The Buy and Hold, 2016 Week 16

Graduates This Week: Tyler Glasnow, Lucas Giolito

Glasnow was called up on Saturday to take his turn in the rotation, but after exiting his start in the 4th inning with a potential shoulder injury, it’s not clear that he’ll make his next start just yet.

It was announced later on Saturday that Lucas Giolito would be starting for the Nationals today, and he will be in line to start on Friday as well if Joe Ross is still not ready to return.

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. Alex Bregman, SS/OF, Astros (LW: 1)

A tweet of congratulations to Bregman from AAA teammate Kevin Chapman started the rumor that the Astros were finally calling up Bregman. The team even demoted 1B prospect A.J. Reed without a corresponding move shortly after that, leading to further speculation. However, the Astros called up outfielder Preston Tucker instead, leaving Bregman at Fresno.

Of interest this week though was the fact that starting on Wednesday, Bregman has been playing left field almost exclusively. The additional flexibility would give the Astros another way to get him into the lineup, and could lead him to be called up any day now.

2. Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox (LW: 4)

I wrote about Benintendi earlier in the week, and on Friday, he made his first career start in left field rather than center. He’s considered an excellent defender in center, so he should be just fine in left field as well. It would be the best opportunity for the Red Sox to find a place for Benintendi to play in the majors right now, and if he’s called up, it will be to play on a regular basis.

3. Yulieski Gurriel, IF, Astros (LW: 6)

The signing of Gurriel was made official this week by the Astros, with the intended plan to send him to AA once he receives a work visa, and be up in the majors within the next month. The only thing that keeps him below Benintendi for me is the fact that the visa could still take a little bit of time, while I think Benintendi will be up before July 31.

4. Jose De Leon, RHP, Dodgers (LW: NR)

It’s been a tough year for the Dodgers’ starting rotation, and had he been healthy at the start of the year, De Leon probably would already have been up in the majors. As Lance Brozdowski wrote earlier in the week, De Leon’s been excellent since returning to the mound, and could be called up when the next starter is needed.

5. Joey Gallo, 3B, Rangers (LW: NR)

The move of Prince Fielder to the disabled list could potentially provide some playing time for Gallo if called up, but the rumors that the Rangers could potentially trade for Chris Sale would be more likely to provide that avenue. With the White Sox rumored to be interested in Gallo, Nomar Mazara, and Jurickson Profar (and possibly even more) in return, Gallo could step in as the everyday third baseman if the White Sox trade Todd Frazier.

6. Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pirates (LW: Graduated)

7. Manuel Margot, OF, Padres (LW: 7)

The Padres are rumored to be discussing a trade with the Orioles to send Melvin Upton Jr. to the Orioles, and the most likely beneficiary of playing time could be Margot once that happens. We even saw speculation of this after he was pulled from last night’s game in the 4th inning.

8. Alex Reyes, RHP, Cardinals (LW: 5)

9. Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres (LW: 8)

10. Jose Berrios, RHP, Twins (LW: 10)

I fully expect that before the trade deadline, the Twins will trade at least one starting pitcher and open up that spot for Berrios to finish out the year. I actually think that may be more likely now that Terry Ryan is no longer in charge of the organization.

Dropped Off: Joe Musgrove, RHP, Astros (LW: 9)

The Astros have been getting excellent starting pitching of late, and while Musgrove has also been pitching well, he isn’t exactly needed by the Astros right now, and may not be up until closer to roster expansion.