12 writers. 25 prospects. Over the last few weeks, the PitcherList staff has written up 300 different prospect-eligible players for fans to consider – either in dynasty formats, keeper leagues or redraft formats for those close to the big leagues.
However, that doesn’t mean we covered the exact top 300 prospects, or that there aren’t some hidden gems still out there for you to discover in your leagues.
Here are ten prospects in particular that I think deserve their own write-ups even though we did not select them in our mock draft. These players should be on the radar in most dynasty formats – and some of them in redraft leagues as well.
1. Cole Tucker, SS, PIT
Tucker might be the most glaring omission from our dynasty draft. Coming in at No. 83 on Fangraphs’ Top 100 list, Tucker possesses an elite glove and game-changing speed, as evidenced by his 35 stolen bases at Double-A last season and his 47 in 2017.
He has a solid, contact-oriented approach at the plate with low strikeout totals and a decent eye. His power hasn’t developed yet, but at 6 feet 4 inches and 185 pounds, he could easily grow into his frame and post 15/30-type seasons for the next decade while manning the six-hole for the Pirates.
That absolutely makes him worth a look in nearly all dynasty formats, and he’s an oversight on our part.
2. Yu Chang, SS, CLE
Outside of Tucker, Chang is probably the player I’m personally most surprised was still around. Fangraphs has him as their 103rd-ranked prospect, labeling him as a bat-first infielder. Indeed he has posted wRC+’s of 117, 110 and 109 in each of the last three years, with 50 home runs and 26 steals combined.
He has nice pop in his bat, but generates a lot of topspin which tends to kill his fly balls in the air. He could see time in Cleveland this season, particularly now that Yandy Diaz has been dealt to the Rays. Expect a future as a utility infielder with plus pop who could serve as an adequate regular if needed.
3. Ty Buttrey, RHP, LAA
It all depends on how your dynasty league is set up, but Angels’ closer Ty Buttrey is one of the most surefire closers who still has prospect eligibility. Buttrey earned four saves down the stretch after coming to the Angels last season, recording a 11.02 K/9 and a 3.31 ERA with a 1.63 FIP and a 2.67 SIERA. That was thanks to a very nice three-pitch mix, including a fastball and a plus changeup, not to mention his tight slider (seen below).
He is likely going to be LA’s closer again next season, making him useful not only in dynasty leagues but in redraft formats as well.
4. Jonathan Ornelas, SS, TEX
Ornelas isn’t ranked super high on most prospect lists, but there is a reason he drew Javier Baez comparisons coming out of high school last year. A third round pick by Texas, Ornelas swiped 15 bases and hit three home runs in rookie ball with a very nice .302/.389/.459 slash line.
Scouts love his incredible bat speed and quick hands, but his funky hitting mechanics could expose him at the higher levels. However, if he makes some adjustments, we could be looking at a future All-Star middle infielder. He’s a big risk, but one worth taking in certain formats.
5. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF, CWS
Basabe recently suffered a hand injury that will hamper him throughout spring training, which is a bummer because he is a fun player to watch. His disappointing 2017 season is a thing of the past, as the toolsy outfielder proved he has what it takes to be an everyday regular.
He hit 15 home runs and swiped 16 bases between High-A and Double-A last year, and although his strikeout numbers are a bit concerning he boasts a swing trajectory that points to some serious raw power. The 22-year-old is worth a look in dynasty formats, and could reach the big leagues as soon as 2020.
6. Anthony Seigler, C, NYY
Seigler got a lot of hype as a switch-pitcher (you read that right) who got up into the high-80s with both arms. People often forget he’s also a very athletic catching prospect, and a switch-hitter with gap power that could easily grow into over-the-fence pop as he fills out.
The Yankees made him a first rounder last season, and he posted a 14.7% walk rate and a 12.6% strikeout rate in 24 games at rookie ball. He’s a long ways away from the big leagues, but he has drawn comparisons to Francisco Mejia. Catching prospects are inherently risky, but his athleticism should allow him to stick behind the plate, making him a worthwhile gamble in dynasty leagues.
7. Peter Lambert, RHP, COL
I get it, a Rockies pitching prospect probably seems like an easy one to avoid. But Lambert has a very exciting four-pitch mix that features a heavy fastball and a very nice changeup, along with a loopy curveball and an average slider that could flash plus, or could be converted into a cutter to complete his arsenal.
Lambert also features an easy, repeatable delivery which points to a future in the rotation if he can stay healthy. He doesn’t show huge strikeout potential, which does limit his potential fantasy value, but his command and the solid movement he generates on his pitches should make him a nice mid-rotation starter.
8. Cionel Perez, LHP, HOU
Perez dominated at Double-A last season, leading to a brief cameo with the Astros. Coming out of the bullpen, Perez tossed 11.1 innings of 3.97 ball, albeit with a 5.56 BB/9 and a 6.04 FIP.
Perez has a Jonah Hill fastball (mid-90s) and two nice breaking balls, but lacks changeup feel. That, plus his small frame, make him a likely bullpen piece going forward. He checked in at No. 100 on Fangraphs prospect list, but unless he can find that changeup he doesn’t figure to be more than multi-inning reliever in the show.
Still, there’s reason for hope: take a look at this changeup. While it’s nowhere near the strike zone, the late arm side run could be devastating to opposing right-handers if he can learn to locate it. A small adjustment and a future as a back end starter could be in the cards for Perez.
9. Riley Pint, RHP, COL
Remember Riley Pint? He was considered the top arm in the entire draft class of 2016, going fourth overall to the Rockies. His fastball still gets up into the triple digits, but he has suffered multiple injuries and has shown very limited ability to locate his heater, or his secondaries.
Still, his curve and slider both flash plus when they are on, and he is still just 21 years old with under 150 professional innings under his belt. It might be asking a lot for him to remain healthy and gain command of his four-pitch mix, but if he does he could easily reach his ceiling as a top of the rotation arm. More likely, he ends up in the bullpen where he has easy closer potential.
He probably deserved a look toward the end of our draft, although he carries considerably more risk than even your average pitching prospect. The potential is still there though.
10. Lazaro Armenteros, OF, OAK
Armenteros has clear flaws, which makes it less surprising he was passed up in our draft. He is limited to left field thanks to suspect arm strength, and his 33.8% strikeout rate in short-season is cause for concern.
Still, his tools are loud and he has an excellent line drive swing and has shown an ability to draw a walk. If he can add some loft to his swing, he has the tools to become a full-time regular in left.
Others given consideration: RHP Domingo Acevedo, CF Josh Stowers, 3B Sheldon Neuse, RHP Eli Morgan and LHP Tarik Skubal.
Graphic by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)
Pretty sure Cody Allen is going to be the Angels closer. At least to start. His to lose.