Some fortunate people remember what it’s like being young, athletic, and feeling like you are invincible. There tends to be optimism about what the future holds and a belief in your ability to achieve whatever you put your mind to. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. This particularly applies to young baseball players who have mostly coasted through their competition using natural abilities. For the first time in their sporting life, each of these young men are going to be challenged at a level in which they’ve never experienced, both mentally and physically. Some of them will rise to the challenge while others will crumble under the many pressures, both inside and outside the game.
After taking a look at the most notable prospects recently drafted from the college ranks, I will be spending time discussing the best prep players selected. These players are generally a couple of years further out from a Major League debut, thus carrying more risk than a lot of their college counterparts. In some cases, injuries or lack of development will prevent some of these guys from ever making it to the highest level, let alone become a force in fantasy. That being said, some of the best baseball players in the world begin standing out as teenagers, and there is no doubt some of these players have as much upside as the college draftees long-term.
Ed Howard, SS, Cubs | Age : 19 | ETA : 2024
The top prep shortstop in the nation, Howard has a compelling combination of size, raw power, and above-average speed. He is expected to grow into his power as he matures and could approach 30 home runs in his prime. On top of that, the slugger possesses elite bat speed and makes hard contact. Factor in the Cubs’ organizational success in recent years with their first-round picks, and there is optimism the Chicago native can reach the Major Leagues and be an excellent player. There don’t seem to be any concerns Howard will outgrow the shortstop position, making him an intriguing long-term investment for anyone looking to fill a coveted middle infield spot.
Zac Veen, OF, Rockies | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
An impressive 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, Veen has the build to add good muscle to his frame and develop into an intriguing power threat. Some scouts have raved about the left-handed hitter’s plate discipline and have suggested there is potential for double-plus power. Add to that the elite bat speed and high-grade exit velocity and there is a skill set that should certainly play in fantasy. As with a lot of prospects with Veen’s profile, he is expected to have a relatively high strikeout rate, take a lot of walks, and hit a lot of home runs. The potential of hitting in the luscious Coors Field half the time only increases the floor and ceiling.
Robert Hassell, OF, Padres | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
Going eighth overall to the Padres as the first high school player taken, Hassell impressed scouts on the summer circuit. He has a well-rounded skill set and some believe he has the best hit tool in the prep class. A lean, athletic outfielder that some insiders have compared to a taller version of Andrew Benintendi. The sweet-swinging lefty has impressed scouts and coaches at every level he has played with his hit tool, solid athleticism, and strong throwing arm. Listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Hassell has the type of frame that can add muscle and there should be power added to his game as he matures.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Mets | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
Listed at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds when drafted, Crow-Armstrong has an intriguing blend of tools that should help him develop into a long-time professional. He plays exceptional defense with his plus-speed and a strong arm. The defensive element of his game should carry him through the ranks. Described as a hit-over-power prospect who has been compared to the likes of Grady Sizemore and Adam Eaton. He is praised for his mental makeup and baseball IQ and plus bat-speed. The potential is that of a top-of-the-order threat who could chip in across the board in fantasy.
Mick Abel, RHP, Phillies | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Checking in at 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Abel is the top prep pitching prospect from this draft. He already throws in the mid-90’s and is projected to add even more velocity as a matures. Besides the heat, the tall right-hander has a plus slider and two other promising offerings in a curveball and changeup. Since right-handed prep pitchers are the riskiest draft profile, there will be those who are skeptical or unwilling to wait. But if you’re the type who likes to target potential aces early, Abel has even been compared to a young Justin Verlander by a credible baseball insider.
Austin Hendrick, OF, Reds | Age : 19 | ETA : 2025
Selected 12th overall Hendrick is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound slugger who generates elite bat-speed as well as elite exit velocity. There are concerns about his approach at the plate and whether or not he will make enough contact to succeed on the highest level. He is a strong runner with an above-average throwing arm and should slot in a corner outfield spot long-term. If he can fix his mechanical issues at the plate, there is an immense fantasy upside. If not, he will likely fade into obscurity as a role player.
Nick Bitsko, RHP, Rays | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Already sitting in the mid-90’s on his fastball, at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, Bitsko was selected 24th overall by the Rays. He has prototypical size for a frontline starter and complements that with a potential four-pitch arsenal. You have to give him a bump in value simply because he was drafted by a team known for developing quality pitching prospects. It is a massive leap from prep-star to ace in the Major Leagues, but the ingredients are present for the Rays to have another elite pitching prospect in a couple of years.
Isaiah Greene, OF, Mets | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Easily the riskiest prospect on this list, Greene is relatively unpolished, even for a prep player. While he doesn’t have the track record of some others drafted, he possesses an intriguing skill set. Blessed with plus speed that could lead to 30+ steals at maturity, and blossoming power, thanks to an increased launch angle in his swing. Listed at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, the speedster has good size for his age and should maintain his athleticism into his late twenties. The development of his hit tool will determine if he becomes a fantasy superstar or a fringe speed option.
BEST OF THE REST
Blaze Jordan, 3B, Red Sox | Age : 17 | ETA : 2025
Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Jordan Walker, 3B, Cardinals | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Carson Tucker, SS, Indians | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
David Calabrese, OF, Angels | Age : 17 | ETA : 2024
Petey Halpin, OF, Indians | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Dax Fulton, LHP, Marlins | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Nick Yorke, 2B, Red Sox | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Tyler Soderstrom, C, Athletics | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
Jared Kelley, RHP, White Sox | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Kala’i Rosario, OF, Twins | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
Jake Vogel, OF, Dodgers | Age : 18 | ETA : 2024
Alex Santos, RHP, Astros | Age : 18 | ETA : 2025
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