MLB Fantasy Fixer-Uppers June 16th 2015

This has been an unusual year for top prospect call-ups being that we are in mid-June and nine of the top 12 prospects in the game are on the current 25-man rosters. With that said this week’s focus will shift to some of those top prospects who might be able to help out your club this year but are a better bet in years to come. That is of greater importance in any keeper or dynasty leagues. So let’s take a look at some of these kids who were born in the 1990’s shall we?

Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros (82% owned standard ESPN leagues)

This was not part of the plan. Correa was supposed to spend most of the year in the Minors and perhaps earn a September call-up when rosters expanded. Then the Astros started hot out of the gate. In fact, they still lead the AL West and have a legit shot at making the playoffs for the first time since they shifted leagues. Correa could, and should, be a big part of that. The shortstop who can’t yet legally drink has recorded at least one hit in six of his first seven starts and is slashing an impressive .310/.333/.552 which are elite numbers at a thin position. After tearing through the Minor Leagues it’s hard to think that he won’t have continued success in an Astro uniform. His ownership level is high right now but it should be 100%. If he is available in your league scoop him up now and reap the rewards.

Joey Gallo, 3B, Texas Rangers (76% owned)

When Adrian Beltre hit the disabled list Gallo got the call and hasn’t disappointed. Through twelve games the rookie has launched four mammoth home runs that have averaged 440 feet. When he makes contact the ball is sent into a different stratosphere. The caveat there being when he makes contact. Gallo has struck out at least 172 times in each of the last two seasons across multiple levels of the minors and has also fanned 17 times as a pro. The strikeouts will be there but the power will be as well. During those same two years in the minors Gallo has smacked 40 and 42 homers respectively. Beltre will be back soon but with Delino DeShields hitting the disabled list the Rangers are putting Gallo in left field. It shouldn’t be long before he gains outfield eligibility. Forty-homer power is hard to find on the waiver wire and we all know that as it heats up this summer balls will be flying out of the yard in Arlington. He should be owned in all formats this year and beyond.

Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins (64% owned)

Arguably the top prospect in baseball (he and Kris Bryant topped most lists) Buxton received the call to the bigs over the weekend and scored the game-winning run in his debut. His past two seasons have been derailed by injuries and he wasn’t exactly tearing it up at Double-A slashing .283/.351/.489 but all reports believe Buxton will be a stud in the Minnesota outfield for years to come. While he should see playing time this season he is more of a bench bat for now as he becomes acclimated with Major League pitching. Buxton’s value is sky high in keeper leagues but if you are in a year-to-year draft you might be better suited to let him sit on the waiver wire.

Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians (26% owned)

Lindor received his first start at the Major League level over the weekend and collected his first hit in memorable fashion. After driving a ball to the gap Lindor was showing off his first-class speed but tripped rounding first base on what should have been an easy stand-up double. He did make it back to first safely and joked that Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera tripped him. More regarded for his glovework than his bat Lindor should provide solid if unspectacular production from the shortstop position. What he can provide is stolen bases though he needs to work on his running game as he was caught a whopping 21 times in 51 attempts in 2014 over three levels of Minor League action. He may not be a world beater but he is certainly part of a promising crop of young talent.

Steven Matz, SP, New York Mets (14% owned)

The only player on this list who hasn’t appeared in a Major League game so far this season is Matz. That may change shortly. Dillon Gee has been designated for assignment and there are rumors floating around that the Mets may move fellow rookie starter Noah Syndergaard to the bullpen due to the club’s stuggles in bridging the gap to closer Juerys Familia. That could open up a spot for the young lefty. During his four seasons across multiple levels in the minors Matz has compiled a superb 2.32 ERA and 1.17 WHIP to go along with 367 strikeouts in 353 2/3 innings. Even more impressive is that he keeps the ball in the park having given up just 13 home runs along the way. While it is only a rumor right now that he will be called up in 2015 Matz is one of the more intriguing arms for next year and beyond.

Is there a player you had your eye on and I didn't cover them here? Please feel free to leave feedback in the comments and I will try and get back to you as soon as possible. If that's not quick enough you can always find me on Twitter @therichwhiteguy. Ask me questions, give me a follow, ridicule me. It's a free country.