As the 2024 baseball season kicks off, it's important to recognize that not every prospect we hoped to see on the Opening Day roster made the cut. However, the landscape of the roster can shift rapidly. Just three weeks ago, the thought of Cam Smith joining the Astros as a right fielder seemed far-fetched. This illustrates that rosters are dynamic; players not included on Day 1 might soon make their mark. This article explores the value of stashing prospects, especially in leagues with limited options, as a little speculation can yield significant rewards.
It's worth noting that this discussion focuses solely on players who meet the technical definition of a prospect. This excludes individuals like Zebby Matthews, Evan Carter, and Noelvi Marte, who, despite being in the minor leagues, possess too much major league experience to qualify. Interestingly, even if Marte were eligible, I doubt he would rank within the top twelve prospects discussed here.
While I believe Andrew Painter to be the premier pitching prospect with a clear path for promotion later in the season, I've opted to exclude him from this discussion. Stashing a player for 2-3 months in a redraft league can be a challenging strategy. The prospects listed here might not all see action quickly, but they each have potential. If you prefer to keep Painter over the players ranked 2-12, that’s a decision I can understand.
2024 minors stats: .291 BA (454 AB), 18 HR, 21 SB, .894 OPS, 79 BB, 127 K
Despite Kristian Campbell securing a major-league job, Roman Anthony remains the more highly regarded prospect. After battling an illness during spring training, Anthony showcased impressive numbers, hitting .353 with a 1.022 OPS in the latter half of the Triple-A season. Unfortunately, the Red Sox have numerous capable alternatives, but this could change quickly due to injuries or performance issues.
2024 minors stats: 10-7, 3.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 119 2/3 IP, 41 BB, 148 K
Bubba Chandler has emerged as a top-five pitching prospect, thanks to significant improvements in control over the past year. While his spring training appearances were limited, he is on the verge of a major-league debut. With the Pirates' rotation facing injuries, Chandler's call-up seems imminent, provided he maintains his performance during the buildup phase.
2024 minors stats: 8-5, 2.76 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 143 1/3 IP, 49 BB, 202 K
After an impressive spring training with no earned runs to his name, Quinn Mathews has positioned himself well for a major-league opportunity. His velocity gains have translated into strikeouts, and while he faces competition from players like Michael McGreevy and Steven Matz, Mathews' talent could push him into the rotation sooner rather than later.
2024 minors stats: .258 BA (233 AB), 11 HR, 21 SB, .805 OPS, 30 BB, 67 K
Zac Veen nearly made the roster during spring training, performing better than some of his peers. With the Rockies potentially manipulating service time, expect Veen to make his way to the majors shortly, especially if current placeholders struggle. His speed and hitting ability could translate well in Coors Field.
2024 minors stats: .318 BA (85 AB), 2 HR, 6 SB, .900 OPS, 14 BB, 23 K
Having been on this list for two consecutive years, Jordan Lawlar remains a strong contender for a major-league role. Despite injuries and competition from Geraldo Perdomo, Lawlar's readiness makes him a prime candidate to step in if an injury arises among the Diamondbacks’ infield.
2024 minors stats: .271 BA (420 AB), 26 HR, .896 OPS, 64 BB, 103 K
Dalton Rushing could find himself in a hybrid role, contributing both at catcher and in the outfield. With the Dodgers recognizing the need for depth at the catcher position, Rushing’s rise could be accelerated, especially if Will Smith requires more rest due to injury.
2024 minors stats: .241 BA (116 AB), 2 HR, .690 OPS, 7 BB, 26 K
Surprising many during spring training, Jac Caglianone showcased impressive hitting skills, achieving a .500 batting average. Although a clear path to the majors is currently blocked, the Royals may experiment with him in the outfield, opening up potential opportunities.
2024 minors stats: .307 BA (300 AB), 8 HR, 13 SB, .850 OPS, 30 BB, 66 K
As the original standout from the Red Sox’s prospect lineup, Marcelo Mayer demonstrated his capabilities in spring training with an impressive .333 batting average. While he may not have the same ceiling as others, his readiness makes him an asset, especially if an injury occurs within the infield.
2024 minors stats: .368 BA (38 AB), 4 HR, 1.283 OPS, 12 BB, 10 K
After a stellar performance in his brief time in the minors, Nick Kurtz has been promoted to Triple-A. His ability to hit for power and average could help him quickly transition to the majors, depending on how the Athletics manage their roster moving forward.
2024 minors stats: .293 BA (358 AB), 25 HR, .964 OPS, 42 BB, 102 K
Coby Mayo struggled during his major-league trial, raising questions about his readiness. Despite a strong Triple-A track record, his recent performance may delay his call-up, but he remains a valuable asset for the Orioles as they navigate their roster decisions.
2024 minors stats: .347 BA (101 AB), 6 HR, 2 SB, .984 OPS, 9 BB, 29 K
After a solid performance in the minors, Christian Moore faced scrutiny during spring training, struggling with strikeouts. Though his tools are promising, he may require more development before taking on a significant role in the majors.
2024 minors stats: .267 BA (476 AB), 25 HR, 22 SB, .845 OPS, 61 BB, 102 K
Despite a productive year in the minors, Agustin Ramirez is still working to establish himself within the Marlins' system. His power and speed make him an intriguing prospect, though his major-league readiness is still being evaluated.
In conclusion, these twelve prospects represent a mix of talent and potential for the 2024 season. While some might not break into the majors immediately, their time will come, and being aware of them can enhance your fantasy league strategy.
