Dynasty Outlook: Prospects I’m Targeting

Dynasties are always a great time for a dedicated fantasy player. Personally its my favorite format and the format I spend the most time discussing and thinking about. The best part about dynasty leagues over a traditional redraft or keeper league, is that in a dynasty you increase your player pool as you take an invested interest into the prospects playing in the minor leagues. Theres no greater feeling than trying to do some “scouting” to find the next Trout, Kershaw, Betts, or Bonds and then hitting on that player. If you currently do not have any dynasty leagues, I highly suggestion going out on the limb and trying one! To try to help those who currently play in dynasty leagues or take interest in the up and comers, here is a list of prospects that I’m targeting in the minors on all of my dynasty teams. Some of them are widely owned already and would need a trade to acquire, while others may be free for pickup in many leagues, but all have been off to hot starts making me want to add them wherever I can. No matter the route you take to obtain them, these are the guys you want to invest in.

They are listed in the order in which I would like to add them to my teams (most of these guys are owned across all my dynasty teams). All stats were pulled from MLB.com as of 4/28/19.

1. Ryan Weathers LHP SD

Age: 19 Level: A
2019 Statline: 24.2 IP/1.82 ERA/ .97 WHIP/ 31:3 K/BB/ .233 AVG

Weathers has been off to an incredible start to the 2019 season, adding another talented player to an already stocked Padres system. Weathers has 2 plus pitches and has been spending this season developing a slider that he can use as his strikeout pitch. His stuff has been playing very well in Single-A and could see a promotion to a higher level very soon. So far this season he has seen a constant uptick in his velocity seeing his fastball hit 95–96 MPH. The slider has resulted in an uptick in strikeouts to this point as he’s seen his K rate go from 8.8 to 11.1 per 9. I see Weathers as being a top 30 pitcher when he hits the big leagues and I want to add him now before anyone else realizes his potential.

2. Carter Kieboom SS WSH

Age: 21 Level: MLB
2019 Statline:
(Minors) .379 AVG/.506 OBP/ 3 HRs/ 18 RBI/ 1 SB/16:20 BB/K
(Majors) .250 AVG/ .308 OBP/ 2 HRs/ 2 RBI/ 0 SB/ 1:5 BB/K

Kieboom is in an interesting spot. Kieboom was just called up to the majors on Friday and had a nice start to his major league career. He has hit 2 HRs over the weekend, but has also struck out 5 times in 12 At bats. Kieboom should be a guy who is already universally owned and generally the worst time to acquire a prospect is right when they are promoted, which is why he is number 2 on my list. Kieboom has been linked to a Tulowitzki profile, but I think he has the potential to be a top 5 SS long term and has more power potential than what Tulo had. Kieboom could see an increase in his value if he shifts to 2B long term, with the Nationals already having Trea Turner at SS. If he makes this move Kieboom is top 3 2B for me long term. While this is never the ideal time to try and trade for a prospect, this may be the lowest his value will ever be.

3. Drew Waters OF ATL

Age: 20 Level: AA
2019 Statline: .300 AVG/ .351 OBP/ 2 HRs/ 9 RBI/ 1 SB/ 7:28 BB/K

Waters could be a yearly 20/20 guy. He has plus speed and has seen his power numbers increase in the minors. He is a switch hitter which will hopefully cement him in the lineup when he finally gets the call. Waters is currently being overshadowed by fellow Braves prospect Cristian Pache, but I think Waters will be the much more impactful fantasy asset of the two.

4. Nate Pearson RHP TOR

Age: 22 Level: High A
2019 Statline: 19 IP/0.95 ERA/0.63 WHIP/30:2 K/BB/.152 AVG

Pearson has been incredible so far this year and it was a long time coming. Many were excited about the abilities of Pearson last season as he can hit over 100 mph on the radar gun, but his season was cut short due to a fractured forearm. Pearson has everything I am looking for in a pitcher. High velocity, good command numbers, and a great K/BB percentage. Pearson has the makings to be a dominate ace. His downside, follow in Alroldis Chapman’s footsteps and become a dominate closer. While all prospects can potentially bust, I see little downside with Pearson.

5. Brusdar Graterol RHP MIN

Age:20 Level: AA
2019 Statline: 27.1 IP/ 2.30 ERA/ 1.02 WHIP/ 28:12 K/BB/ .168 AVG

Graterol has an extremely similar profile to Pearson. He is a hard thrower who can reach 100 mph on the gun. The difference between the two however, is that Graterol has shown this ability against tougher competition. While I think Pearson has the higher ceiling than Graterol, I think Graterol could become a top 25 pitcher in the big leagues. There is always a fear of injury with these types of pitchers, but with Graterol and Pearson both being in their 20’s its nice to seem this producing at this level. My biggest concern with Graterol is that he’s a Twin. If you have read my Twins season preview, you know I am not against the Twins. But when it comes to prospects, they never seem to have great success at developing them. Hopefully Graterol is the exception and I will always pick talent over team abilities, but I would be lying if it didn’t give me pause when considering Graterol.

6. Cole Winn RHP TEX

Age: 19 Level: Rookie
2019 Statline: Has not pitched yet

Even though Winn has yet to pitch this year he is someone I wanted to include as I think he’s being under appreciated around the fantasy community. When looking at the Texas Rangers system, outside of there top 5, there isn’t a lot to be excited about. Many spend time rightfully focusing on Hans Crouse, but people often skip over Winn. Winn possesses 2 above average pitches with his fastball and curveball. But he also possesses a slider that could give him a 3 deadly option. If the slider continues to develop he could be a top 35 pitcher. While pitching in Texas is never a fantasy pitchers dream, there is plenty of time to sort that out later. If his stuff hits, it will play anywhere.

7. Josh Naylor 1B/OF SD

Age: 21 Level: AAA
2019 Statline: .300 AVG/ .393 OBP/ 7 HRs/ 22 RBI/ 0 SB/ 16:14 BB/K

Naylor has had an up and down path in the minors to this point, but has been standing out in a loaded Padres system to this point. He has shown more pop in his bat lately, after hitting 17 homers last year in AA and so far has 7 on the year in AAA. The thing that has me the most excited in the BB/K ratio. Anytime a batter is sitting at a 1:1 ratio or higher it gives you cause for optimism. Naylor has improved his plate discipline to this point this season and its resulting in him hitting for a higher average and hitting more balls out of the park. All signs are pointing up for Naylor and while many have fallen off his fanbase, this is the time to buy back in. Naylor has potential to be a top 8 1B, as the first base prospect pool is lacking.

8. Julio Rodriguez OF SEA

Age: 18 Level: A
2019 Statline: .355 AVG/ .444 OBP/ 0 HRs/ 3 RBI/ 0 SB/ 4:5 BB/K

Rodriguez started this year with a bang. Coming out and hitting for a .355 average and having a good BB/K ratio. Unfortunately, Rodriguez suffered a fractured left hand early this season which is never a good thing for a hitter to have to face. This can often lead to hitters taking awhile to redevelop their power. While we hate to see injury and would love to watch this kid play, this is the perfect opportunity to buy. A young kid, facing an injury, and hasn’t shown any power numbers yet could make people not realize what they have if they own Rodriguez. He should be available on waivers in a lot of dynasty leagues, depending on how many prospects your league rosters. While you are going to have to wait for Rodriguez to reach the show and you need to pay attention to how he comes back after the injury, this is someone who could be jumping into top 100 prospect rankings as soon as next year.

If any of these players are available in your league or you can talk someone into trading to you, this is a move you need to make immediately before it is too late. While there are many more prospects that have me intrigued and excited, these are the guys producing right now who you want to try to buy before people realize what they have. One last thing I want to leave you with is some tips on how to evaluate prospects, so that you can be looking for the telling signs of who are the next potential breakouts.

• Look for pitchers to have at least 2 above average pitches and either a league average 3rd pitch or developing a 3rd pitch.
• Pitchers with big arms who can hit 95–100 always have my interest. But know there is always an increased threat of injury with these types.
• Hitters who show good plate discipline across multiple levels of the minors.
• Don’t be afraid to wait on prospects. Some refuse to wait 3–4 years for a prospect develop, but sometimes to get the next best thing you need to get on board early.
• If a player struggles when transitioning to a new level do not let that scare you off of them. Give them time to make adjustments before doing something drastic.
• AA numbers are intriguing as this generally seems to be where higher tier prospects are located resulting in tougher competition.