Last month the 2020 First-Year Player Draft took place and there were some intriguing prospects added to the mix for fantasy purposes. We have sluggers, speed threats, multi-position players and plenty of solid arms to choose from. I prefer to keep a more long-term perspective when it comes to the prospect world, but I can appreciate that many fantasy managers prefer players they don’t have to wait several years on. This week I will be focusing specifically on players drafted out of college. No 16-year old international players. No 18-year old prep players. Some of these players possess the desired combination of close proximity to the Major Leagues with elite fantasy upside which should satisfy managers of all types.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Tigers I Age : 20 I ETA : 2021
One of the most productive college hitters in recent memory, Torkelson combines an advanced hit tool with plus power. Currently 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, he is well-built, strong and a relatively athletic guy for his size. Announced as a third baseman when drafted, it is expected he ends up at first base long-term, although the Tigers will certainly give him an opportunity to prove he can handle the hot corner. He is expected to move through the Minor Leagues quickly as an advanced college bat. For fantasy purposes, he possesses all the tools needed to become a potent middle-of-the-order bat who should be a productive 4-category slugger for years to come.
Austin Martin, 3B/OF/2B, Blue Jays I Age : 21 I ETA : 2021
An intriguing blend of elite hit tool, solid speed and burgeoning power. The Blue Jays began his professional career as a third baseman, but they will also give him a look at second base as well as in the outfield. His defensive versatility will be an asset for his team and fantasy owners alike. As another advanced college bat, you should not have to wait long before he is given a look at the highest level. Checking in at 6-foot, 180 pounds, if everything comes together there is a potential for an impact fantasy player capable of helping in all phases of the game.
Nick Gonzales, 2B, Pirates I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Listed at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Gonzales is a compact middle infield prospect with the chance at having a special hit tool. His makeup is considered one of his best assets and should help him have a long career. The totality of the package is a strong prospect who has already been added to the Pirates 60-man player pool. He should be among the first players the make his Major League debut from this draft class and has been compared to the likes of Gleyber Torres and Keston Huira, in terms of the fantasy impact he could make at the second base position.
Asa Lacy, LHP, Royals I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
The Royals selected Lacy with the 4th pick in the draft after he dominated at the college level. A big left-handed pitcher, checking in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he possesses an intriguing four-pitch mix which should help him keep hitters off balance at the highest level. He has a mid-90’s fastball that plays up thanks to deception and a slider that has developed into a potential out pitch. He also has a plus-change up and usable curveball which gives him the deepest, most intriguing pitch arsenal to work with from the draft. It shouldn’t be long before Lacy is given a chance to become a mainstay in the rotation.
Max Meyer, RHP, Marlins I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
He has some detractors due to his 6-foot, 185-pound frame and the typical concerns about whether he will hold up long-term as a starting pitcher. Possessing a 70-grade slider that has late movement out of the zone, some scouts think it is the best individual pitch in the draft and should lead to a good strikeout pitch. His upper-90’s fastball is considered plus and should help his secondary pitches be more effective. Meyer is a good athlete with a low walk rate and minimal mileage on his arm due to beginning his collegiate career out of the bullpen. The Marlins fully intend on developing him as a starter and he seems to possesses the necessary ingredients to become a Sonny Gray type player down the line.
Garrett Mitchell, OF, Brewers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
An extremely toolsy outfield prospect who possesses 70-grade speed and solid size at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. He has yet to tap into his power upside at the college level but showed an elite walk rate and elite strikeout rate. He profiles as a potential top of the order asset down the line who could be setting the table for the likes of Christian Yelich and Keston Huira before too long. He also possesses a great throwing arm and has been lauded for his defensive ability, which will only help him reach the Major Leagues more quickly. When you combine the entire package together, there is an intriguing fantasy skill-set that should be well-worth a pick in your next prospect draft.
Austin Wells, OF/C/1B, Yankees I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Listed at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he has a sweet left-handed swing that should carry him to the top level. Drafted as a catcher, but there are plenty of scouts who believe he will end up in the outfield or potentially first base. That would likely be beneficial for fantasy purposes because he will get to the Major Leagues more quickly. There is no question about his bat and he should be able to maintain fantasy value regardless of his defensive limitations. Because of his bat-first profile and likely move off the catcher position, he has garnered comparisons to Kyle Schwarber. He appears to be the prototypical high strikeout, high walk, big power bat that should flourish in OBP leagues, but have less value in AVG leagues.
Emerson Hancock, RHP, Mariners I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
The Mariners selected Hancock 6th overall and placed him on the 30-man taxi squad. Listed at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he has the prototypical starter build, and should be able the use his four-pitch mix, combined with excellent command, to keep hitters off-balance. His plus-changeup is his best pitch and is extremely effective when he is locating his mid-90’s fastball. He also possesses a slider that has looked plus in spots. Overall, it’s an intriguing, workhorse type profile that could pile up innings in an era that pitchers don’t go as deep into games as they used to. This time last year, he was in the running to be the top pick in the draft, so there is a lot of room for optimism if he is able to stay healthy.
BEST OF THE REST
Reid Detmers, LHP, Angels I Age : 21 I ETA : 2021
Heston Kjerstad, OF, Orioles I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Cade Cavalli, RHP, Nationals I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Justin Foscue, 2B, Rangers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Garrett Crochet, LHP, White Sox I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Tanner Burns, RHP, Indians I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Jared Schuster, LHP, Braves I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Slade Cecconi, RHP, Diamondbacks I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Dillon Dingler, C, Tigers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Blue Jays I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Logan Allen, RHP, Indians I Age : 21 I ETA : 2022
Bobby Miller, RHP, Dodgers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Freddy Zamora, SS, Brewers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Nick Loftin, SS, Royals I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Daniel Cabrera, OF, Tigers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Zach DeLoach, OF, Mariners I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Jordan Nwogu, OF, Cubs I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
J.T. Ginn, RHP, Mets I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Aaron Sabato, 1B, Twins I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Patrick Bailey, C, Giants I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Clayton Beeter, RHP, Dodgers I Age : 21 I ETA : 2023
Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Diamondbacks I Age : 22 I ETA : 2022
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2020 FYPD – College Edition
