2020 MLB Top Prospects: Ranking the rookies, sleepers to add to your fantasy baseball draft cheat sheets

Although the veteran-laden Nationals took home the World Collection title final 12 months, youth remained the title of the game all through the majors — and in fantasy baseball leagues. Each season, fantasy homeowners search for undervalued sleepers and potential breakouts, and it is now more widespread to see prime prospects and different rookies get fast tracked to the majors and produce nearly instantly. Even when you’re not in a keeper or dynasty league, having our Top 50 MLB Prospects rankings tucked inside your draft cheat sheet is a should. 

Once more, simply look again to final season. Pete Alonso set the MLB rookie home run record with 53 lengthy balls. He additionally scored 103 runs, drove in 120 and walked 72 times. In all, seven rookies hit 20-plus home runs – Alonso (53), Eloy Jimenez (31), Christian Walker (29), Yordan Alvarez (27), Fernando Tatis Jr. (22), Mike Yastrzemski (21), and Rowdy Tellez (21). And, that list doesn’t embrace the rookie who could have placed on the most spectacular power show of the yea, Cincinnati’s Aristides Aquino, who smacked 19 round-trippers in a mere 205 at-bats. Eight rookies who noticed vital taking part in time posted batting averages above .300, led by Luis Arraez (.334), Tatis Jr. (.317), Bryan Reynolds (.314), Alvarez (.313), Bo Bichette (.311), Kevin Newman (.308), Tommy Edman (.304), and Keston Hiura (.303). Even the geriatric Nats had a rookie sensation of their lineup, as Victor Robles hit 17 home runs, stole 28 bases and performed plus defense in heart subject for the 2019 champs.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

Rookie pitchers weren’t fairly as profitable as their place participant brethren, however 11 first-year hurlers made 20-plus begins. Dakota Hudson won 16 games for the NL Central champion Cardinals and posted a 3.35 ERA. Baltimore’s John Means was an All-Star and won 12 games (22 percent of the team’s season complete). Mike Soroka won 13 games and posted a stellar 2.68 ERA for the NL East main Braves. San Diego’s Chris Paddack struck out 153 batters in 140.2 innings and logged a 3.33 ERA over 26 begins. Arizona’s Zac Gallen (2.81 ERA and 96 Okay in 80 IP), Cleveland’s Zach Plesac (3.81 ERA in 21 begins), and the Angels’ Griffin Canning (1.22 WHIP, 96 Okay in 90.1 IP) all carried out properly in restricted motion.

This 12 months’s prospect crop could not have a star who can rival Pete Alonso’s historic debut, however it’s a deep rookie class with plenty of elite pitching prospects who ought to log vital big-league time in 2020. Additionally, lots of this 12 months’s Top 50 have already seen some big-league motion, and there may very well be a big variety of rookies on opening day rosters. Actually, more than half of the gamers on this list may spend at the least half of the season in the majors throughout the 2020 campaign.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfielder | Starter | Every team

2020 MLB Top Prospects

1. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay. Franco won’t flip 20 till March, however he’s already the finest hitting prospect in the minors. A switching-hitting shortstop with a lifetime minor-league batting common of .336 and slugging proportion of .523, he’s a first-class expertise. That is perhaps finest proven by the truth he is walked more (83) than he’s struck out (54 Ks in 768 professional plate appearances). His righthanded swing is a bit flatter and produces much less power than his lefthanded stroke, however he’s an elite hitter from both side of the plate. Franco currently shows above-average defense at quick, however his thick body may result in an eventual transfer to second or third, the place his above-average arm ought to play. Wherever he strains up in the subject, his bat is nice sufficient to make him an All-Star.

2. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego. Slowed by blisters earlier in his profession, Gore put up dominant numbers between Excessive-A and Double-A in 2019 (1.69 ERA, 135/28 Okay/BB and simply 56 hits allowed in 101 innings). When wholesome, Gore has good command of 4 pitches (plus low-to-mid-90s fastball, plus curve, above-average slider, and strong changeup). He mixes his pitches properly, assaults hitters, and shows the poise of a front-line starter. Barely 21, Gore will in all probability open the season again at Double-A, but when he continues his dominance and the Padres are in the playoff hunt, he may simply discover himself in the San Diego rotation throughout the second half of 2020.

3. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit. Final season Mize firmly established himself as certainly one of baseball’s prime pitching prospects by delivering a stellar campaign cut up between Excessive-A and Double-A (2.55 ERA, 106/23 Okay/BB and simply 80 hits allowed in 109.1 innings). Mize has three plus pitches (nasty splitter, mid-90s fastball, and sharp slider). With glorious command, a repeatable supply, and a capability to combine pitches, Mize has the potential to be a frontline starter. If he continues his dominance in the minors throughout the season’s first half, he may arrive in Detroit as soon as midseason.

4. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland. Accidents restricted Luzardo to 54 innings final season, however he completed 2019 with a stellar displaying whereas pitching out of the Oakland bullpen down the stretch (1.50 ERA, 16/Three Okay/BB and simply  5 hits allowed in 12 innings). Luzardo has elite stuff, together with a mid-90s fastball and a plus change. His breaking ball is inconsistent, however it may be an occasional weapon. With plus command and a repeatable supply, he has the tools to be a frontline starter. He’s by no means thrown more than 109 innings as a professional, so he’ll in all probability have an innings restrict in 2020, however he ought to get an opportunity to crack the A’s rotation in the first a part of the season.

5. Gavin Lux, 2B/SS, Los Angeles Dodgers. Final season, Lux torched Triple-A (.392 common, 13 HRs in simply 49 games) after which carried out properly as the Dodgers beginning second basemen for many of September. He’s in the combine to be the opening day starter this 12 months and has regarded good in early Cactus League motion. Lux adopted a more aggressive method in 2019, and it paid off to the tune of 66 extra-base hits over three ranges. Lux has plus bat velocity and good decrease half steadiness which give him all-fields power and strong contact capability. With strong pitch recognition and a compact swing path, Lux has the capability to hit 25-plus home runs whereas posting a median round .280.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

6. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels. Adell reached Triple-A in his age-20 season final 12 months, and he has large power-speed potential. He regarded good once I noticed him this 12 months in spring coaching, and he may very well be in line for a beginning spot in LA by midseason. In 2019, Adell missed nearly two months due to accidents, however he carried out properly in the second half and made up for misplaced time by wowing scouts in the Arizona Fall League. Adell is a poised, mature participant who has labored exhausting to develop baseball expertise to go along with his uncooked tools. Each time I see him his swing path is more constant and his method is more refined. With plus bat velocity and excellent uncooked power, he has the potential to hit for common, launch 25 bombs, and swipe 20 luggage per 12 months in the majors.

7. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston. Whitley regarded nice in spring coaching final season however then had a horrible 2019 campaign throughout which he battled shoulder irritation and took his lumps on the mound. He received again on monitor in the hitter-friendly Arizona Fall League (2.88 ERA and 32/9 Okay/BB in 25 innings) and has been pain-free throughout spring coaching this 12 months. When wholesome, Whitley has front-line starter upside, that includes a energetic mid-90s fastball, plus curve, and strong command. He additionally mixes in a cutter, slider, and alter, all of that are at the least above-average. He ought to open the season in Triple-A, however a sizzling start and continued well being may get him a glance in the Houston rotation by midseason.

8. Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox. Slowed by accidents for a lot of his professional profession, Robert lastly broke out in a big manner final season by logging a powerful 30-30 campaign. He additionally hit .328 and performed strong defense in heart subject. Robert nonetheless wants to enhance his plate self-discipline, however he has the bat velocity and hand-eye coordination to hit for common regardless of being a free-swinger. He may lose his steadiness at the plate, however when he stays below management, he has electrical bat velocity, a compact swing path, and plus power. This spring he’ll compete to be the opening day heart fielder. Lengthy-term he has 30-30 potential. If he can enhance his plate self-discipline, he may hit .270 in the majors.

9. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox. Kopech missed the 2019 campaign after present process Tommy John surgical procedure, however he’s on monitor to return to motion someday in early 2020. Kopech was overpowering in a short big-league cameo throughout late ’18, and he has the stuff to be a frontline starter. Earlier than succumbing to damage, Kopech had improved his command and was dominating hitters with an upper-90s fastball and plus slider. This spring he’s been throwing bullpens, and he ought to see Cactus League motion someday in March. The Sox have indicated that he’ll be dealt with with care this 12 months (i.e. he’ll have an innings restrict) but when stays wholesome and regains his command, he may slot again into the South Aspect rotation by midseason.

10. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami. Simply 21, Sanchez is a sophisticated hurler who may make his big-league debut this season. Sanchez has plus command of frontline stuff, that includes an electrical fastball that may attain the higher 90s. He enhances his heater with an above-average curveball and a strong changeup. With a clean supply and strong composure, Sanchez carried out properly at Double-A (2.53 ERA and 97/19 Okay/BB with simply 87 hits allowed in 103 innings). Membership officers are cautious in projecting his big-league arrival, however a sizzling start may get him a big-league look as soon as mid-2020.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfielder | Starter | Every team

11. Jared Kelenic, OF, Seattle. Kelenic logged a powerful 2019 season (.291/.364/.540 with 23 HRs and 20 SBs) and appears like a future star. Simply 20, he’ll possible open the 2020 campaign in Double-A and may make his big-league debut next season. Though he’s a sophisticated hitter with the energy and athleticism to play in the majors now, the rebuilding Mariners don’t have any want to rush him. Kelenic has a powerful work ethic and has continued to enhance his swing throughout his three years as a professional. With plus bat velocity and good plate self-discipline, he initiatives to hit for each power and common in the bigs.

12. Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore. Rutschman had a modest professional debut in 2018, however he has the tools to be an All-Star backstop for years to come. Rutschman is an entire bundle who has the potential to hit for power and common whereas taking part in plus defense at a premium place. At the plate, Rutschman has nice decrease body explosion and a picture-perfect swing path from each side. With plus bat velocity and good plate self-discipline, Rutschman ought to have the ability to hit for common and get on base at a superb clip. He’ll in all probability open the season in A-ball and the cellar-dwelling Orioles don’t have any incentive to rush him, however his expertise may push him to the majors as soon as next season.

13. Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto. After an injury-shortened 2018, Pearson got here again with a vengeance final 12 months (2.30 ERA with a 119/27 Okay/BB and simply 63 hits allowed in 101.2 IP between Excessive-A, Double-A, and Triple-A). He’ll compete for a rotation spot this spring, however service time considerations and his damage history in all probability imply he opens the season in the minors. Pearson has good command of an overwhelming fastball that reaches triple digits, a plus high-80’s slider, and a strong change. This spring he’s engaged on including a curve to his arsenal. If he can keep wholesome, he has the tools to be at the least a No. 2 starter in the majors.

14. Joey Bart, C, San Francisco. Bart had an injury-riddled 2019, however he confirmed glimpses of his potential late in the 12 months (.316 with 4 HRs in 87 at-bats at Double-A) and in the Arizona Fall League (.333 with one other 4 HRs in 42 at-bats) earlier than an errant fastball fractured his thumb. Bart has impressed the Giants’ management along with his maturity and received off to a sizzling start in Cactus League play. If he can keep wholesome in 2020, he may find yourself as the Giants’ beginning catcher (transferring Buster Posey to first) by midseason. If Bart can enhance his pitch recognition and higher management his timing at the plate, he may hit for a strong common whereas clubbing 25-plus home runs over a full season.

15. Luis Patino, RHP, San Diego. Patino put up big numbers in 2019 in his age-19 season (2.57 ERA, 123/38 Okay/BB and simply 69 hits allowed in 94.2 innings principally at Excessive-A). Patino’s slight stature belies his power stuff. The slender righty has a unfastened arm that produces upper-90’s warmth, a pointy slider, and an honest changeup. Throughout my annual Cactus League go to this spring, I watched certainly one of Patino’s bullpens. It was so electrical that it drew audible gasps from the assembled coaches, scouts, and reporters. If Patino can tighten his command and discover more consistency along with his slider, he has all the makings of a No. 2 starter.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

16. Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, Tampa Bay. McKay had a bumpy introduction the bigs in 2019 (5.14 ERA and 56/16 Okay/BB in 49 innings), however he flashed sufficient potential to be in line for a rotation spot to open 2020. He’s been slowed by ought to stiffness in spring coaching, however he’s on monitor to make his Cactus League debut in the next few weeks. Final season, McKay began robust in his first few big-league appearances however turned tentative after just a few tough outings. He adjusted and posted strong numbers in September. McKay additionally obtained some taking part in time at DH, however it’s unlikely that he’ll be more than an occasional place participant in 2020. At his finest, McKay shows plus command of 4 pitches (plus low-to-mid-90s fastball, efficient cutter, above-average curve, strong change), a repeatable supply, and spectacular composure. McKay is a great pitcher who has improved his stuff as a professional and may make the changes essential to be a profitable No. 2 starter.

17. Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia. No pitching prospect did more to increase his inventory in 2019 than Howard. He battled a sore shoulder early in the season, however as soon as he returned to motion, he delivered a breakout season (2.03 ERA with a 94/16 Okay/BB and simply 43 hits allowed in 71 innings over three ranges). He capped it off with a dominant efficiency in the Arizona Fall League, the place he was the consensus finest pitcher. Howard has elite stuff together with a mid to high-90s fastball, a plus change, and a plus breaking ball. He’ll nearly definitely open the season in the minors — and an innings restrict will curb his big-league possibilities this season — however he ought to push for a rotation spot in Philadelphia in some unspecified time in the future this 12 months. If he can keep wholesome and tighten his command, he has the potential to be a No. 2 starter.

18. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota. Lewis had a tough common season, however he received again on monitor in the Fall when he won the MVP award in the Arizona Fall League (.353 common). Lewis is simply 20 and desires to enhance his plate self-discipline, however he has elite tools, together with plus bat velocity and a compact swing path. Proper now, he’s a bit little bit of a timing hitter and, thus, susceptible to streakiness, but when he can management his decrease body higher throughout his swing, he has the tools to finally hit for common and power. Lewis can also be a plus runner who ought to swipe 20-plus luggage a 12 months and play above-average defense at shortstop. He nearly definitely won’t make the majors in 2020, however he ought to compete for a big-league position next season.

19. Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit. Manning has electrical stuff and logged a dominant campaign in Double-A final season (2.56 ERA and 148/38 Okay/BB in 133.2 innings), however he’s nonetheless very a lot a piece in progress. The lanky righthander has an electrical mid-90s fastball, a plus curve, and a growing change. He additionally mixes in a slider and shows good management, however his stuff might be inconsistent. The Tigers don’t have any cause to rush him to the majors and may give him the probability to refine his stuff and enhance his consistency in the minors this season. Lengthy-term, he has the tools to be a No. 2 starter.

20. Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia. Bohm had a stellar 2019 campaign (.304 common, 21 HRs, 73/57 Okay/BB in 125 games over three ranges) and impressed in the Arizona Fall League (.361 in 72 at-bats). He may contend to be the Phillies opening day third baseman, however it’s more possible that he will get a call-up in midseason. Regardless of his dimension and lengthy levers, Bohm has a direct swing path and good hand-eye coordination. He has displayed good pitch recognition and a capability to use the entire subject once I’ve seen him in particular person. Lengthy-term, he has the potential to hit for a strong common and stroke 25-plus homers in the bigs.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfielder | Starter | Every team

21. Dustin Could, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers. Final 12 months, Could carried out properly in 4 August big-league begins earlier than dominating out of the bullpen in September (10 scoreless innings with simply 5 hits allowed and a 14/1 Okay/BB). Could has been coping with side tightness this spring and is probably going to start the season in the minors, however he ought to get one other big-league shot someday in 2020. Could’s bread and butter is a nasty mid-90s sinker, which he pairs with a plus cutter. He additionally throws a curve, which flashes plus however has been inconsistent once I’ve seen him in particular person. If he can enhance his changeup and tighten his curve, he may very well be a No. 2 starter. Along with his present repertoire, he’s a strong No. Three man.

22. Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle. Rodriguez has a few of the finest uncooked power in the minors and he’s simply 19. Final season, he hit .326 with 12 HRs in 84 games cut up between Low-A and Excessive-A, then impressed as the youngest participant in the Arizona Fall League. He’ll want to show he can deal with high quality off-speed stuff, however he’s a tough employee who ought to have the ability to modify. Rodriguez has elite bat velocity and the core energy to drive the ball out of any park. The Mariners will possible develop him at a measured tempo, however he’s a poised teen who ought to have the ability to deal with the strain that accompanies prime prospect standing. Lengthy-term, he has the potential to be a 30-HR risk in the majors.

23. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland. Final season, Puk made a profitable return from Tommy John surgical procedure and logged 10 strong appearances out of the Oakland bullpen throughout a late-season call-up (3.18 ERA, 13/5 Okay/BB in 11.1 innings). This spring he’s impressed in early Cactus League play, and he’ll push for a rotation spot. Puk has flashed an improved changeup this 12 months and now appears like he may have 4 high quality pitches. His electrical upper-90s fastball and wipeout slider had been already a devastating combo, however the improved change and an occasional curve give him the weapons to be a No. 2 starter. If he can sharpen his command, he may very well be even higher.

24. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh. Final 12 months, Keller posted an unpleasant 7.13 ERA in 11 big-league begins, however he pitched higher as the season went on (4.32 ERA with 24/Four in 16.2 September innings) and he’ll compete for a rotation spot in spring coaching. At his finest, Keller has plus stuff that includes good management of an electrical mid-90s fastball and a plus curve. He’ll additionally throw an occasional changeup versus lefthanded hitters, however it’s not a lot of a weapon at this level. Keller’s big-league struggles are rooted in inconsistency. He grooved too many pitches and didn’t combine his pitches very properly. He’s proven the capability to modify earlier than, and his September enchancment bodes properly for future success. He’ll want to be more constant to totally notice his potential as a No. 2 starter, however his current expertise are ok to be at the least a mid-rotation man.

25. Carter Kieboom, SS, Washington. Kieboom struggled mightily in a short big-league call-up, however he’s barely 22 and he posted a powerful .902 OPS in 109 games at Triple-A. Kieboom’s big-league challenges had been principally the result of an excessively passive method which left him down in the depend on nearly each at-bat — a state of affairs he ought to have the ability to treatment with the more aggressive mindset he confirmed in the minors. The Nats clearly hope that Kieboom is the opening day third baseman, but when he doesn’t win the job this spring, he ought to get a shot someday in the first half of 2020. When he’s locked in, Kieboom shows above-average bat velocity, a direct bat path, and good plate self-discipline. He ought to have the ability to hit for common and average pop as a rookie with 20-plus HR potential as he matures.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

26. Deivi Garcia, RHP, New York Yankees – At 5-9, Garcia appears like a reliever, however he has the electrical stuff of a No. 2 starter. Garcia’s four-pitch combine features a fastball that tops out at 95-96 mph and a biting plus curveball. With a misleading supply and low three-quarters arm angle, Garcia can succeed towards each lefties and righties. Simply 20, he in all probability won’t make the opening day roster, however the Yankees’ damage woes may open the door for Garcia to start in New York someday in 2020. If he can proceed to refine his changeup and enhance his command, he has the potential to be a No. 2 starter.

27. Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox. Madrigal is certainly one of the finest pure hitters in the minors, and he additionally won a minor league Gold Glove final 12 months. Final season, he hit .311 over three ranges (together with a .331 displaying in Triple-A) and walked 44 times whereas putting out simply 16 times (sure, 16 — that’s not a typo) in 120 games. Madrigal is competing to be the Sox opening day second baseman and solely service time considerations are possible to stand in his manner. No matter when he takes over the job, he ought to hit for common, swipe 20-plus luggage and score a lot of runs batting close to the prime of Chicago’s lineup.

28. Luis Campusano, C, San Diego. Campusano is a rising star who may very well be a lot increased on this list by midseason. The highly effective backstop broke out at Excessive-A final 12 months (.325 common with 15 HRs and 57/52 Okay/BB in the hitter-friendly California League) and was certainly one of the most spectacular hitters I noticed in Cactus League exercises this spring. Simply 21, Campusano is a sophisticated hitter with nice steadiness, plus bat velocity, and glorious pitch recognition. He’ll be challenged at Double-A this season, however he has the tools to hit shut to .300, post a excessive OBP, and slug 20-plus homers in the majors.

29. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle. Gilbert impressed final 12 months in his first full professional season (2.13 ERA and 165/33 Okay/BB in 135 innings mixed between Low-A, Excessive-A, and Double-A) and now appears like a No. 2 or Three starter. Gilbert has a balanced, constant supply, which produces plus command of 4 pitches (fastball, slider, curve, change). His mid-90s fastball is his greatest weapon, however he can combine all 4 of his choices successfully. He’ll in all probability open the season at Double-A and is unlikely to be rushed to the majors, however he may see big-league motion in late 2020.

30. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore. Simply 20, Rodriguez regarded like a future ace in 2019 (2.68 ERA, 129/36 Okay/BB and simply 57 hits allowed in 94 innings at Low-A). With a plus mid-90s fastball, strong command, and an rising breaking ball, Rodriguez may very well be a No. 2 starter. He took a step ahead along with his changeup in 2019 and can in all probability open the season at Excessive-A. The rebuilding Orioles in all probability will advance him slowly with a big-league ETA of late 2021.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfielder | Starter | Every team

31. Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis. The Cardinals have a gap in left subject this spring, and Carlson has the tools to win the job after a breakout 2019 campaign (.292 common and .372 on-base proportion with 26 HRs and 20 SBs in a season spent principally at Double-A). Even when he doesn’t open the 12 months in St. Louis, he’s nearly sure to get a big-league look earlier than midseason. The switch-hitting Carlson is a bit higher from the left side, however he’s proven good bat velocity and glorious hand-eye coordination from each side once I’ve seen him in particular person. With strong pitch recognition and plus uncooked power, Carlson has the potential to hit .275 with 20-plus home runs over a full season in the bigs.

32. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta. Anderson had a strong season in Double-A final 12 months (2.68 ERA with 147 strikeouts and simply 82 hits allowed in 111 innings) however then struggled in a five-game stint in Triple-A. Anderson has three above-average pitches, together with a fastball that flashes plus, however his management has been inconsistent. Simply 21, Anderson simply wants to solidify his command to attain his potential as a mid-rotation starter in the bigs. He’ll start 2020 again at Triple-A the place he’ll be given loads of time to finish his improvement.

33. Cristian Pache, OF, Atlanta. Pache has excellent tools, however he’s nonetheless unrefined regardless of having already made it to Triple-A final 12 months in his age-20 season. A crowded Braves outfield and a win-now method in Atlanta will in all probability relegate Pache again to the minors this season, however I believe the improvement time will likely be good for him long run. Though he has good bat velocity and strong uncooked power, Pache generally loses his steadiness at the plate and doesn’t have a constant swing path. Pache is an elite defensive heart fielder whose glove ought to preserve him in the lineup. If he can enhance his plate self-discipline and refine his swing mechanics, he has the energy and bat velocity to hit for common and average power in the majors.

34. Daniel Lynch, LHP, Kansas City. Lynch was a strong prospect in school, however he blossomed as soon as free of the straight jacket of the College of Virginia pitching philosophies. Now certainly one of the finest lefthanders in the minors, Lynch has a dynamic mid-90s fastball, a plus slider, and a strong change. He’ll in all probability open the season in Double-A and may compete for a rotation spot in Kansas City no later than next spring. Lengthy-term, he initiatives as a No. Three starter.

35. Sean Murphy, C, Oakland. Murphy held his personal in a short big-league call-up final 12 months (.245 and 4 HRs in 53 at-bats) and is the favourite to be the A’s beginning catcher to open the season. He had a small surgical process on his knee in the offseason and won’t be prepared for game motion till halfway by way of the spring. Murphy has had a tough time staying wholesome, however when he’s on the subject, he’s a plus defender with above-average power and strong plate self-discipline. Proper now, he appears like a man who may hit .260 and belt 20 home runs. If he can enhance his lower-half steadiness and create more leverage in his swing, he may very well be even higher.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

36. Alex Kirilloff, OF, Minnesota. Kirilloff battled a wrist damage that sapped his power in 2019, however he received on monitor late in the season and completed by hitting .311 with 5 HRs at Double-A in the month of August. When wholesome, Kirilloff is a sophisticated hitter with good pitch recognition and the bat velocity to deal with plus velocity. His clean swing path and nice steadiness permit him to drive the ball to all fields. He’ll in all probability start the 12 months again in Double-A, however he may very well be pushing for a big-league promotion by midseason. Lengthy-term, he has the potential to hit for common and stroke 20-plus HRs whereas taking part in a strong corner outfield in the bigs.

37. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, St. Louis. Liberatore spent all of final 12 months at Low-A, however his stuff, poise, and command portend continued success at increased ranges. Regardless of his lack of experience, Liberatore mixes his pitches properly and avoids exhausting contact. His plus curve is his finest weapon, however his fastball and alter are each above common. He’ll in all probability open the season at Excessive-A and won’t be in the majors anytime soon, however he has a superb probability of reaching his potential as a No. Three starter.

38. Brendan Rodgers, SS/2B, Colorado. Rodgers underwhelmed in restricted big-league motion final 12 months earlier than a torn labrum ended his season. At Triple-A he confirmed a glimpse of his potential whereas hitting .350 and slugging .622 in 37 games. Rodgers has struggled each time he’s been promoted, however he’s carried out properly at each degree as soon as he’s settled in. Throughout his temporary big-league stint, he was overly aggressive early in at-bats, which meant he persistently discovered himself down in the depend. A mature hitter with good pitch recognition, Rodgers ought to have the ability to alter his method in his next main league alternative. He’s working his manner again to well being this spring and can in all probability open the season on the injured list. Ryan McMahon now appears like the opening day second baseman, however Rodgers may get a big-league look by midseason if he can return to well being and get better his stroke at Triple-A. When wholesome, Rodgers has the bat velocity and uncooked power to finally hit at .280 with 20-plus home runs over a full season.

39. Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers. Ruiz’s inventory has fallen over the past two seasons and he’s been overtaken by Will Smith on the Dodgers’ Depth chart, however he’s simply 21 and nonetheless has vital potential. Ruiz wants to tighten up his receiving behind the plate, however he has the tools to be a strong defensive catcher. Offensively, he shows glorious plate self-discipline and good hand-eye coordination which results in a excessive contact rate. Catchers like Ruiz who’ve above-average uncooked power and stroll more than they strike out don’t develop on timber. In a Dodgers system that does a wonderful job of growing hitters, Ruiz has a superb probability of reaching his potential as an above-average hitter with average power.

40. CJ Abrams, SS, San Diego. Abrams is 19, however already he is proven a powerful all-around ability set. He torched rookie ball to the tune of a .401 common and had as many stolen bases (14) as he did strikeouts (14). He additionally slugged .662 and confirmed above-average tools at shortstop. He in all probability won’t have more than common power, however his plus velocity and plus hit device make for spectacular potential.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfielder | Starter | Every team

41. DL Corridor, LHP, Baltimore. Corridor has an outstanding three-pitch combine, together with an explosive mid-90s fastball, a pointy slider, and a high quality change. He posted good numbers at Excessive-A in 2019 (3.46 ERA, 116 Ks and simply 53 hits allowed in 80.2 innings at Excessive-A). His command wavers and his pitch execution might be inconsistent, however he has the tools to be a No. Three starter. Simply 21, he’ll get loads of time to enhance his command and refine his off-speed stuff.

42. Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta. Waters was named MVP in the Double-A Southern League and has an rising power-speed skillset that would make him an above-average big leaguer. Waters’ lefthanded swing is more fluid and direct than his righthanded stroke, however he has above-average uncooked power from each side of the plate. He’ll want to enhance his pitch recognition to hit for common in the bigs however he’s proven the capability to make changes and his bat velocity ought to finally permit him to develop above-average power. He’ll possible start the season at Triple-A, however he’s shut to big-league prepared.

43. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit. Skubal is a extremely underrated pitcher who’s already certainly one of the finest lefthanders in the minors. In 2019 (his first full professional season), Skubal posted spectacular numbers (2.42 ERA, 179/37 Okay/BB and simply 87 hits allowed in 122 innings cut up between Excessive-A and Double-A). With 4 high quality pitches and good command, Skubal is at the least a No. Three starter. If he can proceed to develop his slider and curve, he may very well be a No. 2.

44. Vidal Brujan, 2B, Tampa Bay. Brujan’s finest device is his game-changing velocity. In 2019 he swiped 48 luggage in simply 99 games. A switch-hitter, Brujan takes his walks and places the ball in play. He’ll in all probability open the season at Double-A and may get a big-league call-up later in 2020. His plate self-discipline and good hand-eye coordination ought to permit him to success towards superior pitching. Lengthy-term, he ought to hit for common, steal 30-plus luggage, and score runs hitting at the prime of the Rays lineup.

45. Jasson Dominguez, OF, New York Yankees. Dominguez is simply 17, so he is a great distance from the majors, however he’s a rare expertise who may finally be certainly one of the finest gamers in the game. A switch-hitting heart subject with plus power from each side of the plate, he commanded a $5.1 million signing bonus final summer season.

2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Quick | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

46. Marco Luciano, SS, San Francisco. Luciano hasn’t performed above rookie ball and he’s simply 18, however he’s already proven prodigious power and strong defense at shortstop. He’s received an extended improvement path forward of him, however his electrical bat velocity and extraordinary uncooked power give him as a lot upside as any hitter in the minors.

47. Jordan Balazovic, RHP, Minnesota. Balzovic posted nice numbers in 2019 throughout a breakout campaign (2.69 ERA, 129/25 Okay/BB and simply 67 hits allowed in 93.2 innings between Low-A and Excessive-A). Balazovic repeats his supply and executes pitches persistently. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and his slider generally is a potent weapon. He’ll want to show he can succeed towards superior hitters, however he has the stuff of a mid-rotation starter.

48. Xavier Edwards, 2B, Tampa Bay. If the Rays didn’t have Brujan, Edwards could be their leadoff hitter of the future. A cultured hitter with good plate self-discipline and glorious contact capability from each side of the plate, Edwards is a prototypical top-of-order man. His plus velocity allowed him to steal 34 bases and play above-average defense at second. He’ll in all probability start the season at Excessive-A, however he’s already a sophisticated participant who ought to rise quicky.

49. Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Chicago White Sox. Vaughn was drafted third total in 2019 after which had a modest professional debut (.278 with six HRs in 205 at-bats in Rookie ball, Low-A, and Excessive-A). He’s restricted to first base regardless of a plus arm and good fingers, which places numerous strain on his bat to produce. Thankfully, Vaughn is a sophisticated hitter with a compact stroke and good plate self-discipline. He ought to hit for an honest common and draw loads of walks. If he can higher use his decrease body to create leverage and loft in his swing, then he has the bat velocity to hit for above-average power.

50. Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami. Cabrera can attain triple digits along with his fastball, however in contrast to most young flamethrowers, he additionally has strong command and a strong three-pitch combine. A 12 months in the past, he regarded like a possible bullpen man; now, he appears like a mid-rotation starter.

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