There’s a certain thrill that comes with prospect fever each baseball season. Fantasy baseball managers dive deep into minor league stats and rankings, hoping to find the next breakout star before anyone else catches on.
This approach can be rewarding, but stashing a rookie on your fantasy team isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Especially when roster space is tight and you can’t guarantee immediate playing time. It’s not just about talent; opportunities matter just as much.
Take Matt Shaw, for instance. He’s an intriguing prospect because he has a clear path to a starting position.
Shaw, who plays infield for the Cubs, has made impressive strides, recently getting close to a spot—whether it’s at second or third base—based on the organization’s needs.
If a rookie’s timing aligns with the team’s plans, stashing him makes sense, even if he’s not on the active roster yet.
However, many promising players with strong Triple-A numbers find themselves stuck behind established stars. Jordan Lawlar serves as a fitting example.
Lawlar is considered one of the brightest young infielders, currently tearing it up in Triple-A Reno. His stats? They’re impressive—.339 batting average, .419 on-base percentage, .583 slugging, with seven home runs, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.
But there’s a hitch. The Arizona infield is crowded. Ketel Marte is performing well as an All-Star, Gerald Perdomo is holding his own at shortstop, and Eugenio Suarez, an experienced veteran, is anchoring third base.
Lawlar’s recent brief call-up to the MLB illustrates this dilemma. He barely saw action before heading back to the minors.
As long as the Diamondbacks stay healthy and competitive, Lawlar’s chances for a significant fantasy impact are limited, even if he’s excelling in the minors.
Another case in point is Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony. At just 20 years old, he’s been turning heads with his potential—.291 batting average, .422 on-base percentage, and .485 slugging. Not to mention, he has nine home runs and three stolen bases to his name in Triple-A Worcester.
From a raw talent standpoint, Anthony seems poised to become a future star. But the Boston outfield is quite busy. With Ceddanne Rafaela starting in center field, Wilyer Abreu in right, and Jarren Duran holding it down in left field, Anthony lacks the opportunity for playing time.
Unless the Red Sox make moves, it’s hard to see where Anthony will fit in, not even considering positions like DH or shifting Rafaela. It’s a tight squeeze.
In fantasy leagues, it can feel risky to take up roster spots with players who don’t have a clear path to the majors. Flexibility is crucial, especially during lengthy fantasy seasons that demand constant adjustments due to injuries and slumps.
Conclusion
Ultimately, fantasy managers must consider both opportunities and talent. Are you willing to hold onto a potential gem like Matt Shaw? If so, keep him on your roster. But holding Jordan Lawlar or Roman Anthony in a standard format might do more harm than good—at least for the time being.
