UPDATE: Major league baseball is buzzing as top prospects make their debuts just days before the regular season wraps up. With only **45 days** remaining in the MLB regular season, fantasy managers are racing to secure potential Rookie of the Year candidates for their teams.
As of this past weekend, three highly-touted prospects have officially joined the big leagues, igniting excitement among fans and fantasy players alike. These additions are pivotal for teams looking to capitalize on the waning weeks of the season. Here’s what you need to know right NOW:
Sam Basallo, C/1B, Baltimore Orioles (available in **93.3%** of leagues): A name that has been on everyone’s lips, Basallo is the **No. 1** prospect for the Orioles and is set to make waves. Despite not being called up during a recent injury crisis, his impressive **23 home runs** with a **.589** slugging percentage at Triple-A Norfolk make him an immediate must-add. With potential playing time at designated hitter, he could provide crucial stats for teams struggling at catcher.
Nolan McLean, DH/SP, New York Mets (available in **86.3%**): McLean made a splash in his debut, striking out **eight** of the **21** batters he faced in **5 1/3** innings of shutout ball against the Seattle Mariners. His unique pitch mix and solid ground ball rate make him a viable starter for the Mets—an essential addition for fantasy teams looking for pitching depth as the season winds down.
Bryan Abreu, RP, Houston Astros (available in **70.8%**): With Josh Hader sidelined, Abreu has stepped into the spotlight, recording a save in the Astros’ recent win. His **2.16 ERA** since the start of **2022** and impressive strikeout numbers position him as a strong candidate to take over as the team’s primary closer. Roster him now to benefit from his elite ratios as the Astros push for a playoff spot.
Jacob Lopez, SP, Oakland Athletics (available in **70.5%**): Lopez is on fire, boasting **four consecutive scoreless starts** totaling **24 innings**. Facing a weakened Minnesota Twins lineup this week, he’s primed to deliver another strong performance. His low strikeout rate is offset by his ability to keep hitters off balance, making him a sneaky add for deeper leagues.
Also notable this week, other emerging players include:
Dylan Beavers, OF, Baltimore Orioles (available in **97.5%**): With speed and a balanced skill set, Beavers is a solid add for rotisserie leagues, showcasing impressive base-stealing capabilities.
Victor Vodnik, RP, Colorado Rockies (available in **98.4%**): Emerging as the Rockies’ clear closer, Vodnik saved **four** games last week alone, making him a valuable addition in leagues where saves are hard to come by.
As the fantasy season reaches its climax, teams must act quickly to secure these prospects. The potential for immediate impact is high, and managers will want to capitalize on these emerging talents before they become hot commodities.
Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor the final weeks of the regular season!
