Thus far in July, we’ve already seen several notable prospects, including Cam Schlittler & Colson Montgomery, come up to the Majors. And with the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline nearing, more high-end names could be on the way. Here’s a look at six prospects to watch in fantasy circles over the coming weeks.

Hunter Barco

Last month, we glossed over the brilliance of Bubba Chandler, who continues to mow down opposing hitters in Triple-A. It’s worth noting that Chandler didn’t have a great June but after throwing six scoreless innings in his first July start, he’ll be just fine. However, Chandler’s not the only notable pitching prospect down in Indianapolis.

Hunter Barco, a 24-year-old left-hander, is among the best pitching prospects in the game right now. After 25+ innings without giving up a run in Double-A, Barco struck out 47 over 37.2 IP in his first nine outings with the Indians. And last month, he finished 13th in the International League in total strikeouts (27).

Barco is a heavy two-seam/slider pitcher. He’s used the two-seamer, one that sits in the mid-90s and fits the mold of a runner more than a sinker, and slider almost exclusively, while mixing in a splitter and cutter on occasion. The slider developed into his ace pitch, as it has a 47.5% Whiff%.

Barco pitch movement 2025 1
Look at the induced vertical movement on the sinker.

And because he’s a true “sinker” pitcher, there’s some promise he can be a strikeout arm in the Majors, especially with the slider. However, when he and Chandler come up to the Majors remains to be seen.

Samuel Basallo

Samuel Basallo is pretty good, I’m just going to say that.

The 20-year-old catcher batted .318/.452/.667 (1.119 OPS) for Norfolk (AAA) last month, and nine of his 21 hits were extra-base hits. Seven of those, by the way, were home runs. That month helped push him to sixth in Triple-A in terms of barreled contact instances (30).

Now, it will be interesting to see how Basallo ultimately does at the MLB level when he does ultimately get the call. Basallo has some “bad ball hitter” inside him, as his chase rate on pitches out of the zone currently exceeds 30% in Triple-A. That could be exploited at the Major League level.

However, the big question now is when he, and to a lesser extent, toolsy outfielder Dylan Beavers, get the call to Baltimore. Both are high-end prospects and have performed well in Triple-A. It would make sense for it to happen after July 31, once the Orioles decide on what to do with Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and other pieces to sell off.

But for right now, we wait.

Owen Caissie

Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie, who’s shown above-average pop in the Minors the past couple of seasons, has begun to knock on the door to Chicago.

Caissie, the Triple-A leader in barreled contact (36 instances), has been on an impressive tear since the start of June. Across 102 at-bats, Caissie hit .359/.459/.765 (1.224 OPS) with 11 home runs and 20 extra-base hits across 28 games.

Strikeouts have been a part of Caissie’s game. He’s whiffed at breaking balls 41.3% at the Triple-A level but while that is a vulnerability, it doesn’t mean he can’t be a viable Major League asset.

The problem with Caissie, though, is that there’s no opening for him on the Cubs’ roster right now. That could change with an injury — or in 2025 if Kyle Tucker doesn’t re-sign.

Justin Crawford

Back on our fantasy prospect watch list in July, Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford remains a name to watch heading into July.

Crawford, a plus runner, is currently third in the International League in stolen bases (29). That should get fantasy players’ attention. However, the former first-round pick — who has quick hands with not much power — has also been adept with the stick. As of July 9, Crawford’s 96 hits lead the International League, one ahead of Moises Ballesteros.

Much like with Caissie, Crawford may not crack the Phillies’ roster this season unless an injury arises. However, what might be the more interesting plotline is whether the Phillies are willing to part with him for a big piece. The gut says no for now but anything is possible.

JJ Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt received a promotion to Triple-A this week, moving the 2024 first-round pick one step closer to St. Louis.

As noted in our Futures Game preview, Wetherholt is a special hitter. Dating back to his college days, the middle infielder was sublime in terms of putting the bat on the ball. He did that with Double-A Springfield, batting .300/.425/.466 (.891 OPS) with 22 extra-base hits, along with 14 stolen bases.

Wetherholt will likely possess intriguing fantasy value in non-dynasty leagues once he ultimately arrives in the Majors. He’s a plus hitter who didn’t strike out a lot (14.5%) in Double-A, has the potential for double-digit home run totals, and can steal.

Carson Williams

Speaking of hot hitters in Triple-A, Rays shortstop Carson Williams has been comfortable down in Durham of late.

From June 1 to this writing, Williams hit .289/.405/.619 (1.024 OPS) with nine home runs, tied with Marlins prospect Jakob Marsee for fifth in the International League. Those numbers are par for the course, as Williams posted 20+ home run seasons in 2023 and 2024.

A former Rawlings MiLB Gold Glove winner himself, Williams has significantly more offensive upside than Taylor Walls & Jose Caballero. However, the two continue to get play thanks to their speed and range in the field.

Like Caissie, Williams is vulnerable to breaking balls (46.1% Whiff%) and strikes out a lot.

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