Anyone who’s anyone loves prospect, right? Especially in fantasy, more specifically dynasty players because, let’s face it, dynasty players are more hard-core than redraft players! That’s right, I said it; prove me wrong if you disagree! But I digress; I wanted to write an article that ended up turning into a series about prospects outside the top-100 that dynasty owners should be paying attention to mainly because, well, that’s what we do, isn’t it?!? Over the next few articles, I will discuss prospects outside the top-100 who should be on your radar. Today we start with prospects in the 101 to 400 range, all under the age of 21-years-old. So let’s jump right in, shall we?
Catcher – Diego Cartaya, LAD (age: 19)
50 Hit | 50 Power | 55 Field | 55 Arm | 30 Run
The initial scouting report on Cartaya projects him as a defensive first backstop who could become, at least, an average big-league hitter. Should his hit tool and power develop as expected, he may be a big-time find for the Dodgers as expected. Watch the 2021 season closely because Cartaya could shoot up the rankings page quickly if the stars align!
1B – Aaron Sabato, MIN (age: 21)
50 Hit | 60 Power | 45 Field | 40 Arm | 30 Run
Let me start by saying Sabato will need to mash to become an everyday big leaguer. He has the below-average arm strength and limited running and fielding ability. However, if he does mash, which most scouts are optimistic about, look for Sabato to quickly climb the Twins organization’s ranks.
2B – Ji-Hwan Bae, PIT (age: 21)
55 Hit | 40 Power | 70 Run | 45 Arm | 50 Field
Bae improved his BB%, AVG, SLG, OBP, and wOBA from rookie ball to High A. He’s viewed as a good athlete with above-average contact and speed to burn. Expect Bae to be a good AVG/OBP guy with plenty of SB but not much HR power as he develops.
3B – Jordan Walker, STL (age: 18)
45 Hit | 60 Power | 50 Field | 55 Arm | 50 Run
Walker was the biggest boom-or-bust candidate from the 2020 draft. His ceiling is a 40+ home run candidate with some swing and miss in his game. His floor is a 1B player with 25-30 home runs and below the “Mendoza Line” batting average. The Cardinals drafted him with his ceiling in mind and are hopeful he’ll develop as according.
SS – Luisangel Acuna, TEX (age: 18)
55 Hit | 45 Power | 50 Field | 60 Arm | 55 Run
In Acuna’s first season at rookie ball, he managed to have a higher BB% than K% (14.2% to 10.8%, respectively). He also slashed a .342/.438/.455 line across 51 games. He’s already being viewed as a 20/20 candidate, and if he can improve his footwork, he will stick at SS in the upcoming seasons.
OF – Luis Rodriguez, LAD (age: 18)
50 Hit | 50 Power | 55 Field | 55 Arm | 55 Run
Within the organization, Rodriguez is viewed as a high baseball IQ teen who can make pitchers work. Should he add additional power as he fills out his frame as we advance, Rodriguez will quickly climb every analyst’s rankings in the coming year. Keep a close eye on Luis Rodriguez (the outfielder) in the coming season and if he’s still available, consider grabbing him on a flier sooner than later.
OF – Bayron Lora, TEX (age: 18)
45 Hit | 55 Power | 50 Field | 50 Arm | 45 Run
Lora may have been the best raw power hitter in the 2019 international signee class. He’s already drawn comps to Joey Gallo in terms of power only with significantly more bat speed. Early projections see Lora as a 35/15 candidate. Be on the lookout for Lora over the next season or two as a possible fast climber in the Ranger organization.
OF – Luis Matos, SF (age: 19)
55 Hit | 50 Power | 55 Field | 50 Arm | 55 Run
In Matos’s first 60 rookie ball games, he hit 7 home runs while keeping his K% to an impressive 10.7% and managed to slash .367/.438/.566. Early expectations are for Matos to become the everyday 20/20 CF for the Giants.
Pitcher – Nick Bitsko, TB (age: 18)
60 FB | 60 CB | 50 CH | 55 Control | 55 Command
Bitsko was a Rays prospect before even being drafted by the Rays – he is exactly what this organization loves to develop! The Rays were the perfect landing spot for this high-school arm because he’ll be given ample time to develop without feeling rushed. It may even be argued that Bitsko has the best arm in the Rays loaded minor league system. Pay attention to Nick Bitsko if he’s still available in your dynasty league because he may be snatched up fairly quickly!
Pitcher – Jared Kelley, CHW (age: 19)
70 FB | 50 SL | 60 CH | 60 Control | 50 Command
Should Kelley develop his slider to match his awesome fastball, he’ll project as a #3 starter at worst. Should his changeup come to form, we could be looking at a #2 starter for the Chi-Sox very soon.
Pitcher – Daniel Espino, CLE (age: 20)
60 FB | 50 CB | 60 SL | 45 CH | 45 Control | 40 Command
Espino throws straight nastiness but struggles to find the strike zone with regularity. He will need to seriously refine this control to become the front-line starter scouts hope he can mature into, but, at worst, he is a mid-rotation guy.
Here are the links to the other articles in this series:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
As always, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @drunkenangelz.
