Over the course of the last few weeks, I've updated you on a variety of different prospects. I've been ahead of the pack on guys like Ryan Schimpf, talked about the hot streaks of guys like Jameson Taillon, and have brought you some news about popular, as well as some not-so popular prospects.
This week, I take a look at some notable prospects--guys everyone is likely well aware of--but you might not be aware of what they're currently doing.
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Top MLB Prospects & Their Fantasy Baseball Outlooks
J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
J.P. Crawford has used a tremendous approach to hitting to whiz his way through the Phillies minor league system. The 21 year-old is already at the Triple-A level, and you can bet that he will be playing shortstop for the Phillies soon.
Despite the overall success, Crawford has slowed down since reaching Triple-A. Last year, he hit .288 with 63 BB and 54 K in both Single-A and Double-A combined. This year, after getting off to a hot start in Double-A, he's hitting just .210/.301/.244 with 15 BB and 23 SO in Triple-A. His only extra-base hits in 119 at-bats are four doubles.
Crawford will almost certainly be batting leadoff for Philadelphia at some point this season. If his early struggles in Triple-A are any indication, expect a struggle at first. Once he does figure things out, he has a chance to become a .300 hitter, with 20-plus stolen base potential.
Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds
It shouldn't be too long before Amir Garrett makes his Major League debut. With the Reds recently promoting Cody Reed, Garrett could be the next lefty to receive his promotion for Cincinnati this season.
Garrett was sizzling hot in Double-A with a 1.75 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 77 innings, while posting a 78/28 K/BB ratio. Those numbers earned him his first Triple-A start on Wednesday, where six walks resulted in three runs allowed in 5.1 innings. He did strikeout four and only gave up one hit.
The next stop for Amir will be "the show". It will be this season, the question is just when. When the 24 year-old does get there, expect him to use his low-to-mid 90's fastball to make things tough on Big Leaguers. He'll either end up being a middle-of-the rotation starter, or a reliever used in high-leverage situations. Either way, Garrett has an opportunity to make a fantasy impact later this season.
Lucas Giolito, RHP, Washington Nationals
Long thought of as the best pitching prospect in baseball, Lucas Giolito struggled to begin 2016. Those struggles seem to be behind him, as Giolito has bounced back to produce a 3.17 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 71 innings at Triple-A.
Command has been a concern for Giolito this year; he has 34 walks already. Control hadn't been a glaring weakness for Giolito before, so this could simply prove to be a bump-in-the road. He's been getting by on his "stuff", which consists of a high-90's fastball and powerful curveball, but he will definitely have to harness his offerings to reach his potential.
Giolito turns just 22 years-old in July, so the Nats are in no hurry to bring up their top prospect. He could see some action as a September call-up, but the likelihood of Washington waiting until next year to give him a shot is very plausible. Regardless of when he gets that opportunity, Giolito could be the future ace of the Nationals. Like with all other young, talented pitchers, there will be a learning curve. So the dominance won't likely be there right away, but it is all but certain to come.
Sean Newcomb, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Sean Newcomb was a first-round pick of the Angels in 2013, but they dealt him to Atlanta in the off-season. The hard-throwing lefty is currently in Double-A, but he could see himself rise to the Majors this season.
Everyone is well aware of the Braves' struggles this season, as they continue look to the future. Expect them to trade any veteran that can net them some more future help. When that time comes, it will be youngsters like Newcomb who will be looked at to fill the void. The Braves have already entrusted guys like Aaron Blair and John Gant to make starts at the Big League level, and Newcomb could be next.
The 23 year-old currently has a 3.96 ERA, with a 74/37 K/BB ratio in 72.2 innings. Those numbers don't jump off the page, and his control issues (which have hurt him his entire professional career) will have to show improvement quickly. Once again, expect him to learn how difficult it is to get big league hitters out. When he does learn, he can be a good middle-of-the rotation pitcher. If Newcomb doesn't get his shot this year, he will definitely get it next season.
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