We’ve reached or are quickly approaching the halfway point of the fantasy season, and this is typically when fantasy baseball prospect stashes begin inching closer to their MLB debuts. Whether you’re pushing for a playoff spot, playing spoiler or simply in “let’s have some fun” mode, these prospects could give your roster a meaningful boost down the stretch.
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Last week, one prospect from the list was promoted, only to be sent back down a few days later. Craig Yoho made a brief appearance in the Brewers’ bullpen and actually looked solid at Coors Field. Meanwhile, Cole Carrigg was just promoted, so if you need an outfielder/shortstop option, he’s now firmly on the radar.
We also have one player who has gone missing. Luis Lara hasn’t played in five days, and as of writing, no explanation has been provided. However, he did just sign an extension, so the situation doesn’t appear concerning. Stay tuned for updates on his status.
Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Stash
Cooper Ingle (C – CLE) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 70
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
Cooper Ingle has been playing more outfield recently, and that now appears to be his clearest path to the Majors. The Guardians aren’t moving on from Patrick Bailey anytime soon, regardless of his offensive struggles, so Ingle’s route will likely come through the outfield while still retaining catcher eligibility. That is a nice bonus.
Ingle is hitting just .220 over his last 10 games with two home runs and 13 strikeouts to seven walks. That profile suggests he may be pressing a bit, as this isn’t typically the type of hitter he is. Check back in a week or two to see if Ingle settles in.
Luis Lara (OF – MIL) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 91
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
Luis Lara recently signed a seven‑year, $31 million extension, which would normally signal that a promotion is coming soon. However, teammate Cooper Pratt also received an extension earlier this year and remains in Triple‑A, so nothing is guaranteed.
Lara is hitting .333 over his last 10 games with more walks than strikeouts and one stolen base. As mentioned earlier, he hasn’t played in five games, but he is scheduled to return soon. Assuming he continues producing, a promotion should be on the horizon.
Kaelen Culpepper (SS – MIN) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 36
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
The Twins recalled Royce Lewis this past weekend despite Kaelen Culpepper hitting .350 with three home runs over his last 10 games. Even so, a promotion still feels imminent.
Culpepper offers versatility; he can play second, third and shortstop, which should help him carve out playing time. He’s worth an add off the waiver wire in all leagues if you need infield help.
River Ryan (SP – LAD) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 77
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
It’s a bit surprising River Ryan hasn’t been called up yet. He continues to pitch once a week and logged another six‑inning outing last week. It appears the Dodgers are managing his workload, likely in preparation for a near-future promotion.
Ryan owns a 2.89 ERA and a 3–0 record. He has 33 strikeouts in 28 innings. Expect one or two more Triple‑A starts. Assuming they go well, Ryan should get the call soon. He’s worth adding in most leagues if you need a starter with upside.
Hagen Smith (SP – CWS) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 47
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
The White Sox have been aggressive with promotions this season, and 2024 first-round pick Hagen Smith could be next. He still needs to refine his command (1.34 WHIP), but his 13.59 K/9 across 47 Triple‑A innings is eye-opening.
Given that strikeout potential, Smith is a worthy add in deep leagues and could become a valuable fantasy arm if he gets the call.
James Tibbs III (OF – LAD) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: Unranked
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
James Tibbs III was listed earlier this year after a hot start. While he cooled off slightly, he still owns a .312 average with 18 home runs on the season. Over the last 10 days, Tibbs hit .324 with four home runs, suggesting another heater may be forming.
A promotion is possible if he stays hot, but Tibbs’ playing time outlook remains unclear. Add him only in deep leagues as a speculative stash; monitor and wait in all other formats.
Additional Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Consider
Karson Milbrandt (SP – MIA) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 100
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: August
Karson Milbrandt went six innings in his Triple‑A debut, allowing two hits with three walks and one strikeout. It wasn’t a bad outing, but it was a bit underwhelming. Still, he’s worth tracking over his next few starts to see if he settles in.
Given the Marlins’ injury-ridden rotation, Milbrandt should get a chance this season as long as he performs.
Max Clark (OF – DET) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 7
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: July
Max Clark has struggled recently, hitting just .184 with two homers over his last 10 games. A promotion may be delayed, but he remains a highly regarded prospect. If he is available, Clark is worth adding in 12‑team leagues or any format with five outfielders.
Joshua Baez (OF – STL) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: 65
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
Joshua Baez is scorching hot, hitting .381 over his last 10 games with two home runs and seven extra‑base hits. He’s already on the 40‑man roster and looks ready for a promotion.
The Cardinals remain in the playoff hunt, so adding another offensive weapon would make sense. Baez is a strong add in deep leagues or any five‑outfielder formats.
Carson Whisenhunt (SP – SFG) | Top 100 Prospect Ranking: Unranked
- Current Level: Triple-A
- ETA: June
Carson Whisenhunt returns to the list after striking out 10 in his most recent start. He went six innings, allowing two earned runs and issuing just one walk.
If he strings together a couple more outings like that, Whisenhunt could earn another shot. He’s strictly a deep‑league stash for now, but sometimes former top prospects figure things out on their next run.
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