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.
The “Helium” Spotlight: Fast Risers
Ronny Cruz, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks (Up near the Top 100)
Cruz (pictured above) has been an absolute force to start the year at High-A Hillsboro. The 19-year-old switch-hitter is currently slashing .289/.400/.605 with a 1.005 OPS through his first 45 plate appearances. With two home runs and five stolen bases already, Cruz is flashing the dynamic power-speed combo that scouts have been dreaming of. He moves from “unranked” right to the doorstep of the Top 100.
Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox (Up inside the Top 50)
Arias has been a revelation in Double-A Portland. Despite being just 20 years old, he has showcased an advanced “all-fields” approach and a high-contact profile that has pushed his hit tool grade toward a 60. With exit velocities now topping out at 110 mph, his “sneaky pop” is becoming less of a secret. His two-way impact at shortstop makes him a candidate to reach Triple-A by midseason.
Eduardo Rivera, LHP, Red Sox (Inside the Top 200)
Rivera is the talk of the industry after the Red Sox made the aggressive move to call him straight from Double-A to Fenway Park this week. He made his MLB debut that same night against the Yankees, delivering 3.1 scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts. The 22-year-old southpaw, standing 6-foot-7, has used his massive extension and 98 mph heater to dominate his first two starts of the year (1 ER in 10 IP). After a statement performance in the World Baseball Classic where he struck out Jac Caglianone with the bases loaded, he is proving his “big stage” mettle.
The Pitching Surge: Arms moving way up
Aidan Cremarosa, RHP, Rays (Inside the Top 300)
Cremarosa authored the most dominant pro debut of the season on April 8 for Single-A Charleston, racking up 12 strikeouts over just five innings. The Rays’ pitching development machine has clearly found another gear with this right-hander, whose high-spin arsenal has the industry buzzing. He has a 24-1 K-BB in his first three professional starts.
Ben Jacobs, LHP, Tigers (Inside the Top 300)
The former ASU standout is proving that his “Friday Night” pedigree translates to the pros. With a 92-94 mph fastball that plays up due to deception and a high-grade slider/changeup mix, Jacobs has missing bats at a clip that suggests he won’t be in the lower minors for long.
Walbert Urena, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Inside the Top 300)
Urena has officially transitioned from a “high-octane arm” to a member of the Angels’ starting rotation. After making the Opening Day roster and appearing in relief, he was stretched out in Triple-A before returning for a massive first career start on April 19. He allowed only two runs over six innings while fanning eight Padres. His heavy 92-96 mph sinker and a refined changeup have given him the floor he previously lacked.
JT Quinn, RHP, Orioles (Inside Top 400)
Standing 6-foot-6, Quinn is utilizing a unique over-the-top delivery to pump mid-90s heat (peaking at 98.2 mph) with a mid-80s slider. His control improvements, first noted on the Cape, appear to be holding, making him a high-upside “back-half” starter candidate.
Josiah Hartshorn, OF, Cubs (Inside the Top 150)
The switch-hitting 19-year-old is moving up boards thanks to massive raw power and a refined approach that is making the Cubs’ $2 million investment look like a bargain.
The Top 25 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings
The Top 50 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 | MLB | 20 |
| 2 | Kevin McGonigle | 2B/SS | DET | L/R | MLB | 21 |
| 3 | Jesus Made | SS | MIL | S/R | AA | 19 |
| 4 | JJ Wetherholt | SS | STL | L/R | MLB | 23 |
| 5 | Leo De Vries | SS | ATH | S/R | AA | 19 |
| 6 | Chase DeLauter | OF | CLE | L/L | MLB | 24 |
| 7 | Max Clark | OF | DET | L/L | AAA | 21 |
| 8 | Walker Jenkins | OF | MIN | L/R | AAA | 21 |
| 9 | Aidan Miller | 3B | PHI | R/R | AAA (IL) | 22 |
| 10 | Colt Emerson | SS | SEA | L/R | AAA (IL) | 20 |
| 11 | Carson Benge | OF | NYM | L/R | MLB | 23 |
| 12 | Trey Yesavage | SP | TOR | R/R | MLB (rehab) | 22 |
| 13 | Joshua Baez | OF | STL | R/R | AAA | 23 |
| 14 | Sebastian Walcott | SS | TEX | R/R | AA | 20 |
| 15 | Thomas White | SP | MIA | L/L | AAA | 21 |
| 16 | Ryan Sloan | SP | SEA | R/R | AA | 20 |
| 17 | Josue De Paula | OF | LAD | L/L | AA | 21 |
| 18 | Edward Florentino | 1B/OF | PIT | L/R | High-A | 19 |
| 19 | Rainiel Rodriguez | C | STL | R/R | High-A | 19 |
| 20 | Bryce Rainer | SS | DET | L/R | High-A | 20 |
| 21 | Bryce Eldridge | 1B | SF | L/R | AAA | 21 |
| 22 | Travis Bazzana | 2B | CLE | L/R | AAA | 23 |
| 23 | Carter Jensen | C | KC | L/R | MLB | 22 |
| 24 | Ryan Waldschmidt | OF | ARI | R/R | AA | 23 |
| 25 | Luis Pena | 2B/SS | MIL | R/R | High-A | 19 |