Everyone is looking for the “next big thing” on draft day. We see this reflected in draft day prices already, with Cubs phenom Kris Bryant going for $18 in the Tout Wars NL-only league on Sunday despite the fact that he will start the season in the minors. The following is a list of some rookies to watch on draft day.
Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs
The aforementioned Bryant has been one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory and for good reason. After hitting .325-43-110 with 15 steals between Double-A and Triple-A last season, Bryant is tearing up major league pitchers this spring. At the time of this writing, he’s hitting .480-8-14 in 10 games. There’s no doubt Bryant would be breaking camp with the Cubbies if service time wasn’t an issue, but it is and Chicago wants to save money and have another year of Bryant in the long term. Still, Bryant has a realistic shot at 30 homers with five months in the majors.
Rusney Castillo, OF, Red Sox
Castillo performed well for the Sox in September, but has seen limited work between the fall/winter leagues and spring training due to injuries. That’s potentially a red flag for some risk averse fantasy owners, but Castillo has shown big power and speed potential when he’s actually been healthy. Another major issue is Boston’s outfield depth, but Castillo’s talent should get him on the field soon enough if he doesn’t break camp with the team.
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Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland
A hyped prospect for several years, Lindor’s defense is probably better than his offense at this point. That said, Lindor is hitting .297-2-5 this spring and hit .276 with 28 steals between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Jose Ramirez’s presence allows Cleveland to be patient, but they might not need to be if Lindor keeps up his play.
Alex Meyer, SP, Twins
Meyer was sent down after a terrible spring in a very limited sample size, but it probably won’t be long before his arrival. The hard-throwing former first-round pick was dominant at Triple-A Rochester last season, with a 10.6 K/9 and 3.52 ERA in 27 starts. His control continues to be a major concern, but the Twins don’t actually have great upside with the current candidates for their fifth starter job, including Tommy Milone and Mike Pelfrey. Look for Meyer to help by June.
Hector Olivera, 2B, Free Agent
We still wait for someone to sign the relatively unknown Olivera, with predictions of a signing last week for naught. He’s shown great batting average ability and hit nearly 20 homers in four seasons in Cuba, and with incredible plate discipline along the way. Nearin age 30, Olivera should be ready immediately when he does sign and is still cheap enough to be worthwhile for fantasy owners.
Joc Pederson, OF, Dodgers
Pederson looks like LA’s Opening Day center fielder as we sit, hitting .436-3-8 with two steals this spring. The toolsy outfielder struggled with brief time in the majors last September, but he was terrific at hitter-friendly Triple-A Albuquerque with a .303/.435/.505 slash line and 30/30 status. He could be a huge asset for fantasy owners this season.
Carlos Rodon, SP, White Sox
The White Sox were probably kidding themselves thinking Rodon would crack the rotation out of spring training considering that he was just drafted in last year, but the lefty from NC State isn’t far away. He fanned 10 batters in 8.1 innings this spring, and had a 14.1 K/9 in very limited time in the minors last season. With inconsistent No. 4 (John Danks) and No. 5 (Hector Noesi) starters in Chicago’s rotation, Rodon should be in the majors soon.
Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs
Soler has done what he needs to break camp with the Cubs this season, hitting .353-2-5 in 11 games this spring. After hitting five homers in 24 games during his debut last season, Soler is already expensive. The Cuban has a history of minor injuries, but hit .340-15-57 in only 62 games in the minors last season and is a prime candidate for NL Rookie of the Year.
Steven Souza Jr., OF, Rays
Souza has had a rough spring, hitting only .143 and suffering a minor arm injury. Still, he’s almost guaranteed a full-time job entering the season with Tampa’s very limited depth. Besides, we shouldn’t get too carried away about spring numbers. Souza was terrific at Triple-A Syracuse last season, hitting .350-18-75 with 26 steals and remains an intriguing add in all leagues.
Yasmany Tomas, OF/3B, Diamondbacks
Tomas signed for big money this offseason, but has been a major disappointment this spring. He’s struggled to play at third base, likely necessitating a predictable move to an outfield corner. More concerning, he’s hitting just .214 with one homer through 14 games and could start the year in the minors as a result. Despite the poor play, Tomas should find plenty of playing time with Arizona if and when he starts to hit. The power he showed in Cuba would seem to translate to 20 homers in the majors, especially in hitter-friendly Chase Field.
-Seth Trachtman