As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Connelly Early skyrockets to No. 78 after electric MLB debut for Red Sox

Early (pictured above) delivered a debut for the ages, earning his call-up with Boston and then firing 5 scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts against the Athletics in his very first MLB start. He used a five-pitch mix (fastball, sinker, slider, curveball, changeup), induced 19 swings and misses, and showed poise in tight spots — working out of traffic in the third, fourth, and fifth innings without losing control. Drafted in the fifth round out of Virginia in 2023, Early came up from Triple-A Worcester after Dustin May was placed on the injured list. He arrived already riding strong minor league numbers — a 10-3 record with a 2.60 ERA over 100.1 combined innings in Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, with 132 strikeouts.

Zach Cole called up to the Astros, climbing up near the Top 150

The Astros officially selected Cole’s contract Sept. 12, marking his MLB debut after tearing it up in Triple-A Sugar Land. Over his first 15 games at that level, Cole slashed .353/.459/.745 with five home runs and has shown a power-speed mix that’s rare for a college-draftee left fielder. He has just been named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the week after going 8-for-21 with two doubles, a triple, two home runs, 10 RBI, three runs scored, six walks and a stolen base. Prior to Triple-A, he owned a strong showing at Double-A Corpus Christi, hitting .267 with an .868 OPS over 82 games. The call-up not only cements his rise up the rankings but gives Houston another bat and speed element—Cole has played all three outfield spots—just as the team contends with offensive struggles.

Aidan Miller pushes into the Top 50 as the Phillies move him up to Triple-A

Miller is riding one of the hottest streaks in the minors and his numbers have pushed him well into Top 50 consideration. The Phillies’ 2023 first-rounder slashed .348/.454/.629 in August at Double-A, including 4 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He’s also just been promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after turning heads with his plate discipline (walk rate near 15%) and his ability to carry both power and speed. With that surge, Miller is now firmly among the elite shortstop/third base prospects in the system.

Yankees’ Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz continues stellar season, soars up to No. 109

The Yankees right-hander is making a strong case to crack the Top 100. In his last two starts, he struck out 16 batters over 11 scoreless innings, hauling in Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors. He’s now leading all of Yankees’ MiLB pitching in innings (140), is among the top in wins, and owns a 2.38 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP for the season. With dominant strikeout numbers (166, most in MiLB), plus his recent hot stretch, he jumps up near the Top 100 range.

Dax Kilby‘s debut for Yankees following the draft skyrockets him into the Top 200

The Yankees’ prep shortstop is off to an impressive start in his first pro season after being drafted 39th overall this year. In 18 games for Single-A Tampa, he’s hit .353/.457/.441, is 16-for-17 in stolen base attempts, walked at a 16% rate, and struck out just 13.6% of his plate appearances. Despite facing pitchers several years older, his bat strength metrics are flying: exit velocities in the 90th percentile above 105 mph, showing above-average raw power potential. For a freshly drafted prep player, that’s rare polish, and it earns him a firm spot inside the Top 200 already.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

Welcome to the 24th installment of our Weekly Hot Prospects Report ranking the top minor-league performances from the week of September 1-7. We’re back with this week’s top performers making waves across the minors—and this week’s trio at the top is stacked with thunderous bats and rising stars knocking on the MLB door.

Fantasy baseball owners, take note. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

A quick look at the Top Three

1. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians (AAA, age 22)

Cleveland’s top prospect continues to light it up in Triple-A. Bazzana homered four times in four games—including a walk-off two-run shot on Sept. 4—and raised his OPS to a team-best .916 at Columbus. His latest bomb capped a dominant 3-for-4 performance complete with two walks, underlining his advanced power and timing.
Week Stats: 1.481 OPS, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9-for-23, 4 BB, 5 SO

2. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, SP, Yankees (AA, age 21)

Rodriguez-Cruz (pictured above) is on an absolute tear since his promotion to Double-A, posting a 2.56 ERA with a 67-17 K-BB in ten starts. In back-to-back outings against a powerful Binghamton lineup, the Yankees’ No. 5 prospect delivered 13 shutout innings with 15 strikeouts—outlasting his opponent Jonah Tong in both quality and length. His electric delivery, including a fastball touching the upper-90s, is generating buzz as one of New York’s most promising arms.
Week Stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.45 WHIP, 16–2 K–BB, 11 IP, 3 H

3. Robby Snelling, SP, Marlins (AAA, age 21)

Snelling continues to make a strong case for promotion with yet another dominant start. He threw seven quality innings, despite Toronto winning, posting a 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, zero walks, and an impressive 13 strikeouts—his most ever in a single outing. He’s now delivered seven consecutive quality starts dating back to July 26. Since his promotion to Triple-A on July 10, he boasts a 1.37 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with a 67-13 K-BB over 52.2 innings.
Week Stats: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 13–0 K–BB, 7 IP, 7 H

Other Noteworthy Performers

• Riley Gowens (White Sox, High-A): Pitched 11 shutout innings across two starts with a 0.82 ERA and 15–2 K–BB.
• Alfredo Duno (Reds, Single-A): The 18-year-old catcher mashed 1.710 OPS, including 3 HRs and 5 RBIs in limited at-bats.
• Kemp Alderman (Marlins, AAA): Slugged a 1.268 OPS with 4 HR and 8 RBIs in 8-for-24 effort.

The Top 15 in the Weekly Hot Prospects Report

From dominant arms to scorching-hot bats, here are the Top 15 prospects below who turned heads and boosted their stock. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Marlins rookie Jakob Marsee skyrockets into the Top 50

Marsee (pictured above) continues to turn heads in Miami. He was named National League Rookie of the Month for August, slashing an eye-popping .352/.430/.629 with 25 RBIs in 30 games. His August highlight? A record-tying, 7-RBI performance against Cleveland, featuring two homers—his first multi-homer game—and a timely two-run double. Marsee became just the third player since 2000 to register 29+ hits and 24+ RBIs in his first 25 career games, joining elite company like Yordan Alvarez and Albert Pujols. Now firmly inside the Top 50, this Miami rookie is announcing his arrival in highlight fashion.

More Marlins magic: Thomas White jumps into the Top 25

The Marlins’ top southpaw continues to dazzle, even after a promotion to Double-A on June 20. White has lit up August with an electric stat line: 5 starts, 25.1 innings, 42 strikeouts, just 1.07 ERA, and a stingy .174 opponents’ average. He has given up just one run in his past four starts and had ten strikeouts over five no-hit innings on August 30. That dominance earns him a spot inside the Top 25 overall.

Even More Marlins! Robby Snelling approaching the Top 50… and maybe the big leagues?

Snelling’s dominance at Triple-A keeps accelerating. On September 3, he fired his first career complete-game, striking out 13 batters—the most in a single game by a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp since 2019. He capped August with International League Pitcher of the Month honors, posting a sparkling 0.90 ERA, 38 Ks, and just 3 earned runs across 30 innings.

Charlie Condon — Joins the Top 50 with a stellar August performance

Colorado’s standout prospect is lighting up Double-A Hartford. After a sluggish July, Condon has rediscovered his power in August, crushing eight home runs since the beginning of August, including a stretch of four homers across three games. He even notched three three-hit games and nine multi-hit games during that run, reestablishing the swing that made him the third overall pick last year.

Reds catcher Alfredo Duno cracks the Top 100

Cincinnati’s rising backstop has entered the Top 100. The 19-year-old catcher is turning heads with his advanced plate discipline and power potential. He recently completed a 39-game on-base streak, boasts a .407 OBP for the season, and has doubled his homers from last year. He was one of two Reds prospects to play in the All-Star Futures Game, and was just named Florida State League Player of the Month, slashing.338/.490/.700 with 8 doubles, 7 home runs, 25 RBI, 24 walks and 21 runs scored.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

Welcome to the 23rd installment of our Weekly Hot Prospects Report ranking the top minor-league performances from the week of August 25-31. We’re back with this week’s top performers making waves across the minors—and this week’s trio at the top is stacked with thunderous bats and rising stars knocking on the MLB door.

Fantasy baseball owners, take note. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

A quick look at the Top Three

1. Gavin Cross, OF, Royals (AA, age 24)

Cross earned Texas League Player of the Week honors after going 11-for-29 (.379) with three homers, three doubles, a triple, seven RBIs, and eight runs scored. This performance extended an 11-game hitting streak and marks yet another proof of his second-half surge; over the past two months, he’s slashing .301 with eight homers, 27 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in Double-A.
Week stats: 1.331 OPS, 3 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB, 11-for-29

2. Konnor Griffin (pictured above), OF/SS, Pirates (AA, age 19)

Griffin’s early Double-A performance continues to impress. In his second week with Altoona, he mashed three home runs and earned a multi-hit, seven-RBI game, pushing his slash line to an eye-popping .318/.385/.545. Reports say he’s building a case for a potential 2026 Opening Day roster spot—a rare trajectory for a 19-year-old.
Week stats: 1.206 OPS, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB, 8-for-23, 2 BB, 3 SO

3. Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF, Phillies (AAA, age 24)

Rincones Jr. turned heads with another power show in Triple-A, delivering a two-homer game that notably included his fourth round-tripper in just three games. This burst of power comes as he continues to regain his form post-injury and build trade value.
Week stats: 1.688 OPS, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB, 9-for-19, 4 BB, 2 SO

The Top 15 in the Weekly Hot Prospects Report

From dominant arms to scorching-hot bats, here are the Top 15 prospects below who turned heads and boosted their stock. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Jonah Tong skyrockets into the Top 15, debuts for Mets with strong outing

Tong (pictured above) debuted on Aug. 29 and instantly made his presence felt. In a blowout over Miami, the 22-year-old allowed just one earned run on six hits over five innings, striking out six and issuing zero walks. Supported by a 12-run early cushion, Tong navigated through his debut with poise—retiring the first nine batters, racking up 17 called strikes, and showcasing a four-seam fastball touching 97.7 mph. His deceptive delivery and elite strikeout stuff point to a high ceiling for the future ace.

More from the Mets: Nolan McLean rises to No. 16 after electric MLB outings

McLean’s meteoric ascent continues: the Mets rookie made his MLB debut on August 16, delivering 5⅓ scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts, earning his first win and halting a 14-game skid for New York. In his second start, he blanked the Braves for seven strong innings (7 K, 0 BB), and in his third, he fired an eight-inning shutout to complete a sweep over the Phillies, becoming the first Mets pitcher ever to win his first three career starts with an astonishing 0.89 ERA, 21 K, and 3–0 record so far. With that statement debut, McLean vaults into the Top 20 at No. 16 overall.

Even more Mets prospect dominance: Carson Benge soars into the Top 50

The Mets’ 2024 first-round pick continues his surge. In July, he earned Eastern League Player of the Month after he slashed .397/.482/.726 with a 1.208 OPS, including seven home runs, 17 RBIs and 22 runs scored. He clubbed his first Triple-A home run on Aug. 29 in his sixth game after being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse.

Nationals prospect Jarlin Susana leaps to No. 60 after an incredible August

Washington’s right-hander is heating up. On Aug. 19, Susana set a new career high with 13 strikeouts in five dominant innings. He followed that with another strong start on Aug. 24, punching out 10 more batters over five innings, allowing only one earned run and two hits. Across his five August starts (23.2 IP), he has a 1.52 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and a 44-9 K-BB.

Jakob Marsee soars into the Top 100 following his electric debut for Marlins

Marsee is off to a remarkable start in Miami, earning his spot in the Top 100 overall at No. 100. Since his call-up on August 1, the rookie has hit .345/.411/.653 at the plate, clubbing 4 homers, swiping 7 bases, and producing a stellar 1.037 OPS over his first 73 MLB at-bats. His impact has been noticeable. Marsee tied the Marlins’ rookie RBI record with a 2-HR, 7-RBI night on Aug. 13, leveling a franchise mark in short-order. He’s continued to stand out with highlight-making offensive contributions, including a bases-clearing triple in a big win over Toronto on Aug. 24.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Konnor Griffin takes over at No. 1, looks like a future superstar for the Pirates

Griffin has officially taken over the No. 1 spot in the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings, continuing a meteoric rise that’s drawn national attention. Selected ninth overall in the 2024 Draft by the Pirates, Griffin has lived up to every bit of his five-tool billing. Across Low-A and High-A, he posted a .332/.414/.524 line with 16 homers, 97 runs, and 59 steals through 101 games, showing the rare blend of power, speed, and plate approach that few 19-year-olds can manage.

The Pirates promoted Griffin to Double-A Altoona on July 19, marking his second promotion in his first professional season. At just 19, he becomes the youngest player in Altoona Curve history, surpassing Andrew McCutchen’s former record. He wasted no time making an impact. In his debut, he singled in his first at-bat, swiped his 60th stolen base of the season, and later delivered a key RBI fly to tie the game in the 6th inning. Just two days later, Griffin followed up with a three-hit game.

Griffin began the year with dominant outputs at Single-A Bradenton (.338/.396/.536) and High-A Greensboro (.325/.432/.510), accumulating 16 HRs and 59 steals across 101 games. His swift ascension—and immediate success—at Altoona strengthens the case for him being ready for even higher competition soon and intensifies talk of a possible 2026 Major League debut.

Hurston Waldrep’s impressive run with the Braves

Waldrep threw six shutout innings with a career-high seven strikeouts in a 2-0 win over the Guardians on Aug. 15. On August 21, Waldrep fired 7 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out seven to lead the Braves to a 1-0 win over the White Sox. His splitter was particularly sharp. With an 0.73 ERA and near-identical 0.77 WHIP over four outings (including three starts), he’s become just the second rookie in modern MLB history to win each of his first four appearances while allowing one or fewer earned runs—joining Fernando Valenzuela in that rare company.

Kevin McGonigle soars into the Top Ten

McGonigle continues to turn heads this August after his promotion to Double-A Erie. Over his first 14 games with the SeaWolves following a July call-up, he slashed .302 and began to tap into more of his power—launching five home runs in the month, including four in just his last five games. His recent 17-hit eruption in a 12–4 Mud Hens win underscores the Tigers’ strong organizational depth, though the spotlight on his own bat remains bright.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

JJ Wetherholt into the Top 10, but will he crack the Cardinals’ roster soon?

Wetherholt (pictured above) surged from No. 13 to No. 9, propelled by a scorching Triple-A performance. Since his promotion on July 7, he’s slashed an incredible .344/.425/.754, with six homers and two steals in just 16 games, maintaining a tight 8:9 K:BB ratio. On July 24, he erupted for his first multi-homer game at the level. Still, Cardinals president John Mozeliak cautioned against rushing him — “no need” for a call-up this year, noting Wetherholt isn’t Rule-5 protected. His bat keeps heating up — and the Top 10 recognition is well-earned.

Owen Caissie makes memorable MLB debut for the Cubs

Cubs’ top outfield prospect, and No. 13 overall this week, finally got the call—making his major league debut as the DH in Toronto. Batting fifth against Max Scherzer, Caissie’s debut was as emotional as it was symbolic, with the Canadian crowd rallying for their hometown hero. He went hitless in 4 ABs, including being robbed of at least a double by a highlight-reel catch by Davis Schneider on the first pitch he saw.

Robby Snelling might be pitching his way onto the Marlins’ staff soon

Miami’s 21-year-old left-handed phenom soars up to No. 57 on the strength of his recent dominance at Triple-A Jacksonville. In six starts, Snelling has a miniscule 1.34 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with a 43-7 K-BB. Young for the level, his polish and poise on the mound have him firmly on the radar for a possible MLB call-up.

Hurston Waldrep enters the Top 100… and the Braves’ rotation

Waldrep has bounced back from a rough MLB debut last year, opening 2025 with 10 strikeouts, three walks, and just two earned runs in 10 2/3 innings. The Braves righty scrapped his four-seamer for a sinker-cutter mix to better set up his elite splitter, added more curveballs, and made mechanical tweaks for improved command. The result is a deeper arsenal, sharper execution, and a spot locked in Atlanta’s rotation, though workload limits could come into play after a career-high 101 innings.

Colson Montgomery rockets to No. 60, becoming steady presence for White Sox

Chicago’s top middle infielder climbed from outside the Top 100 to No. 60, moving up 53 spots in the rankings this week. The 23-year-old’s calm, composed approach has held steady through the breakout, and he now looks locked into the heart of the White Sox lineup.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

Baseball’s top prospects aren’t just names on a list… they’re ticking clocks. The “On the Verge” series shines a spotlight on players in the RotoPrpspects fantasy baseball Top 700 Prospect Rankings who are on the cusp of breaking through to the majors. Whether they’re red-hot at Triple-A or pushing past long-term development hurdles, these are the names who are right on the edge of changing everything—for their team, and for themselves.

If you thought the Cubs’ system was barren of impactful prospects—think again. Owen Caissie, Chicago’s top-rated farmhand and one of baseball’s most exciting young bats, has been on fire since early July—and now the big question is: when will he debut with the Cubs?

From Canada to San Diego to the Cubs’ flagship prospect

Caissie’s journey began when the Padres drafted him 45th overall in 2020, making him the highest‑selected Canadian outfielder at the time. He was soon shipped to Chicago in the famed Yu Darvish trade and began to climb the ladder quickly.

• 2021: Debuted with a .923 OPS and seven home runs in 54 games across the Arizona Complex League and Low-A Myrtle Beach
• 2022: Advanced to High-A South Bend — .254/.349/.402, 11 HR, 11 SB in 105 games
• 2023: Breakout in Double-A Tennessee — slashed .289/.398/.519 with 22 HR and 84 RBI over 120 games, earning multiple All-Star nods
• 2024: At Triple-A Iowa, hit .278/.375/.472 with 19 homers and 11 steals across 127 games; added to Cubs’ 40-man roster to protect him from Rule 5 selection
• 2025: Optioned back to Iowa; this season he’s added polish—and power—in a major way

Caissie’s most electrifying trait remains his elite raw power—he routinely ranks near the top in exit velocity within the Cubs system and across Triple-A levels. Scouts peg his skill set as: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 55

Huge July numbers put him “On The Verge”

Caissie’s July was nothing short of explosive. Over 23 games that month, he slashed .323/.417/.675 with 10 doubles, 9 home runs, and 27 RBIs. His 1.092 OPS for the month was one of the highest in all of Triple-A, fueled by his increased lift and pull tendencies that translated into a near-.300 ISO.

While the approach did bump his strikeout rate into the 29–30% range, the tradeoff was more than worth it—every ball he barreled had a chance to leave the park, and pitchers had no safe way to attack him. Scouts raved not just about the raw numbers, but about how Caissie was creating damage across different pitch types, from punishing fastballs up in the zone to turning on breaking balls down and in.

He reached major milestones, like his first five-hit game on July 22. A highlight film-worthy two-run homer that same day marked his 20th of the season, reaffirming the power that scouts rave about.

Trade deadline buzz—and the Cubs opt to stand firm

As July drew to a close, Caissie’s name was heating up the rumor mill:

• Multiple outlets listed him among the prospects most likely to be moved.
• The Athletic reinforced that while Caissie was on the table, any deal would need serious long-term value—no rentals.
• Rumors even connected him with trades for starters like Mitch Keller or MacKenzie Gore.
• And in Miami, fans reported that the Marlins had a wish-list centered on Caissie—and fellow Cubs prospect Jaxon Wiggins—for Edward Cabrera.

Yet, when the dust settled, the Cubs kept their slugger. The decision speaks volumes—Chicago clearly sees him as a near-term contributor, perhaps even a September call-up candidate, rather than a trade chip to cash in for pitching help. In an era when power-hitting corner outfielders with plate discipline are at a premium, Caissie’s profile is simply too valuable to give up unless the return is overwhelming.

Since the deadline—still raking

If there was any question about how he’d handle the uncertainty, Caissie answered quickly. Since the deadline, he’s picked up right where he left off, posting three multi-hit efforts in his first eight August games. The power remains, but so does his patient approach, as he’s drawn multiple walks in key spots and continued to drive the ball to all fields.

His steady production post-deadline reinforces the idea that he’s mentally equipped for the big stage—able to block out noise, stick to his process, and deliver results regardless of off-field speculation.

What’s next for Caissie and the Cubs

The Cubs are still very much in the hunt for both the NL Central crown and a Wild Card spot. While there’s no guarantee Caissie gets the call this year, his readiness is becoming harder to ignore—especially if an injury or prolonged slump opens a roster spot.

Even if his debut waits until 2026, Caissie has positioned himself as a key piece of Chicago’s future core. And for now, his blend of power, patience, and athleticism continues to be one of the most exciting daily shows in the minors—a perfect fit for our On The Verge watch list.

About the “On the Verge” series

These prospects are pounding on the door to The Show. Some might be just one swing, one hot week, or one roster shake-up away from a call-up. Others could be key pieces in deadline deals that change the balance of a pennant race. This On The Verge series captures those players in that exact moment, when potential meets opportunity, and the trajectory of a career—and maybe a franchise—hangs in the balance.

Next up: JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals