It’s time to dive into the prospects from around “The Show.”
A rash of injuries has taken over the league – including numerous high-profile names – resulting in some MLB youngsters being thrust into action.
Our weekly prospect report will focus primarily on those who just got the call.
All stats are accurate as of Wednesday morning on April 12.
Fantasy Baseball Week 3 Prospect Report
Drey Jameson (SP/RP – ARI)
We speculated last week that it wouldn’t be long until Drey Jameson entered the starting rotation after doing a good job out of the bullpen – including notching a save. And that happened this week, as Zach Davies was injured in his last start.
Now, Jameson will have to perform, as Brandon Pfaadt is biding his time in Triple-A. However, the young righty should get every opportunity to hold down a short and long-term rotation spot.
Edouard Julien (2B – MIN)
Edouard Julien is a player I’ve been all-in on since last year, hoping he would break camp with the team. With the injury to Joey Gallo, Minnesota opted to bring up its No. 4 prospect to fill the void of the slugger.
Here’s what I wrote about Julien for The Athletic during the offseason:
“He slashed .300/.441/.490 with 17 home runs, 19 steals and 144 Runs+RBIs last season in Double-A. That came with a – get this – 19.3 BB% at Double-A. Oh, that’s after he posted a 21.9 BB% at two levels in 2021.
The on-base skills are elite, and while being without a true defensive position (second base, left field or designated hitter seem most likely) can limit him, I have no doubt about his ability to contribute the day he gets called up.”
His defense isn’t great at all, but if he hits, he’ll stay in the Big Leagues and the lineup.
Taj Bradley (SP -ARI)
Zach Eflin has been good for the Rays so far, as he was a sleeper many hoped would click in Tampa. Alas, the injury issues – something Eflin has always had – have popped up again for him. With that, the Rays have called up top prospect Taj Bradley, who is one of the top pitching prospects in the game.
It’s exciting because, well, the Rays are good. Yet, we should also have pause with pitching prospects – even the elite ones like Grayson Rodriguez struggle. Plus, it might be a one-and-done for Bradley.
Brett Baty (3B – NYM)
Brett Baty didn’t get the call – yet. And yes, “yet” is the keyword here. He’s slashing .391/.481/.870 with three home runs in six Triple-A games. The Mets are No. 22 in the league in team wRC+. They can’t hold him down for long.
Nolan Jones (3B/OF – COL)
The Rockies are hard to trust. When they sent Nolan Jones to the Minors after Spring Training, many said, “LOL, Rockies” yet again. However, they have called him up now, and they’ll hopefully play him semiregularly to see if he can carry over his hot start in the Minors.
The strikeouts are a big issue for Jones, and he has the profile of a player who will be super hot or cold. Although, to say I’m not intrigued in deeper leagues to see how his power plays in Coors Field would be a lie.
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.