2018 Top 100 MLB Fantasy Prospects

As prospect drafts and dynasty drafts start to gear up, we are here to provide some guidance. What follows are two things:

1. The Top 100 list
2. A chart that details our individual Top 125

To compile the Top 100, we compared our lists and assigned point values to each player and began ranking them in descending point order. We all have our preferences which you’ll see after the list, but we are confident that this is a strong representation of the top fantasy minor leaguers in the game. We used innings pitched/at-bats as the rookie qualifications.

After you CTRL-F and find your favorite prospect, feel free to go to the comments below and tell us why we are on the money or why we are horrifically wrong. Find us on Twitter @EddyAlmaguer, @BrianCreagh (use comment section for Joe).

1. Ronald Acuña, OF (ATL) - What else is there to say about the most highly anticipated prospect since Mike Trout and Bryce Harper? While the Braves haven’t made their plans clear, many expect Acuña to debut some time in April as a left fielder, where he’ll have a chance to put up 15 HR/30 SB with a strong slash line as a 20-year-old. Last year he ascended from High-A all the way to Triple-A with 21 home runs, 44 steals and a .325/.374/.522 line. In his prime he’s a 30/30 player with MVP upside. ETA: 2018
2. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., 3B (TOR) - In traditional lists, Acuña’s defense puts him over Vlad Jr. with ease. From an offensive standpoint though, this guy might have the higher ceiling. Already slapped with 80 hit and 65/70 power tools from Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, Guerrero has a chance to truly be the next Miguel Cabrera. As an 18-year-old last season he walked more than he struck out in full-season ball, an incredible feat that highlights his preternatural approach. There is some risk he ends up a first baseman, but his bat more than plays there. He should join Double-A in the first half of 2018, and if his ascent continues he’ll join the Blue Jays by next year. ETA: 2019
3. Shohei Ohtani, SP/UT (LAA) - Considered the greatest non-MLB pitcher in the world, we are just a few weeks away from seeing Ohtani take on major league hitters and seeing if the hype is real. The 6-foot-4 23-year-old has an 80-grade fastball that hits 102, a devastating 70-grade splitter and a nasty slider that are guaranteed to have batters spinning. Just be careful of his limits this year as he may not pitch more than 150 innings. As a batter he is much less exciting but still has good speed and impressive raw power. But given his long levers, he could get exposed with inside pitches in a way that he’s never experienced. ETA: 2018
4. Eloy Jimenez, OF (CHW) - Much like Vlad Jr., Eloy’s claim to fame is his jaw-dropping offensive profile. He has the best raw power since Joey Gallo and he knows how to get to it in games. In 88 games last year he hit 19 home runs, including a .956 OPS in a 19-game stint in Double-A to close the season...as a 20 year old. Looking for someone to hit 35 to 40 home runs with a .280 average? This is your guy. Jimenez’s 6-foot-4 frame is already chiseled but some scouts believe he’s not done growing, and that’s a scary thought. ETA: 2019
5. Victor Robles, OF (WAS) - Given the simultaneous boon in power and dearth of speed recently, Robles has an argument to be a couple of spots higher on this list. He is a future 40 SB outfielder whose power output varies between 10 to 15 home runs (and don’t rule out more than that given the new ball). In other words, he has Starling Marte’s counting stats but with the upside of a much better slash line. In more than 1,200 minor league at bats he has a .304/.395/474 line and averages a stolen base every three games. He had a 13-game cup of coffee last year but will start the year in Triple-A. ETA: 2018
6. Kyle Tucker, OF (HOU) - Tucker is a bit underrated in some fantasy circles and it’s probably because he doesn’t possess the loud power and speed tools of the names above him. But make no mistake, he still has both to go along with a bat that can hit .300 in his prime. Last season he finished with 25 home runs and 21 stolen bases and an .874 OPS between High-A and Double-A. Scouts question his load and swing but it’s hard to argue with the results. Tucker still needs a little more seasoning, but since he is blessed with one of the best hit tools in the minors he should remain a top 10 prospect until he debuts. ETA: 2019
7. Nick Senzel, 3B (CIN) - Consistently labeled as the safest prospect in baseball, Senzel’s ultimate profile is not unlike Anthony Rendon’s. He hits for a high average, uses an all-fields approach when he hits home runs, can take a walk and has above-average instincts on the basepaths. A perennial 25/15/.290/.370/.480 is not out of the question with upside for more in his best seasons. Given how much he’s lauded it’s easy to forget he only has 57 games above High-A. But his advanced bat and stellar makeup should carry him through Triple-A to start the year and see him debut by the All-Star Break. ETA: 2018
8. Brendan Rodgers, 2B (COL) - After tormenting High-A to start 2017, Rodgers “scuffled” in his Double-A debut, as much as one can consider a .726 OPS as a 21-year-old scuffling. Rodgers missed a good chunk of 2017 with hand and quad injuries that sapped some developmental time but it shouldn’t be a big deal. He has a quick swing with strong wrists that prevent pitchers from fooling him with fastballs or offspeed stuff, and he projects to hit for a good average and has good enough barrel control to send balls over the fence. We all love that he’ll be a middle infielder in Coors Field and a 25 home run season with upside for more is certainly in play. The one major ding in his profile is his inability to take walks. He walked just 14 times in 400 plate appearances last season. ETA: 2019
9. Fernando Tatis Jr., SS (SD) - The best minor league power hitter in his organization, Tatis Jr.’s stock skyrocketed last season after he hit 21 home runs and stole 29 bases with a .910 OPS in A-ball as an 18-year-old. He got better as the season went on, walking more and striking out less. Evaluators think he can stick at shortstop despite his 6-foot-3 frame, but even if he shifts to third base his 60/60 hit and power tool will be more than enough to justify it. He has a profile to dream on and there’s a good chance he is a top three prospect in baseball a year from now. ETA: 2019
10. Alex Reyes, SP (STL) - Reyes was seen as one of the biggest sleepers heading into 2017 after making an impressive debut in 2016 where he posted a 10.2 K/9 with a 2.67 FIP. Unfortunately Tommy John surgery kept kept him from seeing the mound last season. With three plus pitches Reyes has some serious strikeout potential, but a lack of command could end up hurting his walk rate and WHIP. The Cardinals’ rotation makes it so he may start the season in the bullpen. With a lack of innings across the majors however, he could still return top-200 fantasy value in 2018. ETA: 2018
11. Gleyber Torres, 2B (NYY) - After Tommy John kept him off the field for a majority of 2017, the much anticipated Gleyber Torres could see time in the majors this season. The Yankees have openings at both second base and third base, both of which Torres saw time at last season. Bet on him playing the former first, with Starlin Castro gone. With an already impressive hit tool, the question is if his raw power will translate to in-game power. ETA: 2018
12. Bo Bichette, SS (TOR) - Bichette has absolutely dominated every stop he has made in the minors. He will only be 20-years-old on Opening Day, and already looks like a star in the making. He has yet to post a batting average under .320 and his stop at High-A last season was the first time he had a wRC+ under 200. He started to practice hitting breaking balls when he was still in high school and with the game becoming more breaking ball heavy this should play a big role in his success going forward. ETA: 2019
13. Forrest Whitley, SP (HOU) - Whitley made one of the biggest jumps up top 100 lists this season. Seen as more of someone who ranked in the lower end of the lists at the beginning of 2017, Whitley made an incredible leap forward as he posted a 2.83 ERA and a 4.2 K/BB ratio. With a great fastball and curveball, he should be able to create a good amount of strikeouts as he continues to make his way through the minors. ETA: 2019
14. Michael Kopech, SP (CHW) - Kopech has basically become a household name for anyone who follows minor league baseball. With an 80-grade fastball that can hit triple digits and a deadly slider, he has some serious strikeout potential going forward. There are a couple concerns regarding the 21-year-old, two being his command and his health. In his four-year career he has already seen the DL twice and last season was his first year reaching over 100 innings. Like many other young hard throwers, his walk rates have been relatively high the last four seasons, but in his last nine starts a flip switched: He had just under 2 BB/9. If he maintains that level of control, he has true No.1 upside. ETA: 2018
15. Lewis Brinson, OF (MIA) - The newest member of Derek Jeter’s Miami Marlins will most likely start the season in center field, and will most likely be their best outfielder this season. Brinson has some serious raw power and speed that could make him true 25/25 threat at the big league level. Brinson’s only problem is his plate discipline, but there is no denying his immense upside. ETA: 2018
16. Luiz Gohara, SP (ATL) - Gohara went from fringe top 100 prospect last season to one of the most anticipated players of 2018. After completely dominating High-A, Double-A and Triple-A last season, he made his major league debut for the Braves. In 29.1 innings he posted a 2.75 FIP, 9.5 K/9 and a more impressive 13.4 SwStr%. He was able to do so thanks to a dangerous fastball and slider combination. He will need to cut down on the walks to be truly dominant, but he has the potential to be a breakout star in 2018. ETA: 2018
17. Brent Honeywell, SP (TB) - Honeywell will make his major league debut in 2018, but don’t expect him to start the season in the majors unless Chris Archer is traded. Honeywell has great strikeout potential as he struck out well over a batter per inning last year, which is even more impressive when you notice his walks per nine have never gone above 3. With three plus pitches, Honeywell’s major league debut will be much anticipated for fantasy owners this season. ETA: 2018
18. Walker Buehler, SP (LAD) - Buehler was the Dodgers’ first round pick in 2015, and he has impressed at every stop. With a plus fastball, curveball and slider there is a lot of strikeout potential from Buehler. He also induces a lot of ground balls so expect those home runs to be at a minimum when Buehler takes the mound. ETA: 2018
19. Willie Calhoun, OF (TEX) - Calhoun is a rarity in the fact that he keeps a low strikeout rate while also hitting for a good amount of power. With a GB/FB of 0.89 last year, he certainly hits enough fly balls to put up 25-30 home runs at the major league level. The only problem could be his low line drive rate. With a lack of strikeouts however, he should be able to overcome that low line drive rate and still have a decent batting average. ETA: 2018
20. MacKenzie Gore, SP (SD) - The second left-handed pitcher in our list, MacKenzie Gore was the third overall pick in 2017 and came out with an electric 21-inning debut in Rookie ball. Gore is a high school arm so the developmental clock is long, but at 6 foot 3 and 180 lbs, Gore has the right combination of stuff, command, and physical build to be a future ace. His strikeout numbers have been ridiculous (14.3 K/9 in Rookie Ball) since high school and it’s hard to find any demerit towards his future fantasy value. He’ll be 19 this season and with a healthy season in A-ball could jump to a Top 10 spot in this list next year. Also, if you haven’t seen him throw, be sure to check him out. He has a leg kick even Dontrelle Willis would be proud of. ETA: 2020
21. Mitch Keller, SP (PIT) - Keller is a command and control profile with an extremely high floor for fantasy owners. He reached Double-A last year at 21 years old with six starts, an 11.7 K/9 and 3.12 ERA. Keller will repeat Double-A in 2018 and has a chance at making the Pittsburgh rotation by September. Keller’s best two pitches are his fastball and curveball. Both project to be plus pitches, but the curveball generates more weak contact than it does swings and misses. If he can find a way to add a third plus pitch with his changeup, Keller becomes an elite fantasy prospect and the safest pick on this list. Still, the floor of a solid #3 for now and the upside of an SP2 lands him at No. 21 on our list. ETA: 2019
22. Royce Lewis, SS (MIN) - The No.1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Royce Lewis brings plus speed, an advanced approach and developing power to his fantasy profile. He is only 18 years old, and shows the athleticism to stick at shortstop despite his 6’2” frame. We only had a 54-game sample from Lewis last year, but the results were encouraging—a .279/.381/.407 slash line with 18 steals to boot. I’m a believer in the power developing and Lewis becoming an across-the-board contributor, but even if that doesn’t happen his floor is a top of the order spark plug with 30+ stolen bases and a .300 AVG. ETA: 2021
23. Francisco Mejia, C (CLE) - Mejia reached The Show in 2018 with a brief 11-game cup of coffee in September. The results were nothing to write home about, but it’s clear Mejia will get the opportunity to play in 2018. The rare catching prospect with both a plus bat and plus defense profile, Mejia took a huge step forward offensively in 2017 slashing .297/.346/.490 in 92 games at Double-A. Expect a slow adjustment in the majors as catchers’ offensive production tends to lag behind their defensive development. Mejia has the offensive skills to be a Top 5 catcher for the next 5+ years and he is already at the major league level. ETA: 2018
24. A.J. Puk, SP (OAK) - Puk is an enormous southpaw (6’7”) with nasty stuff and should be knocking on the door for Oakland by July. He projects to rack up strikeouts and should be a very useful fantasy asset, with the upside of being a fantasy ace if he can reel in the control issues. Puk put up a 12.1 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in Double-A last year and as a college arm out of Florida should push for a spot in the Oakland rotation this year. Oakland is a great spot for him fantasy wise and he’ll be a sneaky add for redraft owners in 2018. ETA: 2018
25. Triston McKenzie, SP (CLE) - A wiry 20-year-old, Triston McKenzie projects to have three plus pitches in his fastball, curveball, and developing changeup and is headed straight for a Cleveland rotation spot in the next few years. McKenzie spent the entire 2017 season at High-A where he shoved to the tune of 11.7 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 3.46 ERA in 143 innings pitched. There’s risk in the profile of any pitcher that has multiple years on his development curve, but McKenzie has very few flaws in his game and is a great fantasy investment. ETA: 2020
26. Keston Hiura, 2B (MIL) - The ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft, Hiura was widely considered the best college bat available in the draft. The risk from a development perspective is in his defense—elbow issues plagued Hiura his final season in college so there are still questions about his ability to handle second base. For fantasy owners, Hiura provides a plus hit tool, plus power projection, and enough speed to be a threat on the basepaths. He’s 21 this season and has yet to reach Double-A so this will be a big season for Hiura to silence the doubts on his defense and show he can still rake in the upper minors. Hiura deservedly gets more love on a fantasy-focused list like ours. ETA: 2020
27. Hunter Greene, SP (CIN) - A high school phenom, Hunter Greene received a ton of buzz heading into the 2017 draft for his massive fastball and consideration as a first round talent for just his offense. Greene will settle in as a pitcher thanks to a plus-plus fastball that touches triple digits and an athletic ability that projects well for his ability to go deep into games and develop above-average command. Just like any high school pitcher with a blazing fastball, Greene has yet to really develop his secondary offerings. His slider and curveball could be great pitches, but he needs to develop consistency with them before he jumps into the Top 10 of this list. ETA: 2021
28. Juan Soto, OF (WAS) - An injury limited Soto to only 32 games in 2017, but boy did he show out for those 32 games. As a left-handed outfielder Soto is mostly projection at this point, but some believe 20+ HR power may come around to pair with his already plus bat-to-ball skills. He has an incredible approach for such a young age, and while we need a larger sample of Soto to get a clearer picture of what the upside might be, bet on him climbing higher if he stays healthy. ETA: 2021
29. Willy Adames, SS (TB) - Seemingly on these lists for the last four years, Adames has been a steady riser through the Detroit and Tampa Bay systems. He is now ready to break into the major leagues after spending all of 2017 in Triple-A and putting up his standard quality production. Adames projects for average to above-average contact, power, and speed but at the shortstop position that combination is difficult to find especially at his proximity to the Majors. I expect Tampa Bay to keep him down the first few weeks and play the service clock game, but Adames should get 300+ PAs in the major leagues this season. ETA: 2018
30. Michel Baez, SP (SD) - Few, if any, pitchers have seen their stock rise like Baez in the last eight months. Quietly signed out of Cuba in December 2016, he debuted in late June and it wasn’t long before the prospect world caught on after he dominated Low-A. The 6-foot-8 monster has a 70-grade fastball that touches 98 but sits routinely at 94-95. Originally there were concerns that he was destined for the bullpen, but his changeup and command made strides in the season to dispel those thoughts, and now he is someone with top of the rotation upside that can repeat his delivery despite his size. He’s 22, so there’s a slight expectation that he should have pitched as well as he did, but the Padres are also loaded with arms and need to play Tetris with their minor league rotations. There is a 10 percent chance he is the top pitching prospect in baseball in a year. ETA: 2020
31. Alex Verdugo, OF (LAD) - We won’t quite call it prospect fatigue, but it seems fantasy managers are no longer enthralled with Verdugo, probably because Cody Bellinger stole the show and Walker Buehler has eclipsed him. But Verdugo still has the best eye and hit tool in the Dodgers system. After walking more than he struck out in Triple-A, he earned a 21-game promotion to the majors and even clubbed his first home run. Speaking of which, if fantasy managers have a legitimate gripe, it’s his meager power output. He has just 12 in 491 MiLB games and mustered six last season. He could reach average power but it’s his batting average and on-base skills that’ll make him the money. ETA: 2018
32. Luis Robert, OF (CHW) - Robert is one of the hardest prospects to rank this preseason because he played just 28 games this season and none of them came stateside (all in the DSL). That said, what a 28 games they were. He had a .491 OBP to go with three home run and 12 steals. He’s considered a future plus runner that has been cited to have more raw power in his org than anyone not named Eloy Jimenez. This ranking can go a lot of ways by midseason when we’ve seen him in A ball, but the helium is strong right now and the Yoan Moncada comparisons are a big reason why. ETA: 2020
33. Scott Kingery, 2B (PHI) - One of the early risers of the 2017 season, Kingery burst onto the scene last year with power unlike he’d ever flashed. After hitting 13 home runs in two seasons prior, he finished with 26 between Double-A and Triple-A. Eighteen of those came in Reading, a notorious hitter’s park, but he hit them on the road too. He slowed down once he hit Lehigh Valley (8 home runs, .786 OPS in 63 games), but it was enough to make his mark. We’d like to see him repeat his Double-A power success but we’re comfortable projecting him to average power with plus speed from the keystone. He’s knocking on the door of the majors, expect him some time this summer. ETA: 2018
34. Austin Meadows, OF (PIT) - While many of the names above are risers, here we have a faller. A year ago Meadows was considered a top-10 prospect. Fast forward to now and he’s yet again lost time thanks to soft-tissue injuries (hamstring) and we’re at the point where Meadows is officially an injury-prone player. Last season was a lost year. In 72 Triple-A games he hit .250/.311/.359 in what was supposed to be his MLB debut year. He still has the plus hit, run and power tools but health, along with questions of Triple-A production, is holding him back. Even with Andrew McCutchen gone, the 22-year-old will need more seasoning in the upper minors. Here’s to a healthy season. ETA: 2018
35. Austin Hays, OF (PIT) - Here’s one Austin who had a good 2017. A third-round pick in 2016, he tore through High-A and Double-A, skipped Triple-A and made his debut in Baltimore. His debut was forgettable, but his minor league numbers weren’t. He mashed 32 home runs with a .958 OPS. However don’t let his .365 OBP fool you. His great contact, low strikeout totals and a high-ish BABIP mask his sub-5 percent walk rate. In other words, he’s the perfect Oriole! He’ll compete for a starting spot this spring. ETA: 2018
36. Kyle Wright, SP (ATL) - One of three Braves pitching prospects in the next nine spots, Wright is exactly the pitching prospect you want if you created one from scratch. He’s a 6-foot-4, 220 pound righty with a legitimate four-pitch mix led by a 70-grade fastball with some life that lives in the mid-90s. His curveball and slider have plus ceilings and his changeup is an average offering. Given his Vanderbilt pedigree and the Braves’ aggressiveness (see: Just about any Braves pitching prospect), Wright should move quickly through the org. ETA: 2019
37. Sixto Sanchez, SP (PHI) - Armed with three different fastballs that sit in the mid to upper 90s, a tumbling changeup that neutralizes lefties, a curve and a slider, Sixto has the tools to be a legitimate Top 15 pitcher in the major leagues. Even more terrifying for opposing batters is he’s showing control of the pitches. His arm slot and stature (just six feet) present some issues with repeatability and command, and perhaps the biggest risk is time itself. We’re probably three years away from seeing him in the bigs and the Phillies have handled him with kid gloves thus far. But Sixto is primed to climb even higher than this spot. ETA: 2020
38. Ryan McMahon, 1B (COL) - McMahon was the 2017 poster boy for “Don’t Give Up Too On Prospects Too Soon”. After a horrendous 2016, he slashed an absurd .355/.403/.583 between Double-A and Triple-A in a resurgent season. Hit hit 20 home runs but his biggest improvement was cutting his strikeouts. From 2014-16 he had a K% north of 25. Last season, it was about 18 percent. The skills are there for him to be a Top 15 1B as soon as 2018, but it’s dependent on the Rockies not signing a first baseman or an outfielder (which would push Ian Desmond to first). ETA: 2018
39. Anthony Alford, OF (TOR) - Alford missed two months last year when he broke his wrist in the bigs. But it overshadowed a tremendous leap forward for the 23-year-old who began the year in High-A and finished in Triple-A. Alford is a premium athlete with 30- SB speed, a strong approach at the plate (career .375 OBP in minors) and burgeoning power that he hasn’t translated into games. Despite this high ranking, Alford is overlooked as a 20/20 potential bat. If his owner is selling, you should be buying. ETA: 2018
40. Franklin Barreto, SS (OAK) - Barreto made his major league debut last season, and really struggled to put bat to ball. In his brief major league stint he had a 15 percent swinging strike rate and a strikeout rate of 43.4%. He is still just 22 years old and his batted ball profile does show some promise. With good exit velocity, an above-average line drive rate and a decent amount of fly balls, he could end up being a breakout star in 2018 if he can cut down on some of his strikeouts and improve his plate discipline. ETA: 2018
41. Jorge Mateo, SS (OAK) - Mateo really jumped on people’s radars back in 2015 when he stole 71 bases in just 409 plate appearances. Used as a recent trade piece for Sonny Gray, Mateo put up a pretty decent season last year hitting .267/.322/.459 with 12 home runs and 52 steals. Mateo added some power last year as justified by his fly ball rates, but I would be wary of what he can do at the major league level due to his increasing strikeout rates. With 80-grade speed, Mateo could become a real asset for fantasy teams in the coming years. ETA: 2018
42. Miguel Andujar, 3B (NYY) - Andujar made his major league debut for the Yankees last season, but it was just five games. He put himself on the map last year after hitting .315/.352/.498 between Double-A and Triple-A last year. With a low strikeout rate and average power, Andujar is a player with the potential to post a batting average over the .300 mark at the major league level. Look for him to get a good amount of playing time this season if the Yankees don’t end up signing a catcher through free agency this offseason. ETA: 2018
43. Mike Soroka, SP (ATL) - With a 1.99 BB/9 at Double-A last season, Soroka’s command is way ahead of many other pitchers his age. Although Soroka is a great pitcher with great command, his low strikeout rates could hurt his fantasy value. If he can work on his slider, he could bump up his strikeouts. Keep in mind he’s just 19 and started the year at Double-A. With a lack of veteran arms, Soroka could be up in the majors as soon as 2018 if all goes well. ETA: 2018
44. Kolby Allard, SP (ATL) - Yet another Braves pitcher makes this list. Allard is just 20 years old and could be up at Triple-A to start the season. His command is very good especially for his age, but he did see his strikeout rate dip once he made the jump to Double-A. With a good amount of command three potential plus pitches, he could be an elite the starter once he matures. ETA: 2019
45. Taylor Trammell, OF (CIN) - Trammell was drafted with the 35th overall pick in 2016 by the Reds, and he could be one of the best power/speed guys in the minors right now. With a 70 grade speed and 55 raw power, Trammell could hit 20 home runs while also stealing 40 bags when he matures. With a relatively high strikeout rate and low line drive rate, Trammell’s batting average could dip close to extreme levels. He could be a fantasy stud by the time he reaches the majors, but he will need to improve those rates to be the star we all want him to be. ETA: 2020
46. Franklin Perez, SP (DET) - Brought over to the Tigers as part of the Justin Verlander deal, Perez has some serious potential of being the Tigers’ number one in the coming years. He features a good fastball and curveball which should help him get a fair amount of strikeouts, but he will need to work on his slider to become an elite strikeout pitcher. With a lack of depth on the Tigers roster, Perez could see the majors as soon as next season. ETA: 2019
47. Jesus Sanchez, OF (TB) - Sanchez jumped up prospect lists after hitting .305 with 15 home runs in just 512 plate appearances last season. In the past three seasons, Sanchez has yet to hit under .300 and is averaging a home run every 38 plate appearances in the minors. Now with a relatively low fly ball rate Sanchez may never reach the 30 home run mark, but he could be a player who has a batting average around .300 with 25 home runs at peak. ETA: 2020
48. Brendan McKay, SP/1B (TB) - Otani isn’t the only two-way star on this list. With a good fastball, curveball, cutter and changeup combination, McKay has some serious strikeout potential. Not only could he be a good source of strikeouts, but his command is also above average. As a hitter McKay shows some good batted ball tendencies, but his knack for striking out could make him more valuable on the mound than with a bat. ETA: 2019
49. Estevan Florial, OF (NYY) - Florial’s above-average speed and raw power give him a ceiling of a 30/30 player, but his 32 percent strikeout rate at A-ball last season give him the floor of someone who could hit close to the Mendoza line. There is no denying that Florial can certainly hurt the ball when he makes contact, but for him to become a fantasy superstar he will need to make more contact. Florial is only going to be 20 years old to start the season, so there is still plenty of time for him to work on improving his batter’s eye. ETA: 2020
50. Leody Taveras, OF (TEX) - It started to come together for Leody Taveras in 2017. In his first full season of professional ball, Taveras flashed some huge upside for fantasy owners despite the lackluster final stat line. The keys are the 20 stolen bases, 8.1 BB% and the plus centerfield defense. The power will come later for the 19-year-old as he fills out his 6’1” frame, but the approach and speed are excellent indicators. Taveras is a five-tool category and his potentially long development road has him kicking off the second-half of our Top 100. ETA: 2020
51. Alec Hansen, SP (CHW) - At 23-years-old and recently having received invite to the spring training, Hansen is an excellent building piece for teams looking to win right away in dynasty formats. Hansen made enormous strides in 2017 by maintaining his 12+ K/9 yet dropping his walk rate to 3.2 BB/9 while moving up to AA. He’ll likely start at Double-A again this year but given his age and the gains he made last year, there’s an outside shot we see him in 2018. More than likely Hansen pushes for a spot in rotation in 2019. ETA: 2019
52. Jo Adell, OF (LAA) - A lethal power/speed combo, Jo Adell was a high school draft pick taken 10th overall by the Angels in 2017. There are some swing and miss concerns in his profile, but fantasy owners should be jumping all over Adell who could provide 20/20 upside at the end of his minor league development. The defense has some questions on if he’s really a center fielder so he is a guy who could drop in non-prospect focused lists, but no matter which outfield slot he fills Adell should produce starter-quality numbers in all formats. ETA: 2021
53. J.P. Crawford, SS (PHI) - What a ride it has been for J.P. Crawford. From prospect stardom, to bust, back to fantasy relevance, Crawford finally broke into the majors in 2017 and has a shot to be the Phillies shortstop as soon as 2018. His profile has evolved with his development as Crawford is now a power-first, OBP player with questionable contact skills and not enough speed to be an impact on the basepaths. He is a plus defender and should stick at the position, which helps his fantasy value. His upside is an above-average fantasy SS, but don’t bank on fantasy stardom. ETA: 2018
54. Kyle Lewis, OF (SEA) - A hulking slugger, Kyle Lewis’ career has been off to a slow start due to multiple injuries. The tools are still oozing out of his 6’4” 210 lb frame and Lewis could emerge as a fantasy star, but at 22-years-old and only 250 PA of professional baseball under his belt, we need to see Lewis healthy for a full season before his stock gets too inflated. ETA: 2020
55. Jay Groome, SP (BOS) - The 12th overall pick in 2017, Groome is a huge, 6’6” lefty with a plus fastball, plus-plus curveball and developing command for both. Groome will have no problem racking up strikeouts as he moves up the development curve, but the command will be the big question mark as he moves each level. With such a large frame, it’s common to see high school pitchers like Groome to grow into their command later in their career so I’m not concerned yet. A full healthy season is the most important next step for Groome who can still emerge as a stud. ETA: 2020
56. Nick Gordon, SS (MIN) - Nick Gordon is slowly slipping down fantasy draft boards as his brand name as a fifth overall pick in 2014 is still propping up his value. His speed has slowly diminished as he moves up to Double-A and his strikeout is rising to untenable levels, currently at 23.2%. He’s another year away from breaking into the Minnesota lineup, but he might be more of a back of the order hitter than the dynamic leadoff guy he was touted as on draft day. ETA: 2019
57. Harrison Bader, OF (STL) - Bader snuck under the prospect eligibility cutoff after 92 PA with St. Louis in 2017. He has an intriguing power/speed combo, but it’s important to note his declining numbers as he’s moved up the organization. He has some contact issues that could get exposed with major league breaking balls. I would invest with caution in dynasty leagues and don’t be quick to pencil him as your future center fielder. The upside is there, but adjustments will have to be made quickly for him to realize the 20/20 potential. ETA: 2018
58. Luis Urias, SS (SD) - Urias’ stock soared after his showing in the Arizona Fall League. He is a future table-setter for the Padres lineup and he’s close to debuting in San Diego. There’s little power to speak of at present, but some scouts think there’s a potential of double-digit power in the future. He has plus-plus contact skills and knows how to take a walk, which leaves him primed for a future leadoff or No.2 hitter. His speed is average at best, so he could be an empty average guy if he doesn’t find himself at the top of a big league lineup. ETA: 2018
59. Jon Duplantier, SP (ARI) - A huge year for Duplantier puts this former third-round pick firmly in the radar of all fantasy owners. We’ll qualify and say Duplantier put up big numbers as a 23-year-old in Low-A and High-A in 2017, but the scouts do like what they saw and thinks it projects well moving forward. A fastball/curveball combo and serviceable changeup keeps him as a starter, and he could move quickly through the upper minors given his age and recent success. ETA: 2019
60. Cal Quantrill, SP (SD) - Quantrill is a classic pitcher with a realistic role of a future No.3. Armed with one of the best changeups in the minors and a fastball that sits 93-95, both of which he commands, he reached Double-A last season. His strikeouts dropped a tick once he climbed a level and if he’s more of a 18 K% guy than a 24 K%, then his ceiling stays as a No.3. If he learns to use his curveball, though, then we may not have seen his best season. ETA: 2019
61. Mitch White, SP (LAD) - White made waves last spring when he showed up pumping a fastball that sat in the mid-to-high 90s as opposed to the lower offering when he was drafted. With Tommy John under his belt, the Dodgers used kid gloves on him -- he only pitched 66 innings in 16 starts. He can induce strikeouts and ground balls which is always a great combo, but he’s still working on his command and control of his FB/SL/CB/CH repertoire. There were reports of diminishing velocity at the end of the year which isn’t a great sign considering he didn’t pitch all that much to begin with, but we’ll give him a pass considering he tripled his innings from 2016. Injury history and cautiousness will give him a longer lead time than usual. ETA: 2020
62. Keibert Ruiz, C (LAD) - Perhaps a future battery mate of the White, Keibert is set to take the title of best catching prospect in baseball once Francisco Mejia loses prospect eligibility. As a teenager between A ball and High-A, he hit above .300 with an .821 OPS. He’s a switch hitter but still struggles against left-handed pitchers. He’s not a true power threat but could reach 12-15 home runs. And while his propensity to take walks isn’t great, it’s masked by his stubbornness to strike out. He’s advanced for his age and should continue climbing prospect lists. ETA: 2020
63. Jack Flaherty, SP (STL) - Flaherty made his debut in September after pitching about 80 innings in Double-A and Triple-A showing great control and striking out nearly a batter per inning. His 21-inning cup of coffee didn’t go so well (15 ER), but he had a great swinging strikeout rate (13 SwStr%). His slider, which he relied on 24 percent of the time, was one of the best in baseball per Whiff%. The addition of Miles Mikolas booted Flaherty from the rotation, but the first sign of injury ensures he’ll grab a spot. ETA: 2018
64. Jake Bauers, 1B (TB) - One of the more underrated prospects in baseball, Bauers spent all of 2017 as a 21-year-old in Triple-A and slashed a strong .263/.368/.412 with 13 home runs and 20 steals. He’s a stronger play in OBP leagues and occasionally can earn some OF eligibility, but the ceiling is limited here. His Triple-A line is not unlike the one you should expect once he’s a regular later this year. ETA: 2018
65. Austin Riley, 3B (ATL) - Already the sixth Braves prospect on this list, Riley made a splash in the AFL after he hit six home runs in 70 at-bats to go with a 1.071 OPS. It was a culmination of a year where he shortened his swing to more consistently tap into his plus power. Splitting High-A and Double-A as a 20-year-old, Riley hit 20 home runs while playing a much-improved third base. ETA: 2019
66. Kevin Maitan, SS (LAA) - In our 2017 midseason update, we ranked Maitan 41st. In hindsight, we might have bought into the hype a bit too much. Since then, controversy forced him from the Braves organization and he joined a revamped Angels org. The shift in teams is beneficial because the Angels said they plan to keep him at shortstop, but evaluators think he’s eventually moving to third base. He turns 18 just a few days after this post is published and the risks have increased since the baseball world fawned over him. His body is reaching maturation which is not a good sign given how young he is and while he still has good bat speed and is advanced for his age, his speed is diminished and a worst-case (but real) scenario is first base. Maybe in July we once again regret this ranking because it’s too low and he flashes great production in Low-A. But for now, he has a lot of work to do. ETA: 2021
67. Alex Faedo, SP (DET) - The latest model of the Florida Gators Pitching Factory, we haven’t seen a professional inning from Faedo yet after the Tigers shut him down because of Florida’s deep championship run. His money maker is the slider and it’s a plus offering. He has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s if necessary but sits a couple of ticks lower than that. He also has an average changeup giving him a three-pitch mix. Faedo seems like a lock to be a workhorse number three pitcher, but his 2018 should give us a lot more clarity. ETA: 2020
68. Jahmai Jones, OF (LAA) - One of the best pure athletes in the minors, Jones spent his 19-year-old season between A-ball and High-A and finished with 14 HR and 27 SB with a .282/.348/.446 slash line. It was a step forward in power after he learned to recognize breaking ball pitches. His best tool is his speed, as he can be a perennial 25 SB threat but flashes average power and a chance for a good average thanks to a quick bat through the zone. Though it’s not something we usually weigh, Jones’ reports always mention his great make-up. Coupled with his athleticism, it portends to a profile that might be able to reach his ceiling. ETA: 2020
69. Corbin Burnes, SP (MIL) - Like Baez and Duplantier above, Burnes had a tremendous breakout season on the mound finishing with a comical 1.67 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and striking out just under a strikeout per inning in 145 innings between High-A and Double-A. Corbin is a bulldog, pounding the zone with great control using a fastball and slider that flashes plus. He also has a changeup and curveball that he’s still working on. It’s worth noting that some scouts believe his curve is better than his slider. If the Brewers send him to Triple-A, don’t be scared off by bad ratios given that their minor league squad is located in Colorado. There’s an outside chance he debuts this year. ETA: 2018
70. Heliot Ramos, OF (SF) - Ramos features a good amount of power and speed which could help him make a perennial 30/30 in the major leagues, though a lot has to come together for that to happen. Ramos did have some strikeout issues in his first professional season, but the upside is still immense. At the age of 18, the Giants are in no hurry to rush Ramos through the minors. ETA: 2021
71. Adrian Morejon, SP (SD) - Morejon doesn’t have one great pitch, but his fastball, curveball and changeup all have the potential to be plus pitches. This should help him switch between the three and keep batters off balance. Morejon will need to get more swing and misses in order to become more fantasy relevant. ETA: 2020
72. Michael Chavis, 3B (BOS) - Chavis jump onto top 100 lists this season after hit 31 home runs in 2017. With this power comes an abundance of strikeouts. He hit for a decent average, but he may struggle to hit for average in the majors if these strikeouts continue. ETA: 2019
73. Yadier Alvarez, SP (LAD) - Alvarez’s fastball and slider combination should help him produce a high amount of strikeouts. He has yet to have a strikeout rate under 23% at any level. He does have some control issues, and they reared their head in 2017 to a point where his spot in a rotation is in question. He’s a good buy low candidate, but beware that he may stay low, too. ETA: 2019
74. Justus Sheffield, SP (NYY) - Sheffield was brought over to the Yankees as part of the deal that saw Andrew Miller leave to Cleveland. He climbed to Double-A last season at the young age of 21. His strikeout rate did drop to 20 percent last season. With a good fastball and slider combination, we could see that strikeout rate rise to closer to the 23 percent he had at High-A in 2016. ETA: 2019
75. Colton Welker, 3B (COL) - Welker is a one of the most underrated prospects going into 2018. He hit .350 in full-season ball last year, which is backed up by just a 15 percent strikeout rate. He doesn’t have a lot of power, but has the potential to put up 20 home runs once he matures. With a good batted ball profile behind him and a home park in Colorado, there’s little to dislike from the 20-year-old. ETA: 2020
76. Monte Harrison, OF (MIA) - Harrison was a big piece in the deal that sent Christian Yelich to Milwaukee. With a good amount of speed and power, Harrison has the potential to be a fantasy stud. His problem: A 27 percent strikeout rate last year in High-A. But it was an overall breakout season after years of injuries. Harrison is worth keeping an eye on as he makes his way through the minors as he has the real potential for 20/20 seasons. ETA: 2020
77. Chance Adams, SP (NYY) - Adams might not have the sexiest looking pitches, but he sure does limit the amount of quality contact against him. For the past two seasons he has held batters to a batting average under the Mendoza line thanks to inducing plenty of fly balls and weak contact. He does have some strikeout potential with a decent fastball and slider combination, but there are some control issues that could cause him to struggle at the major league level. ETA: 2018
78. Dustin Fowler, OF (OAK) -Fowler never got a chance to make his first plate appearance after tearing his knee in a fielding accident in his debut. He profiles as someone who could hit for a decent average while also being a 15/15 player this season. Hopefully he can finally get that plate appearance this season, so we don’t have another Moonlight Graham story on our hands. ETA:2018
79. Jesse Winker, OF (CIN) - Winker had an impressive 47-game stint with the Reds as he hit .298/.375/.529 with seven home runs. With a disciplined approach at the plate, Winker’s walk rate and batting average should continue to be well above average. The one question concerning Winker is his power. The seven home runs may be the biggest surprise from Winker as he only had two in his 85 games in Triple-A last season, but the new ball could do wonders for him. Winker could be a good role player in NL-only formats going into 2018, but fantasy owners playing in mixed leagues should be cautious of Winker this upcoming season in case the power was a mirage. ETA: 2018
80. Anderson Espinoza, SP (SD) - Espinoza will miss the 2018 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of last season. This is such a bummer for a pitcher with three pitches that could be 70-grade at peak. If you’re not competing this year, and can work Espinoza into a trade, invest now while stock is at its lowest. ETA: 2021
81. Dylan Cease, SP (CHW) - Coming over in the Jose Quintana trade, Dylan Cease is part of a loaded group of White Sox arms. He’s already 22 years old and hasn’t made it past Low-A, but Cease has the stuff to move quickly. He’ll be able to strike out batters at an above-average clip and if he continues to make strides in his command, should be a solid SP3 starter for the South Side. Amazingly, Cease had a 0-8 record with a 2.71 FIP in 9 starts with the White Sox - totally irrelevant for his fantasy value, but a crazy anomaly. ETA: 2019
82. Tyler O’Neill, OF (STL) - Acquired for Marco Gonzales, O’Neill is a victim of serious contact issues. The power is legit, and still might be useful in all leagues, but O’Neill will struggle to hit over .250 at the MLB level. The HR upside is 30+ as a No.5-6 hitter for St. Louis. I expect injuries to give O’Neill a brief shot this year with a more full-time role in 2019. ETA: 2018
83. Albert Abreu, SP (NYY) - A nice sleeper arm, acquired from Houston, Albert Abreu may have three plus pitches when all is said and done with his fastball, curveball, changeup combo.The fastball and curveball are the best pitches at present, which gives him a floor of a quality bullpen arm. Look for Abreu to sneak up this list as the season progresses and maybe find himself in the Top 50 next offseason. ETA: 2020
84. Carson Kelly, C (STL) - A glove-first prospect, Kelly lands on the list as a virtue of his future role as the Cardinals starting catcher. Yadier still has a little more juice left, but the job is Kelly’s once he’s done and there’s just enough bat to be fantasy relevant. You’re not building a team around this guy, but he’s a nice bat to have for team’s looking to win this year and next. ETA: 2018
85. Pavin Smith, 1B (ARI) - Pavin Smith checks every box except in game power, which for a future 1B is a critical piece to be missing. He’s shown some important strides in the power department at the end of 2017 and could end up being a massive miss by the fantasy industry. The Diamondbacks took him seventh overall and must have believed in the power he showed at Virginia. He should also move quickly through the minors thanks to his strong approach. ETA: 2019
86. Yordan Alvarez, 1B (HOU) - Alvarez crushed Low-A pitching as a 19-year-old to the tune of .360/.468/.658 and earned himself a promotion to High-A. He still excelled there and is set up for a challenge at Double-A in 2018. He’s a bat-first prospect and should get more love on fantasy-focused lists. There’s still some who give him a shot at OF which would do wonders for his fantasy value. ETA: 2019
87. Ian Anderson, SP (ATL) - The third overall pick in the 2016 draft, Anderson showed well in Low-A as a 19-year-old. Command is his biggest question mark, but there’s time for him to develop that - the stuff is above-average and should generate plenty of strikeouts when he makes it to Atlanta. ETA: 2020
88. Carter Kieboom, SS (WAS) - One of the best names in baseball, Kieboom is average to above-average in all five tools. He may not stick at SS but the bat is good enough to move off the position. The biggest question mark for his fantasy value is if the power will develop. He started to answer the question in High-A with 8 HRs and a .497 SLG in 48 games. If he continues that pace he’s going to skyrocket up this list. ETA: 2021
89. Ryan Mountcastle, 3B (BAL) - There’s still some holding out hope that Mountcastle sticks at SS, but the shift to 3B looks to be all but inevitable. Mountcastle has a ton of pop, but his aggressiveness at the plate got him in trouble in Double-A this year where he hit just .222. If he can find some patience and let the power fully play, look out for Mountcastle in Camden Yards. ETA: 2019
90. Colin Moran, 3B (PIT) - Moran was thought of as a bust before last year. A former sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, he was shipped from Houston to Pittsburgh in the Gerrit Cole trade. But something changed last season that’s renewed his outlook. In just 79 Triple-A games he hit 18 home runs (.235 ISO). He retooled his swing before the season, loading his hands higher and finishing his swing with an uppercut. The result? For the first time in his pro career he hit more fly balls than ground balls. And we haven’t even mentioned the .308/.373/.543 slash. With David Freese as his only competition, Moran is looking like an excellent NL-only grab with upside for mixed league viability. ETA: 2018
91. Adam Haseley, OF (PHI) - The eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft, Haseley is a bit divisive. Thought to be an advanced hitter, he had a solid pro debut between rookie ball and full-season ball. He doesn’t have a standout tool which dampens his fantasy upside, but he does a little bit of everything. His upside is that of an OF3. ETA: 2020
92. Matt Manning, SP (DET) - Manning has the 6-foot-6 frame to dream on for a starter, and armed with a fastball and a potential hammer curve, you’d think the path is clear for domination. However his fastball velocity readings were inconsistent depending on where he was seen. Some reports saw him holding it at 94-95 while others saw it dip into the high 80s. His inconsistent delivery and arm slot weren’t helping his cause. He’ll head back to the Midwest League to continue working on mechanics, but the foundation is there for a No.3. ETA: 2021
93. Dane Dunning, SP (CHW) - Dunning was part of the trade that sent Adam Eaton to the Nationals, and he has a chance to become the best player that the White Sox received. With a 4.4 strikeout to walk ratio, Dunning shows immense upside. He will be 23 years old to start the season, and could be up in the majors as soon as 2018. ETA: 2019
94. Jesus Luzardo, SP (OAK) - A Tommy John success story, Luzardo has a deadly fastball with natural sink that help him average more than a strikeout an inning. He also features a 60 grade changeup that he can mix with his fastball to catch batters off balance. Luzardo not only can be a good source for strikeouts, but his low walk rate could make him an asset in WHIP once he is added to the major league rotation. Expect him to fly up rankings if he stays healthy. ETA: 2019
95. J.B. Bukauskas, SP (HOU) - Bukauskas has a nasty slider and fastball combination that could lead to a high amount of strikeouts. Because of this combination, the Astros drafted him with the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft. At 21-years-old, we should see Bukauskas fly throw the minor leagues and join the Astros rotation. ETA: 2019
96. Stephen Gonsalves, SP (MIN) - Gonsalves stands at 6’5 and features one of the best changeups in the minors. He has accumulated a high number of strikeouts, but his strikeout rate may drop when he makes the majors because of his low 90s fastball. With Ervin Santana out for the first couple months, we could see Gonsalves break camp with the Twins out of Spring Training. ETA:2018
97. Sandy Alcantara, SP (MIA) - Moving to Miami after a brief debut with St. Louis in 2017, Alcantara looks to be a future shutdown bullpen piece. His command has shown zero improvement, but the fastball is legit and should play up even more in spurts. The Marlins may start him out of necessity, but he would be more valuable if he fills a backend bullpen role. ETA: 2018
98. Brandon Woodruff, SP (MIL) - If it weren’t for a mid-season injury, Woodruff would have far surpassed the rookie limits in 2017. He should fit right into the #4 or #5 starter role for Milwaukee but that’s about all the ceiling has in the cards. He limits walks enough to be a solid WHIP contributor - or at least a streaming option who won’t kill you. ETA: 2018
99. Brent Rooker, OF (MIN) - He crushed in the lower minors during his debut season, but as a college draftee the numbers do require the context of Rooker being 22-years-old at the time. He should face a tougher challenge in 2018 in the upper minors where he will have to answer whether the power in his bat is for real. We think he could be massively undervalued as similar top college bats have been in recent drafts and 2018 should give us a much better indicator. ETA: 2020
100. Chance Sisco, C (BAL) - Sisco has set up shop at the backend of Top 100 prospect lists for the past four or five years. He finally broke into the Major Leagues in 2017 and should get a much longer look this year. He’s a bat-first catching prospect which is of interest, but the battle between him and Caleb Joseph will be one to watch in Spring Training this year. At prime, expect 15 home runs and a .280 average. Sisco is a nice sleeper option in standard formats and someone to absolutely keep an eye on in dynasty. ETA: 2018

Here’s our individual Top 125. Find an author you agree or disagree with? Feel free to reach out to them on this post or on Twitter to open a discussion.