Coming off an historic rookie class in 2015, this year’s crop of top rookies could be seeing inflation on draft day. Here’s a rundown of some of the top names with potentially the biggest impact this season.
Jose Berrios, SP, Twins
Berrios won’t make the Twins out of spring training, but it won’t be long before he’s the most attractive fantasy pitcher in their rotation. He has tremendous command, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA and 4.61 K/BB ratio between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He also flashes mid-90’s velocity. With only 12 Triple-A starts under his belt, the Twins will likely give Berrios at least one month more seasoning before calling him up to their rotation. With a career 9.5 K/9, he shows the upside to help in most leagues.
Byron Buxton, OF, Twins
By now you must be living under a rock or brand new to fantasy baseball to be completely unfamiliar with Buxton, given his years of hype. He was overmatched during his major league debut last season, hitting only .209 with a terrible 6/44 BB/K in 144 plate appearances, and he has struggled this spring, going only 4-for-20. Still, fantasy owners have to love the speed potential at age 22, as he swiped 55 bases in 2013 and has combined to steal 28 bases in 103 minor league games over the last two years. He’s also a career .301 minor league hitter with potential double-digit pop, but Buxton is at risk of missing final cuts this spring if his play doesn’t improve quickly.
Steven Matz, SP, Mets
The entire world was tipped off on Matz last season thanks to a strong playoff strong performance (3.68 ERA in three postseason starts) on the heels of an impressive debut (2.27 ERA in six regular-season starts). The biggest issue for the lefty has been staying healthy – a problem that continued last season. Matz had an ace-like 2.25 ERA over his minor league career, but also never threw more than 140 innings. Given his high price in most drafts, it might be worth approaching with a bit of caution given the injury risk.
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Byung Ho Park, 1B, Twins
A tremendous hitter in Korea, Park has backed up the hype this spring by hitting .323 with three long balls in his first 31 at-bats. He hit more than 50 homers in each of the last two seasons, and has been one of the top hitters in the hitter-friendly Korean League over the last four seasons. As spring goes on, Park’s hype continues to swell to the point that he went for $11 in the Tout Wars Mixed Auction over the weekend. It wouldn’t surprise many people if the 30-year-old managed 30 homers during his rookie season.
Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers
Seager’s name will be mentioned in every argument over the identity of baseball’s top prospect. The younger brother of Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager, Corey overtook Jimmy Rollins for the starting shortstop job in LA in September and into the playoffs, and carried over his great minor league hitting. Seager hit .293-18-76 during the minor league regular season, mostly at Triple-A Oklahoma City, and looks like he has more power upside than his consistent 20-25 home run hitting brother. His spring has been at a standstill due to a sprained left knee, but the Dodgers remain hopeful that he will be ready for Opening Day.
Blake Snell, SP, Rays
The Rays have enviable depth due to their top-flight minor league pitching, and Snell is the best of the bunch. A lefty with upper-90’s velocity, Snell had a breakout year in 2015, going 15-4 with a 1.41 ERA in 134 innings between three levels. Tampa Bay has raved about his ability this spring, but it looks like he will start the year in the minors and remain there until the Rays make a trade or suffer an injury in their rotation. Snell is certainly capable of helping in all leagues when he arrives.
Trea Turner, 2B, Nationals
Turner enters this season eligible at second base in most leagues, but he’s likely to gain shortstop eligibility soon. A natural shortstop, he’s competing with Danny Espinosa for the starting job after hitting .322-8-54 with 29 steals in 454 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Last year he rocketed through the system, playing in Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A and the majors. But with only 48 games at Triple-A, Turner may start off in the minors again this year. He shows upside as a batting average and speed threat this season.