Three weeks in to the 2017 MLB season and there are still plenty of question marks about when we will get our first looks at the top prospects around the majors. While the majority of big league clubs can afford to be patient, fantasy baseball managers might have to be a little more aggressive if they want to have some of the top prospects on their roster when they get their shot. Here is a look at the top MLB prospects to keep an eye on for fantasy purposes.
2B: Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
The No. 1 overall prospect in baseball will might already be owned in your fantasy baseball league. If he is still available, you might want to grab him now before it is too late. Moncada hit .317 for the White Sox this spring and has continued to produce in the minors where he has hit .314 with four home runs and four steals in 13 games at Triple-A Charlotte. It is only a matter of time before the White Sox decide he is ready and give him the call to join the big club.
The White Sox are currently in first place, so it’s unclear whether they’ll let Moncada develop or bring him up to the Major League team.
1B/OF: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bellinger is one of the most dangerous power hitters in the minor leagues right now. His elite raw power and mature approach has scouts convinced he can make an immediate impact in the majors right now. However, the Dodgers are absolutely loaded on offense so they don’t have much reason to call on their top prospect right now. Bellinger has hit .352 with five home runs, four doubles and 14 RBI through 14 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot at the major league level. However, you might want to wait until Los Angeles gives some indication they are close to calling him up before grabbing him off the wire.
OF: Lewis Brinson, Milwaukee Brewers
A dislocated pinkie forced Brinson to miss some time in the minors early on this year. However, he has gone 10-for-29 with a pair of home runs since making his return. Brinson’s combination of power and speed makes him a very intriguing hitting prospect. Factor in that the Brewers could use a bat like his at some point in the near future and it’s clear Brinson is worth keeping a close eye on in fantasy baseball leagues right now.
2B: Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
Brandon Phillips has played at a very high level for the Braves so far this season. That could mean it will take a little longer before Atlanta calls on Albies. The 20-year-old has certainly done his part early on this year as he has recorded eight extra-base hits and six steals. He’s hit safely in 13 straight games for Gwinnett. Albies has an intriguing blend of speed and maturity but the Braves can afford to be patient before calling on him this season.
The Braves are currently in last place in the National League East with a record of 8-12. It doesn’t look like they’ll be a playoff contender. With that in mind, except to start hearing Albies name buzzing around the All-Star break. They’ll be trying to find a way to get him in the lineup.
SP: Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
In addition to Moncada, it should be only a matter of time before Giolito gets the call to the White Sox. The 22-year-old righty has shown improvement in each of his first three starts for Triple-A Charlotte. However, he still needs to improve his command issues and efficiency before Chicago will ask him to pitch in the majors. There is no doubt that Giolito has some electric stuff. However, until he proves he can put up quality numbers on a consistent basis it makes more sense to simply monitor his progression and wait for him to prove he belongs with the White Sox and on your fantasy roster.
The MLB season is in full swing, so if you’re looking at betting lines, in-game betting and World Series futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI!
