Lucas Morel (@theprospectprof) delivers a rundown of all the players getting their caps and gowns ready for graduation to the major leagues. Class is in session, time to find out who you need to add to your roster or watch list this week.
Welcome back to Diamond Diplomas, a weekly rundown of all the players knocking on the door to the major leagues. Whether you compete in the deepest of dynasty leagues, or simply want to win the office redraft title, Prospects Live has you covered. For an overview of the tier system used to prioritize players in this series, take a look at the first article in the series here:
It has been an action-packed last seven days in the world of professional baseball, full of promotions and pop-off performances. Here is the “Report Card” for the past week (all statistics updated as of the conclusion of play on May 18th):
Called Up
Matt Shaw, 3B (CHC): Shaw just got the call to return to the big league club as of Monday morning, deservedly so. He had a truly monstrous week at the plate for AAA Iowa, smashing five homers and stealing two bags. The hot corner at Wrigley is now his to claim.
Dalton Rushing, C (LAD): The Dodgers cannot keep getting away with this. Move over, Hyeseong Kim, there is another new kid in town who also flat-out rakes. Rushing has carried over his blistering start from AAA to the big leagues, notching four hits in his first ten at-bats. Playing time will be worth monitoring, but the former Louisville backstop looks like the real deal thus far.
Moises Ballesteros, C (CHC): Though as equally anticipated a catching prospect as Rushing, Ballesteros has not fared as well in his initial taste of the majors, going 1-12 over the weekend. His slow start could soon be forgotten, though, as his bat-to-ball skills are exceptional, and he could easily go on a heater this week at the plate once he finds his footing. Keep a close eye on Ballesteros if he is available, even in shallower redraft formats.
Carson McCusker, OF (MIN): Fun fact, McCusker is now the tallest active position player on the Twins, standing at an imposing 6’8”. Less fun fact, after getting called up on Sunday, the outfielder only appeared for one at-bat as a pinch hitter against the Brewers, and he grounded out to the pitcher. He remains a power-only speculative add for those in deeper leagues.
Nick Solak, 1B/OF (PIT): No longer a prospect by any stretch of the imagination, the 30-year-old Solak, nevertheless, tore up AAA pitching for the first two months of the season, and made his 2025 debut with Pittsburgh this weekend. He looks set to fill a utility role for the Pirates, but with little fantasy relevance.
Zebby Matthews, P (MIN): Though many expected Matthews to make the Twins rotation out of spring training, he had to wait until this past Sunday for his first big league start of 2025. He only made it through three innings and gave up four earned runs, but his five strikeouts highlight the upside that makes him worth monitoring going forward.
Logan Henderson, P (MIL): Henderson looked solid in his return to majors, punching out seven batters over five innings, allowing two runs. His 35% K-BB% in a Brewers uniform has been quite impressive, making him an appealing streaming candidate and dynasty add as long as he remains with the big league club.
Mick Abel, P (PHI): Last week’s “One to Watch” in this article series, Abel earned that distinction and then some with his dominant debut. He stymied Pittsburgh’s hitters for six shutout innings, tallying nine strikeouts without a single walk. Philadelphia optioned him back to AAA on Monday afternoon, but expect him back with the Phillies as soon as another opportunity arises.
Noah Cameron, P (KC): The Royals have become something of a pitching factory lately, as evidenced by their team ERA of 3.07, which is the second-best mark in the major leagues. After injuries to Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, Cameron rejoined their rotation and delivered his second consecutive quality-start as a big leaguer. He and Abel have both earned streaming consideration at a minimum.
Carson Palmquist, P (COL): It takes a special pitcher to overcome the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, and Palmquist learned that the hard way on Friday. The Diamondbacks knocked in five runs over four innings against the lefty, and he left the game without striking anyone out. The Rockies will likely give him some leash to work things out, given their lackluster record, but fantasy managers should let him sit on their bench or waiver wire for now.
Colton Gordon, P (HOU): Gordon’s debut was forgettable, as he conceded three runs and allowed nine batters to reach base across four and 1/3 innings pitched against Kansas City. He will have to show more effectiveness in his next start (if he gets one) to warrant a look for fantasy purposes.
Locked In
Samuel Basallo, C/1B (BAL): Orioles fans are going through a rough patch right now, but the future remains bright for this organization, mainly because of this guy. Basallo showcased his immense game power this week, crushing three home runs and driving in seven runs. Still only 20 years old, he could see Camden by the All-Star break.
Cole Young, SS (SEA): Considered by many a glove-first prospect with questionable potential at the plate, Young had a week that might make his skeptics reconsider. Two homers and six RBI helped him raise his SLG by almost 60 points in seven days. He is not out of the proverbial woods yet, but these are encouraging signs of offensive potential from Young.
Jacob Misiorowski, P (MIL): Featured on this list for two weeks in a row, Misiorowski steamrolled yet another AAA opponent on Thursday. In addition to touching 103 mph on the radar gun, the lanky right-hander threw seven innings of one-run ball. A call-up to Milwaukee is on the horizon, surely.
Chase Burns, P (CIN): The number-two overall pick from last summer’s draft continues to dazzle in his first professional season. Now, with Double-A Chattanooga, Burns struck out seven batters over five innings on Wednesday, with a solo homer as the only real blemish on his otherwise excellent outing. Keep reading for a closer look at Burns later on.
Carson Whisenhunt, P (SF): All the chatter this weekend has centered around Hayden Birdsong supplanting Jordan Hicks in the Giants rotation, but Whisenhunt has done everything he can lately to force a call-up. His latest trip to the mound marked his fourth consecutive quality start (all of which have been seven-inning outings, no less), and he tallied nine strikeouts.
Dropped Off
Yanquiel Fernandez, OF (COL): After hitting seven homers in April, Fernandez has a dismal May slash of .186/.280/.209. He needs to spend the foreseeable future recalibrating with AAA Albuquerque.
Justin Foscue, 1B (TEX): Though no specific reason has been announced, Foscue landed on the injured list this past Saturday. His .880 OPS this season was encouraging, but he falls off the list until he reaches full health.
Jakob Marsee, OF (MIA): Marsee’s inclusion among the Diamond Diplomas has always been predicated on his potential as a steals threat in the majors if called up. While he remains as quick as ever, he is just not hitting consistently enough to warrant fantasy consideration right now, especially with his Jacksonville teammate Troy Johnston seemingly leapfrogging him in the promotion pecking order down in AAA.
Hitters
Let us get into the Diamond Diplomas now, beginning with the position players:
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
