C Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves
Left-handed hitting catchers are one of the most sought-after players. The Braves have a potential start in the making in Drake Baldwin. The former 3rd round pick (2022) is off to a hot start with AAA Gwinnett slashing .310/.431/.512 with five home runs and 15 RBI, bringing his total to nine home runs and 48 RBI across AA and AAA. Baldwin has built off his strong 2023 campaign, where he slashed .270/.385/.460 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI across A+, AA, and AAA. With a strong arm, the young catching prospect must improve defensively in terms of his receiving and accuracy when throwing to bases. Given his plus-hitting ability, Baldwin could find himself moved to left field by the time he receives his call to Atlanta. This is not new, as we saw Kyle Schwarber, David Fry, and others move to an outfield spot by the time they reach the Majors. Baldwin is a target fantasy baseball owners should monitor, especially with the ability to carry catcher eligibility while playing full-time in the outfield.
INF/OF Luke Keaschall, Minnesota Twins
Keaschall, a 2023 2nd round pick, had his way with A+ pitchers, slashing .335/.457/.544 with seven home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. He has since moved to AA Wichita, where he is slashing .291/.400/.411 with two home runs, 13 RBI, and five stolen bases across 37 games. Keaschall’s keen sense of the strike zone and developing power make him an intriguing prospect as soon as the 2025 season. He has spent time at first and second base as well as center field and will be playing in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game. Fantasy managers should start monitoring the 21-year-old immediately, especially in dynasty leagues.
RHP Fernando Perez, Toronto Blue Jays
The 2022 international signing is quickly making a name for himself. The 20-year-old has a 3.48 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts in 75 innings. He is on the fast track to AA following the upcoming All-Star Futures Game and should reach AAA during the 2025 season. A 6’3”, 170lbs, he will develop into his frame, and added strength should see an increase to his fastball velocity that sits in the mid-90s while topping out at 97 MPH. His plus slider has been his out pitch, but the development of a changeup will aid in his quick minor-league movement as a starting pitcher. Fernando Perez should be highly monitored by Dynasty League players following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
RHP Caden Dana, Los Angeles Angels
Dana, the top prospect in a mediocre Angels farm system, has the makings of a true front-line starting pitcher. Selected in the 11th round of the 2022 draft, the 20-year-old has made 16 starts for AA Rockey City, posting a 2.99 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts in 90.1 innings, earning a roster spot in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game. Seeing his fastball consistently averaging 94 MPH and reaching 96 MPH, Dana can eventually reach triple digits as his mechanics become more fluid. Since 2023, his slider has become a plus pitch accompanied by an above-average curveball. The right-handed pitcher has worked on his changeup development, which could lead him to become an elite-level fantasy starting pitcher. At 6’4”, 215lbs, and 20 years old, Dana is a few seasons away from his debut with the Angels, but he has the makings of an elite-level starting pitcher.