With the first couple of months of the 2018 MLB season in the books, the chatter surrounding the top prospects in the game is beginning to pick up as they inch closer to getting the call up to the big leagues. The list of top prospects include some talented pitchers that have the potential to step right in and perform at a high level as soon as they get the opportunity. We took a look at the best options available to determine which pitchers have the highest stock from a fantasy perspective. Here is a look at the five best fantasy pitching prospects right now.
Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals (RHP)
Flaherty’s stock is on the rise following another dominating outing at Triple-A Memphis. The young right-hander struck out 13 hitters over just 6.2 innings of work and allowed only two runs in the process. Flaherty’s strikeout ability is a big reason that both the Cardinals and fantasy managers are so high on him right now. With a 2.27 ERA and 41 strikeouts compared to just seven walks through five starts, the hype surrounding Flaherty is definitely real.
Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox (RHP)
Kopech has struggled over his last two minor league starts but that won’t detract all that much from his overall potential once he gets the call. The 22-year-old has elite stuff and even though the White Sox said they don’t want to rush him he should be in the majors at some point this summer. The fact that Chicago is terrible this season might hurt his potential for wins. That said, Kopech should slide in nicely as a capable starter capable of putting up decent numbers in terms of ERA, WHIP and K/9.
Kolby Allard, Atlanta Braves (LHP)
The lone lefty to appear on this list won’t turn 21 until September but he has already shown enough to convince scouts he is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. While he isn’t overpowering, Allard has an incredible ability to locate his pitches with movement and spin a dangerous curveball in to the strike zone. While Atlanta isn’t in any rush to bring him up to the big club, we should see Allard on the Braves roster by the end of the summer.
Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals (RHP)
Another Cardinals pitching prospect to keep an eye on is Reyes, who is completing a rehab assignment right now. Reyes is another outstanding pitching prospect that should be with St. Louis as soon as he completes his rehab. While the Cardinals haven’t committed to whether he will start or come out of the bullpen just yet, Reyes should offer value regardless of where he slots in for St. Louis.
Forrest Whitley, Houston Astros (RHP)
The final name on this list to keep in mind is Whitley, who was suspended 50 games for using a banned substances before the start of the season. Despite the suspension, Whitley won’t be out much longer and he could have the opportunity to step up and contribute with the big club right away once he becomes available. It might take a little longer for Whitley to reach the majors than some of the other names on this list. That said, his eventual arrival could be worth the wait as one of the most dynamic pitching prospects in all of baseball. Don’t sleep on this 20-year-old’s potential to be fast-tracked once his suspension is complete.
