Now that we’re into the middle of June, it’s time for our third monthly installment of the fantasy baseball prospect list. And, perhaps there’s no name more interesting to watch right now on the immediate call-up front than Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez.
Joshua Baez
Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez had a torrid May, as the 22-year-old belted 10 home runs in Triple-A last month. That put him in rare air, as Baez was only two hitters to do that at the Minors’ highest level in May. The only other was White Sox infielder Jacob Gonzalez, who earned a call-up last month.
This month, Baez was second in total hits (17) behind Blue Jays prospect Josh Rivera. Up to 19 home runs and 12 steals this season, he has the package to be an impact fantasy asset. But as we noted in our May NL Central farm review, Baez is a complicated prospect as far as skillset is concerned.
The Cardinals have already put Baez on the 40-man roster, as that was done to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft this past November. So, the clock is technically ticking on him. However, a larger problem — and it’s a good one to have — is where does he play in a crowded St. Louis outfield? Likely in center field, where Baez has received most of his reps in 2026.
Max Clark
Things came easily to Max Clark over the first two full years of his professional career — at least that is what the numbers indicated. However, the 21-year-old Clark had to go through some growing pains thus far in 2026.
Clark had an interesting spring, to say the least. But once in Toledo, the former first-rounder hit well initially to start the year. However, in May, Clark slashed .232/.305/.326 with 18 strikeouts across 23 contests. But over the first half of May, Clark hit three home runs, more than the two he hit in April & May combined.
Given that the Tigers haven’t received great production from Wenceel Perez, who spent time in Toledo this season, and Matt Vierling, it feels like a spot in Detroit’s outfield is there for the taking. But can it be taken?
Kaelen Culpepper
The Twins have several standout shortstop prospects in the system, and one of those individuals is Kaelen Culpepper, a first-rounder from 2024.
Two years later, Culpepper is on the cusp of a promotion to the Majors. A walk rate of 12.8%, 14 home runs this season, and Culpepper also has 15 stolen bases. He was a 20-20 player last season, so that’s a good body of work to play with, as far as fantasy potential is concerned.
Unfortunately, the complicated part with Culpepper is that a hip strain forced him to the injured list on June 16. So, for those wondering when he may arrive in the Majors, the answer is not just yet.
Quinn Mathews
It feels like Quinn Mathews‘ name has been on the tongue for years. However, despite a dominant 2024 campaign, Mathews’ 2025 season was a tough one thanks in part to the high walk totals.
But so far in June, Mathews has been lights out. Fifteen strikeouts and only two walks over 12 shutout innings. A significant development, given that Mathews averaged nearly one walk per inning in April & May. Mathews gave 17 free passes in 19 April innings, and 16 over 20 innings last month.
Mathews may not be an immediate contender for a roster spot, or at least, unlike Baez, his Memphis teammate. The Cardinals have received terrific pitching to this point in 2026. However, keep an eye on the former Stanford product.
Owen Murphy
So far, so good for former first-round pick Owen Murphy in June. The Braves’ pitching prospect struck out 21 batters over 16 innings (three outings) in the month. Opposing batters have hit .197 off him, and Murphy’s walked just four over those 16 frames.
The Braves already gave a look to JR Ritchie, who’s been up and down since his MLB debut in April, earlier this year. And, it is possible that the Braves do the same with Murphy. One, the Braves will be without Spencer Strider for at least a month, adding to the list of injured hurlers. Two, Murphy, who will be Rule 5-eligible at the end of the year, has pitched very well.
And, the Braves have been willing to be aggressive with young pitchers.
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