Nick Kurtz 1B/RF – Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics selected Wake Forest product Nick Kurtz 4th overall in last month’s draft, and he has gotten off to a quick start at A Stockton, slashing .409/.567/1.000 with four home runs and 11 RBI in his first six games. The left-hander was not only the top first baseman in this year’s draft but a power bat and all-around complete hitter. Through his three seasons at Wake Forest, Kurtz hit above .300 each season while averaging 23 home runs and a .773 slugging percentage during his sophomore and junior seasons. A must-own in dynasty leagues, Kurtz should be on the fast track to the Majors and could make his MLB debut as early as the end of the 2025 season. The Athletics will make their official move to Las Vegas to start the 2028 season, and Kurtz should be the household player fans look to see during the Athletics’ inaugural season in Las Vegas.
James Triantos 2B/CF – Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have emphasized replenishing their minor league system after moving integral parts of their 2016 World Series-winning team. They currently have six prospects in MLB’s Top 100 prospect rankings, with James Triantos ranked 60th. Selected in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft, Triantos finished 2023 as his best minor league season, slashing .287/.364/.391 with four home runs, 48 RBI, and 16 stolen bases between A+ and AA. Triantos received his promotion to AAA on August 5th after opening the season with AA Tennessee, proceeding to slash .300/.345/.437 with seven home runs, 40 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. Two weeks into his promotion, Triantos has not slowed down, slashing .275/.333/.350 with three stolen bases in 11 games. Known for his high contact ability and low strikeout rate, the young prospect has a skill set like current Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. Should Triantos tap into his power potential he could be on a similar trajectory to former New York Mets third baseman David Wright. 2025 should be the season he received his call to Chicago, and while Nico Hoerner looks to man second base for the foreseeable future, Triantos may end up as an everyday outfielder with the Cubs.
Braxton Ashcraft RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates
Injuries plagued Ashcraft early into his minor league career after Pittsburgh selected him in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft. The right-hander dealt with a dislocated shoulder and Tommy John surgery but posted career-best numbers in 2023, finishing the season with a 2.39 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts in 52.2 innings between A+, A, and AA. Ashcraft started this season with AA Altoona, posting a 3.69 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts in 53.2 innings, earning a promotion to AAA Indianapolis. In four games (3 GS) with Indianapolis, the righty had a 0.49 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts before hitting the injured list with forearm tightness on July 6th. Ashcraft’s Major League promotion will ultimately be postponed until next season, but there is a lot for fantasy baseball players to be eager about with Ashcraft. At 6’5”, the right-hander fits the ideal mold Pittsburgh looks for in starting pitchers, and his mid-to-high 90s fastball became more effective last year as he lowered his walk rate to an all-time low. His curve is his go-to secondary pitch, and the continuing development of his changeup will only help him cement himself in Pittsburgh’s rotation once he arrives in Pittsburgh. Ashcraft brings injury concern, but should he show he can stay healthy, he has the makings of an upside number-two starter.
Yoniel Curet RHP – Tampa Bay Rays
An international free agent signing in 2019, Curet is the most electric arm in Tampa’s minor league system. His mid-90s fastball reaches 98MPH and has generated numerous swings and misses. His slider has been his go-to second offering, and his changeup has developed into an adequate third pitch. Curet entered 2024 coming off a strong 2023 campaign, where he finished with a 2.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 144 strikeouts in 104 innings. Positioned to surpass his 2023 numbers, Curet has made 22 starts across A+ and AA, posting a 3.39 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts in 98.1 innings. The one major knock is the 21-year-old’s accuracy. He often has trouble locating the strike zone, and this has led to his allowing 49 free passes in his 98.1 innings. Command and control will be the deciding factor for the young righty to stick in a starting role. Should he be destined for the bullpen, specifically the closer role, fantasy baseball players should be prepared to see one of the most electric closers in Major League Baseball.
