We’re just a week into the MLB season, and Triple-A action kicked off over the weekend. Most prospects who were optioned won’t be up immediately, but it’s never too early to plan. Below are some high-upside top-100-ranked prospects to stash now if they’re available in your fantasy baseball league.
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Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Stash
Konnor Griffin (SS – PIT) | Prospect Ranking: No. 1
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: No later than June
If Konnor Griffin is somehow still on your waiver wire, pick him up now. The only hesitation with him has nothing to do with talent — it’s the Pirates. Their development timelines can be unpredictable. While he’s good enough to be promoted today, they could just as easily slow-play him until late June.
Even so, Jared Triolo opened the season as Pittsburgh’s shortstop, and he hasn’t produced enough to hold the job for long. As long as Griffin continues hitting, the Pirates will eventually have no choice but to bring him up.
Furthermore, he’s a true multi-category contributor. Through his first 10 Triple-A at-bats, he’s already collected five hits (including two doubles) and three walks. Griffin has carried his strong spring training performance straight into the season and looks every bit like a future MLB star.
Colt Emerson (SS – SEA) | Prospect Ranking: No. 7
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: Late-April
Moving to Seattle, Colt Emerson just signed an eight-year, $95 million extension — the largest contract ever given to a player who hasn’t debuted. Coupled with his strong spring training, it’s clear the Mariners don’t intend to keep him in the minors for long.
When J.P. Crawford returns from the injured list (IL), he’ll reclaim his starting shortstop position, but he’s a free agent after the season. As a result, Seattle needs to evaluate Emerson at the MLB level. Even with Crawford, Cole Young and Brendan Donovan in the infield mix, the Mariners can easily find at-bats for Emerson through positional flexibility and the designated hitter spot.
Additionally, Young’s performance may ultimately dictate Emerson’s timeline. If Young cools off, Emerson could be promoted quickly. Seattle is in win-now mode and will play the best players. Emerson projects to have a strong batting average with double-digit home run and steal potential.
Travis Bazzana (2B – CLE) | Prospect Ranking: No. 18
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: Mid-May
Next up is Travis Bazzana, who — like Konnor Griffin — doesn’t have much blocking his path. Brayan Rocchio currently holds second base, but he’s not a long-term obstacle. Bazzana essentially controls his own timeline. If he hits, he’s up.
Bazzana had a strong spring training and impressed at the World Baseball Classic, further strengthening his case for an early promotion. In his first three Triple-A games, he recorded three hits in 12 at-bats, including two extra-base hits, along with three walks. Expect a solid average, good power and plenty of on-base percentage (OBP) value.
If Bazzana shows improvement from last year’s uneven Double-A and Triple-A stints, he’ll take over second base sooner rather than later in Cleveland.
Bryce Eldridge (1B – SF) | Prospect Ranking: No. 23
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: April
Shifting to San Francisco, the Giants have scored just four runs in their first four games, and Casey Schmitt — who has started all four at first base — is only 2-for-9. He’s clearly a placeholder until Bryce Eldridge arrives.
Eldridge debuted late last season but logged only 28 at-bats. He followed that with a solid spring training and was rumored to be in the mix for an Opening Day spot. That didn’t materialize. Nevertheless, his second chance shouldn’t be far off.
If you need power, Eldridge is one of the best stashes available. The batting average and strikeouts will be volatile, but if your roster can absorb the risk, he’s worth adding now.
Robby Snelling (SP – MI) | Prospect Ranking: No. 37
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: May
Robby Snelling had a solid spring training and was in the mix for a rotation spot before the Marlins chose Chris Paddack instead. Snelling struck out 16 batters in 13 innings and, aside from a couple of rough outings, looked MLB-ready.
Snelling limits hard contact, keeps walks manageable and can rack up strikeouts. However, his strikeout rate may dip slightly against MLB hitters. He profiles as a mid-rotation starter and could be a valuable fantasy arm by early summer.
Paddack struggled in his first start; however, Miami typically takes a cautious approach with pitching prospects. Snelling’s first Triple-A outing — one hit and three strikeouts in four innings — was encouraging. Stash him now before the hype spikes.
Charlie Condon (1B – COL) | Prospect Ranking: No. 67
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: May
If you miss out on Bryce Eldridge, Charlie Condon is a fantastic fallback, and he might actually be the better short-term bat. He had a monster spring training, launching multiple home runs and flirting with a .400 average.
TJ Rumfield‘s strong spring training likely contributed to Condon being sent down. However, the Rockies have far more invested in him long-term. Giving Condon a bit more Triple-A seasoning is probably the right move.
Condon started hot over the weekend with a pair of home runs and three walks. If he keeps this up, he’ll force Colorado’s hand quickly.
Honorable Mentions
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