Fantasy Baseball Prospect Watch Week 17

Welcome to Fantasy Baseball Prospect Watch! This weekly feature will list and give updates on the best minor-league prospects that are trending up, with a chance to make an impact in the MLB – and for your fantasy teams – sooner rather than later.

Fantasy Baseball Prospect Watch Week 17 C Bo Naylor , Cleveland Guardians Naylor has already cemented himself as one of the best defensive catchers in the minors. Entering the season there were questions as to whether he would make the offensive adjustments needed, as he struggled mightily, striking out 35.7% of the time. Fast-forward to now and the adjustments are noticeable, and this has led to him slashing .271/.427/.471 (AA) and .301/.433/.566 (AAA). Through both levels, Naylor currently finds himself with a 27.2 K%, and he has a great chance of opening the 2023 season as the Guardians everyday catcher. Looking at Naylor’s production from a fantasy standpoint there is no question he possesses great bat speed and raw power. He currently has 10 home runs on the season and should end the season surpassing his career-best total of 11 set in 2019. It is realistic to expect rough patches once he reaches the Majors, but he could be a value from a fantasy position that lacks real depth. Fantasy owners should be able to grab him later in drafts, or off waivers, and Naylor could provide solid production in the 2023 season. Considering Guardians catchers are currently hitting a combined .181/.266/.276 with six home runs, Naylor has every opportunity to lock down the starting catcher job next Spring Training.

OF Corbin Carroll , Arizona Diamondbacks Carroll currently sits as Arizona’s top prospect, and the number two prospect in MLB. He was considered one of the best hitters in the 2019 draft class given his advanced approach, quick hands and some of the best speed available. Since his minor league debut Carroll has not disappointed, and through three levels (Rookie, AA, AAA) he has slashed .312/.440/.647 with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He will come close to a 30/30 season this year, and he could be destined for perennial 25/25 seasons when he reaches the Majors. The speedy outfielder should carry attention in next season’s drafts, and he is a player all fantasy owners should pay attention to. Assuming he wins a starting job out of Spring Training, he will start hitting toward the bottom of the order, but it will not be long before he is hitting one or two in the Diamondbacks order. Keep in mind that he will not only provide a healthy average, but also will hit for power and steal a high number of bases.

RHP Cade Cavalli , Washington Nationals The Nationals top prospect has a chance to see the Majors by the end of this season. However, fantasy owners may have to wait until next season to see Cavalli get used to Major League hitters. 2021 was his breakout season that saw him strike out 175 hitters through 123.1 innings of work. He only walked 11.5% of batters he faced and has a lower rate (9.6%) this season. His strikeouts (77 in 76 IP) are not as plentiful as last season, but this is his first full season facing Major League-ready hitters for a season’s entirety. On the mound, Cavalli consistently hits high-90s with his fastball, and reaches triple digits. His curveball and slider are plus pitches that generate swings-and-misses. There is no question Cavalli will be a high-strikeout pitcher in the Majors, and he will be a hot commodity heading into the 2023 season.

RHP Louie Varland , Minnesota Twins Heading into next year’s Spring Training, Louie Varland has a great chance of breaking camp with a rotation spot. Dylan Bundy and Chris Archer are both free agents after the season, and it is unlikely either of them has pitched their way into extensions. Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan have cemented themselves on top of the Twins' rotation, and that leaves Varland every chance to start the 2023 season in Minnesota. This season, through 17 starts, the young righty has pitched well, accumulating 108 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched. His 9.1% walk rate is more than respectable, but he has shown a tendency to give up hits, surrendering nearly one per inning pitched. He consistently sits in the mid-90s with his fastball, and touches 98 MPH. He has developed his slider into a capable secondary pitch, but his fading changeup has been his go-to when he is ahead in the count. Maneuvering the strike zone and not leaving pitches out over the plate will be his focus as this season ends. If the Twins decide to start Varland in Triple A next season, it should not be long before he is called up. Fantasy owners needs to remember Varland’s name heading into 2023 because he could be a sneaky addition with decent upside when he finds himself in Minnesota’s rotation.

Fantasy Baseball Prospect Watch Week 17

Fantasy Baseball Prospect Watch Week 17

C Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians

Subscribe Now

Player News