for a high average (.306 career) and is fast as all get-out (124 stolen bases the past two years).
The conservative projection would make Peraza a potential middle infield option for his stolen base prowess alone, but if he hits anywhere close to as well as he has in the minors too, then he would warrant consideration as a starting second baseman in fantasy.
Owners in need of speed will want to keep tabs for Peraza's impending arrival.
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No. 24: Michael Taylor, OF, Washington Nationals
4 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: HR, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 5
Michael Taylor bumped into the top 25 when news came down that Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span needed core-muscle surgery and is expected to be out until sometime in April, per Todd Dybas of The Washington Times. Taylor, who does have some limited time in the majors from late last season, could be Span's fill-in.
"One person's injury is another person's opportunity, and it's Michael Taylor time right now," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said, via Chris Johnson of MASNSports.com. "He's a really good defensive player. He can steal you a base. He can hit you a home run."
In fact, Taylor homered in his very first game with Washington last Aug. 12, although he went just 8-for-39 (.205) with 17 strikeouts overall in his 17 games as a Nat.
The tools, particularly Taylor's pop and speed—he hit 23 homers and swiped 37 bases between Double- and Triple-A last year—are very much there to make him a fantasy asset. Taylor, who turns 24 in late March, does need to improve his tendency to swing and miss (144 whiffs in the minors in '14), and his .304 average last season was inflated by a batting average on balls in play that was north of .400.
The best-case scenario here for Taylor is that he gets off to a nice start while Span is out, enough to show he can help the contending Nationals when needed in 2015. Because let's not forget, fellow outfielders Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth aren't exactly bastions of health. Should Taylor net 300-plus at-bats, he could approach double digits in homers and steals, but he also probably would do some damage to your fantasy team's batting average.
No. 23: Mike Foltynewicz, SP/RP, Atlanta Braves
5 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: ERA, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 5 or RP 3
Acquired this offseason from the Houston Astros in the Evan Gattis deal, Mike Foltynewicz is a tantalizing, if enigmatic, talent whose triple-digit fastball could make him a factor for both the Atlanta Braves and fantasy owners this season.
The 23-year-old righty, a 2010 first-rounder, uses his 6'4", 220-pound frame to generate the force behind his explosive heater, and he pairs it with a breaking ball that can be knee-buckling when it's on. Hence, the 102 strikeouts he racked up in 102.2 innings at Triple-A in 2014.
Yes, Foltynewicz also posted a 5.08 ERA and 1.46 WHIP at Oklahoma City, but those marks were 3.32 and 1.20 through his first 62.1 frames before he experienced a tailspin. The talent and upside is there.
Because Foltynewicz is mostly a two-pitch pitcher right now and displays shaky command (3.9 BB/9 career), he might fit best in the bullpen initially. But given that the Braves rotation has a hole or two at the back end, particularly with Mike Minor dealing with shoulder tightness, Foltynewicz eventually could work his way into some starts.
At least for now, mixed league owners should consider Folty more a name to know than an arm to add until it comes together.
No. 22: Matt Wisler, SP, San Diego Padres
6 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, ERA, WHIP
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 5
Matt Wisler is close to joining the San Diego Padres, but he has had some trouble getting through spring training both this year and last.
The 22-year-old right-hander gave up 15 runs on 16 hits in 11.1 innings last March when he had an outside shot to make the club. Under similar circumstances this March, Wisler imploded again, surrendering seven earned on six hits in just one frame on Tuesday, March 17.
While that's not exactly promising, it's also not such a bad thing, because Wisler could use another stretch at Triple-A before getting his shot at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. The 2011 seventh-rounder got knocked around to a 5.01 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 22 starts in the offense-heavy Pacific Coast League last season, although he showed improvement with a 3.96 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over his final 11 turns.
With injury-prone arms like Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross in the Padres rotation, Wisler is positioned to be on-call when the need arises. Smart owners will consider using Wisler as a streamer whenever he pitches at home, provided he has proved he can get big league bats out first.
No. 21: Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians
7 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, R, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SS
Francisco Lindor's time is near, which is pretty incredible considering he's still 21 year old—and will be for the entire 2015 season. That's part of the reason he's not higher here: The Cleveland Indians have indicated numerous times that they won't push him too fast, because of how important his development is to the franchise as a whole.
"This kid, the bar’s set pretty high for him," manager Terry Francona said via Chris Assenheimer of The Chronicle-Telegram, "and we want to make sure that he’s prepared to handle everything that gets thrown at him when he gets here."
For his part, the switch-hitting Lindor has had himself a solid spring, going 8-for-28 (.286) with three doubles, a triple and a home run of the inside-the-park variety.
The other reason Lindor, who made it to Triple-A late in 2014, isn't higher despite rating as a consensus top-10 prospect in the game? He's a defensive-oriented player who brings a lot of real-life value for his glove work, range and on-field leadership. Last we checked, those aren't fantasy categories.
That's not to suggest Lindor can't be a potentially useful middle infielder (or even starting shortstop) in deeper league for his ability to hit for a solid average, score some runs and steal 15-20 bases. But it is to recommend you temper your fantasy expectations given his skill set.
No. 20: Carlos Rodon, SP, Chicago White Sox
8 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, ERA, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 3
On talent alone, Carlos Rodon ranks in the top 10 of this list as the No. 3 overall pick last June out of North Carolina State with a mid-90s fastball and a killer slider that is already a major league-caliber weapon.
The opportunity aspect, however, pushes Rodon, 22, down a bit. In case you didn't read that first sentence closely, he was drafted just last June. The Chicago White Sox did push Rodon to Triple-A by last August, and there was speculation that he might make his big league debut before the 2014 regular season finished; but that did not happen.
Chris Sale's foot ankle injury already has him ruled out for the very start of the 2015 campaign, which has led to the possibility that Rodon, a fellow nasty lefty, could take a turn or two in the rotation before Sale's ready to return. For that to happen, though, Rodon would need to pitch lights out over his next few outings after surrendering five runs on eight hits, three walks and two hit batters over 7.1 innings so far.
Really, there's no reason to ramp Rodon to Chicago, especially since he has made all of three starts above A-ball. Will he have a shot to be a factor for a much-improved White Sox club this year? Almost definitely, but it might be best for fantasy owners if that comes midseason, after Rodon has had some time to tear through the high minors on his own time.
Given Rodon's stuff, it's worth monitoring his minor league starts and picking him up preemptively in deeper formats if he looks good. There's SP 3 potential here.
No. 19: Daniel Norris, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
9 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, ERA, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 4
You've probably heard about Daniel Norris this winter because of the whole lives-in-a-van storyline that grabbed quite a bit of attention. (How has "Vaniel Norris" not caught on by now? Just me?) But he's an actual prospect—and a darn good one too.
The left-hander is still just 21 years old (22 in April), but he lived up to his status as a 2011 second-rounder last year, putting up a 2.53 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 11.8 K/9 across three minor league levels before reaching Toronto for three starts in September.
With Marcus Stroman out all year due to an unfortunate ACL tear, Norris could be the biggest beneficiary as he tries to come north with the Blue Jays. So far, so good, with Norris striking out nine over his first seven innings while allowing three runs on eight hits.
A little more marination in the high minors might be in order for Norris, but he has the stuff and moxie to make at least 15-20 starts with Toronto and be a capable fourth or fifth fantasy starter when he's on.
No. 18: Maikel Franco, 1B/3B, Philadelphia Phillies
10 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: HR, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league CI
Maikel Franco is an offense-first prospect, which makes him one most fantasy owners should know, especially since he has a legitimate chance to get 400-500 plate appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies this season. It's not like Cody Asche is a major impediment.
Thing is, the 22-year-old Franco, whose numbers dipped from a .320 average, 31 homers and 103 RBI in 2013 to .257, 16 and 78 in his first season at Triple-A, is the kind of young hitter who gets by more on an innate bat-to-ball ability than on plate discipline. Thus, he tends to require a lengthy adjustment period at a new level, as he showed by notching more strikeouts (13) than hits (10) in his first 58 trips to the plate in the bigs.
There may be another couple of months' worth of Triple-A in Franco's future so he can work on his approach and, ideally, force the issue with the Phillies, who might be best off using the righty slugger as a platoon partner to spell both Asche at third and Ryan Howard at first, since they're lefty swingers.
For fantasy in 2015, consider Franco as roster-worthy when he's hot but an easy drop when he's not, particularly in mixed leagues with 12 teams or fewer.
No. 17: Archie Bradley, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
11 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 7
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: ERA, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed League SP 3
This time a year ago, Archie Bradley was in the best-pitching-prospect-in-baseball conversation and an intriguing preseason NL Rookie of the Year candidate. After a season spent battling with diminished stuff due to elbow problems, he may be somewhat overlooked in fantasy circles in 2015. If he's all the way back, that is.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have arguably the most wide-open rotation competition in MLB at this moment, with only Josh Collmenter and Jeremy Hellickson considered definite members of what's supposed to be a five-man unit. Thus, the opportunity is there for the 22-year-old Bradley to reach the majors and make upward of 15 or so starts later this season.
For now, though, bank on Bradley, who owns a 3.14 ERA and 9.5 K/9 in his four minor league campaigns since going seventh overall in 2011, being sent back to Triple-A to prove himself while the Diamondbacks run through their plethora of pitching options, none of whom is as important—or maybe even as good—as Bradley.
Put him on your watch list, because once Bradley gets the call, you'll want to add him for his SP 3 upside, stat.
No. 16: Marco Gonzales, SP/RP, St. Louis Cardinals
12 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, ERA
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed League SP 4 or RP 3
Marco Gonzales zoomed to the St. Louis Cardinals, barely a year after being selected with the 19th overall pick in 2013 draft. That wasn't all that surprising, though, given he was a polished college arm who received the final touches in an organization with one of the best player development programs in baseball.
Gonzales isn't especially big (6'1", 195), nor does he throw particularly hard (low 90s), but the southpaw's changeup is a weapon and his pitchability belies his age (23).
After putting up a 2.43 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 21 starts across High-, Double- and Triple-A last year, he struggled some with his control in St. Louis (5.5 BB/9) but still showed he could get big league hitters out with a 4.15 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 43.2 frames.
The question surrounding Gonzales entering 2015 is whether he'll start out in the minors or majors, and if it's the latter, in what role—rotation or bullpen. Even with the Cardinals' five man relatively settled, there's always the chance that, say, Carlos Martinez doesn't pan out or injury will befall Adam Wainwright or Michael Wacha. Should that happen, Gonzales will be ready and would fit in fantasy as a fairly safe streaming starter.
No. 15: Alex Meyer, SP, Minnesota Twins
13 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: ERA, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed League SP 4 or RP 3
Were it not for a bout of shoulder soreness last September, Alex Meyer likely would not be waiting to make his debut with the Minnesota Twins still. The club's rotation remains stocked after the signing of Ervin Santana over the winter, but the No. 5 slot isn't fully settled, and it's nigh time for the team to see what the 25-year-old can do.
A monster of a man at 6'9", Meyer throws very hard and features a nasty slider that he has used to help him rack up 10.4 strikeouts per nine in his three pro seasons. The control (3.8 BB/9) is a constant battle, as with most tall, long-limbed pitchers, and it has led to the thought that Meyer's ultimate destination will be in the bullpen.
That actually wouldn't be such a bad way for the Twins to break him into the bigs in 2015, as something of a relief ace, a la Dellin Betances, another older, big-bodied, hard-throwing prospect who became an immediate major league success last year.
Whatever the role, Meyer is going to post a strong strikeout rate, although there will be bumps in the road as he figures out his path.
No. 14: Andrew Heaney, SP, Los Angeles Angels
14 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, WHIP
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 5
After an adventurous offseason in which he was involved in two trades for big league second baseman in the span of mere minutes—first going from the Miami Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Dee Gordon deal and then being shuttled to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Howie Kendrick—Andrew Heaney is staring at a possible rotation spot for the team that finished with the best record in baseball a year ago.
Not a bad place to be, eh?
Despite a 2.77 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 9.1 K/9 in his minor league career, the 23-year-old didn't fare well in his big league debut, registering a 5.83 ERA in 29.1 innings for the Marlins. But this is a young arm with an impressive pedigree—he became a top college pitcher at Oklahoma State and then the No. 9 overall pick in 2012—who was rushed to the majors by an organization that has a habit of doing as much.
Now in a new organization and with Angels ace Garrett Richards expected to be sidelined a few weeks into April, Heaney is in the mix for starts again.
"As long as Richards remains on the disabled list," writes Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, " the rotation will include two of the following three: Heaney, [Nick] Tropeano and Hector Santiago. Once Richards comes back, sometime in mid-April, only one of those three will remain."
In other words, Heaney has a foot in the door, and it's up to him to break through. Just recognize that he's likely to be a streaming option in mixed leagues.
No. 13: Dalton Pompey, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
15 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 10
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 5
No prospect did more to make a name for himself in 2014 than Dalton Pompey (which is a pretty cool name as is, by the way). The 2010 16th-round draft pick went from project prospect to big leaguer, climbing from High-A to the majors over the course of the summer.
Across three minor league levels, the switch-hitting Pompey, 22, batted .317/.392/.469 with a whopping 43 stolen bases. Upon reaching the majors in September, he held his own with a .738 OPS over 17 games.
All of the above (along with the departure of Colby Rasmus via free agency) is why Pompey is in line to be the Toronto Blue Jays' starting center fielder in 2015.
Don't get carried away, though. Although the Jays lineup should be dangerous, Pompey is going to bat in the bottom-third of the order. And his athletic, defensive-oriented profile is the kind that tends to have more of an impact in actual baseball than the fantasy version. Asking for much more than, say, 20 stolen bases and a somewhat hollow batting average might be asking for too much.
No. 12: Jake Lamb, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
16 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed League CI
Jake Lamb was one of 2014's biggest pop-up prospects, as a youngster who not many were aware of when the season began, only to "pop up" with a strong showing.
Drafted in the sixth round in 2012, the 24-year-old lefty swinger batted .318/.399/.551 with 35 doubles and 14 home runs while playing at Double-A before garnering a call-up to the Arizona Diamondbacks in early August.
Lamb struggled in the desert, hitting just .230 and striking out 37 times against only six walks in 133 plate appearances over 37 games. But that's to be expected from someone who essentially skipped over Triple-A.
The obstacle in front of Lamb is a big one: Yasmany Tomas, the Cuban power hitter who landed $68.5 million from the Diamondbacks in November has been getting some time in at the hot corner this spring. While Tomas fits much better in the corner outfield, he also would block Lamb from making the team as the starting third baseman.
That would be a shame, as Keith Law of ESPN writes: "Jake Lamb just rakes. The Diamondbacks need to give him the third-base job and 500-plus at bats. If Kris Bryant stumbles, Lamb could end up the rookie of the year."
Pay close attention here as spring winds down, because if Lamb gains the inside track, he could be a corner infield candidate in 12-team formats.
No. 11: Noah Syndergaard, SP, New York Mets
17 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: W, ERA, WHIP, K
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed League SP 3
Sometimes, ranking the top 25 fantasy rookies in a given season is a matter of betting on talent over opportunity, figuring that the former eventually will lead to the latter. That's the case with Noah Syndergaard, who arguably is the sport's best and most big league-ready pitching prospect but who also doesn't have the clearest path to joining the New York Mets' deep rotation.
Of course, sometimes there's another (unfortunate) reason that opportunity knocks, as Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News writes:
"With the news Monday that Zack Wheeler is likely out for the season [with a torn ulnar collateral ligament], Syndergaard moved up on the depth chart. While Mets manager Terry Collins said bluntly Monday that Dillon Gee will slide into the open rotation spot, there is clearly a chance for Syndergaard and/or lefty Steven Matz to force their way into the major leagues this season.
"
Although it still seems the Mets won't rush Syndergaard into the five-man just to fill Wheeler's spot, it shouldn't be long before he makes his MLB debut, with mid-June the latest.
Syndergaard—or "Thor," if you prefer—has size (6'6", 240), a high-octane arsenal and the quality command that is rare for a 22-year-old, and he'll eventually get to call pitcher-friendly Citi Field home. Roll it all together, and this is a package that could manifest as an SP 3 once Syndergaard is up and rolling.
No. 10: Aaron Sanchez, SP/RP, Toronto Blue Jays
18 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: ERA, K (SV?)
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SP 4 or RP 2
With his arm, size and electric stuff, Aaron Sanchez would best be brought along as a starter by the Toronto Blue Jays, and that appears to be the plan. But because of his lack of experience in the upper minors (barely 100 frames between Double- and Triple-A) and his shaky control (4.8 career BB/9 in the minors), the 22-year-old actually would provide more fantasy value—at least initially—as the club's closer.
In that role, Sanchez could compile saves while also posting strong ratios one inning at a time, as he showed he could do with a 1.09 ERA and 0.70 WHIP over his first 33 innings with Toronto in the second half last year. In a starting spot, he's likely to battle his command and have more than a few blowups along the way.
Alas, Sanchez's 2015 fate appears to lie in the rotation, particularly in the wake of Marcus Stroman's season-ending ACL injury. That doesn't mean Sanchez won't be worth owning as a starter—the upside is immense—but until he proves himself, consider him as a streaming option or matchups play in deep mixed formats.
No. 9: Micah Johnson, 2B, Chicago White Sox
19 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 8
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: R, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league 2B
A very hot start to spring (12-for-27, .444) has raised the possibility that Micah Johnson could come north with the Chicago White Sox, possibly even as their starting second baseman on Opening Day.
That might be rushing things a bit, but it's not like Gordon Beckham, Emilio Bonifacio or Carlos Sanchez is a huge obstacle to overcome. And it's not like Johnson doesn't have the ability to do the job, even if he could use a little more developmental time after playing just a half-seson at Triple-A in 2014.
Once he's ready—whether in April or by midseason—the 24-year-old is going to be an impact fantasy player in the stolen base category. Although he swiped only 22 bags last year while battling hamstring issues, Johnson actually (get this) out-thieved Billy Hamilton in 2013 with 84 steals.
Even if Johnson doesn't break camp in the bigs, you'll want to keep close tabs on him as a waiver-wire pickup as soon as he's up.
No. 8: Jung-Ho Kang, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
20 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: Korean Baseball Organization
Fantasy Category Contributions: HR, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league SS
The Pittsburgh Pirates invested $16 million all told in Jung-Ho Kang when they won the $5 million posting rights then landed him with an $11 million contract. That's not a massive amount by MLB standards, but it is for the small-market Bucs, who are going to give Kang every chance to prove he's worth their investment.
The return could be worth much more than that if Kang, who hit .356 with 40 home runs in 2014 in the offensive-oriented Korean Baseball Organization, does more of what he showed in his first-ever spring training game when the righty homered to the opposite field.
Kang's immediate role remains a bit of a question, but the best-case scenario for both the Pirates and fantasy owners is that he wins the starting shortstop job over incumbent Jordy Mercer. If so, Kang's offense would make him an enticing option as a potentially capable middle infielder in most formats or even a starting shortstop if his power translates.
Unless Kang, who will be 28 in early April, can't hit big league pitching at all—certainly a possibility—then he at least should be a useful option who picks up eligibility at multiple infield positions while filling in at second, third and short for Pittsburgh.
No. 7: Steven Souza, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
21 of 27
Talent: 7
Opportunity: 10
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, HR, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 3
Following a slow start to his professional career after being drafted in the third round all the way back in 2007, Steven Souza finally has made himself into a big league-ready all-around player who could be a 20-20 threat soon.
Souza is a big (6'4", 225 pounds) righty hitter coming off his best season yet in 2014, when he hit .350 with 18 homers and 26 steals in his first taste of Triple-A. That production earned him a September cameo with the Washington Nationals, who then swapped him to the Tampa Bay Rays over the offseason—a move that unblocked Souza and bumped his opportunity rating to a 10.
Because he's an older prospect (26 in late April), he may not possess the same ceiling as many others on this list, but Souza should be good to go for 400-500 at-bats in 2015, especially on the retooling Rays. For fantasy purposes, Souza should be the type who won't hurt owners in any category, something along the lines of A.J. Pollock, with a little more upside.
No. 6: Hector Olivera, 2B, Free Agent
22 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: N/A
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, R, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league 2B
Having been declared a free agent by MLB in early March, the race is on, both for teams to get in their highest offers to Hector Olivera and for Olivera to sign so he can begin his career in the United States.
The speculation is that the former Serie Nacional star will ink somewhere soon—the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves have been mentioned as the most interested parties, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports—and likely land a deal worth upward of $50 million.
That's quite a chunk of change, but Olivera could well be worth it as a 29-year-old infielder with a career slash line of .323/.407/.505 in Cuba. While there was a report from Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports that Olivera might have an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament, the expectation is that the righty hitter will be ready for the majors in short order (even by Opening Day) once he signs, provided he is healthy.
Here's Ben Badler of Baseball America:
"All of the arrows point to Olivera being a plus hitter. He has a track record of dominating in Serie Nacional and international tournaments, and the attributes that made him an in-demand player on the Cuban national team years ago are still intact. He has plus bat speed, squares up good velocity and makes consistent contact on all types of pitches, with good hand-eye coordination and the ability to keep the bat head in the hitting zone a long time. He has whip to his swing, hits to all fields and is comfortable letting the ball travel deep to drive the ball into the right-center field gap. With his ability to manage the strike zone, he has a chance to hit .280-.300 with walks to boost his OBP to an above-average clip.
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By most accounts, Olivera's hit tool is his best one, which is key for fantasy. He might not offer as much power as some other recent Cuban imports (Jose Abreu, Yoenis Cespedes, Yasiel Puig), but a quality bat at a shallow second base position is an enticing option. It's just a matter of when and where Olivera signs.
No. 5: Yasmany Tomas, 3B/OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
23 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 10
2014 Highest Level: N/A
Fantasy Category Contributions: HR, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league 3B or OF 2
Yasmany Tomas might be the biggest boom-or-bust pick among the top five, as he's likely to provide little else outside of power—but it could be 25- or even 30-homer pop right away. That would make him a worthy fantasy starter in all formats.
Of course, the former Serie Nacional stud also could struggle to catch up to the best pitching the world has to offer, leaving the 24-year-old susceptible to a low batting average and quite possibly a trip to the minors to make some adjustments, if necessary.
The other consideration here is that Tomas, whom many project as a corner outfielder, has been seeing time at third base in camp. While manager Chip Hale already indicated, via Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, that Tomas needs to improve his focus to stick there, should he gain eligibility at the hot corner, that would up his value quite a bit.
No. 4: Rusney Castillo, OF, Boston Red Sox
24 of 27
Talent: 8
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, R, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 2
An early spring oblique strain left Rusney Castillo's status somewhat up in the air and put him behind in the competition to crack the Boston Red Sox's overcrowded outfield. Good news is, the former Serie Nacional star appears to be over the injury.
"I would say I’m at 100 percent," Castillo said via Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, "but we’re going to ease our way into it."
That should give Castillo, who signed the largest contract ever for a Cuban international free agent last August, enough time to stake his claim to the starting job in center. The $72.5 million the Red Sox are paying him also should help his cause, provided he looks and feels good over the second half of March.
Despite a long layoff since the last time he played competitively between the time he defected and the time he signed, Castillo flashed a solid all-around game in the high minors and upon joining Boston last September (12-for-36, 2 HR, 3 SB).
Considering he's smack-dab in his prime at 27 years old, he should be ready to hit the ground running and hitting in 2015. A fast start will go a long way toward keeping Castillo ahead of Mookie Betts in center and making him the early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year.
No. 3: Joc Pederson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
25 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 10
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: R, HR, SB
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 2
A strong spring so far, in which he has gone 9-for-22 (.409) with six runs, a homer and a steal, puts Joc Pederson in position to seize the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting center fielder gig. His March performance also should help quell any fears that might have arisen during his poor introduction to the majors last September, when he managed just four hits in 28 at-bats while whiffing 11 times.
If there's any hesitation about Pederson, 22, it might be that the Dodgers will choose to break him in slowly by sitting him against tough left-handers in favor of righty-swingers Chris Heisey or even Scott Van Slyke. That might keep Pederson's counting stats down a touch, but it also could help his batting average remain respectable as he adjusts to big league pitching.
The bottom line is, Pederson's tools—specifically his power and speed, coming off a 30-30 campaign at Triple-A in 2014—translate very well to fantasy. There's the makings of a 15-homer, 15-steal season in here, and that's the kind of production that any owner will sign up for.
No. 2: Jorge Soler, OF, Chicago Cubs
26 of 27
Talent: 9
Opportunity: 10
2014 Highest Level: MLB
Fantasy Category Contributions: BA, R, HR, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league OF 2
In just 24 games in the majors after being called up at the very end of August, Jorge Soler looked like a future fantasy stud, batting .292 with five home runs and 20 RBI.
That production came in a small sample size (just 97 plate appearances), but it was enough to show that the 23-year-old can hang—and, more importantly, hit—in the bigs.
To this point in the Cuban-born Soler's career in the United States, his biggest hurdle has been health, and he battled hamstring injuries in 2014. If he can stay on the field for 130-140 games, he should be no worse than an OF 4 in most fantasy formats, primarily for his power production.
And if Soler can hit for a respectable batting average, steal a handful of bases and get caught up in the Chicago Cubs' young, potentially explosive offense, then he'll offer something like OF 2-caliber production.
No. 1: Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs
27 of 27
Talent: 10
Opportunity: 9
2014 Highest Level: Triple-A
Fantasy Category Contributions: R, HR, RBI
Potential 2015 Fantasy Peak: Mixed league 3B
There's a certain amount of risk in ranking a guy who might not even begin the regular season at the top spot, but that decision speaks to both Kris Bryant's massive fantasy potential and his ability to make a major impact as soon as he debuts.
While the Chicago Cubs ultimately may decide to avoid starting the 23-year-old's service-time clock too soon in order to get an extra year of team control out of him (through 2021)—which is the smart play, albeit a disappointing one—the guess here is that Bryant will be up and at 'em by the end of April.
Power is at such a premium in fantasy, and Bryant, who already has smashed six homers this spring after hitting .325/.438/.661 with a best-in-baseball 43 long balls between Double- and Triple-A in 2014, has as much as any prospect—or perhaps even any big leaguer, for that matter.
Although his swing-and-miss tendencies (26.6 percent strikeout rate in two minor league seasons) could mean Bryant will be streaky and might not hit better than .260 as a rookie, he should have no problem getting to 20 home runs (at least) with an appropriate amount of runs scored and RBI (say, 70 or so of each) over 500 plate appearances.
Given the chance that he won't open the year on the North Side, it's difficult to draft Bryant as your starting third baseman—if you do, take a quality short-term fill-in—but he has the fantasy-friendly skill set to play his way into that role by midseason.
Statistics are accurate through Tuesday, March 17 and courtesy of MLB.com, Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.
Need more fantasy baseball help? Come pepper me with your questions on Twitter today at 11 a.m. ET @JayCat11.
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