BP's Top Prospects for 2016....and beyond

[Angels]

Josh Bell, Pirates
We all know the deal with Bell by now. He’s been on the fantasy radar ever since he was labeled a draft steal back in 2011, and dynasty leaguers have been eagerly tracking his progress. While Bell has yet to produce prodigious numbers at any stop, his smooth, linear progression through the minors is a good sign, and though the power has yet to truly surface he’s the owner of a career .305 average and .375 BABIP. I wouldn’t expect Bell to hit quite at that level in the majors -- and certainly not at first -- but we’re looking at a potential four-category contributor here, a guy who can hit .280-plus and flirt with 20 homers, sort of like Brandon Belt or Eric Hosmer. He’s also a player who should flirt with outfield eligibility throughout the early parts of his career. None of this will make Bell a stud, but it will make him a starter in most deep dynasty leagues. He just won’t be a savior. Basically, what I’m saying is your team is unlikely to be saved by the Bell.


A.J. Reed, Astros
Listing Reed as a name for 2016 is a bit aggressive–he has just 237 PA above High-A–but all he’s done since joining the professional ranks is mash. Reed smashed 33 homers between High-A and Double-A last season, and while about two-thirds of those came in the California League, no one doubts Reed’s plus-plus power. What some do doubt is Reed’s ability to make contact, and it’s true that he’s likely to be a big-time swing-and-miss guy throughout his career. It’s hard not to fall for the allure of 30-plus homers, though, and while Reed is far from a sure thing, he has the carrying tool, potential contextual factors, and path to playing time to be a fantasy stalwart.


Francisco Mejia, CLE
Here’s what leading Mejia fanboy Craig Goldstein said about Cleveland’s prospect in last year’s edition of this column:

“Mejia is going to be the next in the Alfaro mold, though he doesn’t have quite the same speed as the Rangers prospect. Still, he’s a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with the chance to hit for above-average power and average while sticking at the position. The downside? He’s yet to play in full-season ball and is likely going to be a high-risk prospect all the way up the chain, as it’s unlikely that all his tools transform into skills at once. Still, he carries himself in the field like Bruno Mars does on the stage: natural; confident; loose. Patience is required for investment, but the ROI could be quite the dynamic player.”

This is all true–even the forced Bruno Mars reference –but after hitting .243/.324/.345 in A-ball it should be clear how far Mejia has to go. He’s still probably a top-100 guy thanks to the paucity of impact minor leaguers, but he’s a pretty risk investment.