It’s May in Major League Baseball and that means promotion season. We’ve seen several high-end prospects either hit or exceed expectations over the first six weeks of 2024 but which ones are potential fantasy baseball assets? For May 2024, here are our five hitting prospects we’re watching in fantasy baseball, starting with an “other-worldly” slugger.
Jasson Dominguez
Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez is getting close to a return. Dominguez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, played his first rehab game on May 14. With Tampa (A), Dominguez went 1-3.
Dominguez showcased above-average power at the MLB level last season and could be a factor for the Yankees come June. However, “The Martian” may need an injury to arise for him to re-join the Yankees. New York has Aaron Judge, Alex Verdugo, and Juan Soto in the outfield with Giancarlo Stanton in the DH slot.
Orelvis Martinez
Blue Jays prospect Orelvis Martinez knocked on the MLB door last season after 28 home runs over two levels. This season, he could push right through it. Martinez, a plus-plus power hitter, posted a .909 OPS over his first 36 games in Buffalo (AAA) this season. That figure is thanks to his 18 extra-base hits, 10 of which were home runs.
As of May 15, the Jays were 23rd in the Majors in OPS (.671) and 24th in SLG (.361). Martinez may not be the ultimate solution to Toronto’s power woes but he could provide help at some point.
Coby Mayo
The Orioles gave infielder Jackson Holliday his first chance at the MLB level this past April. It didn’t go well, as Holliday went 2-34 before Baltimore returned him to Norfolk (AAA). Holliday may not be a factor for a bit — but Coby Mayo could be. Mayo, a 2020 fourth-round pick, entered play on May 15 with an International League-high 13 home runs and a .613 SLG.
Mayo is a primary third baseman, which could complicate his path to Baltimore. Jordan Westburg‘s performed well for the O’s at the hot corner this season.
Drew Romo
The Rockies drafted switch-hitting catcher Drew Romo four years ago in the first round after a strong run as a high schooler. Since then, he’s steadily developed into a solid prospect. Romo led all of Triple-A with a .361 average as of May 15, as he recorded 43 hits over 29 games. However, Romo — who deploys a short swing with little loft — will likely be a below-average power hitter at the MLB level, even in Coors Field.
Romo is blocked by Elias Diaz in Colorado, meaning a promotion may not come yet. However, Diaz — who’s a strong framer and productive offensively in recent years — is a pending free agent and could be potential trade bait. If Diaz is moved, Romo’s the heir apparent.
James Wood
It’s hard to talk about potential impact hitting prospects for fantasy baseball without mentioning James Wood, who’s off to a torrid start. Wood, acquired in the Juan Soto trade two years ago, entered play on May 15 leading the International League in hits (50). The center fielder has nine stolen bases and 18 extra-base hits over 36 games, and he’s walked (26) almost as much as he’s struck out (32).
A promotion for Wood feels inevitable. Wood has immense offensive upside, far more than current center fielder Jacob Young. The only issue with Wood — who stands at 6’7” and has plus raw power — is the whiffs, which likely won’t go away at the MLB level.