While the AL Rookie List published earlier this week had some promising kids who should contribute this year, our NL Impact Rookies list is deeper with some significant talent.  If you think about it, it makes sense as there have been several teams in the National League rebuilding over the past few years and now there is talent waiting to emerge.  However, there is no Kris Bryant or Bryce Harper level of talent but instead some very nice players who should provide impact to your fantasy teams in 2017.

I hope the list helps you in drafting your re-draft leagues and as always, I look forward to your feedback.

Significant Impact

Dansby Swanson (ATL, SS) – 550 AB, .285 BA, 14 HR, 17 SB, and 90 Runs

While the ceiling is not that of a perennial all-star, Dansby Swanson is really good.  He should be a high average player with 15-20 home run and stolen base potential with plenty of runs scored.   He’s going to be a mainstay in the Braves lineup and fantasy leagues for a long time.

Manny Margot (SD, OF) – 425 AB, .280 BA, 3 HR, 24 SB, and 65 Runs

I’ve long been a fan of Manny Margot and believe he will be an exciting leadoff batter in the league for years.  He has plus speed and excellent barrel control that should lead to a high batting average.  He’ll likely start the year in Triple-A but I’m anticipating a May call-up.

Robert Gsellman (NYM, RHP) – 20 GS, 7 wins, 3.60 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 130 Strikeouts

The Mets have become a pitching factory and while Robert Gsellman might not have the stuff of some of their current studs, he’s good…really good.  He’ll get his chance and it could be right out of the gate.

Cody Bellinger (LAD, 1B/OF) – 350 AB, .270 BA, 19 HR, 5 SB, and 60 RBIs

It’s a risk to put Cody Bellinger in the “Significant Impact” category but I expect him to be promoted mid-season and contribute immediately.  He has 25 to 30 home run potential with a little bit of speed to make things even more appealing.  He should be drafted in all leagues and not be left to the luck of the FAAB process.

Josh Bell (PIT, 1B) – 550 AB, .265 BA, 18 HR, and 75 RBIs

Josh Bell or John Jaso?  I’m betting Bell gets most of the playing time at first base for the Pirates and while Swanson starts the season as the leading candidate for NL ROY, don’t be surprised if Bell passes him.  He’s a patient hitter with plus power that should lead to several all-star appearances in his career.

Hunter Renfroe (SD, OF) – 300 AB, .220 BA, 11 HR, and 35 RBIs

I’m just not sure about Renfroe.  First, he is country strong with the chance to hit 30 or more home runs annually.  But the approach is poor and he could bat .240 with a .270 OBP.  Is that a profile of a first division player?  Is that a guy you want on your fantasy team?  I think the answer is maybe to both questions.  I would temper my expectation and expect some ups and downs this year, perhaps even some time in the minor leagues.

Could show flashes

Brock Stewart (LAD, RHP) – 16 GS, 6 Wins, 3.50 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 115 Strikeouts

Brock Stewart emerged last year as a legitimate starting pitching option for the Dodgers.  He flashed his potential and should continue to get opportunities in 2017.  He’ll likely need an injury to get playing time.  However, if you’ve looked at the Dodgers starting rotation lately, that seems likely.  Go check…I’ll wait…

Alen Hanson (PIT, 2B) – 250 AB, .265 BA, 4 HR, 18 SB, and 40 Runs

I saw both Alen Hanson and Gregory Polanco in Low-A in 2012 and Hanson was the better player.  Spin forward five years and Polanco has $35 million dollars in the bank and Hanson is still trying to establish himself.  He’s out-of-options so he should get a chance this year.  Unfortunately, it’s likely to be in a utility role.  However, he has fantasy friendly skills and with an opportunity, he could impact your fantasy team.

Jesse Winker (CIN, OF) – 300 AB, .290 BA, 6 HRs, and 45 RBIs

Winker is an on-base machine in the mold of Kevin Youkilis.  The question is will he have enough power to make an impact in the major leagues.  While he’s flashed power in the past, he’s never showed it consistently and I expect that to continue, at least early in his career.

Roman Quinn (PHI, OF) – 250 AB, .270 BA, 25 SB, and 35 Runs

With Odubel Herrera’s struggles in center field, Roman Quinn should have a good shot at starting at some point this season.  His problem has always been health and if he can just keep his body in tact, his speed could provide impact to fantasy owners.

J.P. Crawford (PHI, SS) – 300 AB, .280 BA, 4 HRs, 9 SB, and 40 Runs

While the power has yet to develop, Crawford has proven he can hit and that should be enough to get him to the major leagues in 2017.  You might have to wait on the secondary tools for a while but I still think long-term, the production will be worth it.

Jorge Alfaro (PHI, C) – 275 AB, .250 BA, 8 HRs, 3 SB, and 40 RBIs

Alfaro has some of the best tools for a catcher in the minor leagues.  He has plus raw power and a canon for an arm.  He still needs to work on his approach at the plate but he should see significant playing time in the second half in Philadelphia.

Tom Murphy (COL, C) – 250 AB, .240 BA, 11 HRs, and 40 RBIs

Assuming he stays healthy, Murphy should get significant playing time in Colorado this year.  He has plus power but will strikeout a fair amount.  In other words, he’s a catcher.

I wrote the above paragraph before it was reported that Murphy fractured his hand and will miss the first 4 to 6 weeks of the season.  So frustrating!  I’ve adjusted his stat line accordingly.

Tyler Beede (SF, RHP) – 15 GS, 6 Wins, 3.90 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 110 Strikeouts

Beede should see San Francisco by mid-season and could hit the ground running.  He doesn’t have overwhelming stuff but knows how to pitch and has AT&T Park at his back.

Josh Hader (MIL, RHP) – 80 IP, 4.10 ERA, 1.35 ERA and 100 Strikeouts

Is Josh Hader the next Chris Sale or a bullpen arm?  I’m betting on the latter but Hader should see time in the Brewers rotation at some point this year.  I’m not sure how good he will be, but if you’ve never seen him pitch, the highlights WILL impress you.  His stuff, particularly against lefties is indeed impressive.

May need more time, but…

Erick Fedde (WAS, RHP)

With the trade of Lucas Giolito, Fedde becomes the top pitching prospect in the Washington Nationals system.  He only has 29.1 innings above High-A but is a polished 24-years-old college pitcher who is now two years removed from Tommy John Surgery.  Don’t be surprised if you see him in the second half of the season and also don’t be surprised if he shoves it.

Tyler Glasnow (PIT, RHP)

Glasnow did not pitch well in his only spring training outing to-date and needs to step it up if he’s to make the rotation out of spring training.  The stuff is undeniable but he continues to struggle with his control as he learns to sync his 6-foot-8 body with his pitching mechanics.  I’m confident he’ll get it, but I doubt it will be this season.

Austin Meadows (PIT, OF)

There’s no room in Pittsburgh for the talented Austin Meadows to play but with an injury OR a trade of Andrew McCutchen, he would get the call.  Of course one of those events would have to occur after mid-June as after all, it’s the Pirates.  He’s a hit-first player with more double-power than over-the-fence power, but I still see a 20/20 player once he learns to put more backspin of the ball.

Lewis Brinson (MIL, OF)

I’ve long had a man crush on the uber-talented Lewis Brinson but with the emergence of Keon Broxton, which I still don’t fully believe, the Brewers can marinate Brinson a little longer in Triple-A.  Once promoted, I expect him to start slow and be an up-and-down guy for the first year or two.  Long-term, I think he figures it out with an upside of Carlos Gomez (the good one).

Dom Smith (NYM, 1B)

Dom Smith has the upside of an all-star, gold glove first baseman.  The power has started to emerge and I believe it will continue with a chance to hit 20 plus home runs annually.  Terry Collins doesn’t have a good track record with rookies but Smith is more polished than other rookies who have “served at the discretion of the manager”.  Plus, Duda is always injured and Wilmer Flores…well, is Wilmer Flores, so I think he gets the call.

Nick Williams (PHI, OF)

Nick Williams is the poster child for an uber-talented player with a poor approach who got buzz-sawed once he moved to Triple-A.  If he’s promoted to the major leagues now, the results will be even worse.  Fix the approach and he’s an all-star.  Regardless, I think he gets a chance this year.  I’m just not sure what the results will be.

Sleepers

Alex Verdugo (LAD, OF)

I think by mid season, Cody Bellinger will be locked into an outfield spot and Alex Verdugo could be chomping at the bit.  He has 20/20 upside with great contactability.  My one concern is Brett Lawrie…he kind of reminds me of him.  Tatted up and intense.  Stereotyping?  Unfair?  Perhaps, but that’s what he reminded me of when I saw him in the Arizona Fall League.  Just saying…

Anthony Banda (ARI, RHP)

A Diamondback on a list?  Yep…  Look, Anthony Banda doesn’t have huge upside and he’ll play in the desert, but sometimes #4’s can catch fire when they get promoted.  Perhaps he does.

Ozzie Albies (ATL, 2B)

I cleverly, I thought, drafted Ozzie Albies late in my NFBC draft-and-hold league.  That was before the Braves traded for Brandon Phillips.  The move makes it unlikely Albies gets the call this year, but a lot can happen in six months and Albies can hit with double-plus speed, so keep him on your short list.

Ian Happ (CHC, 2B)

Ian Happ seems like the perfect guy to get dealt at the trading deadline.  There’s no room in Chicago for him and he’s nearly ready for the show.   If and when the trade occurs, fantasy owners need to jump.  He has 20 home run potential with a little speed and a pretty good understanding of the strike zone.  He does strikeout too much, averaging a 23% strikeout rate for his career.  If he can push that to a one-handle, the upside goes way up.

Nick Senzel (CIN, 3B)

Nick Senzel can hit.  He hit in college and he’s hit at every level in the minor leagues.  While there’s no reason for the Reds to promote him, I think they just might.  When they do, there is plenty of fantasy goodness to be had.

Brett Phillips (MIL, OF)

The development of a player is rarely linear.  There are growth spurts and setbacks.  2016 was a setback for Phillips as he posted an ugly 30% strikeout rate in Double-A.  He’s a better player than that but has clearly lost his way and needs to re-work his swing.  Assuming he does, he has a nice combination of speed and power that will play well on a fantasy team.