To win in fantasy baseball, it takes more than just having a good draft. It takes smarts and most importantly, paying attention to what’s going on in the Minors. While this year’s crop of rookies might not be as impactful when compared to 2024, there are several names who could make a difference this season. Here’s our list of prospects to watch for fantasy baseball this April.
Roman Anthony
This list starts with Roman Anthony, arguably the best prospect not in the Majors right now. Anthony had a strong first week in Worcester (AAA), despite a .231 average. The 20-year-old walked six times over four games, belted two home runs, and had four hit balls categorized as “barrels.”
That barrel figure was tied for second-most in Triple-A, behind someone who I’ll get to in a little bit. Anthony also tallied a stolen base.
Based on Anthony’s track record and skillset, the Red Sox prospect is a potential 20-20 player — at least. Last season, he fell just shy of that marker, as Anthony had 18 home runs and 21 stolen bases across 119 games. Anthony has impact potential when he gets the call. The question is, when will that happen?
Jace Jung
Tigers third baseman prospect Jace Jung made his MLB debut last August but didn’t crack Detroit’s Opening Day roster this spring. Jung is back in Toledo and off to a flying start. The 24-year-old slashed .333/.545/.933 (1.478 OPS) with two home runs and four extra-base hits across five games.
The power potential is still very much there for Jung, who had just a .304 SLG across 94 plate appearances last year for the Tigers. However, one concerning note last year — and yet again, in Triple-A — was how much he struggled with the fastball. His 29.2% Whiff% in Triple-A this year is roughly on par with where it was (29.1%) at the MLB level last year.
Thus, expect Jung to stick in the Minors for a little bit longer.
Nick Kurtz
It was a dominant first week for Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, the team’s first-round pick last July. Kurtz was a known plus power hitter at Wake Forest and his power has certainly played in his MiLB career. The 22-year-old is tied for first in home runs (3) in the PCL. And, his five Barrels are most at the Triple-A level.
The Athletics don’t have an incentive to rush Kurtz just yet. Tyler Soderstrom‘s been impressive over the first week, as he belted three home runs over his first seven games at the Athletics’ starting first baseman.
But, Kurtz could force the issue with weeks like the one he had in March.
Brice Matthews
Two of the next three players on this list are potential stolen base merchants, starting with Brice Matthews. The 2023 first-rounder went from High-A to Triple-A last year and hit well, with a combined .265 AVG and .865 OPS. Matthews currently leads the PCL in stolen bases (3) after he stole 32 last year.
Matthews’ main problem is the strikeout, as he went down nine times on strikes over his first five games. The former Nebraska standout struck out 31.4% of the time in 2024, making it somewhat problematic to dictate what the hit tool will ultimately be, whether it be average or slightly below.
Keep an eye on him, though, as Matthews could be an option at second base for Houston later in 2025.
Jacob Misiorowski
Brewers pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski posted a stellar performance on March 30, his first outing of the year. Against Jacksonville, Misiorowski struck out seven over five shutout innings and conceded only one hit. It comes after the right-hander struck out 127 over 97 frames last year between Double-A and Triple-A.
As I noted back in February, Misiorowski doesn’t have an easily repeatable delivery. His mechanics have led to a lot of walks over his Minor League career and on the 30th, he walked three.
On the other hand, his power stuff — he hit 98 MPH in his first start — makes him an intriguing strikeout option once he ultimately gets promoted.
Chandler Simpson
It’s time now to talk about Chandler Simpson. The Rays outfielder stole 104 bases last season between High-A and Double-A and is off to another fast start to 2025. Simpson stole three bases over his first five games, tied for third-most in the International League alongside the likes of Greg Jones and Cubs prospect James Triantos.
Simpson has Billy Hamilton’s potential, in the sense that the 24-year-old can easily be a top-150 potential player in fantasy in the future, just for his stolen base prowess. However, like with Hamilton, do not expect pop from Simpson. He has just one career home run to his name in the Minors.
Nonetheless, the 24-year-old has to be on anyone’s watch list.
Tim Tawa
Former Stanford product Tim Tawa emerged as an interesting prospect in 2023 when he hit 22 home runs in Amarillo (AAA). Last year, Tawa belted 31 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s off to a good start in 2023, as Tawa hit .389 with three home runs over his first five games in Reno (AAA).
Tawa can drive the ball with authority. That’s shown up in the early numbers, as he’s part of a tie for fourth in barrels (3).
Primarily a second baseman, the Diamondbacks have played Tawa in left and right field, plus first base in Reno this season. Arizona doesn’t have room in the middle infield for Tawa, meaning the outfield might be his best bet to crack the D-Backs’ lineup.
Kyle Teel
Kyle Teel‘s first week with Charlotte (AAA) went very well. Teel hit .316 with two home runs and 9 RBI in five games, continuing a strong record he’s built over the past three years.
Teel, acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade, is a plus contact hitter with a career .302 average in the Minors.
The White Sox have been alternating between Teel and Edgar Quero, both top catching prospects, down in Charlotte. It’s possible both could be in Chicago by year’s end. But right now, Teel is the more intriguing name, especially for those who might need another catcher come later in the year.
Hurston Waldrep
Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep, much like Misiorowski, had a very strong 2025 bow in Triple-A. With Gwinnett, Waldrep struck out seven and walked one over five innings on April 1 against the Nashville Sounds.
The walk number is more impressive. Waldrep has wipeout stuff, including a devastating splitter when he can command it. The problem, though, is that the former first-round pick’s command hasn’t been sharp. Waldrep, who debuted in the Majors last June, walked eight over seven MLB innings last season. And over the last two months of 2024, Waldrep walked three or more batters in six of his last seven starts.
The Braves’ rotation, right now, is short-handed. Spencer Strider is currently rehabbing with Gwinnett, while Reynaldo Lopez is out indefinitely after shoulder surgery. Waldrep still has #2-#3 starter potential, making him a name to watch. However, he’s not an option in the interim, as Waldrep was optioned to Triple-A before the 2025 season.
Carson Whisenhunt
The last name on the list is Carson Whisenhunt, the Giants prospect who’s been on the radar for a long time. Whisenhunt, a former second-round pick, struck out nine batters over 4.2 IP in his first 2025 start. The 24-year-old struck out 141 batters over 109.2 IP last year.
Whisenhunt works hitters with his sinker and changeup, the latter of which is his swing-and-miss pitch. The changeup has a roughly 12 MPH separation between the two-seamer, making it a strong weapon to get hitters out in front.
Check out more of our fantasy coverage, including a look at the risers & fallers from Week 1.