Fantasy Draft: Prospects Who May Debut In 2017

There are several players that are going to come off the board in Fantasy drafts. Andrew Benintendi, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, J.P. Crawford, and Tyler Glasnow to name a few. But there are a host of other rookies that may not be drafted but can be considered as possible additions in the event of injury or poor performance, and this group of players deserve to be monitored in April and May.

This list includes Clint Frazier of the New York Yankees, Bradley Zimmer of the Cleveland Indians, Lewis Brinson of the Milwaukee Brewers, Franklin Barreto of the Oakland Athletics, and Jake Bauers of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Clint Frazier – New York Yankees, OF

Frazier, drafted fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Indians in 2013, was the key player traded to New York in last summers Andrew Miller deal. The 22 year old outfielder hit .276/.356/.469 with the Indians Double-A affiliate Akron Rubberducks but struggled in his brief time in AAA (.230/.271/.385 in just 30 games). He has electric bat speed and the ability to hit to all fields. Look for him to break into the Yankees outfield sometime this summer.

Where to Watch: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders

Bradley Zimmer – Cleveland Indians, OF

Zimmer, drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round (#21) in 2014 has progressed quickly through the Tribe’s farm system. Last season with the Akron Rubberducks he hit .253/.371/.471 with 14 homers and 33 stolen bases. He did not fare well in his promotion to the Tribe’s Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers batting just .252/.349/.305 in 37 games. He struggles against left-handed pitching and has a propensity to strike out quite often but he his power-speed-defense combination should elevate him to Cleveland this summer.

Where to watch: Columbus Clippers

Lewis Brinson – Milwaukee Brewers, OF

Brinson, drafted 29th by the Texas Rangers in 2012, was part of the big Jonathan Lucroy deal last summer. While his start was disappointing with Rangers Double-A affiliate Frisco Rough Riders (.237/.280/.431), he found his stride in Triple-A. The Brewers sent him to Colorado Springs where he finished the year batting .382/.387/.618. With his speed, moderate power, and a good defender he should make his way to Milwaukee this summer.

Where To Watch: Colorado Spring Sky Sox

Franklin Barreto – Oakland Athletics, SS/2B/CF

Barreto, signed by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Venezuela in 2012, was the key player in the Josh Donaldson trade prior to the 2015 season. He just turned 21 and with the A’s Double-A affiliate hit .281/.340/.413 with 10 homers and 50 stolen bases. He got off to a slow start in which he hit .228 (44-for-193) with 44 strikeouts through the end of May. From June 1st on he hit .322/.381.486 with 50 strikeouts spanning 316 plate appearances. He should make his way to the Athletics at some point this season.

Where To Watch: Nashville Sounds

Jake Bauers – Tampa Bay Rays, OF/1b

Bauers, drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 7th round in 2013, was traded to the Rays in the Wil Myers deal prior to the 2015 season. Last year with the Rays’ Double-A affiliate, he hit .274/.370/.420 with 14 homers drawing 73 walks while striking out just 89 times in 581 plate appearances. Still just 21 years old, he has a smooth lefty swing, great eye, and is beginning to see his power profile begin to show itself. The door to the Rays could open with an injury or underwhelming performance by an outfielder or at first base.

Where To Watch: Durham Bulls

Keep an eye on these guys. Super two will come into play, but you can add them earlier if they are performing well. Given the age of each of these players, they all have room to grow. They also, all will be challenged in Triple-A for the first time to open a season.