Top 40 Fantasy Prospects for 2020
By Michael Richards
There are several different outcomes I have noticed over the years when it comes to players getting their first extended look at the highest level. There are going to be those who look amazing for the entirety of the shortened season, and others who will never seem to get it going. A lot of the pitchers are not going to have time to adjust to hitters they have never faced before. Some hitters simply will not have enough time to deal with any prolonged slumps or an untimely IL stint. The only thing I can say for certain is there will be a wide range of outcomes.
When considering which prospects to roster in re-draft leagues, I tend to give the edge to players with the higher upside in all phases of my prospect evaluation. I can appreciate that hitters like Jake Fraley, Sam Hilliard and Austin Hays are in the Major Leagues and likely to see playing-time. I would classify players like them as replacement level in fantasy baseball. It should not be difficult to find players who can match their production available throughout the season. I would rather draft someone like Dustin May, Nate Pearson or Spencer Howard in case they fall into a dream role, even if that means waiting on them. Simply put, I believe they are better baseball players with higher fantasy upside. I am shooting for upside if I am taking a prospect in the later rounds of re-draft leagues more often than not. If you have a fantasy team capable of competing for a championship, it is going to take a special performance from a prospect to remain a viable option on your team.
1. Luis Robert, OF, White Sox
He is the only prospect currently being drafted inside the top 100 in mixed leagues due to his potent power/speed blend. The tooled-up Cuban has some swing-and-miss concerns and the potential he is relegated to hitting near the bottom of the lineup. That said, the stolen base potential gives him some lead way with the bat. If he’s able to hit his way into a premium lineup spot, he is the type of prospect that could win many leagues for managers.
2. Gavin Lux, 2B, Dodgers
His hit tool makes him one of the most likely prospects to help fantasy teams, although a platoon and spot at the bottom of the lineup is going to limit his upside this year. Still, hitting in a potent lineup and playing a key middle infield position, he could potentially be a value pick in re-draft leagues. I would not overreact to the news he won’t break camp with the team. If anything, it will lower his draft day price, potentially making him an even better late-round target.
3. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Athletics
The questions surrounding his return to the rotation should lower his draft day price and I for one will be happy to scoop him up at a discount. The pitcher friendly ballpark adds to his appeal and I feel comfortable saying you are going to want him once he enters the rotation. If stashing him for a couple weeks while he builds up his innings is the price to pay, I can live with that over letting someone else own him.
4. Nate Pearson, RHP, Blue Jays
Blessed with one of the best fastballs in professional baseball at any level, he can hit 100-mph with movement. It is expected he is kept off the main roster for a couple weeks due to service time considerations. That decision gives fantasy owners an opportunity to land a difference maker at a bargain. A well-timed late round pick and a couple weeks of patience would be my recommendation over waiting until he is promoted.
5. Dustin May, RHP, Dodgers
His role in long-relief to begin the season keeps his upside in check for the moment, although I expect him to be highly effective when he pitches. If injuries or ineffectiveness strike the starting rotation, May is going to be a must-add. Considering his draft day price is already reasonable, I would recommend selecting him late, use him for the help with ratios and strikeouts in a multi-inning role, and hope he becomes a difference making starter down the stretch.
6. Dylan Carlson, OF, Cardinals
Had a breakout season in the Minor Leagues last year, ending up in Triple-A. St. Louis has one of the best run organizations so I would expect them to get the most out of Carlson. Since they have passable depth in the outfield, he will need to show the organization he is ready before they throw him in the fire. The uncertainty of his role ultimately prevents him from being higher on this list right now. If given every day at-bats, I would expect Carlson to be in the running for Rookie of the Year.
7. Nick Solak, 2B/3B/OF, Rangers
Projected to be the starting left-fielder for Texas until moving into a super-utility role when Willie Calhoun is deemed healthy. Showed a tremendous amount of power last season, slugging 32 homers between Triple-A and the Majors. His positional flexibility, offensively tilted home-park, solid-hit tool and decent speed make him an intriguing selection this year.
8. Carter Kieboom, 3B, Nationals
Announced as the primary third baseman to begin the season for the Nationals. He could have 2B and/or SS eligibility in some leagues, which is obviously helpful with roster flexibility. He has an above-average hit tool with power upside. He is available late in drafts and would be a solid target with one of your last picks. The Nationals have shown the willingness to let their elite prospects learn on the job, so I would expect he keeps his role unless he is epically overmatched.
9. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pirates
Coming off an atrocious statistical season in his first taste of big-league action, there are plenty of people who have cooled off on Keller. The advanced metrics indicate he pitched much better than the results. With a history of good command in the Minor Leagues, I think we will get our first glimpse of the real Keller this season. Like most young pitchers, he will have some bad matchups and off-nights, but I suspect he’ll be looked at in a different light entering next season.
10. Spencer Howard, RHP, Phillies
Broke out last season and appears on the verge of becoming a long-term rotation option in Philadelphia. With improved command and the possibility of three plus pitches, he flashes the upside of a borderline ace down the line. With the GM mentioning him as an option for the rotation soon, I would recommend using a late-round pick and stashing him, if your bench is deep enough to allow such moves.
11. Jose Urquidy, RHP, Astros
12. Sean Murphy, C, Athletics
13. Evan White, 1B, Mariners
14. Jo Adell, OF, Angels
15. Nick Madrigal, 2B, White Sox
16. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Padres
17. Sam Hilliard, OF, Rockies
18. Brendan McKay, LHP/DH, Rays
19. Alec Bohm, 3B, Phillies
20. Brendan Rodgers, 2B, Rockies
21. Kyle Lewis, OF, Mariners
22. Luis Patino, RHP, Padres
23. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Astros
24. Clarke Schmidt, RHP, Yankees
25. Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs
26. Mauricio Dubon, 2B/SS, Giants
27. Kevin Cron, 1B/3B, Diamondbacks
28. Casey Mize, RHP, Tigers
29. Austin Hays, OF, Orioles
30. Matt Manning, RHP, Tigers
31. Shogo Akiyama, OF, Reds
32. Monte Harrison, OF, Marlins
33. Hunter Harvey, RHP, Orioles
34. Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Dodgers
35. Kyle Wright, RHP, Braves
36. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Orioles
37. Jake Fraley, OF, Mariners
38. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates
39. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Marlins
40. Daulton Varsho, C/OF, Diamondbacks
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Top 40 Fantasy Prospects for 2020
