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).
No. | Name | Pos | Team | B/T | Level | Age |
1 | Konnor Griffin | OF | PIT | R/R | High-A | 19 |
2 | Jesus Made | SS | MIL | S/R | AA | 18 |
3 | Leo De Vries | SS | OAK | L/R | High-A | 18 |
4 | Walker Jenkins | OF | MIN | L/R | AAA | 20 |
5 | Kevin McGonigle | 2B/SS | DET | L/R | AA | 20 |
6 | Sebastian Walcott | SS | TEX | R/R | AA | 19 |
7 | Samuel Basallo | C/1B | BAL | L/R | MLB | 20 |
8 | JJ Wetherholt | SS | SL | L/R | AAA | 22 |
9 | Josue De Paula | OF | LAD | L/L | High-A | 20 |
10 | Owen Caissie | OF | CHC | L/R | AAA | 22 |
11 | Max Clark | OF | DET | L/L | AA | 20 |
12 | Bubba Chandler | SP | PIT | S/R | MLB | 22 |
13 | Jonah Tong | SPRP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 22 |
14 | Nolan McLean | SP | NYM | R/R | MLB | 23 |
15 | Spencer Jones | OF | NYY | L/L | AAA | 24 |
16 | Travis Bazzana | 2B | CLE | L/R | AAA | 22 |
17 | Luis Pena | SS | MIL | R/R | High-A | 18 |
18 | Andrew Painter | SP | PHI | R/R | AAA | 22 |
19 | Zyhir Hope | OF | LAD | L/L | AA | 20 |
20 | Bryce Eldridge | OF | SF | L/R | AAA | 20 |
21 | Sal Stewart | 3B | CIN | R/R | MLB | 21 |
22 | Jett Williams | SS | NYM | R/R | AAA | 21 |
23 | Thomas White | SP | MIA | L/L | AA | 20 |
24 | Lazaro Montes | OF | SEA | L/R | AA | 20 |
25 | Chase Burns | SP | CIN | R/R | MLB (IL) | 22 |
26 | Marcelo Mayer | SS | BOS | L/R | MLB (IL) | 22 |
27 | Bryce Rainer | SS | DET | L/R | Single-A | 19 |
28 | Ethan Holliday | SS | COL | L/R | R (ACL) | 18 |
29 | Edward Florentino | 1B/OF | PIT | L/R | Single-A | 18 |
30 | Carlos Lagrange | SPRP | NYY | R/R | AA | 22 |