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Mother Hubbard’s cupboard is getting bare. The MLB regular season has less than two weeks to go. However, there is a small group of prospects that could still help fantasy managers as the playoffs wind down.
Last week’s list saw five pitchers receive the call to the Majors: Kyle Wright, Bryse Wilson, Justin Dunn, Joe Palumbo, and James Karinchak. With any luck, a few of the prospects found on the list below will join them over the next 11 days.
It’s been a busy year for prospects as teams rely more and more heavily on their home-grown, high-upside young guns rather than turning to the more experienced greybeards with modest ceilings. A special thanks to everyone who followed along this year, and we hope that this series made a positive impact on your fantasy season.
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Fantasy Baseball Prospect Rankings (1-8)
1. Carter Kieboom, SS, Nationals (AAA)
Kieboom remains in purgatory. He’s on the sidelines working out in case an injury necessitates his addition to the roster. If he does get into some games, he has an offensive skill set that can produce power, average, and excellent on-base numbers. His versatility also provides additional value with his ability to play shortstop, third base and second base.
2. Bobby Bradley, 1B, Indians (AAA)
Bradley is made for the new MLB - where home runs and strikeouts are king. He has actually controlled the strike zone more effectively during the minor league playoffs where he’s posted a BB-K of 6-7 in seven games. During that stretch, he has produced two home runs — giving him 36 on the year when combining the regular season and playoffs.
3. Rogelio Armenteros, RHP, Astros (AAA)
Armenteros’ minor league season came to end with a loss in the Pacific Coast League finals and his final game was a dud. He allowed four earned runs in 2.2 innings while posting a K-BB of 1-4. Still, he showed well during the regular season in both Triple-A and the Majors, which should earn him some more time in The Show during the final two weeks of the regular season. He has the ability to miss bats but has been hurt by the long ball.
4. Logan Allen, LHP, Indians (AAA)
Allen is enjoying a nice finish to the minor league season. He's allowed just one run in six innings during his final game of the regular season and has allowed three earned runs in 11.1 innings during the playoffs. Allen’s poor control makes him a wild card but, when he’s on, he shows the ability to produce solid results.
5. Jorge Mateo, SS, Athletics (AAA)
Mateo was hit by a pitch in the first at-bat of a playoff game on Sept. 7 and didn’t appear in the subsequent game, which eliminated his team from the post-season. Even if an injury keeps him from hitting, Mateo could still impact the A’s season with his legs. If he can heal well enough to hit, then he has offensive upside with his pop — if he can keep the strikeouts in check.
6. Daulton Varsho, C/OF, Diamondbacks (AA)
Arizona is tanking at the worst possible time. Is the team desperate enough for a spark to delve down to Double-A for one of its best prospects? Varsho doesn’t need to be added to the 40-man roster for another year but he could provide some pop if given an opportunity. His bat was ice cold in the minor league playoffs before it woke up in the Southern League finals. He also comes with the ability to play both catcher and in the outfield.
7. Jake Cronenworth, INF/RHP, Rays (AAA)
It’s a little surprising that Kean Wong got the call before Cronenworth. The latter prospect had a strong offensive regular season and then a monster playoff where he finished the year on a stretch of 6-for-14. If the Rays can find room on the 40-man roster for him then Cronenworth could offer some pop, a strong batting average, a few steals, and excellent on-base numbers — along with his ability to play all over the diamond and even pitch.
8. Edward Olivares, OF, Padres (AA)
Olivares’ intriguing power/speed combination has been on full display in the minor league playoffs. He’s hit two home runs and stolen two bases in the nine games. Over his past five games, he’s gone 10-for-20 with three walks and just four strikeouts.
More MLB Prospects Analysis
