The Buy and Hold, 2016 Week 18

Graduates This Week: Alex Bregman, Andrew Benintendi, Joe Musgrove, Jose Berrios

It was a busy two weeks with four prospects from the previous list getting the call to the majors. While Bregman has struggled so far, going just 2 for 38 in his first 10 games, but he’s shown himself to be too good of a hitter so far to think that this will continue for too much longer.

Musgrove had a great debut on Monday, striking out 8 batters over 4 1/3 innings pitched. He came on for an injured Lance McCullers, and will take his spot in the rotation today for the Astros.

Other Key Call-Ups: David Dahl, Braden Shipley, Jake Thompson, Orlando Arcia

Dahl has quickly cemented himself into the Rockies’ lineup, hitting .356 with three home runs in 11 games so far, and could be a top 30 outfielder the rest of the way.

It didn’t go well for Thompson in his debut against the Padres, allowing six earned runs and striking out just one batter over 4+ innings pitched. He should be in the rotation the rest of the way, and is still worth

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. Yulieski Gourriel, IF, Astros (LW: 3)

Gourriel debuted in the GCL earlier this week, and our own Timothy Finnegan was able to see him during one of those games. He’s since moved up to High-A, and has appeared in one game at third base. While Alex Bregman has been playing third base primarily since his call up, he could move elsewhere (likely the outfield) when Gourriel is ready later in the month.

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

While De Leon was not called on to take a rotation spot now that Bud Norris is on the disabled list, he doesn’t appear to have much left to do at AAA. While his second-to-last start was clearly his worst of the season (1 1/3 innings pitched with 7 earned runs), he’s also had some excellent outings, including a pair of back-to-back 10 K outings right before that. It’s really just a matter of when, not if, with regard to another starting rotation injury for the Dodgers it seems, and De Leon could be up for good once he is called up.

3. Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B, Red Sox (LW: NR)

While Moncada has not appeared in a game yet at third base in the minors, he has been working at the position, and it could be leading into a call up.

4. Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees (LW: NR)

Judge returned to the lineup this week after missing nearly a month due to injury, and with Carlos Beltran now in Texas, the only thing between Judge and regular playing time in the majors is Aaron Hicks. Whatever this press conference that the team is having today regarding Alex Rodriguez probably helps slightly as well.

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

Gallo remains a Ranger after not being included in either of the two major trades the team made on deadline day, and while his path to playing time still isn’t particularly clear, he could still provide home runs in large groups with a call up.

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

The Pirates started making moves that point towards a concession of the season, and specifically the trade of Mark Melancon to the Nationals being chief among them. John Jaso has not been good for awhile now, and at this point the Pirates would be better served giving Bell regular at bats in the majors.

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

While his new teammate at AAA Luke Weaver may be the next call up, Reyes could have more of an impact than Weaver.

8. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals (LW: NR)

Joe Ross’ recovery from injury isn’t going as initially hoped, and the Nationals will still need a 5th starter next Saturday. If Ross isn’t ready by then, Giolito could be in line for a few starts.

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

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

The Padres were able to ship both Melvin Upton and Matt Kemp out of town, but also let it be known when the trades occurred that Margot and Renfroe would both likely end up as September callups rather than during the month of August. They can still provide counting stats when called up, so if you think you’ll need steals, grab Margot instead of Renfroe.