2025 Fantasy Baseball: Minor League Prospect Report
1B Nick Kurtz, OAK
After his torrid start at Triple-A, Oakland is eager to fast-track Kurtz to the majors. He opened the 2025 season with an 11-game hitting streak through Thursday, April 10, slashing 18-for-48 (.375) with 12 runs, six homers, and 18 RBIs. Notably, he homered in three straight games heading into action on Thursday night, showcasing his power potential.
SS Jordan Lawlar, ARI
Arizona opted not to call up Lawlar to replace Ketel Marte this week. He’s been productive at Triple-A over his last nine games, going 13-for-41 (.317) with 10 runs, one homer, nine RBIs, and four stolen bases. However, his 26.9% strikeout rate during this stretch remains a concern for his development.
3B J.D. Davis, LAA
Davis earned a promotion to the Angels on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following Yoan Moncada’s injury. He heated up at Triple-A, hitting 9-for-15 (.600) with three runs, one homer, and seven RBIs over his final four games. Despite his recent surge, Davis has been an inconsistent fantasy asset over the past five seasons.
OF Max Clark, DET
Clark launched his High-A season with a five-game hitting streak, going 7-for-19 (.368) with six runs, one homer, nine RBIs, and a stolen base. His plate discipline stands out, with eight walks against six strikeouts, signaling a polished approach.
OF Tirso Ornelas, SD
Ornelas has impressed at Triple-A, posting 12-for-41 (.293) with 12 runs, one homer, six RBIs, and two stolen bases over 11 games. On Thursday, April 10, he exited early after being hit by a pitch. With Jackson Merrill injured and Fernando Tatis Jr. nursing a minor shoulder issue, Ornelas is close to a potential MLB debut.
SP Zebby Matthews, MIN
Matthews is a prime candidate for a call-up next week with Pablo López on the injured list. At AAA, he’s been lights-out in two starts, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and 13 strikeouts over 10 innings. His command was elite last year (seven walks in 97 minor league innings, 2.60 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts), but his 2024 MLB stint was disappointing (6.69 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and 11 homers in 37.2 innings). In deep fantasy leagues, he’s a hot waiver target.
SP Joe Boyle, TB
Boyle is lined up to pitch this weekend at Triple-A after allowing two runs and 11 baserunners with 10 strikeouts in his first two starts, both under four innings. His path to Tampa Bay depends on Zack Littell’s performance, who faltered last time out (five runs, eight baserunners, and two homers in seven innings).
SP Brandon Young, BAL
Young is next in line to replace Zach Eflin in Baltimore’s rotation. He’s been dominant in two Triple-A starts, tossing 11.1 scoreless innings with nine baserunners and 11 strikeouts. Last season, he posted a 3.57 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 132 strikeouts over 111.0 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. His 94.1 mph fastball, new split-finger pitch, and reliable changeup enhance his arsenal.
SP Hagen Smith, CWS
Smith debuted at Double-A in 2025, throwing four innings on April 10, allowing one run without a hit, but issuing four walks and racking up 10 strikeouts, showing both promise and control issues.
SP Bubba Chandler, PIT
Chandler is nearing a Pirates rotation spot after a stellar Triple-A outing on April 8, 2025, firing four scoreless innings with one hit, two walks, and eight strikeouts on 61 pitches. Pittsburgh could call him up within the next week.
SP Chase Burns, CIN
Cincinnati started Burns at High-A for his pro debut. Last week, he threw four shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out six, signaling a strong foundation for his development.