With July wrapping up, it’s time to take a look at which prospects are trending up in the Minors and who could be options in fantasy down the line. And, we’ve tried to keep things fresh with five new names to consider.
Max Anderson
Tigers infielder Max Anderson is creeping up.
One of the best contact hitters in the Minors, Anderson slashed .308/.432/.431 with 20 hits, as well as 13 walks across 18 games in July. As of July 28, the former Nebraska Cornhusker slashed .308/.376/.496 with nine home runs and 27 extra-base hits over 63 contests.
Anderson projects to be one of those interesting chaos hitters, one who can get out and get after balls out of the strike zone and make consistent contact. That’s exactly what he’s done with Toledo in the Minors.
Leo Bernal
The Cardinals’ system is flush with catching prospects, a good problem to have. One of those players is Leo Bernal, who is having a tremendous month with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.
Over 14 contests in July, Bernal slashed .352/.390/.741 with five home runs and 11 extra-base hits with Memphis.
St. Louis doesn’t have to promote Bernal yet. Even though he is on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals have catching depth in the Majors right now between Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages. But he is someone to watch, especially if, for some reason, Bernal becomes a trade chip.
Enrique Bradfield
At some point, the Orioles will have to give Enrique Bradfield a look up in the Majors.
The Orioles’ top draft pick from 2023, Bradfield slashed .281/.369/.316 with nine stolen bases and 16 hits over 18 contests this month with Triple-A Norfolk. On the season, Bradfield has a .369 on-base percentage, as well as 29 stolen bases.
Bradfield will be eligible for the 2026 Rule 5 Draft (assuming one happens), and despite fringe 25-grade power, his elite speed and ability to get on base make him the kind of player who could be a reliable defensive player, as well as a stolen base threat. Realistically, he’ll likely be more of an AL-only format option — unless be becomes a stolen base threat en masse.
Michael Forret
Rays pitching prospect Michael Forret, part of the return for Shane Baz, is now up in Triple-A and has pitched relatively well over the last few weeks in Durham.
Twenty-two strikeouts over 17 innings for Forret during July, who is up to 96 on the year between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. He’s only allowed one home run over that span.
Forret is one of several high-end pitching prospects in Triple-A Durham. But unlike Brody Hopkins, who is a max-effort pitcher with high velocity and command questions, Forret has more of a starter build. Low-to-mid-90s sinker and four-seamer, plus a changeup, slider, and an occasionally used cutter.
Luis Perales
Nationals pitching prospect Luis Perales is a bit behind Jake Bennett, whom he was traded for last fall. However, the hard-throwing right-hander is starting to become more and more of an option down the line for the Nats.
Despite 14 walks over 19 innings this month, Perales struck out 22 and limited opposing hitters to 12 hits and one home run for Triple-A Rochester this month. Overall, the 23-year-old struck out 70 over 78 innings this season for the Red Wings.
Overall, his calling card has been that booming fastball, which has hit the triple digits this season with regularity. But additionally, Perales also possesses a cutter, a changeup, and breaking balls to keep hitters off balance.
Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage.