Prospect and prospect rankings are gold in the fantasy baseball world. There’s no other way to put it. No matter what league format you play in, everyone will fight over the next up and coming star dynasty prospects in the making. Everyone wants the next Kris Bryant or Mike Trout instead of getting stuck with a Jurickson Profar or Mark Appel.

That’s where this list comes in handy. Now I’ll never claim to know everything or guarantee that this list will be 100 percent accurate. That’d be foolish. But after analyzing players, breaking down stats, and sitting my you know what in uncomfortable minor league stadium seats, these are the players I have tabbed as the Top-100 dynasty prospects as we hit the midway point of the 2018 season.

You’ll see plenty of movement from my pre-season rankings way back in February. An even 30 percent of the players from my pre-season rankings either exhausted their prospect status or have dropped out of the Top-100 entirely. Their vacant spots have been filled by exciting 2018 draftees and other prospects that have taken steps forward this season. So sit back, kick your feet up, and let’s have some fun.

A player exceeds prospect status when they have surpassed 130 AB, 50 IP, or 45 days on the active MLB roster.

Just missed the cut (In no particular order)

C- Zack Collins (CHW), Daulton Varsho (ARI), Danny Jensen (TOR).

1B- Jake Bauers (TB), Bobby Bradley (CLE), Chad Spanberger (COL).

2B- Shed Long (CIN).

3B- Nolan Jones (CLE).

SS- Jorge Mateo (OAK), Gavin Lux (LAD), Jordan Groshans (TOR).

OF- Anthony Alford (TOR), Oscar Mercado (STL), Brent Rooker (MIN), Adam Haseley (PHI), Khalil Lee (KC), D.J. Peters (LAD), Buddy Reed (SD), Cristian Pache (ATL), Trevor Larnach (MIN), Seth Beer (HOU).

SP- Griffin Canning (LAA), Albert Abreu (NYY), Freddy Peralta (MIL), Brady Singer (KC), Peter Lambert (COL), Matthew Liberatore (TB).

Graduated from Rankings (14)

Shohei Ohtani (6), Gleyber Torres (15), Lewis Brinson (17), Walker Buehler (23), Ryan McMahon (25), Scott Kingery (29), Harrison Bader (47), Jack Flaherty (50), Miguel Andujar (60), Dustin Fowler (75), Jorge Alfaro (78), Tyler Mahle (97), J.P. Crawford (99), Jesse Winker (100).

Dropped From Rankings (16)

Anthony Alford (40), Jhailyn Ortiz (54), Bobby Bradley (59), Chance Adams (61), Jake Burger (67), Starling Heredia (69), Brett Phillips (74), Joey Wentz (76), Mickey Moniak (79), Pavin Smith (80), Stephen Gonsalves (83), J.B. Bukauskas (87), Lewin Diaz (88), Jake Bauers (89), Anderson Espinoza (90), Jeren Kendall (95).

Top 100 Dynasty Prospects (100-51)

**Stats through 6/24/18**

Stats (A): .318/.375/.547/.922, 15 2B, 7 3B, 10 HR, 6 SB, 8.1 BB%, 22.8 K%, 258 AB

The Pirates system is loaded with middle infielders, but Oneil Cruz is easily the best of the bunch. The 6’6″ Dominican shortstop has been tearing apart the Sally league with a .318 average and 31 extra-base hits in 66 games. While it’s still unsure if he’ll stay at short long-term or move over to third, Cruz’s dynamic bat will play just fine wherever he slots defensively.

99. Ryan McKenna, OF, BAL (Previous – NR)

Stats (A+/AA): .372/.464/.540/1.004, 18 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 5 SB, 12.4 BB%, 16.1 K%, 257 AB

Ryan McWho? Coming into the season, McKenna was a relatively unknown prospect with a career .252/.330/.356/.686 slash line and just eight homers in 722 minor league at-bats. That’s all changed this year as he’s already set a career high in homers and has an OPS north of 1.000. McKenna has improved his walk rate, strikeout rate, and is hitting more flyballs to his pull side which is the main cause of his power spike. He’ll never be mistaken for a masher, but this is a very good hitter on the rise with 20/20 potential.

98. Travis Swaggerty, OF, PIT (Previous – NR)

Stats (A-): .429/.500/.571/1.071, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 12.5 BB%, 12.5 K%, 7 AB

The man I will refer to as “Swagilicious” or “Swaggy T”, depending on my mood, was the 10th overall pick in this year’s MLB draft and the third outfielder taken overall behind Jarred Kelenic and Kyler Murray. I went over him last week in my first round outfielder breakdown of the MLB draft.

97. Miguel Hiraldo, SS, TOR (Previous – NR)

Stats (RK): .408/.482/.648/1.130, 9 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 4 SB, 12.0 BB%, 12.0 K%, 74 AB

Man, the Blue Jays sure know where to find high-upside hitters on the left side of the infield. Hiraldo has been playing like a man possessed through his first 18 professional games, slashing .400/.482/.648/1.130 with two dingers, four steals, and as many walks as strikeouts (10). Hiraldo makes a lot of hard contact to all fields and has 25-plus homer pop in that bat down the road.

96. Drew Waters, OF, ATL (Previous – NR)

Stats (A): .297/.349.521/.869, 21 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 11 SB, 5.9 BB%, 18.5 K%, 219 AB

Within the next five years, the Braves are going to have a dynamic outfield trio of Ronald Acuña, Cristian Pache, and this man, Drew Waters. The power and speed upside blossoming before our eyes this season and should grow to 20/30 levels down the road. Add in a much-improved hit tool and you have a fantasy star in the making.

95. Brusdar Graterol, RHP, MIN (Previous – NR)

Stats (A): 41.1 IP, 2.18 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, 11.1 K/9

The hard-throwing right-hander has ace upside written all over him and he’s showing why this season. The most impressive thing so far has to be his improved control. Graterol has only walked six batters in seven starts and five of those were in one game. Still only 19, Graterol has a ways to go, but he’s already showing that he has the highest upside of any pitcher in this Twins system.

Stats (A/A+): .330/.389/.582/.971, 25 2B, 4 3B, 12 HR, 13 SB, 8.5 BB%, 20.3 K%, 273 AB

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t the only Toronto hot corner prospect making noise this season. Just one level lower (because Toronto refuses to promote Vladdy to Triple-A), Kevin Smith is putting together a dynamic offensive campaign. In 273 at-bats, Smith has a .330/.389/.582/.971 slash line and is on a 600 at-bat pace of 26 home runs, 29 steals, 125 RBI, and 114 runs. Not too shabby, huh? Eventually, the Jays will need to figure out what to do with this logjam on the left side of their infield, but until then, do yourself a favor and grab some of this rising dynasty stock.

93. Luis Urias, 2B/SS, SD (Previous – 92)

Stats (AAA): .265/.375/.407/.782, 16 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 1 SB, 13.6 BB%, 19.6 K%, 268 AB

Trust me, I tried to rank Urias higher. I really did. But outside of his plus hit tool and strong plate approach, there’s not much to like about his offensive profile. He’s likely going to have plenty of .300+ seasons in his future, but with minimal contributions in the power and speed departments. Sure, he might be able to get into the 12-15 range in both, but that’s about it.

Stats (AA/AAA): .332/.415/.399/.814, 8 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 41 SB, 11.4 BB%, 14.4 K%, 286 AB

He might be a little old for this list, but Myles Straw is doing incredible things right now in the high minors that simply cannot be ignored. His 41 steals currently lead the minors and his .327 average ranked 8th in Double-A before his call-up to Fresno. Triple-A has been no match for Straw either as the speedster is hitting a robust .371 in eight games at the level. Power is non-existent here, but Straw has the makings of a dynamic leadoff hitter who can get on base at a high clip, limit the strikeouts, and steal a ton of bases.

Stats (AA/AAA): .303/.392/.450/.842, 16 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 29 SB, 12.5 BB%, 13.5 K%, 271 AB

Brendan Rodgers isn’t the only Rockies middle infield prospect of note. He might have been at this time last year, but Garrett Hampson is coming on strong this season, showcasing an advanced approach at the plate and plus wheels. And when I say advanced, I’m really not giving Hampson and his 21/17 BB/K ratio enough credit.

90. Ian Anderson, RHP, ATL (Previous – 86)

Stats (A+): 59.0 IP, 3.51 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9, 10.7 K/9

After a rough start to the season, Anderson has settled down with a 2.70 ERA in his last eight starts. With all the top pitching prospects in this Atlanta system, Anderson often slides under the radar due to being further away from the Majors, but has the upside of a No. 2 starter.

89. Adrian Morejon, LHP, SD (Previous – 94)

Stats (A+): 57.2 IP, 3.59 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, 10.3 K/9

Morejon has more than held his own as a 19-year-old in high Class A this season with a 3.59 ERA through 11 starts. The biggest improvement has been that he’s attacking hitters more, as evident by the rise from 8.3 to 10.3 K/9. Morejon might not have ace upside like Michel Baez, but he should settle in as a strong No. 2 or No. 3 starter.

88. Alec Bohm, 3B, PHI (Previous – NR)

Stats (RK/A-): .400/.471/.400/.871, 0 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 1 SB, 5.9 BB%, 5.9 K%, 15 AB

Move on over Maikel Franco, you’re no longer the third baseman of the future in Philly. That title now belongs to No. 3 overall pick, Alec Bohm. It shouldn’t take long for Bohm and his complete offensive profile to take over as the third baseman of the present either.

For more on Bohm, check out my breakdown of the infielders taken in the first round of the MLB draft.

87. Jahmai Jones, 2B, LAA (Previous – 51)

Stats (A+): .246/.348/.413/.761, 8 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 12 SB, 12.6 BB%, 19.1 K%, 252 AB

Though his stat line has regressed from 2017, Jones has made improvements in his plate discipline this season. His walk rate is up from 7.8% to 12.6% while his strikeout rate has stayed just about the same. If Jones can continue to refine his approach, we could be seeing him and his .280/20/30 upside as a Top-5 fantasy second baseman some day.

86. Shane Baz, RHP, PIT (Previous – 96)

Stats (RK): 5.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 5.4 BB/9, 1.8 K/9

Though the strikeouts weren’t there, Baz dazzled in is 2018 debut, firing five shutout innings on June 20. Baz has three plus pitches and a developing change that has flashed plus. What will determine if he develops into a top of the rotation arm is his inconsistent control.

85. Andres Gimenez, SS, NYM (Previous – NR)

Stats (A+): .268/.342/.416/.758, 16 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 23 SB, 7.1 BB%, 20.5 K%, 231 AB

Gimenez hasn’t done much differently at the plate in 2018. However, he’s finally putting that 60-grade speed to good use with 23 steals so far which leads the Florida State League. That .268 average should only continue to rise as he continues to refine his approach at the plate. There’s legit .290/40 SB upside here.

84. Monte Harrison, OF, MIA (Previous – 64)

Stats (AA): .230/.317/.387/.703, 13 2B, 1 3B, 9 HR, 16 SB, 8.2 BB%, 37.8 K%, 269 AB

When you look at that stat line above, it’s easy to have mixed emotions. On one hand, Harrison is on pace for another 20/20 season and could break his career high of 32 stolen bases set back in 2014 in Rookie ball. On the other hand, his average has tanked and he’s striking out in 37.8 percent of his plate appearances. Take the good with the bad, I guess. No, not really. If Harrison wants to put that power/speed profile to good use in the Majors, he’s going to need to cut down on the strikeouts and put more balls in play.

83. Franklin Perez, RHP, DET (Previous – 84)

Stats (TBD): HAS NOT PITCHED – INJURED

Perez has missed the entire season with a lat injury suffered back in March, but is nearing a return to minor league game action.

82. Kevin Maitan, 3B/SS, LAA (Previous – 39)

Stats (RK): .325/.386/.400/.786, 1 HR, 0 SB, 4.5 BB%, 15.9 K%

No matter what farm system he’s in, Maitan swings a potent stick. Unfortunately, there’s also a considerable amount of risk that goes along with him due to questions around his plate discipline, work ethic, and unsure defensive home. As you can see from Maitan’s 45 spot drop from my pre-season rankings, his prospect star has dulled a bit, which creates a great buy-low window.

81. Jay Groome, LHP, BOS (Previous – 49)

Stats (N/A): HAS NOT PITCHED – INJURED

The Red Sox were already lacking impact prospects in their system and now they’ll be without their top pitching prospect until the middle of the 2019 season. Groome has very high upside, but is also a considerable risk in dynasty leagues. If you’re feeling lucky, now is a good time to buy-low on Groome.

Stats (TBD): HAS NOT PITCHED

Another high-upside arm for the Atlanta Braves. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Carter Stewart might already have the best curveball in the minors, before even throwing a single professional pitch and pair that with a 95-97 mph heater. If he continues to develop his changeup and control, Stewart might end up as the best pitcher of all these great Braves pitching prospects. Yes, even ahead of Luiz Gohara and Mike Soroka.

For more on Stewart, check out my breakdown of all the first round pitchers from the MLB draft.

“He definitely has the best curveball in the draft.” —@Braves Director of Scouting Brian Bridges on new draftee Carter Stewart. #Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/VdmP8KzqqB — FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 5, 2018

79. Beau Burrows, RHP, DET (Previous – NR)

Stats (AA): 75.2 IP, 3.33 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, 7.7 K/9

Burrows has actually regressed some in 2018, but remains a high-upside arm. Both his walk rate and strikeout rate have regressed in 2018, though his ERA and WHIP are in line with last season’s numbers and he did strike out 11 in his last start. He’s offset the rise in free passes by allowing 1.5 less H/9 this season. If Burrows can continue to develop his slider and changeup, he could end up as a strong #2 starter in the Majors.

Stats (AA): .255/.305/.375/.680, 7 2B, 0 3B, 6 HR, 0 SB, 4.5 BB%, 9.0 K%, 208 AB

Once again, let’s focus on the positives here. Keibert Ruiz is just 19 years old in Double-A with a .314 career average and a stellar 9.0% strikeout rate this season. The .680 OPS certainly isn’t anything to stick on the refrigerator, but Ruiz profiles as a .300 hitter with 15-20 HR pop from an offensive deprived catcher position.

77. Matt Manning, RHP, DET (Previous – 70)

Stats (A): 48.2 IP, 3.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 5.2 BB/9, 12/6 K/9

The 2018 season has been the same old story for Manning. He continues to strike out batters at a high clip (12.9 K/9), but also hasn’t made any strides with his control. In fact, his BB/9 has risen for the second straight season up to 5.2 through his first 10 starts. His arsenal suggests SP1 or SP2 upside, but his control hasn’t quite gotten that memo yet.

76. Yusniel Diaz, OF, LAD (Previous – 98)

Stats (AA): .298/.416/.446/.862, 5 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 6 SB, 15.8 BB%, 14.9 K%, 168 AB

Don’t look now, but we have a player with more walks than strikeouts. I know, they’re a rare breed on the verge of extinction. The added plate discipline to go along with his 20/20 upside, has Diaz’s prospect stock firmly on the rise. We should be seeing him with the Dodgers at some point next season.

75. Dane Dunning, RHP, CHW (Previous – NR)

Stats (A+/AA): 86.1 IP, 2.71 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 10.4 K/9

After mowing down high Class-A hitters in four starts, Dunning advanced to Double-A Birmingham and has been just as impressive in 11 starts. Dunning’s three above-average to plus pitches and control give him a fairly high floor, which makes him an intriguing target even if the upside isn’t quite ace-caliber.

74. Nick Gordon, SS, MIN (Previous – 82)

Stats (AA/AAA): .304/.342/459/.801, 17 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 8 SB, 4.9 B%, 16.6 K%

Gordon’s counting stats are in line with 2017, but he decided that putting the ball in play is better than striking out. Good call Nick. Gordon has dropped his strikeout rate from 23.2% to 16.6%, and in turn, his average has crept up over .300. The upside remains limited due to his average power and speed, but Gordon is a high floor shortstop that could develop into a starting fantasy shortstop some day.

73. Dylan Cease, RHP, CHW (Previous – 57)

Stats (A+): 71.2 IP, 2.89 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9, 10.3 K/9

We’re basically splitting hairs when it comes to Cease and Dunning. Control problems hampered Cease earlier in his career. He’s always limited hits well, but that 6.0 BB/9 wasn’t getting it done. Fortunately, Cease has managed to better that mark each year since and currently sits at 3.5 BB/9. Now, if only he could develop that changeup of his to complement his plus fastball/curveball combination better.

72. Michael Chavis, 3B, BOS (Previous – 55)

Stats (N/A): HAS NOT PLAYED – SUSPENDED

Chavis was hit with an 80-game suspension for the use of a performance-enhancing drug and won’t be back for another month or so. He’ll likely return to Double-A Portland.

71. Franklin Barreto, 2B/SS, OAK (Previous – 56)

Stats (AAA): .236/.335/441/.776, 10 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 2 SB, 11.7 BB%, 31.9 K%, 161 AB

Stats (MLB): .206/.229/.500/.729, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 0 SB, 2.9 BB%, 34.3 K%, 34 AB

I’m sure this is on the low-end of the spectrum for Barreto, but I’m becoming increasingly skeptical about his overall hit tool. Sure he’s put up decent enough averages in his minor league career, but his walk rate is porous and his strikeout rate continues to climb. There’s 25/20 upside here, but that might not come with more than a .250-.260 average. Think Brian Dozier with less power potential.

70. Christin Stewart, OF, DET (Previous – 58)

Stats (AAA): .267/.349/.496/.845, 14 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, 0 SB, 11.0 BB%, 20.3 K%, 262 AB

Do you want some power? Well, Stewart has plenty of it. Since the start of the 2017 season, Stewart has cranked 42 home runs and 43 doubles in 747 at-bats while keeping his batting average respectable. When I see Stewart, I can’t help but compare him to a right-handed Jay Bruce statistically.

Stats AAA): .286/.356/.424/.780, 6 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 3 SB, 10.3 BB%, 24.9 K%, 203 AB

Stats (MLB): .214/.262./.339/.602, 1 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 1 SB, 6.6 BB%, 39.3 K%

I’m sorry if you’re a Willy Adames supporter, but he excites me as much as bread in the toaster. Sure, he’s a strong defender and that will keep him at short long-term. That’s great and all, but he’s not magically going to become offensively gifted. With that being said, he’s a safe option and should settle in as a .275/15/15 threat. Just don’t expect anything more than that.

68. Seuly Matias, OF, KC (Previous – NR)

Stats (A): .242/.315/.640/.955, 10 2B, 1 3B, 24 HR, 5 SB, 7.7 BB%, 37.0 K%, 211 AB

Let me ask you again. Do you want some power? If you thought Stewart had some boom boom sauce in his stick, just wait until you see Seuly Matias. Batting practice is just one long power display for Matias who currently leads the minors with 24 ding dongs. Unfortunately, when he’s not crushing pitches over the outfield wall, he can be found walking back to the dugout after one of his many strikeouts. He’ll need to refine his approach at the plate if he doesn’t want to start flirting with the Mendoza line at higher levels.

Seuly Matias #royals with the 2 strike 💣. HR number 21. #easypower pic.twitter.com/Sv0TPAIvGK — Looting is a sign of rebellion (@Jasenelpartido) June 16, 2018

Stats (AA): 35.2 IP, 2.52 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, 10.3 K/9

The 2018 season has brought more Jon Duplantier dominance. Through his first 172.2 professional innings, Duplantier has a stellar 1.62 ERA., 1.01 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9, and 10.9 K/9. It shouldn’t take long for Duplantier to crack the Diamondbacks rotation, with the possibility of sitting atop it some day.

66. Brandon Marsh, OF, LAA (Previous – 85)

Stats (A/A+): .259/.357/.402/.760, 15 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 11 SB, 13.4 BB%, 26.8 K%, 251 AB

After a strong 34-game showing in the Midwest League, the Angels promoted Marsh to high Class-A where he has struggled in his 31 games. The overall stat line looks good outside of his average which has dropped down to .259. Not all is lost, though, as Marsh has made some improvements, highlighted by his much-improved 13.4% walk rate.

Stats (TBD): HAS NOT PLAYED

It’s not very often that you see me getting excited about a catcher. In fact, it rarely ever happens. The last time I was this excited about a catcher was Matt Wieters and we all know how that has turned out. Joey Bart has the offensive upside to make him the top overall fantasy catcher in short order. Yes, that means ahead of Gary Sanchez and any other backstop you want to rattle off.

For more on Bart, check out my breakdown of the infielders taken in the first round of the MLB draft.

Stats (RK): .214/.389/.500/.889, 1 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 0 SB, 22.2 BB%, 27.8 K%, 14 AB

Though he’s not ranked to reflect this quite yet, Nolan Gorman could end up as the top fantasy hitter from this draft class. Why? Two words; the power. Gorman has the type of power that makes Chuck Norris cower in fear. The only question is, how high an average will he pair with his 40-plus homer pop? That remains to be seen, but he’s shown the potential to hit in the .260-.280 range annually with an OBP in the vicinity of .400.

For more on Gorman, check out my breakdown of the infielders taken in the first round of the MLB draft.

Nolan Gorman, selected at No. 19 overall by the @Cardinals, hit this MONSTER home run in the @PGAllAmerican Classic! https://t.co/VR9LgPFurt pic.twitter.com/DajwjpK9Az — Perfect Game USA (@PerfectGameUSA) June 5, 2018

63. Julio Pablo Martinez, OF, TEX (Previous – NR)

Stats (RK/A-): .241/.446/.426/.872, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 4 SB, 24.3 BB%, 23.0 K%, 54 AB

All in all, I’d call Martinez’s first 54 at-bats a success. The average might only be .241, but Martinez is showing a very advanced plate approach that has led to a 24.3 BB% and .446 OBP so far. The future is bright for the 22-year-old Cuban native. So bright that we could very well see him in the Top-25 next spring.

62. Akil Baddoo, OF, MIN (Previous – 53)

Stats (A): .219/.359/.390/.750, 9 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 12 SB, 17.4 BB%, 28.9 K%, 210 AB

Let’s not focus on that .219 average. I said don’t look at it! Instead, let’s focus on the fact that a 19-year-old in Single-A has an impressive 17.4 BB% while on a 20/35 pace. He’s too good of a hitter to keep toiling in the low-200’s for very long.

61. Justus Sheffield, LHP, NYY (Previous – 73)

Stats (AA/AAA): 66.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9, 10.7 K/9

Coming to a stadium near you, more lame courtroom nicknames from New York Yankee fans. They already have Judge and Justus is inching closer and closer to donning the pinstripes. Outside of one six-run blow-up against Indianapolis on June 2, Sheffield has allowed three runs or less in every other start and has been allowing a lot less contact, as evident by his drop in H/9 and rise in K/9. Unfortunately, his BB/9 has risen a tad, too, but it’s not overly concerning yet. Expect to see Sheffield in the Bronx later this summer.

60. Enyel De Los Santos, RHP, PHI (Previous NR)

Stats (AAA): 77.1 IP, 1.63 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, 9.3 K/9

If you’ve been following my work and daily prospect performance updates, you’ll know that Enyel De Los Santos’ name has popped up quite a bit this season, and for good reason. Before his last four-inning outing, De Los Santos had rattled off eight straight quality starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 1.50 ERA during that stretch. Expect to see him in the city of brotherly love later this summer with immediate fantasy impact upon his promotion.

59. Alec Hansen, RHP, CHW (Previous – 81)

Stats (AA): 8.2 IP, 8.31 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, 5.2 BB/9, 10.4 K/9

We could be looking at an ace starter here or a dominant late-inning reliever. The jury is still out on that. Chicago will give Hansen every chance to stick in the rotation, though, given his upside. Hansen didn’t debut until the middle of June due to a forearm issue and has picked up right where he left off last season with five walks and 10 strikeouts through his first two starts.

Stats (RK): .615/.615/.846/1.462, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 SB, 0.0 BB%, 15.4 K%, 13 AB

You can have your Kyler Murray, Jordyn Adams, or Swaggy T all you want because Jarred Kelenic is my favorite outfielder from this year’s draft class and it’s not even close. He has a downright gorgeous swing and plus tools across the board.

For more on Kelenic, check out my breakdown of the outfielders taken in the first round of the MLB draft.

Stats (A+): .300/.368/.455/.823, 16 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 2 SB, 9.6 BB%, 22.3 K%, 257 AB

Wake up, hit .300, repeat. It’s a simple cycle that Colton Welker seems to live his life by. Through his first 721 professional at-bats, Welker is slashing .326/.379/.481/.860 with 49 doubles, 19 home runs, and 13 steals. He’s not overly fast and doesn’t read pitchers’ move to the plate overly well, but 10-15 steals annually is still attainable to go along with his .300/25 upside. Some of those doubles are going to turn into homers sooner or later. Coors Field should help with that, too.

56. Cavan Biggio, 2B, TOR (Previous – NR)

Stats (AA): .275/.397/.549/.947, 13 2B, 3 3B, 15 HR, 9 SB, 17.1 BB%, 25.3 K%, 233 AB

While it remains to be seen how well Cavan can follow in his father’s Hall of Fame footsteps, I will say that Cavan has more raw power than his dad. Don’t you forget who currently leads the New Hampshire Fishercats in home runs. It’s not Vladdy and it’s not Bo. It’s Biggio. On top of the added power, Biggio is stealing more bases and walking at a higher clip while keeping his strikeout rate similar to 2017. There aren’t many second base dynasty prospects in the minors that can match Biggio’s offensive upside.

55. Shane Bieber, RHP, CLE (Previous – NR)

Stats (AA/AAA): 76.2 IP, 1.29 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 0.7 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

Stats (MLB): 18.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9, 10.8 K/9

Fantasy owners around the world have come down with a severe case of Bieber Fever over the last few months. Side effects may will include a stinginess for walks and stellar ratios. Bieber finds himself entrenched in the Indians rotation moving forward after dominating both Double-A and Triple-A and pitching adequately so far in his three Major league starts. Like with Allard below, the strikeouts likely won’t be more than 8.0 K/9 or so, but Bieber is one of the safest pitchers on this list due to his historic control and feel for pitching.

Stats (AAA): 81 IP, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, 6.6 K/9

About a month or so ago, I compared Kolby Allard to Mark Buehrle and the more I think of the comparison, the more it makes sense. Allard will never dazzle us with elite strikeout numbers, but his control is solid, making him a decent bet for low ratios year in and year out. Allard is doing exactly that this season for Triple-A Gwinnett. He ranks in the Top-10 in Triple-A in both ERA and WHIP, but barely cracks the Top-50 in strikeouts (tied-45th). Don’t let his lower strikeout rate scare you away from having him in dynasty formats.

53. Ryan Mountcastle, 3B, BAL (Previous – 48)

Stats (AA): .303/.356/.484/.840, 6 2B, 2 2B, 6 HR, 0 SB, 6.9 BB%, 17.2 K%, 155 AB

Mountcastle has been flying under the radar this season despite having a better year than his 2017 breakout season that put him on the map as an offensive prospect to be reckoned with. Both his walk and strikeout rates have improved, while he remains on a similar HR pace to last season. He’s yet to steal a base, but speed has never been expected to factor in his game anyway.

52. Kyle Wright, RHP, ATL (Previous – 72)

Stats (AA): 76.2 IP, 4.11 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9, 8.3 K/9

Okay, I can’t sugar coat this one like I did with a few guys above. Wright has regressed across the board this season. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. However, it’s just one 15-start stretch and doesn’t dampen his sky-high potential one bit. Pitchers with four-plus pitches and solid control don’t just grow on trees, you know.

Stats (A+): 42.1 IP, 1.91 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 0.6 BB/9, 14.9 K/9

Did someone create Chris Paddack in a video game? No human being should be able to destroy opposing hitters like Paddack has been this season. Through his first eight starts, his K/9 sits at a ridiculous 14.9, which is head and shoulds ahead of the marks Chris Sale and Max Scherzer have this season. Outside of MacKenzie Gore and Michel Baez, there’s no pitching prospect in the NL West that I’d rather own in dynasty. People were sleeping on Paddack coming off Tommy John surgery. Not anymore.

I strongly urge you to take a couple minutes to admire the greatness of Paddack, courtesy of Baseball America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKBg3uf1VsA&feature=youtu.be

Thank you for reading another edition of Dynasty Dugout here on Fantrax. Got a question about a prospect that Eric didn’t cover here? Ask below or follow him on Twitter. Also, make sure to check out his archive.