The Buy and Hold, 2016 Week 12

While nowhere near as impactful as last year’s class of rookies, we’re still seeing a number of excellent performances from this year’s group. You have prospects like Corey Seager and Steven Matz who have had a significant impact since Opening Day, and other call ups such as Nomar Mazara, Julio Urias, and Willson Contreras are providing significant production for their teams. It’s still a very good group this year, once you remind yourself that last year’s group may have been generational because of its’ depth and quality. With that said, there are still potential impact prospects who can help the rest of the way, so let’s take a look at this week’s top 10.

Graduates (Call Up Article)

Mallex Smith - Called up in Week 1

Nomar Mazara - Called up in Week 1

Aaron Blair - Called up in Week 2

Jose Berrios - Called up in Week 3

Sean Manaea - Called up in Week 3

Julio Urias - Called up in Week 8

Tim Anderson - Called up in Week 9

Jameson Taillon - Called up in Week 10

Blake Snell - Called up in Week 10

Cody Reed - Called up in Week 10

A.J. Reed - Called up in Week 11

These rankings are based solely on their potential 2016 value, and do not include take into account their long-term value for dynasty leagues.

#1 - Trea Turner, SS, Nationals (Last Week: 1)

Turner continues to wait at AAA Syracuse, and while he had slowed down some in recent weeks, he still could provide difference-making stolen bases when he is called up.

#2 - Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pirates (LW: 2)

The Pirates will turn to Chad Kuhl tonight against the Dodgers, as the team struggles to get consistent starting pitching. If the team continues to fall behind in the wild card race, I could see them shopping Francisco Liriano and opening a spot for Glasnow.

#3 - Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees (LW: 3)

The idea that the Yankees are not automatically ruling out a sell off at the deadline is extremely unusual. The player who may have the most trade value currently is RF Carlos Beltran, who they should absolutely move. Judge continues to rake at AAA, and is looking more ready for a call up than ever.

#4 - Manuel Margot, OF, Padres (LW: 4)

#5 - Joe Musgrove, RHP, Astros (LW: 5)

#6 - Alex Bregman, SS, Astros (LW: 7)

Bregman could be headed to AAA Fresno in the next week, which makes some sense given that he doesn’t appear to have much else to gain from staying at AA. He is hitting .296/.410/.562 with 14 HR, 5 SB, and has a 14% walk rate to go with a 9% strikeout rate. Where he would play in Houston isn’t quite clear now that A.J. Reed is up in the majors, but he could see time at 3B or even possibly in the outfield.

#7 - Nick Williams, OF, Phillies (LW: 8)

#8 - Clint Frazier, OF, Indians (LW: 9)

#9 - Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Rockies (LW: NR)

The key player acquired from the Blue Jays last year, Hoffman has been pitching well of late, and may finally be looking like the pitcher that might have gone first overall had he not gotten injured. He has struck out 20 in his last two starts (13 IP total), while walking none. The Rockies aren’t going anywhere this season, and at some point Hoffman seems likely to displace Jorge De La Rosa.

#10 - Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Nationals (LW: NR)

Lopez’ inclusion on the list stems not from the likelihood of a callup, but rather from the sheer dominance he has put together over the past month. He’s at AA for the Nationals, and in 33 innings pitched, he has a 1.60 ERA, 34 hits allowed, 5 walks and 56 strikeouts. He’s at the bottom of the list in part because we don’t know how likely it is he will be called up, but his inclusion over last week’s #10, Brian Goodwin, stems from the potential for elite performance, even if it is in a short burst. Wayne Cavadi of Minor League Ball had a great profile on him last week.