
Brendan Tuma
BettingPros
Twitter: @toomuchtuma
Website: https://www.bettingpros.com/

Player Note on Royce Lewis (SS - MIN)
Royce Lewis had a down year in 2019, batting just .236 with a .661 OPS en route to getting promoted to Double-A. He rebounded to win the MVP award in the Arizona Fall League but scouts remain convinced his swing needs tinkering. Lewis has a big leg kick and is often fooled by breaking balls. Still, it would be foolish to write him off, especially after his performance last Fall. The Twins took him first overall in 2017 and his intangibles are considered top notch. 2020 is a crucial developmental year for the shortstop turned outfielder.

Player Note on Casey Mize (SP - DET)
It's a shame that the Tigers aren't ready to compete this year because it will likely cost us the chance to see Casey Mize pitch in the big leagues. A former No. 1 overall draft pick out of Auburn, Mize has utilized a hellacious four-pitch mix to terrorize minor league hitters since turning pro. The only downside to Mize's dynasty value is his history of elbow and shoulder injuries.

Player Note on MacKenzie Gore (SP - SD)
MacKenzie Gore is nearly everything you want in a high-level pitching prospect. The 21-year-old southpaw combines a four-pitch mix with outrageous spin efficiency to carve up hitters despite a fastball that tops out at 93mph. Gore has a funky delivery that keeps hitters off balance yet supplements it with plus command. He made a total of 20 starts between High-A and Double-A in 2019, finishing with a 1.69 ERA to go along with 12 strikeouts-per-nine. The Padres proved to be aggressive with their top prospects last season, meaning there's a chance we see Gore in the majors

Player Note on Nate Pearson (SP - TOR)
Nate Pearson could wind up as one of the biggest "winners" of a shortened 2020 season. Toronto has incentive to put their best team on the field due to the expanded playoffs and Pearson is undoubtedly one of the club's best pitchers. A first-round pick in 2017, Pearson finally stayed healthy last year and wowed the minor leagues with a triple-digit fastball and some electric secondary offerings. If Toronto commits to using him consistently he'll be "must add" in all formats.

Player Note on Adley Rutschman (C - BAL)
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 MLB draft, Adley Rutschman is already the top catching prospect in baseball. A lock to stick behind the plate due to his elite defense, the 22-year-old is a switch-hitter who perfectly combines power and patience while up at bat. It's the offensive upside at a premium position that makes him so appealing to fantasy players in dynasty leagues. Rustchman could realistically debut in Baltimore as early as April 2021 if his development stays on track.

Player Note on Jarred Kelenic (CF - SEA)
The Mets have to be regretting last winter's Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz mega deal as 20-year-old Jarred Kelenic took his game to new heights in 2019. Kelenic played in 117 across three minor league levels last year, finishing in Double-A. He rode a sweet-looking lefty swing to a .291 average, a .904 OPS, 23 homers, and 20 stolen bases. This performance established the future Seattle center fielder as a five-category fantasy contributor if everything breaks right. He's a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball.

Player Note on Wander Franco (SS - TB)
There's no doubt about it - Wander Franco is the consensus top prospect in baseball. Still just 19 years old, the switch-hitting shortstop is one of the most coveted assets in dynasty leagues these days. Between two levels of Single-A last season Franco hit .327/.398/.487 with a ridiculous 56/35 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While the power hasn't fully arrived there is still time for Franco to fill out as he enters his twenties. Additionally, it would be wise to trust the Rays' ability to help improve his swing.; Franco hit the ball on the ground 48% of the time in 2019. No, he's not perfect. Not yet at least. However, the total package has come as close to perfect as we've seen in quite some time.

Player Note on Kenta Maeda (SP,RP - MIN)
One of the biggest beneficiaries of a shortened season

Player Note on Julio Urias (SP,RP - LAD)
Dodgers confirmed he was their fifth starter in ST 1.0

Player Note on Justin Verlander (SP - HOU)
Entering his age-37 season. Appears good to go following spring groin injury

Player Note on Royce Lewis (SS - MIN)
Royce Lewis had a down year in 2019, batting just .236 with a .661 OPS en route to getting promoted to Double-A. He rebounded to win the MVP award in the Arizona Fall League but scouts remain convinced his swing needs tinkering. Lewis has a big leg kick and is often fooled by breaking balls. Still, it would be foolish to write him off, especially after his performance last Fall. The Twins took him first overall in 2017 and his intangibles are considered top notch. 2020 is a crucial developmental year for the shortstop turned outfielder.

Player Note on Casey Mize (SP - DET)
It's a shame that the Tigers aren't ready to compete this year because it will likely cost us the chance to see Casey Mize pitch in the big leagues. A former No. 1 overall draft pick out of Auburn, Mize has utilized a hellacious four-pitch mix to terrorize minor league hitters since turning pro. The only downside to Mize's dynasty value is his history of elbow and shoulder injuries.

Player Note on MacKenzie Gore (SP - SD)
MacKenzie Gore is nearly everything you want in a high-level pitching prospect. The 21-year-old southpaw combines a four-pitch mix with outrageous spin efficiency to carve up hitters despite a fastball that tops out at 93mph. Gore has a funky delivery that keeps hitters off balance yet supplements it with plus command. He made a total of 20 starts between High-A and Double-A in 2019, finishing with a 1.69 ERA to go along with 12 strikeouts-per-nine. The Padres proved to be aggressive with their top prospects last season, meaning there's a chance we see Gore in the majors

Player Note on Nate Pearson (SP - TOR)
Nate Pearson could wind up as one of the biggest "winners" of a shortened 2020 season. Toronto has incentive to put their best team on the field due to the expanded playoffs and Pearson is undoubtedly one of the club's best pitchers. A first-round pick in 2017, Pearson finally stayed healthy last year and wowed the minor leagues with a triple-digit fastball and some electric secondary offerings. If Toronto commits to using him consistently he'll be "must add" in all formats.

Player Note on Adley Rutschman (C - BAL)
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 MLB draft, Adley Rutschman is already the top catching prospect in baseball. A lock to stick behind the plate due to his elite defense, the 22-year-old is a switch-hitter who perfectly combines power and patience while up at bat. It's the offensive upside at a premium position that makes him so appealing to fantasy players in dynasty leagues. Rustchman could realistically debut in Baltimore as early as April 2021 if his development stays on track.

Player Note on Jarred Kelenic (CF - SEA)
The Mets have to be regretting last winter's Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz mega deal as 20-year-old Jarred Kelenic took his game to new heights in 2019. Kelenic played in 117 across three minor league levels last year, finishing in Double-A. He rode a sweet-looking lefty swing to a .291 average, a .904 OPS, 23 homers, and 20 stolen bases. This performance established the future Seattle center fielder as a five-category fantasy contributor if everything breaks right. He's a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball.

Player Note on Wander Franco (SS - TB)
There's no doubt about it - Wander Franco is the consensus top prospect in baseball. Still just 19 years old, the switch-hitting shortstop is one of the most coveted assets in dynasty leagues these days. Between two levels of Single-A last season Franco hit .327/.398/.487 with a ridiculous 56/35 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While the power hasn't fully arrived there is still time for Franco to fill out as he enters his twenties. Additionally, it would be wise to trust the Rays' ability to help improve his swing.; Franco hit the ball on the ground 48% of the time in 2019. No, he's not perfect. Not yet at least. However, the total package has come as close to perfect as we've seen in quite some time.

Player Note on Kenta Maeda (SP,RP - MIN)
One of the biggest beneficiaries of a shortened season

Player Note on Julio Urias (SP,RP - LAD)
Dodgers confirmed he was their fifth starter in ST 1.0

Player Note on Justin Verlander (SP - HOU)
Entering his age-37 season. Appears good to go following spring groin injury
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