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:
First thing’s first, here is the latest Report Card of the most notable movers and shakers from last week’s Diamond Diplomas list (all statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference, Baseball Savant, TJStats, Fangraphs and MiLB.com, updated as of the conclusion of play on June 22):
Report Card
Called Up:
Chase Burns, P (CIN): Yet another marquee name from the 2024 MLB draft has reached the majors! Cincinnati took Burns second overall last summer, and the right-hander has done nothing but dominate in his first pro season, as his 1.77 ERA and 12.14 K/9 illustrate. The baseball world eagerly awaits his debut start against the Yankees on Tuesday. Snag him immediately if he is still available in your redraft league.
Chandler Simpson, OF (TB): Simpson has done nothing but hit in the minors since being demoted at the end of May. In five games against Triple-A Omaha this week, the outfielder tallied eleven hits and swiped seven bags, showcasing the same elite speed and hit tool he displayed with the Rays earlier in the season. His return to Tampa was reported Monday afternoon, but he remains a steals-focused fantasy asset with more value in leagues prioritizing AVG over OBP.
Jack Perkins, P (ATH): A big-time riser up rankings lists this year, Perkins got the call to help the big league club this weekend. The 25-year-old’s first appearance came in relief on Sunday, and he delivered three innings of scoreless work. He could be a bit of a Swiss army knife for them going forward, but I'm not surprised if he ends the season in the Athletics rotation.
Michael McGreevy, P (STL): It was just a midweek spot start for McGreevy this time, but he put in an excellent shift. Five innings of one-run ball, with five strikeouts, highlight just how ready McGreevy is for a longer leash as a big league starter. Keep him on your watch list in redraft for streaming purposes in case he gets the call again soon.
Blade Tidwell, P (NYM): Like McGreevy, Tidwell only returned to the Show for a single start before returning to Triple-A. Unlike McGreevy, the former Tennessee Volunteer was not particularly effective, allowing four hits and three walks in three and 2/3 innings, conceding two earned runs. Tidwell will need to find another gear of higher performance to stay ahead of Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong in the Mets’ pecking order of farm arms.
Chase Petty, P (CIN): In a bizarre turn of events, Petty only appeared in extra-innings as a reliever in his latest temporary stay with the Reds. This change of routine did the starter-by-trade no favors, as he could not finish the inning before giving up a walk-off single. Even though the aforementioned Burns is now up, Petty could still see time in the Reds rotation soon, given the injury uncertainty for Hunter Greene and the recent move of Nick Martinez into the bullpen.
Didier Fuentes, P (ATL): Fresh off his One to Watch writeup in this series last week, Fuentes got the nod to start for the Braves on Friday, having just turned 20 years old this week. His four earned runs in five innings may make the outing look lackluster, but his stuff graded out quite well. Fuentes looks the part of a future impact starter. While it is unclear how long he will remain with the big league club this time, Atlanta is the ideal organization for him to continue gaining MLB experience.
Shay Whitcomb, 3B/OF (HOU): Last week’s Sleeper Pick likely feels a bit of professional whiplash. An injury to Brendan Rodgers meant that Houston needed to recall Whitcomb just a few days after optioning him back to Triple-A Sugar Land. Much like in his last stretch with the big league club, though, Whitcomb has only seen the occasional at-bat off the bench, and he was demoted once again on Monday. He would become a much more intriguing player for both redraft and dynasty if traded to a team that wanted his bat in the lineup on a regular basis.
Robinson Piña, P (MIA): After putting together a solid, if not exciting, stat line as a starter in Triple-A this season (3.47 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.53 K/9), Piña was called up to reinforce the Miami bullpen. His profile has little upside, particularly if he keeps working in relief exclusively, but keep him in mind in the deepest of dynasty leagues, where all active MLB players have value.
Locked In:
Chase DeLauter, OF (CLE): A healthy DeLauter is a fun prospect, as his performance over the last week reminded us all. Two home runs and seven RBI are the box score highlights, and he has now built up a nine-game hitting streak for Triple-A Columbus. DeLauter will make his long-awaited MLB debut this summer if all goes well.
Robert Hassell III, OF (WAS): “Bobby Barrels” lived up to his nickname in his first week back with Triple-A Rochester, hitting .500 with two homers and two steals. Daylen Lile has hold of the third outfield spot for Washington, with Dylan Crews still on the injured list, but Hassell could play his way into the big league conversation once again if he keeps hitting like this.
Jonah Tong, P (NYM): We will save the complete breakdown of Tong for later, but his latest start was too good, not to mention here. Seven and 2/3 innings pitched, with only three baserunners allowed and eleven strikeouts, is an ace-level showing, plain and simple. Do not be shocked if Tong’s next appearance comes with Triple-A Syracuse.
Quinn Mathews, P (STL): Mathews’ resurgence seems to be going under the radar for many people. The lefty has returned to looking like a frontline starter in June, and his most recent start of five shutout innings brought his season ERA down to 3.19. McGreevy is still ahead of him in terms of big league opportunities, but Mathews could still make his debut this year if he continues pitching this well.
Dropped Off:
None this week.
Now, the spreadsheet tab you have all been waiting for, the Diamond Diplomas hitters:
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!
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
