I haven’t done one of these for a couple of weeks and I am ready to break free from the rigid structure within which I typically write these articles.

This time of year, the fantasy prospect world gets flipped upside down. First, we’ve got trade deadline deals on the horizon. With those trades comes the opportunity for prospects to earn a roster spot on a tanking team or potentially moving to a new organization for better future chances.

Just one month later, we’ll be seeing plenty of call-ups. As one classic punk rock band wouldn’t say, wake me up when September begins. (Remember how good and angsty that music video was? And I’m not even the biggest Green Day fan.)

Anyway, I wanted to take a chance this week to highlight some of the notable prospects that should be stashed in deep redraft leagues. I’m going to quickly discuss players on eleven teams of differing 2019 philosophies. Short, sweet, and to the point – not usually my style, but let’s roll with it!

2019 Fantasy Baseball Week 16 Prospect Report

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Contenders

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Houston Astros : Kyle Tucker is taking reps at first base in Triple-A, which could provide him a path to playing time for a potent offense. I expect the Astros to trade for an above-average starting pitcher, which would block Jose Urquidy from getting another shot. Not quite a sentence I thought I’d be saying a few weeks ago but here we are.

: is taking reps at first base in Triple-A, which could provide him a path to playing time for a potent offense. I expect the Astros to trade for an above-average starting pitcher, which would block from getting another shot. Not quite a sentence I thought I’d be saying a few weeks ago but here we are. Minnesota Twins : If an injury should occur to any outfielder, Brent Rooker is the best option they have to keep their offense flowing up to their usual speed. The Twins may be too scared of his 30+% K-rate though.

: If an injury should occur to any outfielder, is the best option they have to keep their offense flowing up to their usual speed. The Twins may be too scared of his 30+% K-rate though. Oakland Athletics : Stashing Jesus Luzardo at this point is a lost cause unless you are in a keeper league. The same goes for AJ Puk largely due to his limited work and lack of dominance in the early going. However, post-hype prospect Jorge Mateo and sleeper Mark Payton provide interesting cases on offense. For Mateo, it’s a matter of how much more patient Oakland can be with Jurickson Profar and Franklin Barreto. Payton’s story and stat-line are interesting for those in deeper dynasty formats.

: Stashing at this point is a lost cause unless you are in a keeper league. The same goes for largely due to his limited work and lack of dominance in the early going. However, post-hype prospect and sleeper provide interesting cases on offense. For Mateo, it’s a matter of how much more patient Oakland can be with Jurickson Profar and Franklin Barreto. Payton’s story and stat-line are interesting for those in deeper dynasty formats. Washington Nationals : The red-hot Nats have propelled themselves to a wild-card spot in the NL. While Brian Dozier has been smoking hot since June, a string of bad performances could open the door for Carter Kieboom. He’s got nothing left to prove at Triple-A.

In-Betweeners

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Texas Rangers : Willie Calhoun was not happy with the Rangers demoting him upon Gallo’s return. It’s gotta be incredibly frustrating to get jerked around the way he has been by the Texas front office. I’m still bullish on his hit tool and believe he will be back with a vengeance when the next opportunity presents itself.

: was not happy with the Rangers demoting him upon Gallo’s return. It’s gotta be incredibly frustrating to get jerked around the way he has been by the Texas front office. I’m still bullish on his hit tool and believe he will be back with a vengeance when the next opportunity presents itself. San Francisco Giants Connor Menez , who has turned in an impressive season across two levels.

, who has turned in an impressive season across two levels. San Diego Padres : Ian Kinsler and Greg Garcia combine to form a mediocre platoon at the keystone. Luis Urias provides a breath of fresh air for a team turning the corner with their young core on offense. His Triple-A stats are fantastic and it’s time for San Diego to see what they have for the remainder of the 2019 season.

: Ian Kinsler and Greg Garcia combine to form a mediocre platoon at the keystone. provides a breath of fresh air for a team turning the corner with their young core on offense. His Triple-A stats are fantastic and it’s time for San Diego to see what they have for the remainder of the 2019 season. Pittsburgh Pirates : Mitch Keller had an unlucky run in his trio of major league starts. His 0.513 BABIP allowed and 43% left-on-base percentage combined with his usual elevated walk rate was a recipe for disaster. The FIP and xFIP tell a different story, which is what we’re hoping Pittsburgh recognizes sooner than later. None of the current starters ahead of him are world-beaters.

Rebuilders

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Toronto Blue Jays : Since returning from injury, Bo Bichette has been torching Triple-A pitching to the tune of a 0.338 AVG and 0.959 OPS. He will get a chance soon to play up the middle, which will cause a major shuffle in the Blue Jays lineup. Perhaps a trade or two will open up a more obvious spot in the next two weeks.

: Since returning from injury, has been torching Triple-A pitching to the tune of a 0.338 AVG and 0.959 OPS. He will get a chance soon to play up the middle, which will cause a major shuffle in the Blue Jays lineup. Perhaps a trade or two will open up a more obvious spot in the next two weeks. Miami Marlins : Lookout! Isan Diaz is forcing his way onto the major league roster. Of course, Marlins management prefers to keep him down until September, but the statistics don’t lie. In the last two months, we’re looking at a 1.153 OPS with 20 homers and a double-digit walk rate.

: Lookout! is forcing his way onto the major league roster. Of course, Marlins management prefers to keep him down until September, but the statistics don’t lie. In the last two months, we’re looking at a 1.153 OPS with 20 homers and a double-digit walk rate. Baltimore Orioles : There are plenty of spots available for Ryan Mountcastle and DJ Stewart. I’d go Mountcastle for dynasty leagues and Stewart for the rest of 2019.

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