While our updated list of the Top 25 rookies to target on Draft Day is about those who can impact Fantasy Baseball out of spring training, it could be someone from the Top 100 prospects that actually rises up to win the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards.
The Top 100 prospects might not necessarily have made the team out of camp, but they will be some of the most-hyped minor leaguers throughout the season. They are ranked for their potential long-term rewards in Fantasy leagues.
There are 100's of other minor leaguers that can get call-ups and help Fantasy owners in the near future, too, so go through our Organizational Prospect Reports we did last fall and the top AL-only and NL-only prospects to get an even deeper view of the top farmhands.
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RK | Player | POS | TM | AGE | 2009 high | 2010 start |
1 | Jason Heyward | OF | ATL | 20 | Triple-A | Majors |
We see now why everyone is going with Heyward at No. 1 and we're jumping on board with gusto. | ||||||
2 | Stephen Strasburg | SP | WAS | 21 | NCAA | Double-A |
Without throwing an official pro pitch, the best pitching prospect ever has slipped to the No. 2 spot. | ||||||
3 | Michael Stanton | OF | FLA | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
It will be real interesting to watch which NL East RF prospect winds up with the most power in seven years. | ||||||
4 | Pedro Alvarez | 3B | PIT | 23 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Masher has some questions about his weight and position, but there's no question about the bat. | ||||||
5 | Neftali Feliz | SP | TEX | 21 | Majors | Majors |
The Rangers have finally stuck gold on one of their own pitching prospects and haven't traded him, yet. | ||||||
6 | Buster Posey | C | SF | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
Joe Mauer, Matt Wieters and Posey figure to battle for the No. 1 Fantasy status in a few short years. | ||||||
7 | Desmond Jennings | OF | TB | 23 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
As if the Rays needed any more premium guys, Jennings will soften Carl Crawford's eventual departure. | ||||||
8 | Brian Matusz | SP | BAL | 23 | Majors | Majors |
He already reminds me of former Orioles ace Mike Mussina in his much, much younger years. | ||||||
9 | Madison Bumgarner | SP | SF | 20 | Majors | Majors |
He gets far less pub, but he is just eight days older than the ballyhooed Braves outfielder Heyward. | ||||||
10 | Dustin Ackley | 1B | SEA | 22 | NCAA | High Class A |
We list him at his drafted position, but if he takes to second base, he is minors' class of that spot. | ||||||
11 | Carlos Santana | C | CLE | 23 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Unlike the catcher ranked next on the list, we are certain he will be staying behind the plate long term. | ||||||
12 | Jesus Montero | C | NYY | 20 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Jorge Posada's heir has been trying his hand at other positions, but this ranking banks on him catching. | ||||||
13 | Aroldis Chapman | SP | CIN | 22 | Defecting | High Class A |
If he is as good as the hype suggests, the Reds have the making of some dominant rotation long term. | ||||||
14 | Jeremy Hellickson | SP | TB | 22 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
In another organization, he would be a candidate for the rotation; he has to wait his turn with the Rays. | ||||||
15 | Justin Smoak | 1B | TEX | 23 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
His power bat isn't too far from the major leagues and Texas is a nice park to slug quickly to prominence. | ||||||
16 | Kyle Drabek | SP | TOR | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
He has gotten his Tommy John elbow surgery out of the way early at least; better than his dad? | ||||||
17 | Alcides Escobar | SS | MIL | 23 | Majors | Majors |
We would rank him higher if the power was a bit better. As it, this a pretty significant spot to be ranked. | ||||||
18 | Casey Kelly | SP | BOS | 20 | Low Class A | High Class A |
We figure he can make an impact in the Red Sox bullpen later this season if they so choose. | ||||||
19 | Martin Perez | SP | TEX | 18 | Double-A | Double-A |
Teenager really didn't star in Double-A but his age-level ratio is pretty off the charts at this point. | ||||||
20 | Wade Davis | SP | TB | 24 | Majors | Majors |
You could pick some pitching prospects with higher ceilings, but he is a pretty good bet to succeed. | ||||||
21 | Chris C. Carter | 1B | OAK | 23 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
You have to love the power potential; heck, he has been traded for some big-name players. | ||||||
22 | Logan Morrison | 1B | FLA | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
We are not quite sure how much power will come, but we will trust the scouts and BP shows at this point. | ||||||
23 | Brett Wallace | 1B | TOR | 23 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
He has bounced around in the past year, but his bat should still play even at the deep first base position. | ||||||
24 | Lonnie Chisenhall | 3B | CLE | 21 | Double-A | Double-A |
It won't be difficult for him to push his way to the majors, if he can get off to a hot start through June 1. | ||||||
25 | Michael Taylor | OF | OAK | 24 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
The A's added a potential Carlos Gonzalez-type outfield talent they traded away to get Matt Holliday. | ||||||
26 | Domonic Brown | OF | PHI | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
With Raul Ibanez's age and injury history and Jayson Werth's pending free agency, Brown could arrive in '10. | ||||||
27 | Starlin Castro | SS | CHC | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
The Cubs are pushing him hard this spring, begging the question of whether he could actually arrive in '10. | ||||||
28 | Aaron Crow | SP | KC | 23 | DNP -- unsigned | Double-A |
Sitting out a year set him back, but he could come on quickly with a healthy first half this season. | ||||||
29 | Michael Montgomery | SP | KC | 20 | High Class A | High Class A |
Watching which Royals starter becomes the better major leaguer will be intriguing in a few quick years. | ||||||
30 | Christian Friedrich | SP | COL | 22 | High Class A | Double-A |
He will be a real intriguing candidate for a June 1 call-up if the Rockies decide they need a starter in-season. | ||||||
31 | Jason Castro | C | HOU | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
We like the Baseball America comparison that called him the next A.J. Pierzynski this winter. | ||||||
32 | Matt Moore | SP | TB | 20 | Low Class A | High Class A |
High strikeout rate will be something to watch as he gets advanced to the high levels; there's huge upside here. | ||||||
33 | Tyler Matzek | SP | COL | 19 | High school | Low Class A |
We haven't seen him as a pro yet, but Baseball America says he is the next Cole Hamels with better stuff. | ||||||
34 | Aaron Hicks | OF | MIN | 20 | Low Class A | Low Class A |
He is years away, but his potentially high ceiling makes him a prospect worth stashing long term. | ||||||
35 | Scott Sizemore | 2B | DET | 25 | Triple-A | Majors |
He won't be an elite player by any stretch, but a potential 20-20 second baseman is still a Fantasy commodity. | ||||||
36 | Ike Davis | 1B | NYM | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
A promising spring could put him in the mix to arrive in the middle of 2010 and become an immediate mainstay. | ||||||
37 | Fernando Martinez | OF | NYM | 21 | Majors | Triple-A |
Years of injury woes have tarnished his prospect status, but all that presumed potential has to still be there. | ||||||
38 | Michael Bowden | SP | BOS | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
Red Sox's logjam holds him back for now, so he might have to serve Justin Masterson-like role for franchise. | ||||||
39 | Junichi Tazawa | SP | BOS | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
He will be a serviceable No. 5 starter fill-in coming up from Triple-A as needed this season. | ||||||
40 | Ryan Westmoreland | OF | BOS | 19 | Low Class A | Low Class A |
He is a real long way from Boston right now, but the big-market hype machine is running full strength on him. | ||||||
41 | Daniel Hudson | SP | CHW | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
Freddy An. Garcia can't be counted on at No. 5, so Hudson will at least be a June 1 call-up candidate. | ||||||
42 | Derek Norris | C | WAS | 21 | High Class A | Double-A |
Spending this spring alongside Ivan Rodriguez should help Norris immensely, but he will remain in minors all year. | ||||||
43 | Casey Crosby | SP | DET | 21 | Low Class A | High Class A |
He has been drawing comparisons to Clayton Kershaw by Baseball America, so there is plenty to live up to. | ||||||
44 | Jarrod Parker | SP | ARI | 21 | Double-A | Double-A |
Tommy John surgery has ruined most of his 2010 season, but he still remains one of the best long-term projects. | ||||||
45 | Tyler Flowers | C | CHW | 24 | Majors | Triple-A |
Pierzynski's replacement can slug with the best at the position, which could make him intriguing in 2010. | ||||||
46 | Yonder Alonso | 1B | CIN | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
With Joey Votto now set at first, the Reds are looking to find a new position for Alonso this spring; he can hit, though. | ||||||
47 | Jared Mitchell | OF | CHW | 21 | Low Class A | High Class A |
Former football player is raw by baseball standards, but his physical skills grade very highly right away. | ||||||
48 | Austin Jackson | OF | DET | 23 | Triple-A | Majors |
He doesn't figure to be great right away, but you can see some speed-and-power potential long term. | ||||||
49 | Freddie Freeman | 1B | ATL | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
He was a bit disappointing last season, but he remains the Braves' long-term option at first base, perhaps in late '10. | ||||||
50 | Todd Frazier | OF | CIN | 24 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
The Reds are considering this converted shortstop in left, second or perhaps third base; he should hit anywhere. | ||||||
51 | Donovan Tate | OF | SD | 19 | High school | Low Class A |
The Padres selected the Georgia product at No. 3 overall last June and was able to lure him away from football. | ||||||
52 | Timothy Alderson | SP | PIT | 21 | Double-A | Triple-A |
His stock slipped last year, because of declining velocity, so watch him closely this season for another fall. | ||||||
53 | Adam Moore | C | SEA | 25 | Triple-A | Majors |
Jeff Clement and Kenji Johjima are no longer blocking him, so consider him the M's catcher of choice right now. | ||||||
54 | Jonathon Niese | SP | NYM | 23 | Majors | Majors |
His stuff isn't electric, but he changes speeds and knows how to pitch despite his inexperience and young age. | ||||||
55 | David Freese | 3B | STL | 26 | Triple-A | Majors |
He is currently atop the Cards depth chart and could be a huge 27-year-old breakout this year. | ||||||
56 | Chris Heisey | OF | CIN | 25 | Triple-A | Majors |
We consider him an Eric Byrnes type and he could earn a starting job in left for the Reds. | ||||||
57 | Josh Bell | 3B | BAL | 23 | Double-A | Triple-A |
There is legit corner-infield pop in his bat, which could make him a candidate to arrive later in 2010 as a regular. | ||||||
58 | Jake Arrieta | SP | BAL | 24 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Other Orioles prospects have surged past him, but he won't be completely forgotten about for an arrival this year. | ||||||
59 | Alex Avila | C | DET | 23 | Majors | Majors |
He might start the year as a backup in Detroit, but his pop will make him intriguing in most leagues by year's end. | ||||||
60 | J.P. Arencibia | C | TOR | 24 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
There is 30-homer potential in his bat, but his batting average was low last year in Triple-A, where he will return. | ||||||
61 | Mike Moustakas | 3B | KC | 21 | High Class A | Double-A |
His stock has slipped some, but a big year in Double-A this season could put himself in the mix for a 2011 job. | ||||||
62 | Josh Vitters | 3B | CHC | 20 | High Class A | High Class A |
The Cubs kept him out of trades thus far, so he still could be Aramis Ramirez's replacement in a few years. | ||||||
63 | Phillippe Aumont | SP | PHI | 21 | Double-A | Double-A |
His move to the bullpen was supposed to speed up his arrival, but he is back to starting and likely a '10 arrival. | ||||||
64 | Ian Desmond | SS | WAS | 24 | Majors | Triple-A |
He was going to get a shot at starting this spring, but he likely won't arrival to June 1 or midseason now. | ||||||
65 | Tanner Scheppers | SP | TEX | 23 | Independent | Double-A |
There is some concern about his shoulder, but the stuff he once showed keeps him among the elite prospects. | ||||||
66 | Jaff Decker | OF | SD | 20 | Low Class A | High Class A |
A Jason Kubel type outfielder who likely won't be a factor this year, but he could position himself for 2011. | ||||||
67 | James Darnell | 3B | SD | 23 | High Class A | Double-A |
The South Carolina product can position himself for an in-season promotion with a hot start; he might switch positions. | ||||||
68 | Tim Beckham | OF | TB | 20 | Low Class A | High Class A |
He was a disappointment in his first pro season, but his talent and age give him plenty of time to make it. | ||||||
69 | Dayan Viciedo | 3B | CHW | 21 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Everyone loved him last spring -- much more than us -- and now he is falling through the cracks; he's still good. | ||||||
70 | Aaron Poreda | SP | SD | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
There is talk he might need to move to the bullpen, but the Padres have plenty of time to invest in him. | ||||||
71 | Logan Forsythe | 3B | SD | 23 | Double-A | Triple-A |
We compared him to a Mark Teahen-type and now he might give second a try like Teahen did last year. | ||||||
72 | Reid Brignac | SS | TB | 24 | Majors | Majors |
He has been talked about as a run-producing shortstop for years, but he will have to earn his at-bats this spring. | ||||||
73 | Wilkin Ramirez | OF | DET | 24 | Majors | Triple-A |
He still whiffs too much, but his speed-and-power mix could make him a candidate to help the Tigers right now. | ||||||
74 | Drew Storen | RP | WAS | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
If he wasn't a reliever, we would rank him a lot higher. We will regret it when he becomes the Nats' closer. | ||||||
75 | Chris Marrero | 1B | WAS | 21 | Double-A | Double-A |
Future masher hasn't displayed the type of power many expected thus far, but he is still real, real young. | ||||||
76 | Gaby Sanchez | 1B | FLA | 26 | Majors | Majors |
We rank Morrison higher due to potential, but Sanchez is more likely to open at 1B for the Marlins. | ||||||
77 | Michael Saunders | OF | SEA | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
He likely won't start, which could punch a ticket back to Triple-A, so he can play every day and get at-bats. | ||||||
78 | Jacob Turner | SP | DET | 18 | High school | Low Class A |
One of the best high school arms in the 2009 draft, according to scouts, so he has long-term keeper value. | ||||||
79 | Kyle Gibson | SP | MIN | 22 | NCAA | High Class A |
He would be ranked a lot higher if not for injury woes that kept him from making his pro debut late last year. | ||||||
80 | Max Ramirez | C | TEX | 25 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
It was a disaster season for him in 2009, which was supposed to be one where he could break through. | ||||||
81 | Ben Revere | OF | MIN | 21 | High Class A | Double-A |
Burner will never develop power on his small frame, but he could be a 50-plus basestealer in a few years. | ||||||
82 | Jenrry Mejia | SP | NYM | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
Wicked stuff has the Mets thinking he might be able to pitch out of the bullpen in the majors this year. | ||||||
83 | Danny Valencia | 3B | MIN | 25 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
His 38 doubles combined last year suggest his power will be more impressive once he arrives, perhaps very soon. | ||||||
84 | Shelby Miller | SP | STL | 20 | Low Class A | Low Class A |
Baseball America says the Cardinals haven't had a pitching prospect this good since Rick Ankiel. Interesting. | ||||||
85 | Jaime Garcia | SP | STL | 23 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Tommy John surgery stalled his expected arrival in 2008, but he is healthy now and could be their No. 5 starter. | ||||||
86 | Lance Lynn | SP | STL | 22 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
The Cards' 2008 first-rounder had a great season in Double-A and could be another potential impact call-up. | ||||||
87 | Hector Rondon | SP | CLE | 22 | Triple-A | Triple-A |
The Indians briefly considered him in relief, but they are making a good decision to keep him stretched out. | ||||||
88 | Carlos Carrasco | SP | CLE | 23 | Majors | Triple-A |
One of the key pieces of the Cliff Lee deal last year wasn't impressive right away, but we won't give up on him. | ||||||
89 | Wilson Ramos | C | MIN | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Barring a very unlikely free-agent departure of Mauer, Ramos will mean more as trade bait to Minnesota. | ||||||
90 | Jason Knapp | SP | CLE | 19 | Low Class A | Low Class A |
He struggled with injuries after being acquired in the Lee deal, but the teenager has plenty time on his hands. | ||||||
91 | Wilmer Flores | SS | NYM | 18 | Low Class A | Low Class A |
Those Miguel Cabrera comparisons look like a stretch, but there are still a lot of years for him to grow. | ||||||
92 | Michael Brantley | OF | CLE | 22 | Triple-A | Majors |
Acquired in the CC Sabathia trade, this slap-hitting basestealer could be the Indians' opening-day left fielder. | ||||||
93 | Christopher Withrow | SP | LAD | 21 | Double-A | Double-A |
The 2007 first-rounder out of a Texas high school handled Double-A as a 20-year-old quite impressively. | ||||||
94 | Matt Dominguez | 3B | FLA | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
A subpar 2009 campaign was a bit surprising for Moustakas' high school teammate; he could turn it back around. | ||||||
95 | Nick Hagadone | SP | CLE | 24 | High Class A | High Class A |
One of the key pieces of the Victor Martinez trade; if Santana can star and the pitching comes through ... | ||||||
96 | Mike Minor | SP | ATL | 22 | Low Class A | High Class A |
The Vandy first-round pick has drawn comparisons to Jeremy Sowers, who is more command than power. | ||||||
97 | Dee Gordon | SS | LAD | 21 | Low Class A | High Class A |
Burner could make himself a candidate to replace Rafael Furcal as early as the beginning of 2011. | ||||||
98 | Julio Teheran | SP | ATL | 19 | Low Class A | High Class A |
This power-armed Colombian is a potential No. 1 pitching prospect candidate in a few more years. | ||||||
99 | Brett Lawrie | 2B | MIL | 20 | Double-A | Double-A |
Usually a move from catcher hurts a prospect's value, but Lawrie could arrive in the majors quicker now. | ||||||
100 | Hank Conger | C | LAA | 22 | Double-A | Triple-A |
Injuries had derailed him, but his successful comeback in 2009 restores his top prospect status at catcher. |
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