As many fantasy managers know through experience, the need for a well-balanced team, particularly in roto leagues, is essential for long-term success. Baseball leaning more towards the launch angles, hard-hit %, and exit velocities have a taken a lot of speed element of the game out of the equation. Since fewer players are attempting to steal bases, there inevitably will be fewer players fantasy managers can rely on for help in the category. While there will always be extremely fast players who are capable of changing a game with their feet, the problem for fantasy managers is that a lot of them are specialists who can’t particularly hit, and often find themselves in bench roles, or hitting near the bottom of the lineup. Some diligent managers are willing to stream these players, and it is possible the be relatively competitive using this method if you have the time and unlimited transactions to work with.
In more sophisticated leagues, where transactions are limited, and you aren’t able to constantly adjust with little risk, it will become more important to identify the players worth rostering ahead of time. That is generally when the prospects come into play. If you can roster a few of the right type of speed options in the Minor Leagues, it will go a long way to keeping your team competitive in a category that can sometimes become a headache for managers. Ultimately, the very best fantasy players usually have some element of speed to their game, therefore we should be looking for players in the Minor Leagues capable of doing so, while also producing in other categories. We want to try and identify players who can eventually become plug and play types, where they still maintain value, even if they go a week or two without stealing a base.
Most of these players won’t end up stealing 30 bases a year in the Major Leagues, simply because that isn’t the way most teams utilize their talent these days. Consider these the best prospects who profile to contribute in stolen bases, but also at least a couple of other categories. I won’t be focusing on the most well-known, elite prospects that have been written about countless times, and will likely cost quite a bit more in trades. This is more about identifying possible undervalued assets or future players who could become highly coveted if things fall into place for them. Even if they ultimately end up not working out, they still fit the profile of the type of speed options worth investing in.
Vidal Brujan, 2B, Rays | Age : 22 | ETA : 2021
Originally signed as part of the 2014 J2 class, Brujan is the most gifted stolen base artist on this list. Although his power is virtually non-existent, what makes him more than just a fringe speed option is his plate discipline. The combination of a high OBP with elite steals is a rare and desirable fantasy commodity. A 70-grade runner who has stolen over 50 bases each of the last two seasons (74.3% success rate), he should become a serious threat in the stolen base category. As with many Tampa Bay prospects, the switch-hitter is capable of playing multiple positions, although it’s expected he ends up at second base long-term. With the quality depth in the Rays system, Brujan isn’t expected to be rushed. When the speedster is deemed ready, he has all the intangibles to become the leadoff hitter in a potent lineup who could challenge for multiple stolen base titles this decade.
Luis Matos, OF, Giants | Age : 18 | ETA : 2023
A promising outfield prospect from the deep 2018 International signing period, Matos was not viewed as one of the elite players upon signing but showed in his pro debut that he might be special. Listed at 5-foot-11, 160 pounds he ended up slashing .362/.430/.570 with 20 steals in 22 attempts in the Dominican Summer League. Showing an advanced understanding of the strike zone, he possesses an intriguing skillset for dynasty managers. With elite contact skills, elite bat speed, a high stolen base rate, as well as developing power, Matos was expected to make a big leap this year. There was a bit of hype building before the season but it should have mostly quieted down. There is a window of opportunity to add Matos in leagues for relatively cheap and there is potential for him to become an elite prospect as soon as talent evaluators can see him in competitive situations again.
Taylor Trammell, OF, Mariners | Age : 22 | ETA : 2021
Acquired on August 30th in a trade deadline deal from the Padres, Trammell has been on the radar for prospects hounds since he was drafted 35th overall in the 2016 first-year player draft by the Reds. A two-sport star in high school, the speedy lefty has earned rave reviews for his 70-grade speed and general athleticism. Considered a high-upside project upon signing, it has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Trammell. After dominating the lower levels and showing intriguing plate discipline and burgeoning power, to go along with the plus speed, he took a step backward in Double-A last season. However, in his final 20 games, he flashed the promising upside again, hitting .342/.416/.646 with five home runs, leading his team to the championship. The ingredients exist for Trammell to become the Mariners leadoff hitter, capable of chipping in across the board in fantasy, setting the table for uber-prospects Julio Rodriguez and Jared Kelenic.
Luisangel Acuna, SS, Rangers | Age : 18 | ETA : 2023
The younger brother of superstar Ronald Acuna, the bloodlines alone make him someone worth monitoring. Only listed at 5-foot-10, Acuna is not the most imposing figure on the field though he is polished for his age. In the Dominican Summer League, the toolsy infielder slashed .342/.438/.455 while showing excellent command of the strike zone. Anytime a prospect has more walks than strikeouts he has my attention. Although it is tough to correlate rookie ball numbers to the Major Leagues, his 17 steals last season show a speed element that will be essential for his fantasy value while he’s young. His hit tool has a chance to be special, which I often find is the most important tool when evaluating prospects. It is important to understand Acuna is not his older brother and has almost no chance of becoming the same level of player. But the player he is has a chance to be special in a different way.
Misael Urbina, OF, Twins | Age : 18 | ETA : 2023
Received a $2.75 million signing bonus as one of the top 5 players available in the 2018 international class. Listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds, Urbina has a build that can add good muscle as he ages without sacrificing athleticism. Blessed with plus speed, the young outfielder was able to steal 19 bases in only 50 games in the Dominican Summer League. Also showing a solid ability to make contact, and plate discipline that could develop into a strength long-term, he appears to have a lot of the tools needed to become a potent leadoff man in his prime. While he did not put up gaudy power numbers, the advanced metrics indicate there is power in his bat and it should develop over time. If everything clicks and he continues building on his successful debut, it will not be long before Urbina is among the best outfield prospects in baseball. Considering his age and position, it shouldn’t cost much to stash him in your minors to see what develops over the next year.
