There is elite power at the top or you can roll with the young guns and that considerable upside. You could also pick a path that is relatively safe and boring as the tried and true populates the pickings after you get through the Top-15 or so picks. There are options. Plenty of them, at a position that is deep in talent. Pick a path and roll with it knowing that strength at First Base will come with a price. The price being a potentially weak outfield. Know your parameters and proceed accordingly.

1. Freddie Freeman, LAD – Freeman went 23-of-24 in stolen base attempts. He scored 131 runs and hit for a .331 BA with a .410 OBP. In the past eight years he has had an OPS in excess of .900 six times and the two years he missed were .893 and .896. Freddie Freeman is as good as it gets.
2. Matt Olson, ATL – His first year in Atlanta was very good but it paled in comparison to 2023’s. 54 homer, 139 RBI and 127 runs scored. Odds would say a repeat will be tough but split the difference between 2022 and ’23 and you still have one of the best power bats in the game.
3. Bryce Harper, PHI – It looks like Harper won’t be running into many walls now that 1B is his full-time home and that’s a very good thing. A healthy Harper is a Fantasy juggernaut.
4. Pete Alonso, NYM – There is no doubting that pure raw power (46 HR, 118 RBI in ’23), but it does come with a low batting average price. Know your parameters but even with a low BA it’s hard to beat the potential for at the very least mid-40’s home run pop.
5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR – A disappointing year is a one-off. Two consecutive disappointing years and one has to lower the bar. Vlad Jr. still is a very good player, but the high hopes and anticipation after that monster 2021 campaign (1.002 OPS) are fading.
6. Cody Bellinger, FA – The Cody Bellinger that disappeared after the 2019 season resurfaced in Chicago last year. Somone will pay dearly for the rights to prove 2023 will be replicated. OF-84
7. Christian Walker, ARZ – Walker finished 3’rd in HR with 33. He finished 3’rd in RBI with 103. Having Corbin Carroll at the top-of-the-order makes a difference.
8. Spencer Torkelson, DET – For those that exercised patience, the 2023 rewards were hefty. 2024 could prove to be even better.
9. Triston Casas, BOS – It took Casas a while to get rolling, but those second half numbers were crazy good. I’m going to bet that he builds on that second half success and assembles a 35 HR, 90 RBI type season.
10. Paul Goldschmidt, STL – Goldschmidt is turning 37 in September and posted his lowest OPS since his sophomore campaign in 2012. That was 11 years ago, for those keeping score. He could bounce back, but I’m not going to either pay for it or bet on it.
11. Yandy Diaz, TBR – In 3-of-the-past-4 seasons Diaz has bested a .400 OBP. Expecting 20+ home runs could be the new norm, but it doesn’t have to be for him to produce solid returns.
12. Spencer Steer, CIN 3B-47, OF-47 That roster flexibility is sweet, as are the 23 home runs, 86 RBI, and 15 stolen bases he amassed last year. The Twins clearly came up with the short end of the stick on this deal.
13. Josh Naylor, CLE – A strikeout rate under 15% (13.7%) hitting out of the cleanup slot could see Naylor poised for a long run of 20-90 type seasons, with 7-to-10 thefts. That works well as a mid-tier bat at the corner. Very well.
14. Isaac Paredes, TBR – This proverb sums up Isaac Paredes very eloquently. “Fool me once, shame on you; Fool me twice, shame on me.” He isn’t fooling me thrice. 3B-116
15. Alec Bohm, PHI – Bohm finished 2023 three RBI’s shy of getting to the 100 RBI mark. He secured his first 20 home run season. The question is do you use him at First or Third. Either works just fine. 3B-90
16. Sal Perez, KCR – Pencil in a perfectly boring 20 HR, 80 RBI, and .255 BA season. The depth at the catcher position might even allow one to utilize that CI eligibility. C-91
17. Vinnie Pasquantino, KCR – The promise we witnessed in 2022 faded quickly as he underwent surgery in June to repair a torn labrum. It’s all about the health and the early indication is that he’ll be 100% for Spring Training, but isn’t everyone 100% healthy and in the best shape of their live come February?
18. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, CIN – When you’re a 24-year-old highly touted prospect and slug 13 homers in only 228 at-bats, one would think that playing time wouldn’t be an issue. Let’s hope that is the case.
19. Nathaniel Lowe, TEX – The Rangers’ potent offense helped him set career highs in both RBI and RS. He posted a career high .360 OBP. The home runs fell off from the 27 he hit in 2022, to 17, but other than that it was a good year. A return to mid-20’s power would boost his stock considerably in 2024.
20. Andrew Vaughn, CWS – Everything was a mess on the South Side last year so why should Vaughn be any different. The potential is and has been there, but it’s high time we see better results to support that premise. 21-80.
21. Rhys Hoskins, FA
22. Brandon Drury, LAA 2B-92
23. Josh Bell, MIA
24. Jose Abreu, HOU
25. Justin Turner, FA
26. Anthony Rizzo, NYY
27. Ryan Mountcastle, BAL
28. Jeimer Candelario, CIN 3B-116
29. Kyle Manzardo, CLE
30. Luke Raley, TBR OF-65
31. Ryan Noda, OAK
32. DJ LeMahieu, NYY 3B-69
33. Wilmer Flores, SFG 3B-22
34. LaMonte Wade, SFG OF-22
35. Alex Kirilloff, MIN OF-21
36. Rowdy Tellez, PIT
37. Ty France, SEA
38. Jake Cronenworth, SDP 2B-35
39. Carlos Santana, FA
40. Elehuris Montero, COL
41. Ryan O’Hearn, BAL OF-29
42. C.J. Cron, FA
43. Matt Mervis, CHC
44. Nolan Schanauel, LAA
45. Cavan Biggio, TOR 2B-49, OF-27
46. Gabriel Arias, CLE SS-53
47. Dominic Smith, FA
48. Gavin Sheets, CWS OF-73-52
49. Jake Bauers, MIL OF
50. Sam Basallo, BAL
51. Connor Joe, PIT OF-81
52. Jon Singleton, HOU
53. Joey Gallo, FA
54. Brandon Belt, TOR
55. Michael Toglia, COL
56. Nick Pratto, KCR
57. Joey Votto, FA
58. Yuli Gurriel, FA

Once again, the Dodgers system is strong.  However, unlike previous years, there’s more depth this time than Top 50 prospects.

When I look at the top of the system with Dalton Rushing, River Ryan, and Diego Cartaya, they all have a chance to be impact MLB players, but I have concerns about each.  While I’ll let you read their capsules to learn more, I must comment on Cartaya.  I was all-in on him this time last year.  However, he’s on his way to breaking my heart.  It was a terrible year.  I hear great things about his makeup and “want,” so I hope he can turn things around.

Even with the graduation of Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and James Outman, the Dodgers still have a Top 5 system in the game.  There are close to 4,500 words for you to wade through…Enjoy!

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Dalton Rushing
• Biggest Mover: Josue De Paula and Thayron Liranzo
• Biggest Disappointment: Diego Cartaya
• Emerging Prospect: Joendry Vargas and Eduardo Quintero

 The list can be found here.

I usually like the Rockies system, and once again, I have many of them ranked in my Top 400 list of Top Prospects. However, history has not been kind to the success of Rockies prospects.  They seem to underperform once they get to the big leagues.  Obviously, Nolan Jones and Ezequiel Tovar had great seasons, so perhaps the trend is reversing.

Zac Veen is a soft #1 on my list.  He needed handed surgery mid-season, and I hope that explains the power drought he has shown since his promotion to Double-A in 2022.  If not, I have him ranked too high.  Adael Amador can hit, and if he can add some loft to his swing, he could be an impact player.  Few people in the minor leagues hit the ball as hard as Yanquiel Fernandez, but once he started facing better pitching, the strikeouts started to mount.  Dyan Jorge and Jordan Beck also improved with a chance to be impact performers.

The pitching is the pitching.  They have good arms, with Chase Dollander having the best chance to pitch at the top of the rotation.  Will he?  Probably not.  But at some point, the law of averages would suggest that some Rockies pitcher will defy the odds and be someone that fantasy managers will covet.  Yeah, who am I kidding?

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Zac Veen
• Biggest Mover: Jordan Beck
• Biggest Disappointment: Warming Bernable
• Emerging Prospect: Derek Bernard

 The list can be found here.

The Diamondbacks system continues to be strong, but given their recent Major League promotions, it has gotten a little younger.

One player already using up his rookie eligibility in the big leagues is Jordan Lawlar.  While he did not look like an all-star in his first taste of the Major Leagues, he has all the tools to be an impact player.  Blake Walston is getting close, but he no longer looks like a front-of-the-rotation starter.  He could even work best in the bullpen.

Some of the Diamondback’s best prospects are in the lower Minor Leagues.  The most famous is Druw Jones.  Injuries have hampered his progression, but I still believe in the talent.  He just needs to play.  I also like Cristopher Torin and Jansel Luis.  Both have impact potential and need time to develop.

Overall, I like the system and believe it will provide a pipeline for the Diamondbacks to continue to compete effectively at the highest level.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Jordan Lawlar
• Biggest Mover: Cristopher Torin and Jansel Luis
• Biggest Disappointment: Druw Jones – Sorry, somebody had to say it!
• Emerging Prospect: Demetrio Crisantes

 The list can be found here.

The long drought at the Catcher position has finally come to an end, as a host of young options are now ascending the ranks and leaving very impressive stat lines in their wake. The need to move early when searching for quality options is no longer a necessity, but there are options at the top that are oh so tempting. Pick the path that you wish to stroll down and don’t look back. Henry Davis is currently only eligible at OF but should gain Catcher eligibility early in the 2024 campaign. He’s worthy of our attention as a sneaky late-round option.

1. Adley Rutschman, BAL – He’s been very good in his first two seasons. In 2024 he elevates his game to elite status. A 25-90 campaign with a .380 OBP is within reach.
2. J.T. Realmuto, PHI – He didn’t hit the 20-20 mark in back-to-back seasons, but coming up four stolen bases short is close enough to allow him to hold his spot near the top of the charts.
3. William Contreras, MIL – Contreras led all Catchers with 86 runs scored. He finished 4’th with 78 RBI. Along the way managed a .289 BA and .367 OBP. Is there more in the tank in 2024?
4. Will Smith, LAD – Last year, Smith found his way into an additional 60 or so at-bats when DH’ing on his off days. With Shohei Ohtani now in the fold, Smith will see a marginal reduction in at-bats and the corresponding countable stats.
5. Sal Perez, KCR – Pencil in a perfectly boring 20 HR, 80 RBI, and .255 BA season. As safe a floor as you’ll find and the extra playing time at 1B boosts those counting stats. 1B-23
6. Francisco Alvarez, NYM – He’s poised to surpass the 30 home run mark and the BA should show improvement. The Mets have solved their catcher woes for the next decade.
7. Bo Naylor, CLE – 2024 will be the first in a long string of 20-10 seasons.
8. Jonah Heim, TEX – He led all catchers in RBI with 95 RBI, a whopping 15 more than his closest competition. Hitting in that strong lineup in Texas has its perks.
9. Cal Raleigh, SEA – 30 HR pop but it comes with a ton of swing and miss that will have him flirting with the Mendoza line.
10. Willson Contreras, STL – Now that the Cards have figured out that he’s a catcher, he’ll hang on to a Top-10 slot.
11. Yainer Diaz, HOU – We saw that potential last year when he came out of nowhere to produce a 23 homer 60 RBI campaign. As good as this news was, there should be concerns when a hitter walks only 11 times in 377 plate appearances.
12. Sean Murphy, ATL – He’s not as good as the first half and can’t be as dreadful as he showed in the second.
13. Gabriel Moreno, ARZ – He’s good, just not 2023 playoff good.
14. Logan O’Hoppe, LAA – In a season cut short due to injury, he flashed that sky-high potential. One of the many young catchers that has the potential to be a great option in the early-teen rounds.
15. Keibert Ruiz, WAS – 18 home runs and 67 RBI last year as a 24-year-old is attention worthy.
16. Luis Campusano, SDP – You’re investing in Campusano as a #2 catcher in two catcher sets with the probability being very high that he returns #1 catcher value.
17. Shea Langeliers, OAK – I like the potential but the supporting cast won’t help his cause.
18. Tyler Stephenson, CIN – I like the park, the surrounding cast, and the fact that as a #2 Catcher there is upside potential.
19. Elias Diaz, COL – He started 126 games at Catcher last year, the third most in the game. That might help explain his career high 72 RBI.
20. Ryan Jeffers, MIN – Christian Vazquez and Ryan Jeffers were in a job-share last year. That won’t be occurring in 2024, as Jeffers assumes the #1 role and additional at-bats in the Twin Cities.
21. Mitch Garver, FA
22. Endy Rodriguez, PIT
23. Danny Jansen, TOR
24. Alejandro Kirk, TOR
25. Yan Gomes, CHC
26. Jake Rogers, DET
27. Patrick Bailey, SFG
28. Austin Wells, NYY
29. Connor Wong, BOS
30. Travis d’Arnaud, ATL
31. Max Stassi, CWS
32. Gary Sanchez, FA
33. Rene Pinto, TBR
34. Blake Sabol, SFG OF-43
35. Korey Lee, CWS
36. Freddy Fermin, KCR
37. Nick Fortes, MIA
38. Yasmani Grandal, FA
39. Miguel Amaya, CHC
40. Christian Bethancourt, CLE
41. Ivan Herrera, STL
42. Christian Vazquez, MIN
43. Drew Romo, COL
44. Matt Thaiss, LAA
45. Kyle Higashioka, SDP
46. Jeferson Quero, MIL
47. Carson Kelly, DET
48. Diego Cartaya, LAD
49. Omar Narvaez, NYM
50. Sam Huff, TEX
51. Riley Adams, WAS
52. Tyler Soderstrom, OAK
53. James McCann, BAL
54. Reese McGuire, BOS
55. Seby Zavala, SEA
56. Edgar Quero, CWS
57. Martin Maldonado, FA
58. Garrett Stubbs, PHI
59. Francisco Mejia, FA
60. Jacob Stallings, FA
61. Tom Murphy, FA

The Jays system has two of the better prospects in the game at the top. Then things get murky.

Ricky Tiedemann has a chance to pitch at the top of the rotation and could see the Blue Jays as soon as next season.  Orelvis Martinez also looks about ready, and while there is huge power potential, it could come with contact problems.

Arjun Nimmala had some of the best bat speed and power potential of any teenager drafted last July.  The question is around how much he will hit.  Our biggest mover was Alan Roden, and while he doesn’t have star potential, there could be something there for fantasy managers.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Ricky Tiedemann
• Biggest Mover: Alan Roden
• Biggest Disappointment: Gabriel Martinez
• Emerging Prospect: Landen Maroudis

 The list can be found here.

Any system that leads off with Junior Caminero is going to be strong.  When you throw in Curtis Mead and Carson Williams, and one of the more advanced hitters taken in the 2023 draft in Brayden Taylor, the system is still one of the best in baseball. All four of those players should help the Rays in 2024 and 2025, with Caminero having a chance to compete for American Rookie of the Year next season.

A little further away is Xavier Isaac.  He’s a player that I felt might be a little light to play first, but his performance in High-A was nothing short of amazing.  I think he calms down, but I’ve moved his ceiling up.  Also, with his hit tool, he could be another that moves quickly.

I don’t want to summarize every player in this intro, but I encourage you to read them carefully.  The system is strong, and most players should be considered for Dynasty Leagues.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Junior Caminero
• Biggest Mover: Xavier Isaac
• Biggest Disappointment: Mason Auer and Carlos Colmenarez
• Emerging Prospect: Brailer Guerrero

 The list can be found here.

The Yankees have one of the best minor league systems in baseball.  It’s strong at the top with Top Prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, but also incredibly deep.  The Yankees Complex League team was among the most talented teams in the entire minor leagues.  There will be several Major Leaguers that emerge from that team – some could be impact players.

While the hitting side of the equation is strong, the pitching side is not far behind.  They have a number of pitchers that should be ready to contribute in New York next season.  Drew Thorpe was excellent with one of the best change-up/slider combinations I saw all year.  Will Warren and Chase Hampton have a mid-rotation upside.

The larger question is how many of the 27 prospects on this list will stay with the Yankees long enough to wear pinstripes?  I hope many of them will, as the Yankees can remake their Major League team over the next few years with a core of high-end homegrown players.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Jasson Dominguez
• Biggest Mover: Drew Thorpe and Henry LeLane
• Biggest Disappointment: Austin Wells
• Emerging Prospect: Brando Mayea

The list can be found here.

While the Red Sox had a down season in the Major Leagues, their minor league system took a step up.  It wasn’t enough to keep Chaim Bloom employed, but I think Brian O’Halloran and his leadership team have some depth to quickly rebuild their team if they choose.

The top is extremely strong, with Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony leading the system.  But it doesn’t stop there.  I’m very intrigued by their young pitchers.  Luis Perales and Yordanny Monegro are exciting arms that need to learn to throw strikes.  At worst, they will be helpful bullpen arms but have the stuff to pitch as mid-rotation starters, if not more.

Will all of these players make it to the Major Leagues?  Of course not.  Will all of the players who make it to the Major Leagues out of this group become Red Sox players?  Definitely not.  The Red Sox will likely use many of them as trade bait as they wheel and deal at the Major League level to add established veterans.  That’s just the way they roll.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Marcelo Mayer
• Biggest Mover: Roman Anthony
• Biggest Disappointment: Mikey Romero
• Emerging Prospect: Yordanny Monegro

The list can be found here.

It’s easy to compare the Orioles to what the Houston Astros did ten years ago.  The playbook is the same, and the leadership for the Orioles can be traced back to the Astros rebuild.  The other comparison you can make is that it’s working.

The Orioles Major League team is good but will be much better over the next few years as the players mature and others are promoted. The system is light on pitching, but I think you’ll see the Orioles trade some of their young hitters to acquire pitching both in-season and in the off-season.

Now, the owner has already cried “poor,” and this is the biggest difference in what Houston did.

When Jeff Luhnow interviewed with Jim Crane for the General Manager’s job, he presented multiple slides that pointed to the Houston market to support a winner.  Apparently, that section was omitted from Mike Elias’ deck, or the Orioles ignored it.  If the Orioles cannot sign their young core long-term, and several of them are represented by the Boras Corporation (Gunnar and Jackson, to name two), they will have to pivot to a Tampa Bay Rays model.  While that’s a harder model to follow, the Rays have proven that it’s possible.  Given the Orioles’ ability to acquire and develop talent through the use of advanced metrics, I believe they can make that work.

For fantasy managers, owning Orioles’ minor league players is getting tricky.  Besides Jackson Holliday and Sam Basallo, many of the other players are blocked. I always bet on the talent, as playing time usually works out.  Sometimes, it takes longer, but good players rarely get left out in the cold.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Jackson Holliday
• Biggest Mover: Sam Basallo
• Biggest Disappointment: Colton Cowser
• Emerging Prospect: Luis Almeyda

The list can be found here.