Fantasy: 10 prospects to target for your dynasty league rebuild
The season has yet to begin, but for some of you in dynasty leagues, the rebuild is already underway.
Dynasty baseball leagues are somewhat notorious for their niche rules, with each league differing wildly from others at times. Some have a pretty restrictive limit on prospects that can be rostered, while others have more robust systems where players who aren't even drafted can still be stashed.
Whichever way your dynasty league works, here are some prospects you should keep an eye on - to either acquire or select in your upcoming draft - that can help jumpstart that rebuild.
Marco Luciano, Giants - SS
Luciano is almost certainly rostered in every dynasty format, so he is a target for teams looking to sell off players for top-tier prospects that could expedite the revamp process. With another year of development, the 19-year-old should almost definitely crack MLB Pipeline's top 10 next year and could even be a candidate for a top-three finish. Get him while he's still underrated.
Jasson Dominguez, Yankees - OF
Dominguez is the other top-tier prospect that could quickly jump into the top 10 of lists. Currently ranked No. 43 by MLB Pipeline, the 18-year-old outfielder is already generating hype after landing a $5.1-million signing bonus from the New York Yankees. Dominguez has yet to make his pro debut, but his stock will surely increase when he does.
Kumar Rocker/Jack Leiter, Vanderbilt (NCAA) - SP
The Vanderbilt aces are both generating tons of pre-draft intrigue, and either one could hear the Pittsburgh Pirates call their name first overall. Keeping an eye on both Rocker and Leiter as the college season unfolds is going to be crucial in deciding who you use your first-round pick on in your prospect draft. If your league allows you to wait for the MLB draft, use whichever clubs pick them to your advantage. For instance, Rocker on the Pirates might have less fantasy value than Leiter on the Boston Red Sox.
Gunnar Hoglund, Mississippi (NCAA) - SP
Hoglund was a 36th-overall pick out of high school, but a disagreement on medicals caused the right-hander to spurn the Pirates and follow through on his commitment to Ole Miss. Over the past two years, he's allowed eight runs over 35 2/3 innings while authoring an otherworldly 58:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Baseball America mock drafts currently have him going near the end of the first round, but he could get some helium.
George Kirby, Mariners - SP
Kirby entered the 2019 draft with a mind-bending 107:6 strikeout-to-walk rate. The righty picked up where he left off after joining the Mariners' Low-A affiliate, striking out 25 while walking no one over 23 frames. Some folks may be overlooking the unsung pitcher in a stacked Mariners system. Don't be that person.
Brett Baty, Mets - 3B
We're getting slightly more prospective now. Baty is entering a pretty crucial year in his development as a 21-year-old who hasn't made an appearance above Low-A due to the minor-league season cancellation last year. In his limited work, he's taken turns slugging or flaunting his elite plate discipline. It all needs to come together now, and if it does, Baty's drastically underrated.
Ed Howard, Cubs - 2B/SS
Howard is a long-term prospect and could start getting more recognition once he makes his pro debut. The 19-year-old's utility all over the infield could prove to be a huge asset in fantasy as well. If 2021 goes well for him, he should find himself in top 100 lists.
Andy Pages, Dodgers - OF
There's a significant hole in Pages' game, and it's his free-swinging approach. So far, though, it hasn't been an issue in the minors as he's hit 29 homers in 115 career games across three levels while striking out 114 times. The prolific power is worth the gamble.
Heriberto Hernandez, Rays - C
A great cheat code these days is targeting overlooked prospects recently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. While Hernandez likely won't follow the same trajectory as Randy Arozarena, the 21-year-old catcher has raked in the minors so far. Maybe he doesn't stay behind the dish, but his bat surely plays at first as well.