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Being a self-proclaimed veteran of these lists, I’ve spent the introduction space here on plenty of topics—ranging from the benefits of reading scouting reports, to not giving up on guys too quickly, to reflecting on your own personal biases. There are always discussion points to jump into here that discuss how best to digest and use the information embedded in this articlepossibly one for each of the over 9,000 words spread across these 101 players. This time, I’m going to focus on one that we all know, yet are often afraid to put into action.

As excited as we get about the top prospects in baseball, they represent a value. A number. A price point. And while so many owners, including the ones on this staff, can fall in love with their favorite prospects, the risk in holding onto the larvae of the fantasy world when they can be used best as currency is one that we don’t often consider. If I own Tim Anderson (and believe me, I do), my first thought is always going to be on the type of player Anderson could bewhen it should be equally on both that and what Anderson could return for me now in the trade market. Though the pull of drafting a player out of the amateur ranks or picking up a player when he was far from a top-101 prospect is strong, it’s not the same way you’d generally view a financial investment. Not to get too Quinton on you, as that’s best saved for the man himself (seriously, go read his chapter), but if you buy a share of stock at $20 and it goes up to $40, maybe it’s time to cash it in for something that actually costs $40, rather than waiting for it to go up to $75.

It’s both a truth and a fallacy that dynasty championships are won by building a strong farm system. The fallacy is that those players are the ones that will lead you to a string of trophies and jellybeansthe myth perpetuated best by the “constant rebuilder.” The truth is that a strong farm system will grant you entrance into the area of the trade market you need to pass through to truly build a contender. Not all prospects are created with equal ETAs, and even the ones with equal ETAs have varying performance curves and eligibility. Waiting for the moon and stars to line up will often cause owners to bypass their window to win, so while it’s important to be excited about the players we’ll get to shortly, it’s also okay to shed the fear that we associate with letting them go.

Now, the fine print…

First, there are a few disclaimers specific to the prospect list to go over before we jump in. Again, these rankings are for fantasy purposes only and do not directly take into account things like an outfielder’s ability to stick in center or a catcher’s pop time. Of course, these things do matter indirectly, as they affect a player’s ability to either stay in the lineup or maintain eligibility. So, while Austin Hedges may be a top-25 prospect on BP’s Top 101, this is due in large part to his defensive value; and you’ll see that he’s not on this list because his upside isn’t nearly as great for fantasy. Additionally, home parks need to be factored in, just as when we are when talking about a major-league player. If Nelson Cruz’s fantasy potential shrinks on going from Baltimore to Seattle, we can’t pretend that these prospects operate in a vacuum, unaffected by park factors. Of course, there’s no guarantee that they will reach the majors with their current organization, so while it is not a heavy consideration, it is reflected. But most importantly, the intention of this list is to balance the upside, probability, and proximity of these players to an active fantasy lineup.

Within the list that follows, you’ll find important information about each prospect, including his potential fantasy value (in dollars) at their peak and the risk factor associated with reaching that peak. Also, you will find a fantasy overview, which summarizes how many categories each player will be useful in, along with any that carry impact. For this exercise, we defined “impact” as having the potential to be in the top 15-20 players in a given category. For instance, impact in home runs is the potential to hit 30 and impact for strikeouts is the potential to punch out 200. Then you’ll see a realistic ceiling and floor for each prospect, purely in terms of Rotisserie value, and a brief comment that adds a little extra color. The comments are specifically brief because I’ve already written fantasy-specific comments on each of these players in the individual top-10 lists (which are great and which you should read, if you haven’t already).

So without any further ado, here is the newest batch of the best prospects for dynasty leagues, 1-50. Be sure to check out prospects 51-101 here.

50. Michael Taylor, OF, Washington Nationals

Age: 24, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: A compressed version of George Springer
Realistic Floor: A fourth outfielder

It may seem rough to throw a high risk factor on a player who has seen major-league time, but fantasy owners don’t get extra credit for Taylor’s defense. The power and speed are very attractive, but despite a shiny batting average in Double-A, he’s got a ways to go to tap into them in Washington.

49. Alex Meyer, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Age: 25, Previous Rank: 42

Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; impact potential in K
Realistic Ceiling: A high-strikeout closer
Realistic Floor: A high-strikeout reliever

Don’t take the ceiling/floor designations to mean he’s destined for the bullpen. In fact, I think it’s likely he remains a starter. However, I think we’ve gotten to the point with Meyer where he would be more valuable if he turns into a strong closer than if he tops out as a starter.

48. Steven Matz, LHP, New York Mets

Age: 23, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in ERA
Realistic Ceiling: Clayton Kershaw
Realistic Floor: Madison Bumgarner

Did you know that they are all left-handers who throw off mounds? Sarcasm aside, Matz could turn out to be the version of Jonathon Niese that Mets fans always wanted to seewith solid SP3 valuations and the potential for a shiny ERA in that park.

47. Jake Thompson, RHP, Texas Rangers

Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: Mat Latos
Realistic Floor: The good side of Edwin Jackson

Those of you who know how much affection I have for Edwin Jackson understand that floor isn’t a knock at all. Thompson could rack up large strikeout numbers given his frame and his fastball/slider combination. He could sneak into the majors as soon as late 2015.

46. Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees

Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; impact potential in HR
Realistic Ceiling: A power-hitting OF2
Realistic Floor: Corey Hart with half the steals

Judge is the rare Yankees prospect who doesn’t get overrated among the general public. He’s a behemoth of a man, and his power is worthy of his size, but he’s going to have to prove that he can make enough contact as he moves up for it to make a difference in fantasy leagues.

45. J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 81

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A 15/20 option at shortstop
Realistic Floor: The guy we think Francisco Lindor could be

Crawford is about to go through the same cycle that Lindor did two years ago. Right now, he’ll be overvalued because he’s being juiced up prospect liststhen next year, he’ll be underrated because everyone will know him as a guy who is more valuable in real-life.

44. Matt Wisler, RHP, San Diego Padres

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 38

Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A strong SP4
Realistic Floor: A strong SP4

Some guys just are who they are, and Wisler is a decent mid-rotation pitcher who will shortly wind up in a strong park for decent mid-rotation pitchers. And while Petco may not play as extremely as it used to, and A.J. Preller seems to have a disdain for defense, it’s still an attractive place to find arms.

43. Jose Peraza, 2B, Atlanta Braves

Age: 20, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: Jose Altuve 1.0 (pre-2014)
Realistic Floor: That, with less batting average

Peraza is on the radars of those in both redraft and dynasty formats, given the black hole that is second base on the Braves’ depth chart. Don’t expect too much in the current year, as it’s still not all that likely he gets to Atlanta before July, but he should be a nice source of steals with a decent average moving forward.

42. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 47

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A back-end SP1 with huge strikeout numbers
Realistic Floor: A back-end reliever with huge walk numbers

There are going to be plenty of lists that have Glasnow higher based on upside alone, and I completely understand that, but Glasnow is a terrifying player to own and I would be selling him based on his current perceived value. The stuff is unquestioned, but so are the control issues.

41. Mark Appel, RHP, Houston Astros

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 26

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W
Realistic Ceiling: A good overall SP2
Realistic Floor: A frustrating SP5 in mixed leagues

Owning Appel in 2014 was like ending up on a roller coaster when you thought you were waiting in line for a carousel. But just like any fun ride, we’re pretty much back in the same place we started at, despite any dizziness we might feel.

40. Nick Williams, OF, Texas Rangers

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 94

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Not-quite peak Matt Kemp
Realistic Floor: A college football player in four years

For a player who has already reached the levels Williams has, there is still a ton of risk remaining because of his incredibly aggressive approach. However, his bat-to-ball skills are among the best in the minor leagues, and there’s both power and speed to boot.

39. Hunter Harvey, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 65

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in K, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A usable SP2 despite the tough park
Realistic Floor: Chris Tillman

Harvey ended the 2014 season with an injury blip, but back at full health, he’ll look to reach the upper minors in 2015. The fastball/curve combination is very legit and could lead to 200-plus strikeouts at the major-league level if everything breaks right.

38. Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 51

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: A strikeout-laden SP2
Realistic Floor: A reliever capable of being a top-10 closer

During 2014, Sanchez showed what he could do coming out of a major-league bullpenand it was nasty. What we don’t want to see happen next is him get pigeonholed as a reliever because he was so good in his first stint, but he still holds a lot of upside in a rotation spot.

37. Braden Shipley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 68

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: A top-25 starting pitcher
Realistic Floor: A SP4 who just gives up a too many homers for his own good

It’s alright to be skeptical of a right-handed pitching prospect who relies as much on his change as Shipley does, but that sells the rest of the profile short. With three pitches that could get major-league hitters to catch nothing but air, he could reach the 200-strikeout mark once he sharpens the curve.

36. D.J. Peterson, 1B/3B, Seattle Mariners

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 67

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: Kyle Seager without the speed
Realistic Floor: A 20-homer first baseman

It really is a shame that Peterson had to wind up in Safeco, as we’d be drooling over him if we were in Philadelphia or Baltimore. The average and power should both be very helpful, but neither is likely to get to the point where he could turn into a top-five third baseman.

35. Maikel Franco, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 35

Potential Earnings: $15-20
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in RBI
Realistic Ceiling: The good Marlon Byrd at third base
Realistic Floor: The bad Marlon Byrd at first base

Those who were ready to anoint Franco the Phillies third baseman of the future and an investable dynasty league asset at this time last year weren’t wrong, but they were a little overenthusiastic. He remains a player built for 5×5 roto, with his defense and on-base partially sinking the overall package.

34. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 21

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: The reasonable SP2 he was projected as pre-surgery
Realistic Floor: That Texan pitcher who was on Team Canada in the WBC

Forget about Taillon at your own risk. He will return early in 2015 from Tommy John surgery and even if the Pirates take their time, he should be ready to fill A.J. Burnett’s slot in the rotation next April. There may not be the upside many thought when he was taken second overall in the draft, but he’s still a pitcher in Pittsburgh.

33. Clint Frazier, OF, Cleveland Indians

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 19

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A no doubt OF1
Realistic Floor: Colby Rasmus

The fact that Frazier still ranks this high should shock absolutely no one, as he more than held his own in the Midwest League as a teenager. Just because he didn’t put up disruptive numbers doesn’t mean he’s any less exciting for fantasy than he was at this time last year.

32. Chi Chi Gonzalez, RHP, Texas Rangers

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 85

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: James Shields with slightly fewer innings
Realistic Floor: The good version of Mike Leake

I’m well aware that I’m the high guy on Gonzalez, but there’s nothing in his stuff, performance, or development that has given me a reason not to be. He’ll never be an SP1, even in deep leagues, but he can be a very strong SP3 for the better part of a decade, even in Texas.

31. Blake Swihart, C, Boston Red Sox

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 96

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A Jonathan Lucroy-type top fantasy catcher
Realistic Floor: Yadier Molina without the power spike

Having come a long way since he made his full season debut, Swihart is now considered just about a lock to stick at catcher long term and hit for a strong average. How much power he can tap into at the major-league level will determine whether he’s a great fantasy option or just a middle-of-the-road one in mixed leagues.

30. Nomar Mazara, OF, Texas Rangers

Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A .290 hitting, 30-homer outfielder
Realistic Floor: A perfectly viable OF4

Mazara took an unexpected jump up to Double-A in 2014, which helped facilitate a somewhat unexpected jump up the fantasy rankings. The prototypical right fielder could end up launching homers in a ballpark that helps induce them as soon as midseason 2016.

29. Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: Matt Holliday, non-park-adjusted version
Realistic Floor: A batting-average-based OF4

There’s more ceiling around him on this list, but it doesn’t mean that Winker should be overlooked or that he lacks upside of his own. There’s nothing wrong with a hitter who could approach .300 with 20 homers annually.

28. Raimel Tapia, OF, Colorado Rockies

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 54

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, R
Realistic Ceiling: A Charlie Blackmon we can believe in
Realistic Floor: That guy who Mau used to pronounce awesomely

The dreams can be limitless when you put someone with a plus-plus hit tool in Coors and sprinkle in a healthy dose of speed and some power potential. And his minor-league numbers as he heads to the California League are unlikely to do much to pour water on those expectations.

27. Rymer Liriano, OF, San Diego Padres

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 80

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A poor man’s George Springer
Realistic Floor: Will Venable part deux

Liriano started the offseason as a strong candidate to get 300-400 plate appearances for the Padres in 2015, but ended it under a mountain of high-profile corner outfielders. With a less certain ETA, Liriano’s readiness becomes less important, but the power/speed potential remains.

26. Jorge Alfaro, C, Texas Rangers

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 27

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A middle-of-the-order catcher
Realistic Floor: A reason you don’t invest in catching prospects

As Alfaro’s ETA approaches, the volatility of his future value decreases, but catching prospects are always higher in risk than prospects at other positions. The 25-plus-homer power is very real, but he’s already growing out of his double-digit steal ability and the plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired.

25. Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 82

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A top-20 outfielder
Realistic Floor: Adam LaRoche with slightly less power

In the near term, Bell looks to get some chances at first base because of the crowded Pirates’ outfieldand with those guys all locked up for a while, that won’t clear up anytime soon. However, if the bat plays, it will play anywhere and there’s no reason he can’t get that OF back in-season.

24. Daniel Norris, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Age: 21, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A solid SP3
Realistic Floor: A solid SP4

Norris took one big wrong turn out of the gate after being drafted, but it’s been full steam ahead over the last couple of seasons. He’s unlikely to rack up huge strikeout totals (think more in the 160-170 range), but his floor is higher than almost anyone on this list and he’s ready now.

23. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 23

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: Garrett Richards
Realistic Floor: Nate Eovaldi

The Reds fireballer took a step back in 2014, but has the raw stuff to rack up strikeouts at the major-league level. The ballpark is unfortunate, as velocity begets velocity, but greater consistency in his command and secondary offerings could get him closer to an SP2 future.

22. Kyle Schwarber, C/OF, Chicago Cubs

Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in RBI
Realistic Ceiling: The best kind of fantasy catcher
Realistic Floor: A strong OF3

Schwarber shouldn’t have earned much in the way of helium for destroying pitchers who stood little chance against a high-end college hitter, but he doesn’t need much helium anyway. Schwarber can hit for average and power, so even if long-term catcher eligibility isn’t in the cards, he’ll still be a regular on mixed-league rosters.

21. Andrew Heaney, LHP, Los Angeles Angels

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 34

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, ERA
Realistic Ceiling: An SP3 with stronger ratios than strikeouts
Realistic Floor: Wade Miley in a better ballpark

If you’re looking for sheer upside, Heaney’s doesn’t stand out amongst the players around him, but he’s already made his major-league debut and looks to play a big role for the Angels this season. He has the profile and pitchability to step right in as an SP5 in mixed leagues this year.

20. Dalton Pompey, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: A top-40 outfielder in 2015
Realistic Floor: Anthony Gose part deux

Alright, so the floor may be a little harsh, but Pompey ranks up here because he’s here now and there’s five-category potential in a loaded lineup. The 2014 fantasy pop-up darling may still have his nonbelievers, but I think they’ll be thinned out by around midseason.

19. Carlos Rodon, LHP, Chicago White Sox

Age: 22, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A strong SP2 in relatively short order
Realistic Floor: A capable SP4 in relatively short order

The general belief is that we’ll see Rodon at some point this summer for the Pale Hose, but the better question is which Rodon we will actually see. If he’s the pitcher he was this spring, it’s more of a mid-rotation profile. But if he’s the guy from his sophomore year and his pro debut, there’s certainly more.

18. Tim Anderson, SS, Chicago White Sox

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 61

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in SB
Realistic Ceiling: A 20/30 monster at shortstop
Realistic Floor: A speed-based mixed-league 2B or OF option

It’s easy to drool over the stats that Anderson could put up, especially with the ballpark helping him out, but despite having Double-A experience, he remains relatively raw and there are loud questions about his defense. However, his value gets buoyed in roto leagues by that 30-plus-steal potential.

17. David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 37

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: Jacoby Ellsbury (not the 70-steal version) in Coors
Realistic Floor: Leonys Martin in Coors

Dahl gets the opposite movement as the player directly in front of him, just because of his nonpitcherness. The upside is tremendous, with Coors helping out in the one category he could be below-average in at sea level. It would not be a surprise if Dahl ended up as a top-five fantasy prospect at this time next year.

16. Jonathan Gray, RHP, Colorado Rockies

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 20

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K
Realistic Ceiling: A high-end SP2, despite Coors
Realistic Floor: Another reason not to draft Colorado pitchers

We often talk about easy analysis being easy, and yes, Colorado pitchers should scare you as an entire group, but Gray’s stuff is as good as the Rockies have seen since that time Ubaldo Jimenez was an absolute monster. Be wary of the park, but bet on the pitcher.

15. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 33

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in AVG
Realistic Ceiling: A non-elite five-category shortstop
Realistic Floor: A non-elite five-category shortstop

We played this game last year, but Lindor is this high on a fantasy list because he’s as much of a lock to be a contributing member of a mixed-league team as anyone on this list. His defense will keep him in the lineup and likely overrate him in dynasty leagues, but there is real top-10 shortstop potential here.

14. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 18

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A Jordan Zimmermann type borderline SP1
Realistic Floor: The old Jordan Zimmermann before he got more awesome

It’s unfortunate when people forget about, or are unnecessarily down on, a prospect with an elite amateur and minor-league track record because of injury. If the person who owns Bundy in your league is one of those people, now might be a good time to teach them a lesson.

13. Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 12

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: An easy top-10 fantasy starter
Realistic Floor: A high variance SP4 who infuriates you with his inconsistency

There is no shortage of high-end pitching prospects who take steps back every year, but the developmental curve can be nastier than Bradley’s. After poor performance and an elbow strain set him back, Bradley returned with a vengeance and a cutter in the Arizona Fall League. He’ll look to do in 2015 what he couldn’t last year, and make an impact in Arizona.

12. Julio Urias, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age: 18, Previous Rank: 45

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A back-end fantasy ace, à la Cole Hamels
Realistic Floor: Leif Garrett

There’s very little question that Urias is the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball these days, and that excitement carries over to fantasy leagues. It’s still incredible that he will pitch most of the 2015 season in the upper minors as an 18-year-old, and his age gives him a leg up on some other arms with similar upside in the long term.

11. Joey Gallo, 3B, Texas Rangers

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 83

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Three-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: Peak Adam Dunn with third-base eligibility
Realistic Floor: Chris Carter with no third-base eligibility

The power is prodigiousand likely the best in all of the minorsbut Gallo still has plenty of development ahead of him before he can hit at the major-league level. If you’re expecting him to contribute in 2015, you’ll likely be disappointed, but his strong work ethic and baseball IQ give him a good chance to put it all together.

10. Joc Pederson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 32

Potential Earnings: $20-25
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor
Realistic Ceiling: A 20/20 option who ticks up in OBP leagues
Realistic Floor: A 15/15 option who ticks up in OBP leagues

Similar to Soler, Pederson is staring ahead at a ton of playing time in 2015, mostly because the Dodgers don’t really have anyone else they can play in center field. Pederson has been tagged as a grinder who gets the most out of his tools, and while that’s correct, it sells the tools he does have short.

9. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Washington Nationals

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 17

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A pitcher you’d take in the first round
Realistic Floor: A Tommy John cautionary tale

There’s ceiling and then there’s Giolito’s ceiling. Have you ever seen the Sistine Chapel? Sort of like that, but on the mound. The fact that a pitcher who hasn’t pitched above Low-A is a top-10 fantasy prospect is nearly unheard of, but there’s something special brewing in that right arm of his.

8. Noah Syndergaard, RHP, New York Mets

Age: 22, Previous Rank: 13

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in W, K, ERA, WHIP
Realistic Ceiling: A back-end SP1
Realistic Floor: A strong SP3 with lots of whiffs

Many, including myself, thought that Syndergaard would be ineligible for this list, but it should be no great surprise that he checks in as the top fantasy pitching prospect in baseball. His advantageous home park and division should be nice bedfellows for his top-shelf stuff, and he’ll push through the Mets’ rotation depth in short order.

Yoan Moncada, SS/2B, Boston Red Sox

Editor’s note: Moncada wasn’t on the original list, but having just signed prior to the list’s publication, Bret was kind enough to put together a fantasy profile for a player who will surely be of interest to many. This is where Moncada would have slotted had he been eligible for this ranking.

Age: 19, Previous Rank: NR

Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: High
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in HR, SB, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: A no-doubt first-rounder year in and year out
Realistic Floor: The most enjoyable name to watch New Englanders attempt to pronounce

It’s all pomp and circumstance right now for Moncada, but all eyes will be on the latest import once he reports to Red Sox camp in Fort Myers. The reports on him range from excellent to just downright stupid, and for all the talk of his real-life value, he’s shaping up to be a better player in our world. That’s a little scary.

7. Jorge Soler, OF, Chicago Cubs

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 46

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: An OF2 who can hit 30 homers
Realistic Floor: An OF3 who just doesn’t quite make enough contact for OF2 status

Of all the players on this list, Soler is most guaranteed playing time in 2015, as he’ll likely roll out as Chicago’s opening day right fielder. Pitchers began to figure him out after a blazing start, and how quickly he can adjust back will dictate where his fantasy value goes in the near term.

6. Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 36

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: A .300 hitting shortstop with power
Realistic Floor: His brother, non-park-adjusted

The sweet-swinging still-a-shortstop continues to impress as he moves up the ladder and could reach Los Angeles as soon as late 2015though next year is more likely. There’s still a very good chance he ends up at third base long term, but he may surprise many by keeping that shortstop eligibility for a few seasons.

5. Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 7

Potential Earnings: $30-35
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: Nelson Cruz with health and third-base eligibility
Realistic Floor: Pedro Alvarez

The missed season was certainly a bummer for Sano, but thankfully he’s not a pitcher. One of the small handful of prospects in the minors with elite raw power, he will try to get back on track to hit Target Field in 2016. And it’s a good thing the Twins are a team of the Twin Cities, since some of his bombs may wind up in St Paul.

4. Addison Russell, SS, Chicago Cubs

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 9

Potential Earnings: $25-30
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: A consistent top-five fantasy shortstop
Realistic Floor: A consistent top-10 fantasy shortstop

There’s a level of certainty with Russell that pushes him up into the top five, even though organization depth could push him off shortstop in the short term. He’s young and close to major-league ready, and although his ceiling isn't quite as high as Correa’s, it’s still more than enough to get very excited about.

3. Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros

Age: 20, Previous Rank: 5

Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, HR, RBI
Realistic Ceiling: An elite fantasy shortstop
Realistic Floor: A top-10 fantasy third baseman

Sure, there’s a chance he could move off the position, and he’s not going to make any major contribution in steals, but Correa has a chance to be the best average/power bat that we’ve seen at the position since Troy Tulowitzki. Like we’ve been hammering home, with talent like this, eligibility is very, very secondary.

2. Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Age: 21, Previous Rank: 2

Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: Medium
Fantasy Overview: Five-category contributor; impact potential in AVG, R, SB
Realistic Ceiling: A perennial first-round pick who contributes in all five categories
Realistic Floor: A strong speed-based OF2

There is a healthy debate to be had as to whether Buxton or Bryant deserves top billing, but there should be no debate that they are the first two prospects on this list. Buxton’s injury-plagued 2014 season pushed back his ETA (which contributed to his ranking), but did not diminish any of his upside.

1. Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs

Age: 23, Previous Rank: 10

Potential Earnings: $35+
Risk Factor: Low
Fantasy Overview: Four-category contributor; impact potential in HR, RBI, R
Realistic Ceiling: The guy everyone thinks Evan Longoria is
Realistic Floor: A 30-homer outfielder

It takes an awful lot of thump to unseat Buxton as the top fantasy prospect in the game, but Bryant has it. He has done nothing but hit since he entered pro ball, and though you can quibble about his contact rate, there’s little standing in the way of him being a fantasy star and in short order.

Thank you for reading

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sbnbaseball
2/26
If Matz's floor is MadBum and ceiling is Kershaw, shouldn't he be #1? That's a pretty high floor if you ask me.
Or, at least the #1 pitching prospect in the game.
Ray
Behemoth
2/26
Whoosh...
bretsayre
2/26
It's a (tongue-in-cheek) reference to this article: http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/meet-matz-mets-pitching-prospect-line-article-1.2102556
Muboshgu
2/26
One of the NY tabloid papers going over the top? I can't believe it!
sbnbaseball
2/26
I had a feeling that was what you were referencing, but wonder if others who read this would take it literally.
Nice work as always.

Ray
Anchovies
2/26
No you didn't.
DeathSpeculum
2/26
it would've been funnier if your floor was the other Madison bumgarner - http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/12/9/7360277/madison-bumgarner-madison-bumgarner

just saying...
whappo
2/26
That sarcasm totally went over my head as well. I usually skim all the BP articles in the AM and the read deeper as the day allows.

Thankfully caught the comments. Disaster averted lol.
johnsotyler
2/26
Where does Rusney Castillo fit? Baseball America put him at 21.
swarmee
2/26
?Y Tomas tambien?
bretsayre
2/26
Same answer as Castillo, but above Rodon.
bretsayre
2/26
He doesn't fit here, since he's 27 and a professional. Purely on dynasty league value, he's roughly towards the back-end of the top-20.
Chomsky
2/26
Jung Ho Kang?
bretsayre
2/26
No, it's actually Jung-Ho Kang. The dash is important.
heterodude
2/26
If you were making a 101 based on best names in the minor leagues, Joseph Pankake would be #1, right?
Muboshgu
2/26
Rock Shoulders
heterodude
2/26
If only Socrates Brito had an extra vowel in his last name to make it sound like a delicious food.
ppppfffft
2/26
Red Sox "prospect" Kendrick Perkins
BenC22
2/26
Jose Jose
TheArtfulDodger
2/26
Storm Throne
heterodude
2/26
Mat Batts
MylesHandley
2/26
Max Pentecost. You could not get any more Pentecostal than him.
Muboshgu
2/26
heterodude
2/26
If a lady is undressing for you and asks your favorite MiLB player, just say Max Moroff.
heterodude
2/26
Raimel Tapia but only if Mauricio Rubio is pronouncing it.
delatopia
2/26
Tito Polo and the guy with the initials Y.Y. -- I've already forgotten his name.
TheArtfulDodger
2/26
juice133
2/26
Oh, but, Craig....Yorfrank Lopez has been released!
heterodude
2/26
Maybe now he can be Myfrank Lopez
TheArtfulDodger
2/26
NOOOOOOOO
BarryR
2/26
I still love Stryker Trahan, prospect or not, because the name sounds like it's straight out of the Universal Baseball Association.
antonsirius
2/26
There will never be another Sequoyah Stonecipher
heterodude
2/26
Happy Birthday.
NightmareRec0n
2/26
I'm pesonally a big fan of Thomas Collins III. That seems like a name a billionaire alcoholic would name his son
Dgalloway15
4/03
Burt Reynolds
BERSMR
2/26
How significantly would the values change to apply them to a keeper league, where, as is fairly typical, you can keep the player on reserve until they come to the majors, once they come up you need to activate them, whereupon you can keep them for three years at a pretty modest price, or another year or two if you give them a raise?

While most players are probably approaching peak performance 3-5 yrs into their career, especially hitters where speed is part of their game, there is obviously less ability to be patient for a player who scuffles for a couple of years in that kind of format than in a dynasty format. One example might be a player like Meyer who could scuffle for a couple of years as a starter, and perhaps set up in relief for a year after that before finding his calling as a closer. Plenty of value as a dynasty player, more questionable whether his owner in a keeper league gets to hold him long enough to benefit in that scenario.
crperry13
2/26
One guy I've been keying on is Ozhaino Albies. Too far away to make the list? Or just no standout fantasy tools?
Will Haines
2/12
Nice eye
Mikeyv77
2/26
As per the commenters above, would love to know where, Rusney, Tomas and J.H. Kang would slot on this list.
fawcettb
2/26
Agreed. I know it's fun to be witty, but deliver the bread first, eh? Same goes for that Steve Matz mess. I don't come here to experience the wit of the writers. This is a baseball statistics site, not a rest home for over-aged creative writing students and under-talented stand-up comics. Geez....
delatopia
2/26
I don't think any bread is missing, it just has a little extra mustard on it.

These guys have several different iterations of this list to deal with. I can't imagine wanting to do all of those and be as unimaginative and humorless as you want them to be. You may have an idea of what the writers here should be, but I don't think this is a site for overly literal and curmudgeonly commenters either.
TheArtfulDodger
2/26
You've been complaining about the creative writing component for two going on three years now (I checked). Perhaps it's time to realize this is a site for baseball statistics *and* creative writing. Why be one thing, when you can be two?
boatman44
2/26
Bravo !!!!
BenC22
2/26
Your comment history is a long series of posts in which you tell us you don't find us funny or clever. If you're really this consistently upset by us trying to entertain people, it'd probably behoove you to find a drier source (check out Mike's work) rather than thinking you're going to change us.
yadenr
2/26
Right, because reading 100 iterations of #2 starter / #4 starter would be better?
Muboshgu
2/26
I think this bread is quite delicious. Rather than a white bread that barely provides sustenance, this is a cinnamon raisin challah, which is not only delicious on a Friday night, but makes a mean French Toast on Saturday morning. Mmm mmm good BP challah.
mblthd
2/26
What do you expect for $40/year?

(JOKING! save your down-votes for serious comments!)
heterodude
2/26
While we're in the habit of proof-reading and criticizing posting histories, you probably should stop ending posts with "Geez..." unless you're hoping for it to become your catchphrase.

If this article isn't clever enough for you, how about this zinger?:

GEEZ... THIS FAWCETT B FULL OF POOPIES, EH?!?!?

/zung
bloodface
2/27
God. I imagine you'd go all Falling Down if you read the BP Season Guide.
chrisw
2/26
This countdown format makes my head hurt.
BenC22
2/26
Read it backwards
heterodude
2/26
REDRUM
Chris25K
2/26
Jhenderson Hurtado. Also Julio Goof
msbirt
2/27
You had me so stoked to add this name to my collection (yes, I collect great baseball player names), as it is five-star.

Sadly, it's not Julio Goof. It's Julio Goff. That is, unless my Google-fu is failing me. I was so excited for a hot second or two.

Skye Bolt
Anthony Bemboom
Jabari Blash
Torsten Boss

I've collected hundreds of them. It's an illness.
NightmareRec0n
2/26
I have to come out and said it. The Kyle Seager floor for Corey Seager is very very ambitious. Kyle Seager has a 3.5 WAR floor and a 5.5 WAR ceiling. Projecting even Buxton, with his high floor due to his defense, is high

Also there is no Edwin Jackson that isn't the good side of aedwin Jackson. Just the Edwin Jackson that has a terrible framer and bad luck.....If Brett has a referral for someone to help me with this problem, I might listen.
coopr1248
2/27
You do realize this is a dynasty top prospect list, right? Kyle Seager's WAR got a nice boost from defense last year, something that doesn't matter in a fantasy context. He's been the 6th and 7th best 3B the past two years, so saying Corey can top that as his floor isn't crazy.
coopr1248
2/27
6th and 7th best *offensive* 3B I should say
markpadden
3/05
All of the "floors" in this list are incredibly ambitious. Probably only about half of the list will play more than 2-3 years in the majors. There's nothing wrong with saying a guy's floor is "part-time player for a couple years." Instead, all 50 players apparently have the floor of an average MLB player. Or at least ~30 that weren't wasted with weak attempts at humor.

For this list, I would rename floor as "80th percentile outcome," and ceiling as "99th percentile outcome." Then again, if you have to do that, it becomes a little harder to trust the author's ability to rank the players in the first place.
NightmareRec0n
2/26
Also: Not putting Buxton's floor as Tori Hunter is a insult to that anonymous scout that talked to Parks.

"One scout claimed Buxton's floor is Torii Hunter, and that his ceiling is basically unlimited.
ColeWhittier
2/26
Nice - Rymer LIriano at #27! I like him too but he doesn't show up on most top 100 lists. So, what is it that you particularly like about Rymer that other analysts are missing on and why do you think he justifies such a high ranking?

I'm not disagreeing with you, just looking for the reasoning. Thanks!
BenC22
2/26
Where would white llama rank?
NightmareRec0n
2/26
A more gritty leader than black llama, but less of a raw athlete.
BomboRiviera
2/26
I know he suffers from prospect name fatigue, but you can't ignore Sicnarf Loopstok.
cernig16
2/26
(comment removed at customer's request)
Robotey
2/27
Ceiling: Kate Bush
Floor: Abba
NightmareRec0n
2/27
Kate Bush is an elite tier talent. I wouldn't put that comp on anyone
BlazingFastba11
2/27
Was Raisel Iglesias eligible for the list and did not make the cut?

or

If he wasn't eligible, where would have ranked if he were eligible?
jkwdbu
3/02
In a dynasty league that only holds 5 ML slots, and trends toward an advantage for more immediate play from minor league players, would you suggest drafting Joey Gallo or Yoan Moncada in the upcoming draft? I have first pick of the ML draft this year and this will be a tough choice.

Other ML's I still carry with me:
Taijuan Walker (still counts as a ML)
Miguel Sano
Clint Frazier
Raul Mondesi

I have one immediate use ML (Walker), one near future player (Sano), and 2 distant impact players (Frazier and Mondesi). I think Gallo is likely 2 years closer to MLB ready than Moncada, and given that I already have 2 distant prospects, I don't know that Moncada would be the best selection.

Any advice would be great.
timjrohr
3/03
This may be a dumb question, but: Will there be a Top 50/Top 100 Keeper League (as opposed to dynasty league) Prospects list? Since keeper leagues generally have salaries with escalators and a shorter window during which you can keep a player once he makes the majors than do dynasties, the calculus is a little bit different. Just wondering. Thanks!
markpadden
3/05
Wondering why you think D.J. Peterson will have a "very helpful" batting average? That seems extremely unlikely.