Welcome to The Stash List, Hitter Edition!
The Stash List will highlight the top-10 hitter prospects who are most likely to make an impact this season.
Effective in-season management will propel your team into contention, and understanding the outlook and ETA for some of baseball’s top prospects will give you an advantage over your league mates. As managers, we are looking forward to reaping the rewards of our offseason research and draft strategies, but for most of us, the fun is only just beginning.
Previous Week’s Stash List: The Stash List, Hitter Edition: Week 11
Ground Rules
- The Stash List is for your redraft leagues and does not consider impact beyond 2022.
- Only current minor league players who are expected to make an impact this season are included.
- Upside, proximity, health, and opportunity are all weighed for each player.
- The focus is on 12-team leagues with standard categories.
- Rankings and ownership percentages will be updated weekly.
- Stats shown are through June 25.
Graduates and Notable Call Ups
Jonathan Aranda, MI, TBR
Aranda was called up by the Rays this week and made his MLB debut on Friday. Prior to his promotion, Aranda was raking in Triple-A; hitting. 310/.386/.512 with 11 homers, three stolen bases, a 20.0% strikeout rate, 10.0% walk rate, and 76.8% contact rate.
Unfortunately, Aranda’s big league stint was over as fast as it began, as he’s already been sent back to Triple-A in favor of Wander Franco’s return from the IL. During his short time with the club, reports are that the Rays were very impressed with his at-bats and poise. Aranda will get another opportunity this season and is worth keeping an eye on as we get into the second half.
Last night Jonathan Aranda recorded his 1st MLB hit while driving in his 1st MLB run.
Stuff like this never gets old.
Congrats, Jonathan!
(🎥 @BallyRays)
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) June 25, 2022
1. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, KCR – ETA July
Pasquantino had a nice week, hitting .320/.320/.480 with one home run, seven runs batted in, and only one strikeout. On the year, he has a 12.4% strikeout rate, 11.7% walk rate, and 85.5% contact rate.
Carlos Santana is keeping first base warm in Kansas City and has come around at the plate in June; hitting .340/.462/.528 with two home runs, a 10.8% strikeout rate and 18.5% walk rate
Pasquantino is not on the 40-man roster and it appears likely the Royals will continue to turn to Santana until his eventual trade next month. Either way, Vinnie remains the top minor league bat to stash.
Vinnie Pasquantino hits his 18th home run of the season!
He is now tied for the most in the International League!
BOT 7 | COL 0, OMA 5 pic.twitter.com/Ixnn3lFj5I
— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) June 24, 2022
2. Miguel Vargas, 3B, LAD – ETA July
After a couple slow weeks, Vargas looked like himself again this week, hitting .409/.500/.636 with one home run, four runs batted in, and a 4:4 strikeout to walk ratio. On the year, he’s hitting .286/.382/.484 with a 16.3% strikeout rate, 12.5% walk rate, and 81.0% contact rate.
Notably, Vargas started his first career game in left field this week, coincidently right after Mookie Betts went on the IL. He’s now spent time at third base (56), second base (7), first base (2), and left field (1). Additional versatility will just help his case getting to Los Angeles.
If Vargas were on any other team, he’d either be at the top of this list or already in the Majors. The problem for Vargas is the lack of opportunity with the Dodgers; his last hurdle to a promotion, but a big one.
He is worth a stash based on his upside, but right now, there are too many mouths to feed in Los Angeles, so he’s ticketed for regular at-bats in Oklahoma City. He’s an injury away from being a significant contributor for your fantasy team.
Miguel Vargas certainly seems happy to be back home. pic.twitter.com/GpMdK4vnXc
— Oklahoma City Baseball Club (@okc_baseball) June 22, 2022
3. Esteury Ruiz, OF, SDP – ETA August
Ruiz is perhaps the most polarizing prospect in all of baseball right now. His gaudy numbers across two levels have led to a meteoric rise in the rankings and now it’s quite possible he’s knocking on the big league door.
Over the last 30 days, Ruiz is hitting .360/.472/.670 with eight home runs, 19 stolen bases, a 18.9% strikeout rate, and 10.2% walk rate. Despite his breakout and hot streak, there are some warning signs of future regression including a .432 BABIP and mediocre contact rate.
Stashing Ruiz right now feels like it’s high-risk, high-reward. It’s very uncertain as to when he might be considered for a call up, if at all. But, if his successes continue he is a plus-plus runner with growing power who can win you categories down the stretch. He’s worth a speculative stash in deeper redraft leagues or if you have an unused NA spot, based purely on upside.
4. Alec Burleson, OF, STL – ETA July
Burleson continues to hit. Over the last two weeks, Burleson has hit .390/.490/.610 with two home runs, seven runs batted in, and a 8:8 K:BB ratio. On the year, the lefty slugger has a 13.7% strikeout rate and 7.0% walk rate. He is within the top-10 of most of minor league baseball’s offensive leaderboards.
The Cardinals have another big time bat in the pipeline, though considering their recent promotions and the play of some of their veterans there is limited space on the big league club for another hitter. However, the recent injury to Tyler O’Neill may open the door for Burleson. Expect Burleson to get regular at-bats in Triple-A for now, but he could be a contributor sooner than later.
5. Nick Pratto, 1B, Royals – ETA July
Pratto has been heating up as we get into June. This week he hit .389/.542/.500 and has been on base in 19 his last 20 games. He offers tremendous power upside though he still has plenty of things to iron out in Triple-A, namely to cut down on strikeouts (31.0% strikeout rate).
It’s worth noting that Pratto is actually on the 40-man roster (where as Vinnie Pasquantino is not). For this reason, it’s entirely possible Pratto gets an opportunity first, but the ensuing riot by Royals fans might not be worth the risk.
6. Spencer Steer, SS, MIN – ETA August
Steer is another prospect that is climbing the rankings this season and is slowly aligning himself for a 2022 debut. The 24-year-old doesn’t have standout tools but his in game power and hit tools have been on display this season. He’s coming off a 28 homer season over two levels in 2021, and is now on the verge of a call up.
Steer was promoted to Triple-A at the end of May, so he doesn’t have a ton of experience at this level yet. However, he’s holding his own; slashing .250/.338/.586 with 11 homers, a 20.3% strikeout rate, and 9.8% walk rate.
The Twins appear to be priming him for a call-up in a versatile role, having logged time at 2B, 3B, and SS this season. Steer is not worth stashing yet, as he’s not on the 40-man roster and still needs some time in Triple-A. However, he’s a name to know for the second half.
7. Triston Casas, 1B, BOS – ETA August
Casas still hasn’t played since May 17. He is currently on the minor league injured list with an ankle injury and it’s been reported that he is “not close” to returning to action.
Casas will almost certainly need some time to ramp back up once he gets healthy, which is most likely going to push a potential call up to the second half. He is still worth stash due to his upside and proximity, we just may have to wait a little long than anticipated.
8. Corbin Carroll, OF, ARI – ETA September
If you haven’t heard, Corbin Carroll is doing extraordinary things this season and is in the drivers seat to be baseball’s new number one prospect heading into 2023. Carroll is hitting an absurd .313/.430/.643 with 16 home runs, 20 stolen bases, a 24.5% strikeout rate and 14.8% walk rate; good for a 168 wRC+. He looks beyond ready for a promotion to Triple-A, if not the big leagues.
Carroll is only 21-years-old and due to the lost 2020 season still has very limited professional experience, but he’s still owning every stop in the minor leagues and deserves the next challenge. The last-place Diamondbacks are likely not in any rush to start the service time clock on Carroll, so its highly unlikely he sees the big leagues for a long-enough time this season to make a significant impact in redraft leagues. Though, his upside is enormous and for this reason is still worth keeping on our radars.
9. Francisco Álvarez, C, NYM, ETA – August
Another prospect making waves in Double-A is Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez. He’s been insanely hot lately and is making a case for his promotion as well. Over the last 30 days Alvarez is hitting .343/.429/.804 with 13 home runs and a 227 wRC+.
Alvarez is really blossoming this season, showcasing his prestigious power but also showing that he can hit advanced pitching. Most impressively, Alvarez is still only 20-years-old. A call-up is not imminent, but the first place Mets could probably use him down the stretch. Keep an eye on him in the second half.
10. Samad Taylor, 2B/OF, TOR, ETA – August
Samad Taylor launched himself onto fantasy radars in 2021 with a breakout season in Double-A New Hampshire, hitting .294/.385/.503 with 16 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Taylor carried his success to this season in Triple-A, currently slashing .271/.352/.450 with nine home runs and 23 stolen bases, and is making a case to be promoted this year.
Taylor is also swinging a hot bat. Over the last two weeks, he’s hitting .340 with four home runs, 10 runs batted in, and one stolen base. On the year, he’s lowered his strikeout rate to 20.8% when compared to 29.4% in 2021. He’s a versatile fielder too, spending time at second base (37), left field (24), and shortstop (1).
The Blue Jays are in the thick of a playoff hunt and have several backup infield and outfield options at the Major League level, so Taylor’s call up this year is highly speculative. He’s not on the 40-man roster, and most likely would be in a utility role if called up. He’s not worth stashing in any league right now, but is a name to know for the second half.
Others considered (in no particular order): Moises Gomez, Pedro Leon, Ryan Fitzgerald, Kyle Stowers, Ezequiel Duran, Logan O’Hoppe, Gunnar Henderson
Photos by Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels, Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Drew Wheeler (@drewisokay on Twitter)
I love these articles but find myself toggling between this site and others to compare scouting grades. Would it be possible to add scouting grades/ reports? Just a thought!