2014 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 Prospects

Age: 22
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 215
Bats/ Throws: R/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 25 GP, .281 AVG, .407 OBP, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 36 GP, .336 AVG, .390 OBP, 9 HRs, 32 RBIs

Bryant clubbed nine long balls in 36 games last season and the slugger displayed serious power. He has true 30-HR potential and will instantly become a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Cubbies. There is some speculation that Bryant may be moved into the outfield at some point, but that has yet to be seen. For now, consider Bear Bryant one of the elite fantasy prospects at the hot corner.

Age: 21
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180
Bats/ Throws: R/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 23 GP, .172 AVG, 234 OBP, 1 HR, 7 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 134 GP, .320 AVG, .356 OBP, 31 HRs, 103 RBIs

Franco displayed some All-Star fantasy potential last season, as he posted an astonishing 30HR/100 RBI/ .300 campaign in the minors. The third baseman has started the 2014 season off rather slowly, but the Dominican hasn’t fully adjusted to playing in the cold weather. Franco will come around soon, and considering he doesn’t have much competition in Philly, the slugger will certainly make his debut at some point in 2014.

Age: 21
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 240
Bats/ Throws: L/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 6 Starts, 32 IP, 4-2 record, 3.94 ERA
2013 MiLB Stats: 23 Starts, 117.2 IP, 9-4 record, 3.06 ERA

Syndergaard is having some control issues this year, as he has a 3.94 ERA in 32 innings with a 28 K/12 BB ratio. The right-hander has all the talent in the world, though, and will be dialed in by the end of the month. Syndergaard is another top-tier arm to head to the Big Apple and he will instantly become a face of the team’s rotation once he gets the call.

Age: 22
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185
Bats/ Throws: R/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 26 GP, .398 AVG, .504 OBP, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 SBs
2013 MiLB Stats: 123 GP, .278 AVG, .381 OBP, 22 HRs, 58 RBIs, 31 SBs

Pederson has been unstoppable in the minors this season, as he is currently third in the PCL with a staggering .392 batting average. The outfielder has shockingly hit seven homers already this season and his nine steals prove that the prospect has legitimate 30-HR/30-SB potential at the next level. The Dodgers have a plethora of outfielders, though, so Pederson will simply have to wait his turn.

Age: 22
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 256
Bats/ Throws: L/L

2014 MiLB Stats: 26 GP, .293 AVG, .398 OBP, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 90 GP, .230 AVG, .351 OBP, 11 HRs, 44 RBIs

The first baseman continues to draw walks in 2014, as he has already registered 18 walks through the first 26 games and has a jaw-dropping .398 OBP. Singleton’s power numbers (9 HRs/27 RBIs) are still there and the increased number of walks have helped him develop into an all-around stick. Singleton may only be a couple weeks away from a promotion considering the play Houston is receiving from their first basemen.

Age: 23
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 190
Bats/ Throws: L/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 5 Starts, 21.1 IP, 0-1 record, 5.66 ERA
2013 MiLB Stats: 20 APP (5 Starts), 47.2 IP, 3-5 record, 5.66 ERA

Gausman has posted back-to-back shutout performances and the hurler has struck out nine batters in his last 9.2 innings of work. He is pitching phenomenally right now, and with a handful more gems, the right-hander will force his way back into Baltimore’s rotation.

Age: 21
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190
Bats/ Throws: R/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 15 GP, .172 AVG, .238 OBP, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 130 GP, .282 AVG, .341 OBP, 37 HRs, 111 RBIs

Baez missed 10 games this year due to an ankle injury and he has struggled (.164 AVG) to find his swing in Triple-A Iowa. However, the infielder showed outstanding power by smacking 37 homers with 111 RBIs in 2013. He has emerged as an elite prospect and the 23-year-old has All-Star potential. Baez could get the call very soon, considering the struggles of Darwin Barney at second, so don't be surprised to see him before the All-Star break.

Age: 21
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 235
Bats/ Throws: R/R

2014 MiLB Stats: 5 Starts, 24.1 IP, 1-4 record, 5.18 ERA
2013 MiLB Stats: 26 Starts, 152 IP, 14-5 record, 1.84 ERA

Bradley has been rather shaky in 2014. His 5.28 ERA isn't too exciting and opposing hitters are hitting .277 off him. However, he is still throwing some real heat and has managed to strike out 185 batters in the last 176.1 innings. Bradley is the best pitching prospect in fantasy and the fireballer will be sitting down professional batters sooner rather than later. Fans shouldn't panic over a couple rough starts, because this kid is for real.

Age: 21
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200
Bats/ Throws: L/L

2014 MiLB Stats: 24 GP, .322 AVG, .378 OBP, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 47 GP, .310 AVG, .348 OBP, 5 HRs, 32 RBIs

Taveras was a shoe-in to make the majors last season, but an ankle injury cost him a good chunk of the year. Taveras has returned to form this year, though. He has posted a .300 average in five straight seasons, including his .316 through 25 games in 2014. Taveras may still be a couple months away from cracking the lineup, but the fact that he has been able to play all three OF spots in recent seasons will only accelerate his promotion.

Age: 22
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 222
Bats/ Throws: L/L

2014 MiLB Stats: 24 GP, .400 AVG, .457 OBP, 4 HRs, 25 RBIs
2013 MiLB Stats: 127 GP, .285 AVG, .356 OBP, 12 HRs, 71 RBIs

Polanco will likely be the first prospect to get the call. Pittsburgh obviously has Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte occupying two spots in the OF, but Travis Snider is 4-34 (.118 AVG) in the last 15 games and is slowly losing his job. Polanco has racked 25 RBIs in 24 games in 2014 and the outfielder has been absolutely crushing the ball. He seems ready to join the big squad and it is only a matter of time until he makes the leap.