OF Max Clark, Detroit Tigers
The 3rd overall pick in 2023 has put together a solid 2024 season between A+ and A. Between the two, Clark is slashing .289/.385/.423 with seven home runs, 65 RBI, and 27 stolen bases. The power has not completely developed, and at 6’0, 205lbs, Clark may have peaked from a physical growth standpoint. However, as Clark progresses at different levels and pitch recognition becomes second nature, he can see his power numbers increase. Should this be the case, there is no question he will be on his way to reaching his five-tool potential. From a physical standpoint, this comparison may be off the wall, but Clark’s build and tools resembled those of a young Mike Trout. With a combination of great tools and a stocky frame, Trout never hit more than 11 home runs during his three full minor league seasons before hitting 30 during his 2012 rookie campaign for the Angels. Like Clark, the one question with Trout was whether he would develop power. It is too early to put Clark in Mike Trout’s class, but the resemblance is there. The next two seasons will be worth monitoring Clark’s power development as all fantasy baseball players have high hopes that he turns into MLB’s next superstar.
INF Braylen Wimmer, Colorado Rockies
A 2023 8th-round pick, Braylen Wimmer, has put together a solid first full minor league season, slashing .284/.349/.440 with 12 home runs, 53 RBI, and 19 stolen bases. A knack for hitting to all parts of the field in college, Wimmer has shown this ability early into his minor league career and could be a steal from the 2023 draft. Looking at his physical and offensive ability, Wimmer resembles former Rockies start Trevor Story. The Rockies are in desperate need of hitting on players they have drafted, and if Wimmer keeps hitting as he progresses through the minors, the Rockies could have found their next elite infielder. Wimmer is a name to monitor in the next few seasons as he is not high on many prospect rankings, but he is starting to raise eyebrows around Major League Baseball.
LHP Quinn Mathews, St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals organization has notoriously drafted well, and while they have dealt numerous prospects, specifically pitchers, that have done well once they reached the Majors with other organizations, they have two elite pitching prospects in Tink Hence and left-hander Quinn Mathews. Mathews has seen his fastball reach 97 MPH, and he has used his heater and elite changeup to post a 2.86 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 151 strikeouts in 107 innings across A+, A, and AA. His slider is ahead of his curve, and this gives him three pitches he can rely on during each at-bat. Fantasy baseball players should expect Mathews to start 2025 at AA, but a fast start will undoubtedly see him promoted to AAA Memphis. Mathews should be on every dynasty player’s radar as he will reach the Majors in 2025.
RHP Dioris De La Rosa, Los Angeles Angels
Most fantasy baseball players have yet to hear the name Dioris De La Rosa, but he is a name that should immediately be added to any player’s shortlist. At 17 years old, de la Rosa has three to four years before he reaches the Majors, but he has been one of the bright spots in the Dominican Summer League. The international free agent signed on January 15th and is quickly making the Angels organization eager for the future. Already reaching 96 MPH, de la Rosa has feasted on Dominican League hitters, posting a 2.08 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. The young right-hander does not walk many batters, having surrendered only 18 free passes, and the only knock is hit fastball being flat at times, allowing hitters to get soft base hits to the outfield. At the top of Dominican Summer League rankings, de la Rosa has earned a pitcher of the week award and owns two starts throwing five innings of no-hit baseball. Fantasy baseball players reading this article are trying to get a list of prospects to watch and monitor for the upcoming seasons. Dioris de la Rosa needs to be penciled atop any prospect rankings with an MLB ETA of three to four seasons.