As the adage goes, what once was old is new again. Save for a few big-ticket items, most contenders took a conservative approach this offseason, in terms of dollars. In place of the big spending seen in recent winters, they turned to an old strategy for acquisitions: bartering, offering young talent in exchange for established veterans. At the same time, you could say the teams with the existing talent also went old-school and became prospectors.
Many of the names remain the same; however, a good number of high-profile prospects find themselves in new situations. Although some prospects stayed at home, the movements of their organizations throughout the winter might have great influence, both good and bad, over their paths.
The following are the top 50 prospects for the 2017 season. Keep in mind the same disclaimers as always apply. This is not a traditional ranking like the one done by Keith Law. What a player projects to do in three-to-five years is not important to winning a championship this year. Also, things such as playing time (starting on a bad team versus playing sparingly on a good one), position scarcity and potential to impact standard-scoring categories are in some cases as important as natural ability.
These rankings are also fluid. They will change as the environments around the players change. For example, Trevor Story ranked 25th on the initial list in 2016. However, by mid-March, the circumstances around him had changed enough for us to project him to win the shortstop job for the Colorado Rockies, and it was off to the races thereafter.
On to the preseason list for 2017:
1. Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B, Chicago White Sox
Moncada was arguably the biggest name moved this winter, when Boston traded him to Chicago in a package for Chris Sale. Now wearing black socks for the pale hose, Moncada has a clearer path to a full-time job in the majors. Unlike with last year's No. 1 player, Corey Seager, there is still work to be done. Some time in Charlotte would not hurt Moncada, especially in terms of discipline and selection. Striking out in 12 of his 20 big league plate appearances provided confirmation that the concerns about his rising rate in the minors were legitimate.
Additionally, his defensive position is still up for debate. Some see him better suited for third base than second, while others see him completely out of the infield. Regardless of where he plays, his ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate with speed (20-plus HR/30-plus steals) and a bunch of playing time make him the one to watch in 2017.
2. Dansby Swanson, SS, Atlanta Braves
There was some internal debate about Swanson, a former top overall pick, going No. 1 here as well. The argument for Swanson as a safer, more reliable option over Moncada is legitimate. Plus, he already has a starting job locked down and should get 650 plate appearances hitting in the top third of Atlanta's lineup. However, though Dansby projects to be a steady player, hitting in the .275 range with double-digit home runs and perhaps similar steals, the star potential upside tips the scale in Moncada's favor. Nonetheless, Swanson is an attractive alternative to the high-priced shortstops ahead of him.
3. Andrew Benintendi, OF, Boston Red Sox
Benintendi is the top prospect on several lists, including Keith Law's. He is a dynamic, two-way player who should provide the Red Sox as much value with his glove as he does with the bat. The unfortunate part is that his defense does not matter in the fantasy realm, and outfield is the deepest position. Also working against him here are good but not great projections. He figures to get a lot of at-bats and approach a .300 batting average, but he might fetch only 15 home runs and 15 steals. On the flip side, he might score a bunch of runs if he is given the second spot in a lineup that should test scoreboards on a nightly basis.
4. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox boast the top position player as well as the top pitcher, neither of whom were in the organization at the end of 2016. The first of two players in the Adam Eaton trade to make the list, Giolito will look to improve upon his poor debut last season under the tutelage of highly decorated pitching coach Don Cooper. Perhaps the tinkering done by the Nationals last spring impacted Giolito more than initially thought. Sometimes, going with what got you there is the best case. And Giolito has two potential 80 offerings -- fastball and curveball -- with another plus pitch (changeup) and previous signs of advanced control bordering on command. If there is such a thing as buying low on a guy with his pedigree, Giolito is the one.
5. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Glasnow enters 2017 in a similar situation as he did last year. He is on the verge of earning a spot in the Pirates rotation, provided he shows improved control and some semblance of a third pitch to go with his plus fastball and hammer breaking ball. He brought neither with him upon his promotion in 2016, walking 13 batters in 23 1/3 innings and tossing a changeup less than 5 percent of the time. On the other hand, he struck out better than a batter per inning with the potentially dominant one-two punch. His size and long levers might inhibit him from ever having great control, but the ability to toss a consistent third pitch could offset that by deepening his arsenal and keeping hitters off-balance.
6. Hunter Renfroe, OF, San Diego Padres
The Padres slow-roasted Renfroe, keeping him in the Pacific Coast League long after he proved he was ready for a promotion to San Diego. The call finally came in September, and the slugger quickly went to work. He smashed four home runs in 11 games and added three doubles. Those came in addition to the 30 home runs and 34 doubles he hit in Triple-A. He probably will not walk much and could punch out in a quarter of his plate appearances as a full-timer, but he can legitimately impact the HR category (30 or more) and could be a source of RBIs in a revamped Padres lineup. He also comes without the notoriety and price tag of mainstream outfield targets.
7. Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Bell underwent minor knee surgery this month, which could impact his status for Opening Day, but the pure switch-hitter should still receive plenty of plate appearances in 2017. Although he possesses the bulk of Renfroe, Bell is Renfroe's antithesis as a player. He has a tremendous hit tool that will one day challenge for a batting title, and he has command of the strike zone that goes beyond his age. Conversely, the hulking stature has produced little in terms of in-game power, though he did belt 17 home runs between Triple-A and the majors. Finding a home for Bell on the diamond has proven difficult, as the converted outfielder is still a work in progress at first base, and the outfield in Pittsburgh remains crowded even if Andrew McCutcheon is moved. The uncertainty might actually benefit Bell in fantasy, as dual-eligibility only enhances his value.
8. Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees
Very rarely can you overlook someone with Judge's size -- he's listed at 6-foot-7, 230 pounds -- but Gary Sanchez's scorching summer of 2016 made many do just that. An oblique injury cut Judge's season a few weeks short, but he was able to belt four home runs in his relatively short time with the big league club. He enters 2017 as the right-field favorite and could top 30 home runs with regular playing time. That comes with a caveat, as he will need to drastically reduce his strikeouts in order to remain in the lineup. He struck out in 42 of his 95 plate appearances with the Yankees, and his long limbs make him prone to stuff that wiggles. If he can command the zone, he can rack up big numbers in home runs, RBIs and runs scored with a home park that promotes those sorts of things.
9. Manuel Margot, OF, San Diego Padres
As with Renfroe above, the Padres let Margot simmer in the minors perhaps longer than necessary. Defensively, he was ready prior to the 2016 season, but offensively, he proved up to the challenge of Triple-A at age 21. Even though he played among the friendly confines of the PCL, Margot showcased skills that play in any environment. He makes a ton of contact and uses 70-grade speed once the ball is in play. Double-digit home runs might seem like a stretch, especially with 81 games at Petco Park, but what he lacks in over-the-wall power will be made up for by doubles and triples. Even singles can turn into scoring opportunities with his speed. As a full-timer, he could approach 30 to 40 steals.
10. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Colorado Rockies
It's been quite the few years for Hoffman, who celebrated his 24th birthday in the offseason. Tommy John surgery derailed his opportunity to go first overall in the 2014 draft, but his talent was enough to keep him in the top 10. The Jays were able to use Hoffman as the primary piece of the Troy Tulowitzki trade just a year later. He was pitching for the Rockies in Colorado by the end of 2016. Hoffman is a bit enigmatic. The fastball is frontline quality in the mid-90s, and the curveball is an out pitch, but he has not been able to turn the combo into a consistent source of strikeouts. His changeup wanes between useful and a weak fastball with command still a ways a way. Pitching in Coors Field does not help, but the ability and opportunity to pitch every fifth day make him worth watching.
11. Jharel Cotton, RHP, Oakland Athletics
Cotton's best attribute at this stage is being a starting pitcher who is employed by the Oakland A's. That alone gets him the chance to make 30 or more starts at the back end of the rotation. To be fairer to him, Cotton was impressive in five starts at the end of the season, coupling an average fastball with a plus changeup and control. He also spins a hard cutter and a breaking ball. Despite limited size, he was able to withstand 165 innings of work last season between two organizations and two levels of competition. The spacious Coliseum should help his fly ball tendencies, which means he could be a sneaky source for WHIP.
12. Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds
In an upset, Winker did not make his major league debut last season. The former supplemental first-round pick missed a decent portion of the summer with a wrist injury, which likely impacted his extreme lack of power -- not that Winker ever projected to hit 30 home runs, but three in nearly 450 plate appearances was not expected, either. Despite the missing pop, he managed to hit above .300 and walked as much as he struck out. He will likely begin the season back in Louisville looking to regain some boom in his stick, but he is now a member of the 40-man roster and has to outshine only Scott Schebler for a spot on the big league roster.
13. Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies
Injured at the time of his acquisition at the 2015 trade deadline, Alfaro made his organizational debut for the Phillies last season, culminating in a brief call-up near the end of the summer. The 23-year-old possesses two top-shelf tools: power and arm strength. The rest of the package remains a work in progress. The bat will likely be below average in the big leagues, and his discipline as it stands is nowhere near enough to make up for it. Defensively, the arm is tremendous, but the rest of his catching needs refinement, though it has improved. Even if he never wins a gold glove, that type of power from a backstop makes him a commodity.
14. Robert Gsellman, RHP, New York Mets
In 2015, Gsellman, a 13th-round pick in the 2011 draft, could barely strike batters out at the Double-A level. Fast-forward to the end of last season, and he was striking out nearly a batter per inning with the Mets. Now he enters 2017 with the upper hand in a battle for a spot in the rotation. The right-hander's velocity (mid-90s) now matches his frame, and he has at least three average offerings to mix with the heater. The profile is no greater than a middle-of-the-rotation arm, but he should get 30-plus starts for a good team in a good park with the chance for some strikeouts and a lot of damage done on the ground. That's worth a late-round look.
15. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
It seems weird for a 24-year-old with fewer than 10 career starts to be at a crossroads, but Stephenson has been a prospect for so long (selected 27th overall in 2011) that something has to give -- and soon. The stuff and size are there. Stephenson has the prototypical frame and a fastball that lives between 93 and 96 mph. He has a pair of secondary offerings that are not only useful but also can be effective. Yet, somehow, the strikeouts aren't as plentiful as you would expect and the walks are more generous than you would like. The good news is the Reds have nothing to lose these days. Giving Stephenson 30 or more starts should absolutely be the plan. He should be at least league average if not better, should things start to click. If nothing else, 30 starts would also take away his rookie eligibility.
16. Luke Weaver, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Not the right-handed pitching prospect Cardinals fan wanted (Alex Reyes), Weaver might turn out to be the pitching prospect the Cardinals need. In wake of the Reyes injury, Weaver finds himself in the mix for a rotation spot after a strong debut in 2016. He started the year dominating for Double-A Springfield before he was promoted to Triple-A for one start. He found himself in St. Louis for the final two months of the season, in which he struck out 45 batters in 36 1/3 innings. Those numbers are unlikely to hold over the course of a full year, but Weaver should have some staying power. He has a three-pitch mix with a low-90s fastball and a plus changeup, and he added a cutter that looks like it might work in lieu of a breaking ball. He has good control, though he might want to avoid leaving the fastball up in the zone. Weaver surely is not Reyes, but he doesn't need to be to have late value.
17. J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Crawford had a disappointing season in 2016, but there are reasons to still believe he will be an impact player in Philadelphia before too long. For starters, at age 21, he was young for both the leagues he played in; he spent most of his time in the International League, in which he was five-and-a-half years younger than the average player. Although his seasonal batting average sat at .250, he still reached base nearly 35 percent of the time, thanks to his extraordinary feel for the zone. Although his plus glove won't win you any standard categories, his dynamic fielding ability could get him to the majors sooner and keep him in the lineup through slumps.
18. Austin Meadows, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
A big reason Andrew McCutcheon's name is being tossed around in trade rumors is the impending debut of Meadows. The ninth overall selection in 2013 has been slowed by injuries to this point, but the tools in the shed have everyone in the Pirates' organization excited for his future. Meadows is a borderline four-tool prospect with the ability to hit for average and power while tracking the ball down with speed in center field. The arm is average, but the rest of the glove work makes him a true defender up the middle for now. He has above-average bat speed and could hit 25 or more home runs when he establishes himself as an MLB regular, which could happen by this summer.
19. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Yet another Southside import this winter, Lopez came to Chicago in the same deal as potential rotation-mate Giolito. The San Pedro de Macorís product made his big league debut last season, which is quite the rise for a player who had not pitched above Class A prior to the season. His size and arm slot don't lend themselves to starting long-term, but in the interim, the White Sox owe it to themselves to see just how long he can last as a starter. The stuff is electric. He can touch triple-digits with the ability to sustain velocity over the course of multiple innings. He backs it up with an upper-70s curveball and a mid-80s changeup. The breaking ball is ahead in terms of usage and effectiveness. He showed good control in the minors and not so good in the majors. The long-term concerns are real, but in a 2017 re-draft league, you can throw them out the window.
20. Jose De Leon, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays pulled off a nifty move late in the winter by moving a serviceable but replaceable Logan Forsythe for six-plus years of De Leon. I say "plus" because you can bet the thrifty Rays are going to manipulate his service clocks like father time. The right-hander is quite the success story, rising from the 24th round to the majors in less than four seasons. He made four starts for Los Angeles last year, featuring a low-90s fastball and a changeup that will miss bats. De Leon has a feel for mixing speeds with control and can hide what is coming very well. Playing in a pitcher's ball park for a team that prides itself on defense is a boon for a young arm. In the long run, he is in a great place, but for now, he'll probably sit until sometime in June.
21. Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds
No write-up of Garrett can be made without mentioning his athleticism. It has allowed him to transition nearly seamlessly from power forward on the basketball court to power pitcher in just a few years. He sits in the low- to mid-90s, with the ability to go higher. His slider is a death sentence for opposing lefties, and his changeup is suitable for use against righties. Still relatively inexperienced on the mound, he is still working on developing his control and command. Even without much more accuracy, he could be a useful late-innings reliever. But like so many others, it is too early to give up on the dream of starting, and the Reds' situation means he should get an opportunity to prove himself in the 2017 rotation. If you're going to gamble, always bet on the athlete.
22. Tom Murphy, C, Colorado Rockies
Aside from playing for the same organization, and their similar rankings on this list, Murphy has a "2016 Trevor Story" feel about him. He is a talented but not great prospect with offensive potential at a prime position. He will also play more than half his games in hitters' parks, including all of his home contests. Staying on the field has been Murphy's biggest hurdle. He is a decent defender, with at least average power. The hit tool isn't the greatest, but lesser hitters have made hay by playing half their games at Coors Field. Tony Wolters, a standout defender, is his chief competition. A hot start by Murphy at the plate this spring should be able to overcome the gap in glove and earn him the lion's share of time.
23. Tyler Beede, RHP, San Francisco Giants
Beede, a 2014 first-round pick, feels like he has been around for a while because of our familiarity with him going back to his days in Vanderbilt. He struggled at the Double-A level in 2015, but rebounded nicely in 2016 and is in position for bigger things in 2017. The fastball is back to what it was in Nashville, and the hook is ready to get major league hitters out. He uses a sinker at times and throws in a cutter and a workable changeup. It is a full arsenal with decent control, all coming from a steady, 6-foot-4 base. Matt Cain will probably get first crack at the Giants' fifth-starter spot because of his salary, but Beede is probably the better option right now.
24. Josh Hader, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Hader is fun to watch. With a full mane of flowing locks under his cap, he rocks on the mound before coiling back and firing low-90s fastballs seemingly from his shoulder. The not-quite-sidearm slot is extremely difficult to pick up, especially from the left side, where the ball looks like it's coming for your hips. He sweeps a hard slider across the plate that is nearly unhittable for lefties and dives at the back foot of right-handed hitters. The changeup is the third banana, but could get to average at some point. The geography can get a bit sloppy, and some question if his mechanics can hold up as a starter in the long term, but after striking out 161 batters in 126 innings at the upper levels of the minors, he is close to testing his stuff out on big league hitters.
25. Christian Arroyo, SS/3B, San Francisco Giants
When the Giants traded Matt Duffy at the trade deadline it appeared as if they would eventually hand the hot corner to Arroyo. A shortstop by trade, Arroyo, 21, will have to move from his natural position, which is currently manned by Brandon Crawford. As it stands, Eduardo Nunez will get the first chance at keeping the job, and Korean import Jae-gyun Hwang appears to be plan B. Regardless of what happens in March 2017, the job still appears to be Arroyo's at some point during the next 12 months. He is a terrific batsman who could hit .300 as a regular at the highest level. The power is relegated to the gaps, but doubles turn into runs when you're surrounded by a solid lineup. Maybe he is destined to be a rover along the infield, but in terms of average, Arroyo could offer a boost to fantasy owners if given the chance.
26. Lewis Brinson, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Another toolsy center fielder with an affinity for the disabled list, Brinson, 22, is arguably just a hot start at the plate away from making the leap to the majors. His glove is already big league-caliber. Acquired by Milwaukee in the deadline deal for Jonathan Lucroy, Brinson hit .382 in limited action for the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate, showing the offensive potential that could propel him into stardom. That said, there's more work than the handful of PCL games would suggest. His plus raw power does not always show up in games, and he can go through stretches where contact is hard to come by. His approach is not perfect, but also not overly aggressive. At minimum, he will get a lot of opportunities because of the glove, but the bat could be just as special in time.
27. Raimel Tapia, OF, Colorado Rockies
Tapia's hitting mechanics will not be found in any textbook. In fact, even if they were, they would be too weird to explain and then attempt. Alas, they have worked thus far for Tapia. A slender center fielder, he used his unorthodox style throughout his minor league career and earned a promotion to the majors late last season. He does not appear interested in drawing walks, so the hit tool and speed -- both potential plus tools -- will have to play up for regular playing time. His inside-the-fence power and a spacious outfield should help. Tapia's glove is good enough to handle center, but he will probably take a corner spot once some veterans move on, which could come in the first half of the season.
28. Francis Martes, RHP, Houston Astros
Although Martes just turned 21 this offseason, he is already participating in big league camp, had success in the Texas League and could be pitching for Houston later this summer. A right-hander acquired from the Marlins at the 2014 deadline, he works from a solid base, throwing a heavy fastball in the mid-90s. His short-arcing curveball will generate outs at the highest level, and his firm -- perhaps too firm at times -- changeup gives him a viable third pitch. His control can sometimes get loose, leaving pitches up and away, and his frame is probably at max capacity for his height. The Astros have been aggressive in promoting players when needed, and Martes could be the next in line.
29. German Marquez, RHP, Colorado Rockies
If Marquez had remained in Tampa Bay, where the Rays take a low-and-slow approach, he might have been ready to make his Triple-A debut this April. With the Rockies, Marquez, 21, already has a handful of major league appearances and could be on the verge of more with just a sprinkle of additional seasoning. He already has two plus pitches in a low-to-mid-90s and a low-80s curveball. The changeup is just OK, but as with so many other pitchers, it will determine his ultimate role. He shows a feel for the strike zone already and could one day introduce command into the mix. The home park is a deterrent, but the strikeouts and WHIP could be underrated.
30. Yohander Mendez, LHP, Texas Rangers
Mendez made tremendous strides in 2016, starting the season in advanced-A ball and reaching the majors in September. He is a tall drink of water and is now starting to add some much-needed bulk to that frame. The increased strength has added some octane to his fastball and increased his durability. A plus changeup works well off the fastball and can get outs in the majors right now. He tosses a pair of breaking balls -- a low-80s slider and an upper-70s curve -- but neither have become a reliable third offering. I prefer the curve just based on changing speeds and eye levels. He will probably start the season at Triple-A Round Rock but could be the first call if an arm is needed.
31. Ozzie Albies, SS/2B, Atlana Braves
Albies was once the Braves' shortstop of the future, but with Swanson in the mix, he has moved across the bag, where he should have no problems as a second baseman. He has plus speed and a tremendous feel for contact. Those two traits should make for a dynamic leadoff man. Despite just turning 20 in January, he has already had what equates to a half-season at Triple-A, and although his average dipped a bit, his approach was still sound, with little that suggests he won't hit in a repeat trip to Gwinnett. Atlanta's current starting second baseman, Brandon Phillips, is essentially being paid by the Reds to play for the Braves, so when Atlanta deems Albies ready, there should be little hesitation to make a switch.
32. Amed Rosario, SS, New York Mets
Rosario is a top-five MLB prospect -- top-three if you ask Keith Law -- with legitimate two-way ability. He falls to the back half among fantasy prospects for 2017 because of his proximity to the majors. He tore through two levels of the minors last year, hitting .341/.392/.481 upon being promoted to Double-A. The bat speed is special and should keep him around the .300 mark even as he advances in competition. He is tall, with the ability to sting the ball. Even though the power hasn't manifested itself yet in home runs in games, they should come. In the next 12-18 months, he projects to be among the Francisco Lindors, Carlos Correas and Corey Seagers of the world. Now a member of the 40-man roster, he is almost guaranteed a September call-up; however, the chance he breaks through by mid-summer is why he makes the list.
33. Kevin Newman, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
Newman might have a better understanding of the strike zone than some minor league umpires. In 2016, he took more free passes (43) than strikeouts (36) in 457 combined plate appearances across two levels. He is a line-drive machine with an advanced hit tool and can push the ball to all fields. The power will never be great, but he has the strength to generate a bunch of doubles and could get double-digit home runs as a regular. He is solid defensively, with the ability to play a "boring" shortstop at the highest level. He'll make all the routine plays with more than enough arm but don't expect much flash. Considering Jordy Mercer has been the team's shortstop for the past four years, Newman's bat and steady hand should be a considerable upgrade when he takes over.
34, 35. Ian Happ, 2B/OF, and Jeimer Candelario, IF, Chicago Cubs
A buy-one, get-one special! This pair of Cubbies gets lumped together for a few reasons. Both are above-average switch-hitters with decent power potential -- and a ton of uncertainty defensively. Having hitters who are close to being major league-ready without a home on the diamond is a problem at which Joe Maddon excels in solving. That said, he is running out of positions. Happ is passable at second base, but the Cubs have Javier Baez. Candelario can play either corner-infield spot, but not over Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo. Left field could be a place to hide either one, but Maddon is already doing that with Kyle Schwarber. Happ and Candelario both have major league-caliber bats and should be playing at the highest level in 2017. The problem is, without injury, it probably requires them to be traded to do so.
36. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
The screwball serves as Honeywell's frontman, but it is just the face for what is a really talented band of pitches. The low- to mid-90s fastball sets the pace, with control bordering on command and sustainable velocity. He has added a cutter, which serves as a breaking ball of sorts, and his changeup is probably the best of the bunch, including the screwball. After carving up the Florida State League, he more then held his own in Double-A. He should start the season in Triple-A and perhaps make his MLB debut toward the end of the year.
37. Sean Newcomb, LHP, Atlanta Braves
Since being drafted in the first round in 2014, Newcomb has struck out better than a batter per inning at every level of professional ball. There is nothing wrong with the way the ball jumps out of his left hand, reaching the upper-90s. His breaking ball and off-speed offerings are both average as packaged right now, with the chance to be better, especially the changeup. The only hold-up is navigation. Once the ball leaves, Newcomb has little idea where it will land. While beneficial at times, not knowing where you're throwing is problematic, especially as the competition's talent level increases. He should start the season in nearby Gwinnett, with a chance to crack the Braves' rotation at midseason, provided he improves his location and a veteran or two is moved from the staff.
38. Dominic Smith, 1B, New York Mets
Smith is an atypical first-base prospect. He has the size of a power hitter, but the hit tool was first to shine, with power only really coming into play last season during game action. He isn't at first base because he lacks defensive ability. He is above average with the glove, and his arm is well above average. The problem is that he can't move well, so first base is his limit for range. He is still young. He won't turn 22 until June, and he has not reached Triple-A, though playing in the PCL will not do much for his skill set. He has slimmed down a bit, which might give him a little more mobility, but don't expect much there. What you can expect is his .300 average, with home run totals approaching 20 and twice that amount of doubles. Lucas Duda remains the Mets' incumbent at first; however, if the Mets decide they can upgrade the cold corner with a hot bat, Smith could take over the job in a few months.
39. Matt Chapman, 3B, Oakland Athletics
Chapman takes the torch from Joey Gallo as the powerful third-base prospect with a rocket arm and huge strikeout concerns. Although he doesn't possess Gallo-level power, Chapman has plus pop and belted 36 home runs across two levels a season ago. There is 30-home run potential at the next level, as well as the potential to strike out 30 percent of the time. He does walk, which offsets some of the lost on-base percentage. Unlike Gallo's situation in Texas, there isn't a future Hall of Famer at the hot corner in Oakland. Trevor Plouffe is a stop-gap option, and Chapman has passed Renato Nunez on the organization's depth chart. As unpredictable as the A's can be, Chapman could find himself bayside in 2017.
40. Carson Fulmer, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Here we are some 18 months after he was drafted eighth overall, and still nobody knows what Fulmer is or what he will be. For now, he is probably a starter with a low- to mid-90s fastball, a hard cutter, a projectable changeup and solid breaking ball. That group of pitches says "starter." The delivery and control suggest otherwise. Considering the draft pick, Chicago has to let him start until he simply can't, but if closer David Robertson is moved at any point between now and the end of the season, I wonder if they would consider giving Fulmer a chance in that role. Also consider Zack Burdi in a similar situation.
41. Albert Almora Jr., OF, Chicago Cubs
42. Austin Barnes, C/UTL, Los Angeles Dodgers
43. Jorge Lopez, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
44. Zack Burdi, RHP, Chicago White Sox
45. Clint Frazier, OF, New York Yankees
46. Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
47. Matt Strahm, LHP, Kansas City Royals
48. Derek Fisher, OF, Houston Astros
49. Stephen Gonzalves, LHP, Minnesota Twins
50. Erick Fedde, RHP, Washington Nationals