Samuel Basallo C/1B – Baltimore Orioles
19 -years old for another month, Basallo quickly supplanted himself as the Oriole’s #2 prospect after Jackson Holliday. An international signing in 2021, the young slugger had his best minor league season in 2023, slashing .313/.402/.551 with 20 home runs, 86 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 483 plate appearances between A, A+, and AA. He has not shown signs of slowing down in 2024, slashing .274/.338/.449 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI, and seven stolen bases at AA Bowie. His quick, left-handed swing allows him to keep his hands inside the ball, posting exit velocities that place him near the top of his minor-league peers. His strong arm behind the plate plays a role in the high numbers of base stealers thrown out, and his ability to play first base would give Baltimore the option to put him behind the plate when giving Adley Rutschman a day off. Basallo is a name that is gaining traction and a player that can pay serious dividends should he be added soon to dynasty leagues.
Emmanuel Rodriguez OF – Minnesota Twins
Signed in the same internation period as New York Yankees Jasson Dominguez, Minnesota’s Emmanuel Rodriguez is showing he is nearly ready for a promotion to the Majors. Finishing a 2023 season-setting career highs in home runs (16), RBI (55), and stolen bases (20), the left-handed hitting outfielder is well on his way to finishing 2024 with higher marks. At AA Wichita, the young star is slashing .298/.474/.618 with eight home runs, 20 RBI, and nine stolen bases. One of the most impressive aspects of his stocky (5’11”, 210lbs) frame is his ability to drive the ball to dead center and the opposite way. His above-average speed and strong arm will make him a mainstay in right field, but like current Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, Rodriguez has dealt with his fair share of injuries. A clean bill of health for the longevity of the 2024 season will help him reach the Majors early into next season.
Noah Schultz LHP – Chicago White Sox
At 6’9” 220lbs, Noah Schultz is the closest prospect to former Major League pitcher Randy Johnson. Selected 26th overall during the 2022 draft, Schultz has impressed during his first two minor league seasons. 2023 saw the lefty make 10 starts for A Kannapolis, posting a 1.33 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 27 innings. His fastball sits in the mid-90s while topping out at 97 MPH, but his devastating slider has aided in numerous swings and misses and has been labeled as one of the best in his draft class. Through 14 2024 starts, across A+ & AA, Schultz owns a 3.13 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts in 54.2 innings. His athleticism, given his size, has played well into his fluid mechanics, but the most impressive aspect of his game is his calm demeanor with men on base.
Bubba Chandler RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates
A move to AAA is the next step in the right-hander’s ascent to Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old has used his pure athleticism at every stop in the minors and has a 3.53 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 14 starts for AA Altoona. His fastball sits in the mid-90s while reaching the high-90s into the later innings of games. He’s developed his high-80s slider into a dependable pitch given its tight spin, and his curveball/changeup will give him a third and fourth pitch should they become above average. Watching the film of Chandler, his mechanics are on-par with former starting pitcher Roy Oswalt. Should Chandler have the floor of Roy Oswalt and the potential of a solid #2 starter, Chandler will be a must-have fantasy pitcher as soon as next season.