5 Prospects that will have fantasy value as early as 2013

Gyorko hit the Wacky Weenie Wednesday sign with this one. Image courtesy of Damian.

Every fantasy baseball player is itching for the next Mike Trout or Bryce Harper ever since Trout had a season in which the ROY award should’ve been renamed after him. There is no Trout or Harper this year, but there are some prospects that could provide late round value on your fantasy baseball team.

I won’t even talk about Juricson Profar. That’s too easy. You know about him and he’s long gone in Dynasty Leagues. Plus, I’ve already profiled other prospects like Adam Eaton. So here are 5 fresh names to keep on your fantasy radar (fadar?) because they could provide a little boost to your fantasy team as early as this season.

Chris Archer – SP Rays
Chris Archer is the type of pitcher I dream about, except I don’t literally dream about Chris Archer (or any other pitcher for that matter…usually). Figuratively speaking, I do dream about his 97 mph fastball and his above average slider and the day that he’ll be using those pitches to rack up strikeouts on my fantasy baseball team.

The 6’3″ Archer came to the Rays in the Matt Garza trade and the odds say that he won’t be the Rays 5th starter on Opening Day. Alex Cobb should win that job, but Archer has upside on his side and for certain will be logging major league innings in 2013.

The 24-year-old is considered a high character kid with a strong work ethic and his improving changeup gives him the upside of a #2 starter in real life, but 8+ K/9 for your fantasy team.

Oscar Taveras – OF Cardinals
Oscar Taveras is going to be a major league All-Star someday, but in 2013 he needs to have a position to play. For rookies it’s all about opportunity. While Oscar’s talent is major league ready, he’s not going to supplant anyone in St. Louis’ outfield…yet. 

As a 19-year-old he jumped straight to Double-A, only to pull down the MVP hardware by hitting .321 / .380 / .572 with 23 HR and 94 RBI.  He’s got a violent swing, yet struck out just 10.5% of the time. That’s good folks.

His future is to be the #3 hitter in that Cardinals lineup, but that’s down the road. Right now it would take an injury for him to get at bats. Nobody wants that, but if opportunity does present itself, you need to be ready to snatch him up because he could provide immediate batting average help for your fantasy baseball team with home run help further down the line.

Bruce Rondon – RP Tigers
Bruce Rondon throws nothing but heat. Like 100+ fast heat. What the 22-year-old Venezuelan lacks is control (thank you, Janet Jackson).

His lack of control is why I almost didn’t include him in this list. But the fact of the matter is that Detroit needs him in their bullpen and they’ll give him a shot to earn the closer role. It’s raw stuff with Rondon, but stuff that could K 11+ batters per 9 in the major leagues.

I think think he’s Detroit’s closer for 2013, but keep an eye on him. For him to land that job would mean massive fantasy baseball value for you.

Jedd Gyorko – 2B Padres
I think Jedd Gyorko is the starting second baseman for the Friars in 2013. He’ll butcher the position defensively, but he’ll also flat out hit.

The 24-year-old had 30 homers in the minors last year between Double and Triple-A. He’s a short, stocky fella who will load with his short swing to hit the ball into any gap. He has a natural feel for hitting that will carry a solid average and 20+ homers.

Second base is shallow which makes Gyorko a sleeper at the position and someone who can provide your team fantasy value this season. Don’t get caught up in any hype, but do think about slyly grabbing him in the last rounds of your drafts.

Shelby Miller – SP Cardinals
The news that Chris Carpenter will miss the 2013 season further elevated the possibility that Shelby Miller is the #5 starter for the Cards.

The 6’3″ Miller didn’t have a good start to his 2012 Triple-A season, but then something clicked. His second half line was a 2.88 ERA, 0.93 WHIP with 70 strikeouts to only 7 walks. He also looked dominate in his September cup of coffee with the club.

I think he gets results this year with the Cards. He’s matured, his secondary pitches are better, and he has excellent K potential for your fantasy baseball team. Plus, Major League baseball finally needs a player named Shelby. So does your fantasy team.

We continue our countdown to our February 18th Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit:

13 Dollar Players Who’ll Triple Your Money
12 Bargain Bin Outfielders
11 Pitchers You Shouldn’t Touch With a 60’6″ Pole
10 Spot Starters Who’ll Jump to the Next Level
9 Guys to Give You a Complete LIneup
8 Geezers Over 35 Who Still Have Their Giddy Up
7 Sleepers
6 Hitters with Plate Skills