What Prospects should you stash or put on your watch list? I think I’ve got some answers for you in the second edition of 2024’s prospects to stash. We’ve got three categories: STASH NOW, which are players to put on your bench now to avoid FAAB. The second is THE NEXT WAVE, which is a group of players that will jump up the list as guys come off. You could stash them now, but it might be more of a May thing. Finally, we have a WATCHLIST. Anything could happen, but most likely, keep a close eye as the season moves on for these prospects. So, let’s dig into the names…

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Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Stash

STASH NOW

Jackson Holliday (2B, SS – BAL )

Through his first four games at Triple-A, Holliday has already produced four XBH including two home runs with six RBI. The key ingredient, his first home run came off a lefty. After four games, he is the only 20-year-old with multiple home runs. The clock is ticking and it’s only a matter of time before the Orioles decide Jorge Mateo isn’t what it’s about. Idle hands will make you wonder, so stay away from the drop button for a few weeks to see if the call-up happens soon.

Paul Skenes (SP – PIT )

After three no-hit innings and striking out five, we all ask the collective question, “What’s it going to take for the Pirates to call Skenes up?” Well, the answer probably has something to do about contract control. Pay attention to the super-two date, and that’s probably around the time he miraculously will be ready for the bigs. Like Holliday, he will dominate FAAB, so hold through April if you can.

James Wood (OF – WAS )

We almost saw Wood break camp with the team. What has been proven, is he is the first man up. Wood picked up four hits in his first 10 at-bats. After striking out three times in the first game, he followed up the next two without a punch out. The Nationals are getting by with their group of NRFI outfielders, but I wouldn’t be surprised if May rolls around and Wood is in the majors. You’ll chase him for power, and some sneaky speed. If you were looking for the next Elly “freak athlete,” that is James Wood.

Ricky Tiedemann (SP – TOR )

Tiedemann’s 2024 debut was less than eye-popping, going 2.2 innings while striking out three. He did produce a 31% WHIFF rate on 65 pitches, as well as a 34 CSW%. Tiedemann in spring was sitting 96 MPH on his fastball but was around 94 MPH in his season debut. The 65 pitches in his debut are a good sign, and if he can rattle off another good start or two, the Blue Jays may bring up. He’ll probably struggle to get to five or six, so he may be a strikeout play early on.

Heston Kjerstad (OF – BAL )

Honestly, Kjerstad shouldn’t be too long for the minors. He’s hitting over .500 in four games, has a couple of big home runs, and has only two strikeouts in 17 at-bats. The Orioles biggest problem has been a glut of riches. Like any of these players, one can affect the other as far as a call-up, but Kjerstad has already played some in the bigs. I could see them calling him up if they find more of a 1B/DH need, as Cowser probably gets the first crack at regular outfield. If you’re chasing home runs from a minor league bat, Kjerstad might be the best bet.

THE NEXT WAVE

Jack Leiter (SP – TEX )

Leiter struck out nine over five innings giving up two runs on two hits in his Triple-A debut. His fastball sat 96 and he’s finally found his consistency. The Rangers have some questions in their rotation that could give him an opportunity sooner rather than later. He would be worth streaming upon a callup.

Coby Mayo (3B – BAL )

He registered hits in three of his first four games, including a home run. He’s struck out more than the team will want, while not walking, so monitor his plate discipline. Knowing Holliday will be up first, and Westburg’s nice start, Mayo may be a little behind a call-up contrary to the statements we received in spring training. He should be near the top of the watch list.

Kyle Manzardo (1B – CLE )

It’s still a surprise that Manzardo didn’t make the team out of spring. He’ll spend some time refining his defense. We’ll also pay attention to his strikeouts, as they want him to work higher in the zone, but if that equals more strikeouts it will hold him down longer. Hold Manzardo to speculate, but if he’s not up by the end of April, it’s a guessing game. We all thought CES would be up within a month, and it took three.

Jordan Beck (OF – COL )

Beck is off to a great start in the minors hitting .357 with two home runs, a triple, and five total hits through his first four games. He’s a power/speed threat that you’d want on your fantasy team. The Rockies could look to shake things up as they’ve looked like one of the worst teams in baseball. Beck is one injury or shake-up away from being called up.

Put on Your Watchlist

• Drew Thorpe (SP – CHW )
• Chase DeLauter (OF – CLE )
• Brooks Lee (SS – MIN)
• Owen Caissie (OF – CHC )
• Carson Whisenhunt (SP – SF )

Looking for more prospects for fantasy? Follow me on Twitter @isitthewelsh and check out my fantasy prospect show “Prospect One”

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Looking for more prospects for fantasy? Follow me on Twitter @isitthewelsh and check out my fantasy prospect show “Prospect One.”