Dealing away prospects is always a fun and stressful time. How will the minor league numbers translate to the majors? Will he get his command in check before he reaches the majors? Will playing time be a concern? It’s hard to find a ‘can’t miss’ prospect and once you think you’ve gotten one, you are once again proven wrong.
The prospects listed here are players that have great talent but come with some concern, like most prospects. These players have good value right now and depending on the needs you have in your league; it might be in your best interest to trade them.
Top Dynasty Prospects to Trade Now
It’s hard to imagine moving a prospect that has been compared to Aaron Judge (mainly based on his physical size), let alone a top-15 overall prospect. Oh, and he can steal bases. James Wood could be a 30-home run hitter with the potential to also steal 30 bases. It all sounds great so far but what also could be over 30 is his strikeout rate. His strikeout rate was much better in 2022 with a low 20% but that increased to a low 30% in 2023 between two minor league levels. He finished last season in Double-A and will most likely start the 2024 season in Triple-A; a promotion to the majors seems very likely this season.
Wood is a top prospect with a lot of buzz around him right now. While the strikeout rate is concerning, he could still bring you some good value in a trade.
Mick Abel is a solid pitching prospect with a great minor-league career K/9 percentage over 11. His command is concerning with his walk rate increasing from 4.15 in 2022 to 5.16 in 2023 (both seasons were split between two minor league levels).
He has been invited to spring training so one can hope he shows his strikeout rate rather than the walk rate. Unless the Philadelphia Phillies have injury problems, I wouldn’t expect to see Abel until mid or late season, most likely as a spot starter or bullpen help.
He is only 22 and the control issues could be fixed but even the littlest ‘fix’ sometimes messes with the strikeout rate. If that happened, then what do we have? Of course, it’s all a guessing game but I would see what I could get out of Abel before the season starts.
I originally had no intention of putting Kyle Manzardo on this list. However, I’m always suspicious when the Tampa Bay Rays trade away a top prospect. Manzardo looked impressive in the Arizona Fall League. If he starts off hot in spring training, his value will continue to grow. His batting average dropped from .327 to .236 between 2022 and 2023, which isn’t great, but his extra-base hits remained about the same. Strikeouts are not a main concern with Manzardo; the last two seasons had him in the lower 20% strikeout rate. You won’t get any stolen bases and his glove doesn’t create any buzz. He will be a designated hitter or first baseman when he reaches the minors. If he struggles at the beginning of the season, the buzz surrounding him will drop and dynasty enthusiasts will turn their eyes elsewhere. Trade him now.
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