The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline is officially complete and there are just two months left in the regular season. A number of teams destined to miss the playoffs will likely look to add prospects from the farm over the coming weeks, and the same could be said for contenders in need of a spark. That can lead to opportunity for fantasy owners. With that said, here’s a look at five hitting prospects to watch this August.
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Colt Keith
We start off with Tigers infield prospect Colt Keith, who we profiled in more detail earlier in the year. The 21-year-old was promoted to Toledo (AAA) in late June after a torrid run in Erie (AA), and he’s performed well in northern Ohio thus far. Through his first 28 games with the Mud Hens, Keith hit .273/.349/.436 with three home runs and 11 extra base hits. In 87 games across two levels, Keith’s belted 17 home runs.
Keith’s got the power and contact skills to be an impact player, and his versatility — he’s received time both at second and third in the Minors — should give Tigers management plenty of options over the coming years.
Brooks Lee
The Twins snatched SS Brooks Lee with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft after a standout career at Cal Poly. Lee hit very well in his first true pro test this season, when he hit .292/.365/476 with six stolen bases, 11 home runs and 42 extra base hits over 87 games with Wichita (AAA). Lee received a promotion to St. Paul (AAA) in early August.
While Lee may not be a plus power hitter, the 22-year-old’s got the potential to be a 20 home run hitter in the Majors. Lee is poised to be one of the Twins’ young stars, but whether he might not make it to the Majors this season unless an injury arises on the Minnesota roster. Nonetheless, consider Lee an early sleeper for 2024.
Ronny Mauricio
After an active Trade Deadline, the Mets have now moved from playoff hopeful to in a position to retool. The youngsters in the Mets organization are set to drive the bus for New York in the coming years, and one such name that could play a role with that is infielder/outfielder Ronny Mauricio. His numbers have dipped slightly since we did a long look at Mauricio in May, but the walk and P/PA numbers have improved and he’s closing in on a third-straight 20 home run campaign.
The Mets do need to tread carefully with Mauricio. Position flexibility aside, the Mets need to put Mauricio in a position to succeed whenever New York decided to call him up to the Majors. Given Brett Baty‘s struggles at the MLB level in 2023, a patient approach with Mauricio — even if it’s one that isn’t popular with the Mets’ fan base — isn’t the worst approach.
Austin Wells
The Yankees picked C Austin Wells in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and he’s steadily moved up the organization ladder despite injury woes in 2021 and 2022. Wells looked prime for a promotion after May, when he belted seven home runs in Somerset (AA). However, Wells’ production took a dip in June and July. Wells did get a promotion to Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA) a couple of weeks ago, and he hit .260 with extra base hits (0 HR) in 14 games.
If the 24-year-old can get on a hot streak in Scranton, is possible that Wells could get a crack as early as late 2023. With Jose Trevino out for the rest of the 2023 campaign and Ben Rortvedt putting up below-average numbers, there is an opportunity for Wells to move up and form a tandem with Kyle Higashioka.
Masyn Winn
The Cardinals are officially looking forward to 2024, after a flurry of deals that sent Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Chris Stratton, and Paul DeJong out of town. Given that the Cards are set to run out the stretch, it’ll be interesting to see if St. Louis decided to promote some of the team’s notable prospects, including shortstop Masyn Winn.
Winn’s had an exceptional season in Memphis (AAA), as he hit 284 with 17 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and 38 extra base hits over his first 100 games of the season. The 21-year-old’s shown more pop in recent years. If Winn can deliver at least 10-15 home runs per season and be a threat to swipe bags, he can provide value in fantasy leagues for years to come. But, will fantasy owners and Cardinals fans get a glimpse of Winn in 2023?