I’ve been critical of the Cardinals organization for several years. I question many of their decisions, including those of Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena, Dylan Carlson, and Jordan Walker. I liked taking JJ Wetherholt with their first pick last July.  Granted, he was the best player on the board when it was their turn, but they still made the pick.  He should move quickly, even with an outside chance of seeing him in 2025 in St. Louis.  The Cardinals have several nice arms, including Tink Hence and Quinn Matthews, who could both see the Major Leagues in 2025.

After those three, there are a lot of question marks.  I’m not sure it’s enough for a team with some aging veterans to compete for a title.  For me, they are a second-tier team.  In other words, they might compete for a wildcard spot but don’t have enough juice to have a Championship Level team.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: JJ Wetherholt
• Biggest Mover: Quinn Matthews
• Biggest Disappointment: Won-Bin Cho
• Emerging Prospect: Rainiel Rodriguez

The list can be found here.

The pitching is starting to translate at the Major League level, as Paul Skenes and Jared Jones were terrific in 2024.  Next in line are Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft.  Both should see time in Pittsburgh in 2024.

The bats have been the problem.  Nick Yorke and Billy Cook should help next season in a complimentary manner.  Terrmar Johnson likely needs another season in the minors but has the skills to be an impact player.  After that, there are a lot of question marks.

I believe the Pirates have the talent to continue to improve.  However, do they have enough to push them over the playoff hurdle?  I’m not sure.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Bubba Chandler
• Biggest Mover: Jhonny Severino
• Biggest Disappointment: Anthony Solometo
• Emerging Prospect: Yordanny De Los Santos

 The list can be found here.

I really like the Brewers system.  While the top of the system did not perform as well as I had hoped (I’m looking at you, Tyler Black), there’s still a ton of talent in Black, Jacob Misiorowski, and Jeferson Quero.  The excitement in the system stems from the crop of Latin signees – Yophery Rodriguez, Luis Pena, Jesus Made, and Jose Anderson.  Rodriguez is a level ahead of the trio they signed in 2024, but all four have a chance to be Major Leaguers.

There’s a ton of pitching depth after Misiorowski, and the one I like the most is Brett Wichrowski. His stuff is better than the stat line shows, and I think he stays a starter.

Finally, I have to comment on Black being my biggest disappointment.  I thought he would stick in the Major Leagues in 2024, but he just didn’t hit enough.  I wish he weren’t at first base, but the lack of an adequate arm drives him there.  If you roster him, you’ll have to play a juggling act, as I still don’t believe he’ll have considerable power.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Tyler Black
• Biggest Mover: Luis Pena and Jesus Made
• Biggest Disappointment: Tyler Black
• Emerging Prospect: Jose Anderson

 The list can be found here.

The Reds are absorbing their latest round of promotions, including Noelvi Marte, Edwin Encarnacion-Strand, Rhett Lowder, and Julian Aguiar.  I think it’s safe to say that Marte has been a disappointment.  First, the 80-game suspension, and then he didn’t hit when he returned.  Hopefully, Encarnacion-Strand returns healthy next season.

Because of the promotion, the Reds system takes a noticeable hit in depth.  I still like Cam Collier a lot, and he could even challenge for some MLB at-bats next season.   Sal Stewart can really hit, but unfortunately, his season ended in mid-July with a wrist injury.

On the pitching side, I’m anxious to see Chase Burns, the number two overall pick last July. Assuming health, he could follow a similar path to what Rhett Lowder did in 2024.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Cam Collier
• Biggest Mover: Julian Aguiar
• Biggest Disappointment: Carlos Jorge
• Emerging Prospect: Adolfo Sanchez

The list can be found here.

After an encouraging 2023 season, the Cubs missed the playoffs in 2024.  PCA and Jordan Wicks played significant roles in Chicago this season, and the good news is that there is plenty of talent in the upper levels of the minor leagues for 2025.

Matt Shaw should take over third base next season, with Moises Ballesteros seeing time behind the plate or at DH.  Both are nearly ready.  Kevin Alcantara continues to have the highest ceiling of anyone in the system, but there are contact concerns that will likely cause him to struggle to establish himself.  Owen Caissie should also see time, but as with Alcantara, there are contact concerns.

It’s a solid system with strength at the top and some modest depth.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Matt Shaw
• Biggest Mover: Moises Ballesteros
• Biggest Disappointment: Matt Mervis
• Emerging Prospect: Fernando Cruz

The list can be found here.

If you’re looking for stolen bases

Grant McCray, OF, SFG (CBS: 3% rostered)

Two stolen bases in the past seven games. 53 thefts in 2023 at High-A. The kid has some great speed.

Otto Lopez, 2B/3B/SS, MIA (CBS: 18% rostered)

In his past seven games, Lopez has gone 7-for-23 with a homer and two stolen bases. As a super-sub player, he has my attention as a late-round pick next Spring.

Luisangel Acuna, SS, NYM (CBS: 26% rostered)

Or should I have him listed as a power bat? Either way, go get him!

Nick Yorke, SS, PIT (CBS: 6% rostered)

5-for-19 with a pair of stolen bases to begin his career.

If you’re looking for power

Davis Schneider, 2B/OF, TOR (CBS: 12% rostered)

He has three homers in his past 7 games. In the words of the late great Jerry Reed, “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”.

Andy Pages, OF, LAD (CBS: 20% rostered)

He was 5-for-12 in his past three games, with a homer Friday. The Dodgers have clinched, and he should get the opportunity this week to see plenty of at-bats.

Trevor Story, SS, BOS (CBS: 33% rostered)

Two home runs and three stolen bases in his past seven games. Time to get him active and rolling for the final week.

If you’re looking for starting pitching

Rhett Lowder, SP, CIN (CBS: 41% rostered)

He has completed five starts and allowed no runs in three of them. Sitting with two wins and an ERA of 1.40. He’ll look to boost his draft stock for 2025 against the Cubs next weekend.

Jose Quintana, SP, NYM (CBS: 52% rostered)

Last 4 starts, 4 consecutive wins, three quality starts, and a total of one earned run. He has a two-start week against the Braves and Brewers.

Nick Martinez, SP/RP, CIN (CBS: 31% rostered)

Check out those last four starts. Four wins, 3 QS, and a total of two, yes, two earned runs over the 24 2/3 IP. Toss in 27 K’s for good measure. He has the Cubs on Friday.

Richard Fitts, SP, BOS (CBS: 3% rostered)

He has three starts under his belt, and he’s yet to allow an earned run. He has the Jays and possibly Kevin Gausman if the Jays don’t use their bullpen.

Landon Roupp, SP/RP, SFG  (CBS: 2% rostered)

Check out the past three starts. He went five innings in each and allowed two earned runs. He’s got the Cards up next week.

Cody Bradford, SP, TEX (CBS: 59% rostered)

He has Oakland coming up this week. Gotta roll with him.

Jack Kochanowicz, LAA (CBS: 7% rostered)

Possible two-start week with the White Sox on Tuesday and Texas to close the season. You start everyone pitching against the White Sox. It’s a rule!

If you’re looking for relievers

Gregory Soto, RP, BAL (CBS: 1% rostered)

The O’s bullpen is a mess. Why not take a shot at Soto?

Jesus Tinoco, RP, MIA (CBS: 3% rostered)

The Marlins sort of closer, assuming they win a game in the last week.

Hunter Gaddis, RP, CLE (CBS: 15% rostered)

With the Guardians clinching a playoff spot, will Clase get some rest this coming week? The same could hold true for all teams that have clinched except the Yankees who might want to use the week to see if Clay Holmes can right the ship.

Luke Weaver, RP, NYY (CBS: 30% rostered)

In his past six appearances, he has accumulated three saves, a pair of wins, and a hold with no earned runs allowed. It’s an uphill battle for Clay Holmes to be pitching the ninth-inning in the playoffs.

Jonny Deluca, OF, TBR (CBS: 4% rostered) 

Deluca has been 9 for 25 in the last seven games with a homer and 3 SB. He added a two-run home run on Sunday against Corbin Burnes.

Andres Chaparro, 1B/3B, WAS (CBS: 10% rostered)

Chaparro has two home runs and eight RBIs in past week and is getting full-time playing time in Washington.

Randall Grichuk, OF, ARZ (CBS: 3% rostered)

Last week, he went 8 for 21 with three home runs and seven RBIs.

Lars Nootbaar, OF, STL (CBS: 27% rostered)

Last week, he went 8 for 18 with a home run and six RBIs.

Valente Bellozo, SP, MIA (CBS: 14% rostered)

Bellozo has a two-start week against Pittsburgh and Washington.

Reid Detmers, SP, LAA (CBS: 26% rostered)

He’s finally back with the Angels and struck out 10 Dodgers over 6 IP allowing only two earned runs. This week, he has the Twins (Festa) and Astros (Arrighetti).

Landon Knack, SP, LAD (CBS: 11% rostered)

He has a quality start this week against the Guardians – 6 IP, 3 hits, 1 walk, 2 earned runs, 8 strikeouts.

Closers

Luke Weaver, NYY (CBS: 17% rostered)

John McMillon, MIA (CBS: 1% rostered)

Jesus Tinoco is also in the mix.

We have updated our Closer Report.  It can be found here.

Osvaldo Bido, SP, OAK (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)

Last week, we recommended Osvaldo Bido based on a strong effort against the Jays. This week, he shut down the Giants on six shutout, one-hit innings. Next week, he faces the Rays in another favorable matchup. Does he make it three solid outings in a row?

Matthew Boyd, SP, CLE (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

The long-time Tiger returned to the field this week and held the Cubs in check, allowing three hits over 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. Next up, he has the Yankees and Rangers in a tough two-start week. It’s a good time to be buying in on Boyd and, at the same time, a good week to have him on your bench, especially against the Yankees.

Oswaldo Cabrera, 1B/2B/3B/OF, NYY (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)

The Yankees have turned to Oswaldo Cabrera to fill the vacancy created by the elbow injury suffered by recently acquired Jazz Chisholm. The power/speed potential is there.  In the short term, there is an opportunity to garner regular playing time.

Andres Chaparro, 3B, WAS (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Chaparro hit well at Reno, but most do. He also slugged four homers at Rochester after being acquired in a deadline deal by the Nats. A steady diet of at-bats awaits at First Base in Washington. In deeper Redraft Leagues, especially those using OBP, he’s worthy of our attention.

Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/OF, LAD (CBS: 55% rostered, ESPN: 23% rostered)

Tommy Edman is looking to return from the IL this week, and center field looks to be where he’ll receive the bulk of his playing time. He’s averaged low-teen power and 30 stolen bases over the past three years and will push Kevin Kiermaier and possibly Miguel Rojas into part-time roles.

Grant Holmes, SP, ATL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Since moving into the rotation, he has pitched well in three-of-his-four outings. The only blemish was a start at Coors, and he wasn’t the first nor the last to struggle in Colorado. Those strikeout rates are intriguing and could come in handy down the stretch.

Niko Kavadas, 1B, LAA (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Acquired from Boston in the deadline Luis Garcia deal, Niko Kavadas was enjoying a great year on the farm, slugging 17 homers with a .975 OPS in 263 at-bats at Triple-A Worcester. The Angels outrighted Willie Calhoun to Salt Lake City, making at least the good side of a platoon at DH in Kavadas’ future.

Bobby Miller, SP, LAD (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 40% rostered)

The Dodgers are struggling to find healthy arms, and with Tyler Glasnow returning to the IL with right elbow tendinitis, they have called up Bobby Miller. He was far from impressive yesterday, allowing four runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Cards. The four wild pitches he threw yesterday are not a good sign, are they? Necessity has forced the Dodgers’ hand, but it doesn’t have to force ours. Be careful, play the matchups, and hope for a return to form.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, DET (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 31% rostered)

After 2 ½ months down on the farm, Spencer Torkelson has finally returned to Detroit. A double and triple in his first game back is a good way to reintroduce yourself. Let’s hope we see a return to the form that saw the 24-year-old slug 31 homers and drove in 94 runs as a rookie last year.

Jordan Walker, OF, STL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)

Four months down on the farm and in a very crowded Cardinals outfield, Walker is off to a 1-for-13 start. The long year continues for the youngster. Bid small and hope for a hot streak.

Weston Wilson, OF, PHI (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Wilson has hit three homers and stolen two bases, which is not shocking considering he was a 30-30 player at Triple-A last year. He still strikes out too much, but not enough to force Brandon Marsh to the bench against Southpaws.

The Closer Report

Aroldis Chapman, RP, PIT (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)

David Bednar’s struggles continue, as he has allowed runs in 6-of-his-past-7 appearances. The Pirates have stuck with him so far, but their infinite patience might be tested at some point.

Seranthony Dominguez, RP, BAL (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

Craig Kimbrel’s last save was on July 7. The inconsistencies have forced the O’s into looking at one-time Philly Seranthony Dominguez in the ninth inning. He’s now 2-for-2 since being acquired at the trade deadline, with a very high likelihood of more saves in the immediate future.

Tyler Holton, RP, DET (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Holton has opened, closed, and yesterday went three clean innings in a middle-relief role. His portfolio shouldn’t be ignored if you’re scrambling to find arms.

Cole Sands, RP, MIN (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Rocco Baldelli has been utilizing incumbent closer Jhoan Duran all over the place this year, affording save opportunities to the traditional setup men. Cole Sands pitched a clean ninth last night for his 4’th save of the year. There will be more.

We have updated our Closer Report.  It can be found here.