The Pitcher List site keeps growing and releasing new features every season. The team has worked hard to put together a composite of all of our major articles. This article focuses on the top 25 prospects in baseball that redraft managers should pay attention to. Back in November, the dynasty team put together a list of each hitting prospect that could debut in 2024. This article takes some of the blurbs from that piece and identifies the 25 most important hitters redraft managers need to have on their radars. Keep reading to find out who they are.
Top 25 Prospects for Redraft Leagues
1) Jackson Chourio – OF, MIL
After signing an 8-year $82 million contract, Chourio is all but guaranteed to be on the Opening Day roster. Chourio ranks as one of the game’s top prospects and has an incredibly high fantasy ceiling. This past season, he hit 22 home runs and stole 44 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. He showed noticeable improvements to his contact skills helping ease some of the worries for his transition to the major leagues. He projects as a 24/45 player at his ceiling and could easily post 15 home runs with 30+ stolen bases this year.
Here is what Martin concluded in our composite article from November:
“Chourio is a no-brainer elite prospect. His power/speed blend is virtually unmatched and he’s just 19.”
2) Evan Carter – OF, TEX
After breaking out during the 2022 season, Carter continued his impressive offensive performance in 2023. Standing at 6’4”, Carter packs plenty of raw power in his swing which is aided by his elite plate discipline. Carter made his major league debut on September 8 and produced some massive swings helping the Rangers capture their first World Series title. He is not going to post a 180 wRC+ again, but he should be a reliable contributor for both the Rangers and dynasty managers in 2024.
Carter was excluded from our composite article in November due to already having made his major league debut. However, I wrote a piece on hitters with small samples in December that you can check out here.
3) Jordan Lawlar – SS, ARI
Lawlar third on this list over Holliday? I have been one of the biggest advocates for Lawlar and 14 major league games will not change my mind. Lawlar’s home run per fly ball numbers have been impressive throughout his professional career and there is 40+ stolen base potential here. He should usurp Geraldo Perdomo as the everyday shortstop early on in 2024 (possibly as early as Opening Day) and be a reliable fantasy asset for managers this season.
Here is what I concluded about Lawlar in the composite article:
“The speed and power combination possessed by Lawlar is exciting. The upside in his profile is huge and there is no reason to overreact to a small major league sample size. He will have a fantasy impact in 2024 and should be on your radars during draft season.”
4) Jackson Holliday – SS, BAL
Holliday’s quick ascent through the minor leagues has been impressive. With the potential to be a generational talent, Holliday is on the cusp of making his major league debut. With a strong spring, he could find himself as the team’s Opening Day shortstop. There is also a chance the team opts to give Holliday some more time to develop in Triple-A considering he does not turn 21 until next December. There is five-category potential in Holiday’s bat although we have yet to see his raw power fully translate to game power.
Here is what Martin concluded in our composite write-up:
“The Orioles are so loaded with young talent and Holliday is the cream of the crop. The team has already stated Holliday will compete in spring training to make the Opening Day roster. Personally, I think it is a foregone conclusion that Holliday will not only make the Opening Day roster, but he’s a heavy favorite for AL Rookie of the Year.”
5) Colt Keith – 2B/3B, DET
Keith became the second prospect this off-season to receive a multi-year contract prior to making his major league debut. The contract all but assures us that Keith will open as the Tigers’ everyday second baseman. Keith’s profile should translate well to the major leagues as he combines plus power with strong plate discipline to form a solid all-around approach. He is not going to be very useful in the stolen base category, but he figures to be a reliable four-category contributor batting in the middle of Detroit’s lineup.
Here is what Steve concluded from our composite article:
“Keith has risen to a top prospect in baseball since being drafted and has done it with his ability to hit the baseball. Keith should get a chance to play every day at the hot corner in Detroit starting on opening day in 2024.”
6) Wyatt Langford– OF, TEX
There might not be another prospect in baseball with more hype than Wyatt Langford. Langford dominated professional pitching after being drafted by the Rangers in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Langford looks like the complete package and is already banging on the door of the major leagues. The reason he ranks sixth on this list is that the Rangers do not have a clear opening for him on their roster. Evan Carter, Leody Tavares, and Adolis García profile to be the Opening Day starters for Texas making it likely Langford will start in Triple-A. Langford also only has 44 professional games under his belt.
Here is what Steve concluded about Langford from our composite article:
“Langford projects as a power-over-hit prospect with good speed but has shown that all can be elite tools. To avoid projecting Langford as a top 10 MLB player, I would expect 30 home runs, and 15-20 steals with a .270 average as he begins his career. These numbers still put Langford at the top of the league and will be a fun kid to watch paired with Evan Carter in the Rangers outfield.”
7) Kyle Manzardo – 1B, CLE
Manzardo appeared to be one of the more polished minor league batters heading into the 2023 season. Injuries, personal issues, and bad luck led to some struggles and ultimately resulted in him being traded to Cleveland. Manzardo still utilizes a mature approach at the plate with a plus-hit tool and plus-power. Landing in Cleveland provides Manzardo with a much clearer path to playing time which should come as early as Opening Day. Manzardo has quickly turned into an underrated dynasty asset and is being overlooked for redraft leagues as well.
Here is what Steve wrote about Manzardo back in November:
“Manzardo looked to turn things around when he was traded to the Guardians and continued to get reps in the Arizona Fall League. Mazardo has looked closer to his old form, hitting 5 home runs in the AFL but still has yet to see his average creep back up to his 2022 season. A .269 BABIP for Tampa and .233 for Cleveland in 2023 may be the reason for this and Manzardo is still a top first base prospect.”
8) Junior Caminero – 3B/SS, TBR
If this was a list based solely on prospect potential, Caminero would rank higher than eighth. That being said, he is part of a Rays team that rarely hands over full-time roles to unproven players. Caminero profiles better as a third baseman, a spot that is currently occupied by Isaac Paredes. The Rays will undoubtedly find ways to get Caminero’s bat into the lineup, but a high ground ball rate could become problematic at the major league level. Caminero’s raw power gives him plenty of potential and fantasy upside. He is a valuable prospect to target in redraft leagues.
Here is what I concluded about Caminero back in November:
“Caminero has as much upside as anybody on this list. He has massive power and is still years younger than many of the names likely to debut. He should get consistent run as an everyday player in 2024. There are some concerns, but he has the upside to be a difference-maker.”
9) Jung Hoo Lee – OF, SFG
Some debate whether or not players coming over from other professional leagues should be considered as prospects. He has not yet received an at-bat at the major league level so I included him on this list. Lee has excellent contact skills that should help ease his transition to state-side professional baseball. He is locked into a regular role on the Giants which gives him obvious value for 2024. San Francisco does not profile as an ideal home ballpark for his power metrics, but fantasy managers can count on him posting a valuable batting average in 2024.
Lee was not included in the composite write-up from November, but Jake Maish wrote an excellent piece detailing his dynasty value which you can check out here.
10) Pete Crow-Armstrong – OF, CHC
Traded back in 2021 for Javier Báez, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s athletic abilities have been on full display. He is a talented defender which should give him a bit of grace as his bat develops at the major league level. His debut last season did not go well as he went hitless in 19 plate appearances. His 20 home runs and 37 stolen bases in the minor leagues speak to his upside as a fantasy asset. The concerns over his hit tool prevent PCA from ranking higher on this list.
PCA was not included in the consensus write-up from November, but he did rank as the Cubs’ top prospect in our rankings from July which you can check out here.
11) Jakob Marsee – OF, SDP
Marsee has the opportunity to earn the starting center field job in Spring Training this year. He put together an impressive first full season of professional baseball hitting 16 home runs with 46 stolen bases. There are questions over how well his power will translate to the major league level, but there is OBP and stolen base upside apparent. He should find himself in San Diego at some point during the first half and be a valuable fantasy asset once he arrives.
Here is what I wrote about Marsee back in November:
“Marsee is still incredibly underrated. The biggest question mark is his power, but a .280 hitter, who walks 12% of the time and can steal 35 bases only needs to hit about 15 home runs to be fantasy-relevant. His advanced approach makes him one of the safer prospects to target and there is a strong chance we see him debut in 2024.”
12) Colton Cowser – OF, BAL
The fantasy community seems to be down on Cowser after a disappointing major league debut last season. While his struggles at the major league level are relevant, fantasy managers should not ignore his 136 wRC+ at Triple-A. This is a talented prospect with plus power and a strong hit tool. Baltimore’s crowded lineup prevents him from ranking higher on this list.
Here is what Martin wrote about Cowser back in November:
“There are so many things to love about Cowser’s future. I think the bat is excellent and I believe in the skills. There are no reasons to think he cannot make adjustments and figure out off-speed pitching at the next level. Once he settles in, we are looking at an All-Star caliber player for many years to come.”
13) Joey Ortiz – INF, MIL
Milwaukee dealt away ace Corbin Burnes and received Joey Ortiz as part of the package in return. Ortiz has posted strong numbers in the minor leagues but did not receive consistent playing time last season in Baltimore. The move to Milwaukee opens the door for an everyday role increasing his value for 2024. His hit tool profiles to be his best attribute at this point and there are concerns over how well his raw power can translate to game power. He is still a name to know for 2024 and should have nice multi-positional versatility giving his fantasy value a boost.
Jack ranked Ortiz as Baltimore’s 10th best prospect which you can check out here.
14) Austin Wells – C, NYY
The Yankees’ disappointing 2023 season allowed several top prospects to make their major league debut. Wells was one of them and hit four home runs in just 19 games. Thanks to his power, he has the offensive potential to be a standout fantasy option at catcher. The realistic truth though is that the Yankees will likely limit his playing time behind the dish as he continues to work on his defense in 2024. Splitting his time at catcher pushes him down to 14th on this list.
Here is what I wrote on Wells back in November:
“Having seen Wells live a few times, the excitement for him in Yankee Stadium is substantial. The short porch and his pull-side home run power are extremely enticing from a fantasy perspective. He could be a difference-maker in the home run category from the catcher position.”
15) Orelvis Martinez – SS/3B, TOR
Martinez has the raw power to be a 35-40 home run threat if he can hit enough to stick at the major league level. He made sizeable improvements to his batted ball profile last season which should help provide more stability in his batting average. The Blue Jays have openings at multiple positions in their infield making Martinez a sneaky prospect to target in your redraft leagues.
Here is what I concluded for Martinez in our composite article:
“Even with the shift to third base, Martinez’s power should play well from a fantasy perspective. He is especially intriguing in points leagues (even more Ottoneu) where the lack of steals does not hurt as much. The improvements to his hit tool provide fantasy relevance in regular leagues as well and he should get a chance to prove himself at the major league level in 2024.”
16) Jackson Merrill – SS, SDP
Late last season, the Padres started to explore moving Merrill to a different position. He started games at second base, first base, and the outfield all in an attempt to increase his versatility. Why? Shortstop is blocked and the Padres are trying to figure out how to get his bat into their lineup. Merrill has excellent contact skills and a solid blend of power and speed. The team has a clear opening in left field and Merrill could fill that early on in 2024. He is still just 20 years old and could continue developing into an offensive force.
Here is what I wrote on Merrill back in November:
“Merrill’s strong contact skills are what help make his hit tool the carrying tool. Elsewhere, he is not great at any one thing but good at almost everything. His defensive versatility should help him break through to the major leagues in 2024 and there is potential for even more development. He has an extremely high floor and there is more ceiling here than people realize.”
17) Brooks Lee – SS, MIN
With the trade of Jorge Polanco, Lee has one less player to hurdle in order to become a regular in the Twins’ lineup. Since being drafted eighth overall in 2022, Lee has quickly worked his way through Minnesota’s minor league system. His extremely smooth swing produces tons of line drives and he consistently produces hard contact. The two players ahead of him at shortstop and third base (Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa) have a detailed injury history that should allow Lee to get his chance early on in the 2024 season.
Here is what Steve wrote about Lee back in November:
“Lee should get a good look in Spring Training to break camp as an everyday player for the Twins in 2024. With Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa on the left side of the diamond, Lee may have to move to the other side of the field. Either way, this is a good problem for the Twins to have with two young players in Lee and Lewis hoping to make an impact in 2024.”
18) Michael Busch – 2B/1B/3B, CHC
Michael Busch was finally set free from the log jam of depth in Los Angeles. He gets a fresh start in Chicago where he is hoping to turn his impressive minor league numbers into major league success. Busch has struggled with strikeouts throughout his professional career and those struggles were prevalent in his major league debut last season. He has immense power which will need to play up if he lands at first base long term. There is significant risk in his profile despite a clear path to playing time after being traded.
Here is what I wrote on Busch back in November:
“The Dodgers rarely waste time letting a prospect work through things at the major league level. That said, Busch has shown all of the skills to be a very useful fantasy asset if he ever gets his chance at the major league level. .275 with 25 home runs is a realistic outcome.”
19) Heston Kjerstad – 1B/OF, BAL
Kjerstad’s ranking of 19th has nothing to do with his talent. Instead it has to do with the crowdedness of Baltimore’s lineup. Fellow prospect Colton Cowser was already discussed and Kjerstad is in a similar situation. His 2024 playing time is likely dependent on struggles from either Ryan O’Hearn or Ryan Mountcastle next season. If given the chance, Kjerstad has the raw power to be an impactful fantasy asset even if he lands at first base long-term.
Here is what Martin had to say about Kjerstad back in November:
“The story of Kjerstad and overcoming a life-threatening condition is an impressive one. His grit and determination to work his way to the big leagues show his character and motivation. I think Kjerstad starts the season at Triple-A and will be the first guy to get promoted this Spring.”
20) Colson Montgomery – SS/3B, CWS
Montgomery has seemed to be on the verge of breaking out for several seasons now but has never been able to post the offensive numbers that generate tons of attention. Still, he ranks as one of the game’s top prospects and has impressive raw power. The lack of talent on the White Sox depth chart gives him a chance to make his major league debut at shortstop in 2024 despite his long-term home likely being at third base. Montgomery profiles to be a four-category fantasy asset although playing for the White Sox likely limits his 2024 value.
Here is what Steve wrote on Montgomery from our composite article in November:
“Montgomery is a top prospect in all of baseball and could be a cornerstone for the White Sox’s foreseeable future. 2024 spring training could open an opportunity after a stint in the Arizona Fall League for Montgomery to reach his everyday role with the White Sox as soon as possible. “
21) Justyn-Henry Malloy – 3B/OF, DET
The Tigers surprised many by not promoting Justyn-Henry Malloy to the major leagues last season. Malloy has done nothing but hit since being drafted by Atlanta in 2021 and that did not change last season. Malloy’s fantasy value is highest in OBP leagues where his impressive walk rates lead to more value. Outside of that, he has plus raw power and has shown the ability to hit for solid average throughout his professional career. The lack of a true defensive home could limit his playing time in 2024.
Here is what Steve wrote on Malloy back in November:
“Malloy is a good hitter with a patient approach which gives him a better chance to be successful at the MLB level. Malloy has done all he can at the minor league level so the Tigers should give him a full season to see what he can do in Detroit.”
22) Jasson Domínguez – OF, NYY
Dominguez was another Yankee prospect who got a chance to make his major league debut last season. His major league career started with a bang as Dominguez hit four home runs in his first eight games. Unfortunately, Dominguez tore the UCL in his right elbow and was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. Dominguez is unlikely to return until after the All-Star Break pushing him down this ranking list. For leagues with multiple IL slots, he could be a sneaky draft and stash option.
Here is what Martin wrote about Dominguez last November:
“After undergoing Tommy John surgery, we will not likely see Dominguez back in the major leagues until the middle of 2024. However, the upside he flashed in his first stint is indicative of the kind of potential he has. Dominguez is an excellent athlete with the power and speed to be a big-time fantasy asset.”
23) Tyler Black – 2B/3B, MIL
Black seemed like he had a good chance to make the Opening Day roster before the Brewers traded for Joey Ortiz. He still has a chance to do so with a strong spring but could see less playing time. Black has big-time speed and hit 18 home runs last season. His batted ball data suggests that his power is more suspect although his speed is the real deal.
Here is what Martin wrote about Black last November:
“Black is an intriguing profile with his stolen base prowess and high OBP. If the power holds, Black should settle into an everyday role despite his defensive faults.”
24)Nolan Schanuel – 1B, LAA
The Angels wasted no time getting Schanuel up to the major leagues. He appeared in just 22 minor league games before joining the Angels. Schanuel’s patient approach at the plate gives his OBP a stable floor. He also has enough raw power to be an offensive force. The issue is that his batted ball profile prioritizes contact over home runs which lowers his fantasy value at first base.
Here is what Steve wrote on Schanuel last November:
“Schanuel has value because his bat and approach are advanced but if he doesn’t hit for much power or steal many bases, he may not be a top first baseman. Schanuel may have the opportunity for a lot of runs as he often hit at the top of the lineup in 2023.”
25) Ceddanne Rafaela – SS/OF, BOS
Following closely behind Black is Ceddanne Rafaela. Rafaela possesses plus speed and profiles as an outfielder at the major league level. He stands at 5’8”, limiting his power projection and adding risk to a suspect hit tool. The Red Sox outfield is crowded and Rafaela will need to prove himself offensively to earn consistent playing time.
Here is what Martin wrote about Rafaela last November:
“The Red Sox gave Rafaela a brief look in September last season, and he offered mixed results. He hit .241 with eight extra-base hits but struck out 33% of the time with a 4.8% walk rate. His glove was great, but the bat was concerning. Rafaela needs a strong offensive Spring Training to give the Sox hope for his future.”