The 2017 rookie class will not offer you much in terms of pitching prospects but when it comes to hitting they are about as good as it gets. While it isn’t always easy to hit on top prospects there are some intriguing talents that should be locks to perform at a high level this coming season. Here is a look at the top prospects that could breakout as fantasy star players in 2017.
OF: Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox
Baseball’s top prospect flashed glimpses of his immense potential a year ago when he hit .295 in 34 games with Boston. The Red Sox have some big shoes to fill in their lineup this year with David Ortiz retiring and some signs point towards Benintendi getting every opportunity to showcase his skill set from the start. Benintendi has 20-20 potential and should benefit from the skill around him in one as an important piece in one of them most dangerous offenses in the majors in 2017. He has major upside as he plays for one of the best teams in baseball with one of the best batting lineups. He could be a fantasy stud this year.
SS: Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves
The top pick from the 2015 draft hit .302 in 38 contests in the majors a year ago and is primed for a productive season in Atlanta. He won’t have the same talent around him as Benintendi will in Boston but Swanson should get plenty of at-bats as one of the most talented hitters in the Braves lineup. Swanson can provide a solid average with gap power and some steals. The fact that he is available at a shortstop position that isn’t very deep in terms of relative talent in fantasy baseball leagues could make him even more valuable this coming season.
3B: Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox wasted little time addressing a potential roadblock to Moncada starting at third base this season when they unexpectedly released Brett Lawrie. The main piece in the trade that sent Chris Sale to the Red Sox might need a little time in Triple-A but he isn’t expected to stay there long with Tyler Saladino and Yolmer Sanchez holding down the fort in the meantime. Moncada has elite potential and even if he starts the year in the minors he could end up contending with the two players ahead of him on this list in terms of home runs and steals this season.
1B/OF: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh paid Bell a $5 million bonus as a second round pick in 2011 for a reason and while he is still working his way back from February knee surgery, he is expected to be ready for Opening Day. The star prospect has the potential to hit .280 with 20 home runs in his rookie season while developing his power as a switch-hitter. Bell has tremendous potential and we should see flashes of it throughout the 2017 season. The Pirates could use a little bit of pop in the order, so look for them to give Bell every opportunity to succeed this year.
OF: Manuel Margot, San Diego Padres
The Padres acquired Margot as a key piece in the trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to Boston. Margot isn’t a power hitter, so you don’t have to worry about the fact that he plays at Petco Park. Instead, count on Margot to be a consistent contributor at the plate with a solid average, runs, RBI and immense steal potential. Remember that the Padres need help with their offense, so having a piece that can generate runs is very valuable to them. They’re also a team in the middle of a rebuild, so they are going to be far more patient with a guy like Margot than a veteran team might be. He should be an integral part of their lineup in 2017 no matter what happens. The upside is there, though, and Margot is in the mix as a potential National League Rookie of the Year candidate. He is worth a long look in fantasy baseball leagues this season.
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