Chandler Simpson OF – Tampa Bay Rays
As they should, breaking records always raises eyebrows. Players themselves feel the rush of endorphins, and Tampa Bay prospect Chandler Simpson is feeling the increase. For the first time since 2012, a minor league player has stolen 100 bases. Simpson accomplished this feat over the weekend, and his total currently sits at 102 between A+ & AA. Along with stolen bases, Simpson has feasted on minor league pitching, slashing .356/.412/.400 with one home run, 29 RBI, and 88 runs scored. The high average and low strikeout rate (9.5%) speaks volumes for how talented of a hitter he is. Usually, we see high-sunk base players struggle to hit for a healthy average, like Billy Hamilton. Power may never come around, but Simpson is an interesting fantasy prospect due to high stolen bases without hurting the average/OBP categories.
Matt Koperniak – OF St. Louis Cardinals
An undrafted free agent signing in June 2020, Koperniak has posted solid numbers for a player who has not cracked St. Louis’s top 30 prospect rankings. At 26, Koperniak is a few years older than many prospects, but his numbers warrant a late season call up. Between AA & AAA, the outfielder is slashing .287/.362/.437 with 18 home runs, 85 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. These numbers are in line with his average minor league career slash line of .297/.372/.458. A 17.6% strikeout rate will also help his cause to receive a call to the Majors. St. Louis has always been successful at developing talent, and stockpiling it, and this has often led to many prospects being 25+ when they receive their call up. Allen Craig is the perfect example of a Cardinals prospect receiving his call at 25+ and having a successful career, albeit six years. Fantasy baseball players should keep track of Koperniak’s movement because he could be a sneaky addition that helps win leagues.
Michael McGreevy RHP – St. Louis Cardinals
Fantasy baseball players get excited for the next flamethrower to receive their call up. Recently, MLB has seen an increase in high velocity players having elbow issues early in their careers. Still, we see a high number of pitching prospects that may not “wow” on the radar gun but have a knack for getting hitters out. St. Louis pitching prospect Michael McGreevy fits this mold, and he had success in his only spot start (July 31) with the Cardinals throwing seven innings of five hit ball. He surrendered one run, one walk, and three strikeouts. Almost certain to be a late season call up, McGreevy has 26 starts with AAA Springfield posting a 3.97 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts in 145 innings. He added a cutter prior to the 2024 season and the pitch, along with curve/slider combination and changeup, has boosted his production. All fantasy baseball players should keep tabs on McGreevy especially with fantasy baseball playoffs starting.
Peter Heubeck RHP – Los Angeles Dodgers
A 2021 3rd round pick, right-handed pitcher Peter Heubeck has seen positive results after working on mechanical changes the past few seasons. Sitting in the low-to-mid 90s, his fastball peaked at 97 MPH and his slider/changeup have become above-average secondary pitches. Making 24 starts for A+ Great Lakes, Heubeck posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts in 91.1 innings. Walks, and leaving pitches out over the plate, are two adjustments Heubeck will need to correct in the upcoming seasons, but the Dodgers have done a fantastic job developing starting pitching over the last 5+ years, and Heubeck is a name to monitor as he could take a leap heading into the 2025 season.