Fantasy Baseball Prospects: September Call ups for Each MLB Team

Fantasy Baseball /

Fantasy Baseball Prospects: September Call-ups for Each MLB Team

With September fast approaching and the ability of major league teams to expand their rosters to 40 players, traditional fantasy owners and DFS players will have a new pool of talent to choose from. In this article I will be exploring 30 potential September call-ups, one for each team, that could help our fantasy teams.

The 2016 season has seen some ups and downs in regards to top prospect call-ups, but that should not deter you from exploring (or even remaining patient) with talented prospects as it is the future production we are more focused on than the past. You can follow me on Twitter @Storytelling41 for further minor league updates throughout the close of the season.

Without further ado, let us take a look those players who may be featuring in the big leagues once the September roster expansions take place.

Next: NL West

Fantasy Baseball Prospects /

National League West:

Arizona Diamondbacks: Peter O’Brien, OF

2016 has been a mixed bag for the big power hitting converted outfielder. After starting the season strong for AAA Reno, O’Brien saw a promotion to the big leagues. In 21 appearances, he swatted 4 of his seven big league hits for home runs. Unfortunately, those seven hits came in 57 AB’s, good for only a .123 average. With the Diamondbacks out of contention, look for O’Brien to be given another shot on the big league roster in September, and in daily match-up, games could be an excellent punt play in DFS and daily options, given his 28 home runs between AAA and MLB in 2016

Colorado Rockies: Tom Murphy, C

The Rockies boast a fascinating farm system and one of the players they will be looking toward in September will be the impressive offensive catcher Tom Murphy. After having a power breakout in 2015 (where he hit 20 home runs) Murphy has continued to build on that success and been one of the better minor league hitters in 2016. So far in 2016, the 25-year-old has hit an impressive 19 HR’s and boasts a slash line of .327/.356/.669 for the Isotopes. Over his last ten games, Murphy boasts 4 HRs and an average of .405. One of my favorite September call-ups targets, especially given the struggles of Nick Hundley and Tony Wolters this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Jose De Leon, SP

One of the most exciting prospects in the minor leagues, Jose De Leon has done nothing to disappoint in 2016, holding opposing hitters to just a .199 average and striking out 98 hitters in his 78.2 innings. Just as encouragingly, the Puerto Rico native has pitched over six innings in 6 of his last seven starts and has four double-digit strikeout performances over his last ten starts. With a K:BB ratio of 98:20, and only giving up two walks over his last 27 innings, I am not sure how much longer the Dodgers will be willing to wait on one of their premier prospects.

San Diego Padres: Hunter Renfroe, OF

The 25-year-old OF prospect has had the kind of season that dynasty league fantasy owners had hoped for. Not only has he hit 28 HR’s, but he has done so with an outstanding .308 average in 2016. The power is legit, but Renfroe will need to exercise better plate discipline to maintain that success at the next level. With the Padres rebuilding, Renfroe looks like a very strong candidate to join the big league roster in September and makes for a sneaky daily play on any given day he is in the lineup.

San Francisco Giants: Kelby Tomlinson, 2B

We all remember the impact that Kelby Tomlinson made at the back-end of 2015 right for the Giants, right? 12 months on and it is likely we see another sighting of the 26-year-old infielder after hitting his way to a .299 average and .373 OBP in the minors in 2016. Tomlinson won’t offer much more than good contact, but the odds of a September call up are high.

Next: NL East

Mar 8, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb (78) throws during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Champion Stadium. The Braves won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

National League East:

Atlanta Braves: Sean Newcomb, SP

The key part going to the Braves in the Andrelton Simmons trade, no one has ever doubted Newcomb’s ability to produce swing and miss stuff at any level. Armed with one of the best set of pitching tools in the minor leagues, the 6’5″ left-handed pitcher has once again struggled with control giving up 68 free passes in just 129 innings. Despite the free passes, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves give Newcomb a cup of coffee in the majors come September to see what they have, and given the swing and miss stuff, he is an enticing prospect should he learn to cut down on those free passes.

Miami Marlins: Tomas Telis, C

The 25-year-old Venezuelan is a name that seems to have bounced around forever, especially after his breakout 2014 season. Now in 2016 Telis appears to be back to top form again at AAA, slashing .314/.370/.423. Telis is an obvious target to be called up in September, but once again playing time will be limited.

New York Mets: Michael Conforto, OF

The former first-round pick has had a somewhat yo-yo of a season, finding himself on both the AAA and MLB roster with great regularity of late. Conforto headed into 2016 as a big time sleeper, but he has disappointed at the big league level to the tune of just a .212 average. However, in AAA this season, Conforto has had better fortunes slashing .413/.474/.731 in his 27 games, including hitting 5 HRs and a .512 in his last ten. It is easy to write off poor performing young players, but let us remember Conforto is still just 23 years old and is just 12 months removed from a remarkable big league impact in 2015.

Philadelphia Phillies: Ben Lively, SP

It is easy to put top prospects JP Crawford or Nick Williams into the conversation here, but what about steady SP Ben Lively? The 24-year-old righty has had a strong season between AA and AAA, posting a 2.82 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. Lively may not get elite level strikeouts, but he is a solid back-end of the rotation pitcher who has a strong history of success in the minor leagues.

Washington Nationals: Austin Voth, SP

Although Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez will get the most praise from a Nationals pitching prospect standpoint, don’t forget about Austin Voth. The 24-year-old righty has been a mirror of success at the minor league level and has put up another solid season for AAA Syracuse. He boasts a 3.47 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Voth does not project to be a front of the rotation starter, but he could be a sneaky DFS play if called up in September and used in favorable matchups.

Next: NL Central

Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; USA pitcher Josh Hader throws during the All-Star Game Futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Central:

Chicago Cubs: Josh Collmenter, SP

This should be a familiar name to fantasy owners here as the 30-year-old spans a professional career that dates back to 2007. Collmenter is not a name that is going to excite fantasy owners, but one thing that should be noted is that in his two minor league starts as part of the Cubs organization, the former Diamondback has only given up 1 ER. If injury strikes the Cubs rotation, it is likely to be the experienced Central Michigan product will get a look.

Cincinnati Reds: Jesse Winker, OF

Having spent the entire season in AAA for the Louisville Bats, Jesse Winker remains one of the top prospects in the Reds system. Although not blessed with the kind of raw power other premium prospects have, Winker more than makes up for it with an advanced approach at the plate. Winker has accumulated an excellent OBP of .384 and has an outstanding K:BB ratio of 52:50. There is still room for growth in Winker’s game, and he should continue to develop into a reliable middle round draft selection in future years.

Milwaukee Brewers: Josh Hader, SP

It has been a topsy-turvy 2016 for one of the Brewers top prospects. The former Houston Astro prospect started the season on fire, posting a cool 0.95 ERA and striking out 73 hitters in just 57 innings for AA Biloxi. Since being promoted to AAA, Hader has struggled, though. However, the swing and miss stuff has still been evident to see. Do not be fooled by the former 19th round draftee’s poor AAA numbers; this is a premium pitching prospect who in his last outing showed his talents by twirling six innings of scoreless ball while striking out 12. Don’t be surprised if the rebuilding Brewers give Hader a look in September.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Frank Duncan, SP

It is very easy with a loaded Pirates system to sometimes forget about the unsung heroes and the tremendous work the AAA pitching coach does. One of those unsung heroes is Frank Duncan, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher drafted in the 14th round in 2013. We have already seen Chad Kuhl, James Taillon and Tyler Glasnow promoted from AAA with mixed fortunes, is Frank Duncan next with his 2.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and K:BB ratio of 107:30?

St Louis Cardinals: Luke Weaver, SP

The former first round pick has been somewhat slowed by injuries in his young career, but one thing is for certain is that the 23-year-old has considerable talent. Through his 83 innings in 2016, Weaver has pitched to a cool 1.30 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and has struck out 92 hitters against just 12 walks. September may be too soon for a call-up, but Weaver is an intriguing talent to monitor nonetheless.

Next: AL East

Jun 7, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Marco Hernandez (41) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

American League Central:

Baltimore Orioles: Trey Mancini, 1B

Coming off a strong 2015 season in which the 24-year-old hit 21 home runs with a .341 average between high-class A and AA, the professional hitter has continued his power success at the higher levels of the minors. In 2016, the former Notre Dame star has swatted 20 home runs, with the majority of those in AAA while slashing a respectable .285/.361/.472. If Mancini is given a look in the majors in 2016, playing time will be hard to come by for a competitive Orioles offense. However, if given a chance he will be a strategic DFS play against right-handed pitching, where Mancini does most of his power hitting damage.

Boston Red Sox: Marco Hernandez, 3B/SS

Another team where any offensive playing time will be hard to come by for any September call-up is the Boston Red Sox. Having already seen some playing time in the majors in 2016, Marco Hernandez churned out a respectable line of .295/.367/.385 in his 44 AB’s. Add to the fact that 2016 has seen the Dominican infielder hit over .300 in AAA leads one to believe that the 23-year-old is a very likely (if unspectacular) call up option for the Red Sox come September. Hernandez does not have much in the way of pop, but there is some sneaky speed in those legs that could lead to some value contact/speed plugs into your daily and DFS lineup at a very low price.

New York Yankees: Robert Refsnyder, 2B

Another yo-yo man of 2016. Refsnyder seems somewhat unfortunate to see himself in AAA given some solid major league performances earlier in the season. Rest assured that come September Refsnyder will be that utility man once again for the Yankees, especially given his AAA success this year in which he has hit for a .331 average.

Tampa Bay Rays: Jacob Faria, SP

Jacob Faria‘s AAA numbers may not be overwhelming, but rest assured the talent far outweighs his sub-par ERA. Blessed with some outstanding swing and miss stuff, the 23-year-old has struck out an impressive 152 hitters in 139.2 innings for AAA Durham. Possibly one of the most under rated pitchers in the minor leagues, the 6’4″ righty has a shot to get a taste of the major leagues in September.

Toronto Blue Jays: Dalton Pompey, OF

The former top prospect has had a fall from grace and has yet to deliver on the promise once shown back in 2014, partly because of injury problems. Look for the Blue Jays to give the 23-year-old switch hitter another look in September as they keep the rest of their players rested for a playoff run.

Next: AL Central

Jun 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) receives congratulations from right fielder Steven Moya (33) after he hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

American League Central:

Chicago White Sox: Adam Engel, OF

The 24-year-old Louisville product does not bring with him the best bat in the minors, and those who are looking for power or play in SLUG% leagues should ignore Engel. One thing that Engel does bring to the plate is speed. In what is something of a speed-starved team, Engel could have some success on the base paths as a one-category specialist (think Jarrod Dyson) after accumulating an impressive 180 steals throughout his minor league career.

Cleveland Indians: Giovanny Urshela, 3B

After experiencing half of 2015 in the major leagues, the Colombian has found himself playing his baseball in 2016 for the AAA Columbus Clippers. Although yet another player who doesn’t jump off the page with offensive upside, Urshela has quietly put up a solid season hitting 3rd in the lineup to the tune of a .275 average and eight home runs, while only striking out 53 times. The downside, however, is that he has only walked 12 times during the season leading to a mediocre .292 OBP. Still, with major league experience already to his name, look for Urshela to be among one of the first offensive prospects called up by the Indians for depth in the infield.

Detroit Tigers: Steven Moya, OF

One thing that is undeniable with Steven Moya is the excessive raw power that he possesses. One thing that is questioned among many scouts is whether that power will translate to long-term major league success. Moya has already had a cup of coffee in the majors this season (In which he hit 5 HR’s in 26 appearances), so look for the 25-year-old to be given yet another look in September to build on the experience. The power intrigue makes Moya an interesting punt play in DFS anytime that he is in the lineup. Just be wary that Moya is a traditionally streaky hitter of the feast or famine variety, especially given his unimpressive 84:14 K:BB ratio in 2016.

Kansas City Royals: Hunter Dozier, 3B

After being drafted in the 1st round back in 2015 by the Royals, Hunter Dozier has had a somewhat inconsistent minor league career. However, in 2016 the 25-year-old 3B has started to turn things around and has put up an impressive triple-slash line of .301/.370/.540 as well as a career-best 23 home runs. Hunter Dozier ranks among one of the most improved minor league players in 2016, and may be rewarded in September with a call-up to the big league roster.

Minnesota Twins: Daniel Palka, OF

Another power slugging outfielder, the 24-year-old Palka finds himself among the minor league leaders in home runs in 2016. The main concern with the former Georgia Tech product is his proneness to swing and miss, already striking out a mammoth 164 times in 453 AB’s in 2016. I imagine the reinvigorated Byron Buxton is above Palka on the promotion list, but it could well be the struggling Twins will give the power hitting OF a look in September.

Next: AL West

Jun 8, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Rafael Ortega (39) reaches on an infield single to second during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

American League West:

Houston Astros: Jon Kemmer, OF

After a break out season in 2015 for my AA Corpus Christi Hooks in which he hit 18 HR’s and posted a .327 average in just 364 AB’s, the late bloomer has played his baseball at AAA Fresno this year. After a somewhat slow start to the season, Kemmer has slowly turned his season around and now boasts 17 HRs at a .274 average while batting third for the Grizzlies. If promoted in September, opportunities will be slim for the 25-year-old, especially given the impressive impact Teoscar Hernandez has made so far. However, Kemmer might find himself just an injury away to some playing time in September, and as a professional hitter can not be completely ignored in potential DFS lineups of the future.