Each month, we’ve done looks at prospects to watch for both the short term and long term for fantasy. But since the Minor League season is wrapping up, we’re doing things a little differently for September. Instead, we’re going to recap five young players over the last week and a half that you should keep an eye on, not for 2026 per se but 2027.
Joshua Baez
Despite some hiccups in his first month, Joshua Baez has done well overall in his first few weeks as a Major Leaguer. From August 15 through the start of play on the 16th, he slashed .240/.288/.531 (.820 OPS) with seven home runs and 14 extra-base hits. That latter figure was good for a tie for 14th in the Majors.
Now, the book that was on Baez in the Minors hasn’t changed. Low walk totals, high strikeout numbers — he ranked among the bottom 20 in both BB% and K% in that aforementioned span — but it’s hard to deny that the power tool is legit.
The question is what exactly will the Cardinals get out of him in a 162-game season.
Max Clark
It’s been full steam ahead for Max Clark in his first MLB season.
Clark, over the last month, slashed .286/.389/.462 (.830 OPS) with 11 extra-base hits, two of which were home runs. Plus, the rookie outfielder stole five bases, had a BB% of 9.5%, and struck out in fewer than 20% of his plate appearances.
There is some future 20-20 upside in Clark’s game, although much of that may depend on how much pull-side power he can generate. But for next season, Clark is an obvious name to watch, a likely top-200 player in points leagues, thanks to the many tools in his game.
Robert Gasser
Heading into 2027, the potential breakout name to watch will be Logan Henderson. Henderson’s been a dominant force for the Brewers over the past few weeks, and has been the second-best starter on that staff of late aside from Jacob Misiorowski. But Henderson’s not the only name to watch.
Robert Gasser, quietly, has been very good. Yes, the walks have been high, as he allowed 12 free passes over his last 23 innings. But over his last five outings, the left-hander struck out 24, and allowed just one home run.
Expect Gasser to get more rope in the Brewers’ rotation come 2027.
Spencer Jones
We noted earlier in the month, when the Yankees clinched a playoff spot, that Spencer Jones has been a very valuable bat. But the real question is how much opportunity will he get in 2027?
Since the All-Star break, Jones has been one of the best pure power hitters in the sport. And over the last month, the rookie went on a tear, slashing.320/.368/.526 with five home runs and 10 extra-base hits.
But heading into 2027, Jones will be a second-year player who does have more flaws than have shown up on the stat sheet. Plus, assuming Cody Bellinger, Heliot Ramos, and Aaron Judge stay healthy, plus with Jasson Dominguez in the background, it’ll be an interesting dance.
Lazaro Montes
Mariners rookie outfielder Lazaro Montes was promoted to the Majors in September after a dominant 2026 on the stat sheet. And, as some of the other players noted above, the Minor League numbers weren’t deceiving.
Montes has three home runs and a .930 OPS in limited time. Not to mention, 14 strikeouts over 31 plate appearances.
He’s going to strike out a lot. And there is a question as to whether Seattle’s lineup has too much swing-and-miss heading into next season. But given that the Mariners’ core is due for a shake-up (Randy Arozarena will be a free agent), Montes will get time next season. With his power, there’s a lot of upside.
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