Rhys was so excited about Jackson Jobe's debut that he asked Smada if he could take over the major league portion of the Daily Sheet, and Smada was happy to oblige. Besides Rhys covering the majors, we have Matt handling Triple-A, and Tom rounding out his coverage with Double-A.
MLB - Rhys White
Parker Meadows, CF DET (MLB) 3-for-5, HR, 2 R, RBI
They let the Tigers get hot, and you hate to see it. Parker Meadows' early-season struggles might keep his fantasy price down, but he's been on a tear lately. Since August 1st, he's been slugging over .500 on fastballs, which is, well, pretty good. He still has some issues with suboptimal swing decisions—like the three-pitch strikeout he had during the game—but overall, Meadows has rebuilt some of his value. He now looks like a solid major leaguer, though he may be prone to extreme hot and cold streaks.
Jackson Jobe, RHP DET (MLB) IP, H
Jobe was electric in his first-ever major league appearance. The command wasn’t quite there, as he was missing most of his pitches glove-side, but that can likely be chalked up to being amped up for his debut. His fastball sat in the upper 90s, he flashed a solid cutter, and the lone changeup he threw was best described as "nasty," according to my dad, who I watched the game with. Using Jobe in this way is pretty smart for a few reasons: the teams he’s facing, the Rays and presumably the White Sox, are good squads to test his stuff against; his innings will be kept minimal; and it could help preserve his PPI eligibility. I haven’t been this excited about a Tigers debut, maybe ever.
Junior Caminero, 3B TB (MLB) 2-for-4, HR, R, RBI
Caminero absolutely smashed that one—109 mph off the bat and 422 feet. He really should have been in the majors long before his actual call-up, but of course, this is the Rays we're talking about. As a fantasy manager, they can be maddeningly frustrating to deal with. There's legitimate 30-homer power in Caminero, and potentially even more, but he just needs to be in the lineup every day to fully unlock that potential.
Andrew Walters, RHP CLE (MLB) 1.2 IP
Walters is absolutely nasty. His fastball averaged around 96 mph, and his slider hovered at 85, with that slider being particularly hellacious. The fastball allows the slider to play up, creating a lethal combination. The dream scenario would be him taking over as a closer, but barring a trade or an injury to Cleveland's second-place finisher for the AL Cy Young, that opportunity might not present itself. Even so, Cleveland’s bullpen is going to be terrifying in October, and Walters will play a major role. He carries more value in Saves plus Holds leagues since he could easily work his way into high-leverage holds situations.
Jonathan Clase, CF TOR (MLB) 3-for-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Happy graduation from prospect status to Jonathan Clase! Power likely won’t be a major part of his game—he might top out around 12-15 homers a season—but he has the ability to slap and dash his way into some solid fantasy production. Clase could settle in with a .260-.270 average and around 25 steals a year. He may not be the flashiest player on your roster, but second-division regulars like him are often the unsung heroes who help win championships.
Masyn Winn, SS STL (MLB) 2-for-5, 3B, 2 R
In most other Rookie of the Year races, Masyn Winn might have an outside chance, but unfortunately, he's up against possibly the best pitcher in baseball and a pair of Jacksons. While Winn might not turn into a superstar, there’s definitely potential for a 20/20 shortstop, which will always carry value. The key for him could be increasing his lift and pull rates, and with Chaim Bloom taking over, that could spark some changes in his approach. Winn also has the speed to be a bigger threat on the basepaths, and in today’s running environment, he could easily be a 30-steal guy if both he and the Cardinals lean into it.
Grant McCray, CF SF (MLB) 0-for-4, 4 K
Grant McCray really is a solid player to have as a fourth outfielder. Those two-week hot stretches can be enough to make you believe there’s even more in the tank!
Wyatt Langford, CF-LF TEX (MLB) 2-for-5, HR, R, 2 RBI, SB
Wyatt Langford is really starting to show what he can do with that recent surge. If he keeps this up, it’ll be tough for anyone to buy low on him! His blend of power and speed is exciting, and a 25-25 season feels very attainable next year. I’m also intrigued by those swing changes—if they hold, he might exceed even those expectations.
Triple-A - Matt Thompson
Tyler Freeman, OF CLE (Triple-A) 3-for-6, HR, 2B, K
It’s pretty simple with Freeman, if the hit tool plays like it should than he will be an everyday guy. I like him as a utility type that plays everyday split up the middle. Real cheap end game play for dynasty.
Adrian Del Castillo, C ARI (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 3 K
Del Castillo had one of the best minor league seasons going before he was called up. It all depends on if the defense is good enough for him to be a legit catching option.
Pedro Leon, OF HOU (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Leon was one of the three amigos that pushed Sugar Land to the Pacific Coast League title. He remains an enigma, and one in my opinion that you can’t trust if/when he gets a shot.
Trey Cabbage, OF HOU (Triple-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, K
One of the exit velocity gods in the minors. Cabbage smokes the ball and is an above-average athlete. You know what the but is right?
Cooper Hummel, DH HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR
If there was an MVP here I’d bet this is the guy. He’s very good quality depth.
Double-A - Tom Gates
Logan Evans, RHP SEA (Double-A) 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K
I can see Evans taking a couple of different paths next year. He’s got an interesting arsenal. Last night it was all cutters and sliders away from righties and they couldn’t pick it up. His K/9 was low this year and we’ve seen flashes of him being this good and at other times he’s hittable. If I had to guess, I think he takes a step forward next season and we see that K-rate rise to back up to 24%ish.
Cole Young, SS SEA (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB, K, CS
A 9th inning double with the game tied put the winning run in scoring position. Young soon came around to score to give the Travelers the title. The floor is high with Young. I think the ceiling is untapped and I can see him rising next year.
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