RADIO
We've got some variety in store in this week's list, as we take a look at players with high power, speed and strikeout potential.
All three of this week's players are ranked as top 30 prospects in their team's systems by MLB Pipeline, but they can find themselves overshadowed by some of the bigger name prospects ahead of them. With guys like Michael Chavis, Kyle Tucker and Jay Groome ranked ahead of them, it's easy for these players to fall through the cracks when it comes to appearing on fantasy radars. That being said, there are definitely good reasons why these prospects aren't ranked as highly as each of this week's players have flaws in their game that could prevent them from succeeding at the major league level. But that doesn't mean owners should completely disregard them.
With each of these prospects, it's a high-risk, high-reward situation for fantasy owners. Are you willing to take the chance on them?
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including Best MLB Series, NFL Series, NBA Writer, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!
(Dal)bec to the Future
3B Bobby Dalbec — Salem Red Sox (Single-A Advanced: Boston Red Sox)
Upcoming games: vs Winston-Salem 7/10-12, at Wilmington 7/13-16
While third baseman Michael Chavis might be the top prospect in the Red Sox organization, dynasty owners should not overlook Dalbec who has a lot of power potential in his bat. Through 81 games this year Dalbec has hit 25 doubles and 19 home runs, which would put him on pace for 50 doubles and almost 40 home runs over a full season. Over his last 10 games in particular, Dalbec has seen a major power surge with six doubles and five home runs while hitting .395 over 43 plate appearances. While the power is legitimate, Dalbec will struggle with strikeouts and a lower average once he reaches the majors. Dalbec is hitting .250 this season after hitting .248 last year, and while his strikeout rate is down from 36.6 percent last year, it's still very high at 30.5 percent this year. A good comparison for Dalbec right now is Jake Lamb, except Dalbec has the potential for a bit more power but also more strikeouts. In points leagues, owners might want to look elsewhere due to the high volume of strikeouts, but in rotisserie leagues Dalbec is a good prospect to pick up now.
OF Gilberto Celestino — Tri-City ValleyCats (Single-A Short-Season: Houston Astros)
Upcoming games: at Williamsport 7/11-13, at State College 7/14-16
A relatively unknown outfield prospect in the Astros organization, Celestino is showing decent power and a lot of speed this season playing primarily in the New York-Penn League. Over 23 games, Celestino is hitting .333 with three home runs and 13 steals, which theoretically would have him on pace for 22 home runs and 85 stolen bases over the course of a full season. Realistically, owners can expect closer to 10 to 15 home runs and about 35 steals with about a .280 average, but that still makes him an interesting fantasy option. Looking at his numbers, Celestino looks like he could put up a similar stat line to what Trea Turner does, although he won't hold the same value as Turner playing as an outfielder as opposed to shortstop. His 21.8 percent strikeout rate is a little high for a player that doesn't hit for much power, but he's still worth keeping an eye on — especially as he's only 19 and still has time to improve his game.
SP Darwinzon Hernandez — Salem Red Sox (Single-A Advanced: Boston Red Sox)
Projected starts: at Wilmington 7/13, at Buies Creek 7/19
Ranked as the number seven prospect in the Red Sox system, Hernandez has shown himself to be a strikeout machine by posting at least a 10.0 K/9 in each of the last three seasons. Over his last five starts, Hernandez has recorded 37 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings pitched, including a 10 strikeout performance on Sunday. While his strikeout total will impress many fantasy owners, his walk rate is what will keep expectations in check. Over the same span in which he had 37 strikeouts, Hernandez has also allowed 13 walks for a 10.9 percent walk rate, and in Sunday's 10-strikeout performance Hernandez allowed a season-high five walks. This has been what Hernandez has done throughout his minor league career: strikeout a lot of batters (career 9.6 K/9) while also walking a lot of batters (career 5.2 BB/9 including a 6.0 or higher BB/9 in three of his five seasons). If Hernandez can cut down on his walks, he can be one of the more exciting pitching prospects in fantasy. But for now, while he should be owned in dynasty leagues, owners should keep a close eye on how he continues to develop.
