A note on how this works: This is a list for the 2024 season only. This is not a comprehensive list of prospects, but rather a list of players most likely to make a difference in 2024.
Also, this is just a list of prospects who are currently in the minors/eligible to prospect. Players currently on MLB rosters or who have exhausted their rookie status will not be considered eligible.
With those caveats aside, let's take a look at the top prospects who have a chance to contribute to fantasy in 2024.
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1. Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Cleveland Guardians
2024 stats: 29G, .303/.375/.642, 9HR, 0SB, 15BB, 22SO at Triple-A Columbus.
This week will be a cheat as we know Manzard will be heading to Cleveland to make his MLB debut against the Tigers. Manzardo was acquired last year on loan in the Aaron Civale deal, and is a 23-year-old first baseman who has both average batting power and power from the left side. The value of the position is a bit of a concern, but fantasy managers who need help at first base or infield corners should definitely consider Manzardo for a roster spot.
2. Jackson Holiday, INF, Baltimore Orioles
2024 stats: 18G, .278/.442/.486, 2HR, 1SB, 21BB, 17SO at Triple-A Norfolk. 10G, .059/.111/.059, 0HR, 0SB, 2BB, 18SO in Baltimore.
Holiday didn't have many hits in his first week back in the minors, but it's hard to worry too much. The world's top prospect showed plenty of patience while giving up nine walks this week, including four on Thursday against Nashville. It's good that the “struggle” hasn't affected him in this regard. Holiday remains a five-category talent that should be added whenever Baltimore deems ready again.
3. Junior Caminero, INF, Tampa Bay Rays
2024 stats: 17G, .324/.378/.662, 6HR, 1SB, 6BB, 16SO at Triple-A Durham.
Caminero's placement at the top of this list is easily justified. In fact, any of these five names can be justified. Caminero hit two more home runs this week and continues to show an offensive turnaround that makes him one of the best pure hitter prospects in baseball, regardless of level. The only concern heading into 2024 is that Tampa Bay doesn't seem to have a spot available at the moment, but if this continues, they'll find a way to play him. He's too good to waste much longer in Triple-A.
4. James Wood, OF, Washington Nationals
2024 stats: 29G, .325/.430/.465, 2HR, 8SB, 21BB, 28SO at Triple-A Rochester.
If there's one thing to be concerned about with Wood in 2024, it's that the power isn't there. He hasn't hit a home run since mid-April. The good news is that the numbers above show that Wood is more than just his one category of player. Washington is a little stubborn at the moment, as the skill set looks ready. It would be an upset if he didn't help his fantasy team by the end of May.
5. Paul Skeens, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
2024 stats: 7G, 27.1IP, 0.99ERA, 1HR, 8BB, 45SO at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Skeens started two games last week, pitching six innings in the first of those games for the first time in his professional career. That start was great, but his subsequent starts were so-so, giving up two runs with two walks in 4 1/3 innings, although he also allowed his first professional home run. no one is perfect. Skenes is ready to pitch. The only question is when does Pittsburgh want that clock to start? I am prepared.
6. Cade Horton, RHP, Chicago Cubs
2024 stats: 5G, 20.1 IP, 1.77 ERA, 1 HR allowed, 6 BB, 24 SO at Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.
Horton was the first member of the 2024 list playing in Double-A. That didn't last long, as the right-handed pitcher was promoted to Triple-A on Saturday, with slightly mixed results. He allowed just two runs and six strikeouts in four innings, but also walked four. It was the first time he issued more walks than batters as a starter. Still, there's been more good than bad from one of the most talented hurlers in the minors, and Horton is now one step closer to helping fantasy managers.
7. Coby Mayo, INF, Baltimore Orioles
2024 performance: 33G, .309/.370/.633, 11HR, 3SB, 10BB, 34SO at Triple-A Norfolk.
Mayo has seen his average drop significantly over the past two weeks, as he is hitting only .268 in his last 10 games. However, that hasn't affected his power, and since the last update he's hit three more home runs and posted a .659 slugging percentage over the same span. It's very hard to imagine where Mayo would be playing for the Orioles right now, but that's not a question we figure out. His offensive upside is very obvious, and he is well-deserving of a spot on the roster if Baltimore solves the problem.
8. Olelvis Martinez, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
2024 stats: 29G, .296/.367/.574, 8HR, 0SB, 10BB, 29SO with Triple-A Buffalo.
Martinez only hit one home run last week, but it's very hard to complain about the infielder's power production in 2024. The right-handed hitter has really improved his selection at the plate — his .367 OBP would easily be a career high — and he has shown the ability to make hard contact all over the field. It may take an injury for Martinez to move up, but his turnaround offensively makes him a prospect that fantasy managers will have to consider if Toronto finds a way to add him to the lineup.
9. Colson Montgomery, SS, Chicago White Sox
2024 stats: .225/.348/.405, 5 HR, 3 SB, 18 BB, 41 SO at Triple-A Charlotte.
With Tyler Black joining the Brew Crew, we're adding a new member and I'm going with Montgomery. Although his strikeout numbers are very concerning, he is still one of the best shortstop prospects in baseball with a skill set that suggests power hits, walks, and stolen bases. It's also worth noting that the White Sox are a terrible team, and Paul DeJong isn't going to prevent Chicago from letting its most promising teams set their sights on the majors. Montgomery might be a little while off, but he has a chance that's worth the wait.
10. Victor Scott II, St. Louis Cardinals
2024 stats: 10G, .186/.222/.302, 1HR, 4SB, 2BB, 9SO at Triple-A Memphis. 20 G, .085/.138/.136, 0 HR, 2 SB, 2 BB, 15 SO for St. Louis.
I thought about taking Scott off the list, but not only has he been underperforming in the minors so far, but the Cardinals' outfield now looks full, especially with Dylan Carlson coming off injured reserve. That being said, no minor leaguer has the ability to impact the stolen base category as much as he does, so he's included on the list. If St. Louis is going to give Scott a chance, coaches who have struggled in the stealth department should give him a chance.
Also under consideration:Jefferson Kelo, C, Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Luciano, SS, San Francisco Giants.Brooks Lee, SS, Minnesota Twins
