Welcome to September! The real-life and fantasy seasons are winding down, the playoffs are in full effect, and a lot of managers are now splitting their attention with fantasy football. Speaking of playoffs, I advanced in four of my six matchups last week (one was a bye). One of those leagues was the PLive Dynasty league, where I was able to squeak past subscriber Jim in a two-week matchup that came down to the wire. Next up, I'm facing Matt Thompson. This week, I've had two new playoffs begin (one with a bye) and am currently in a third-place matchup in one of the leagues I won last week. Overall, that makes 7 active playoff matchups with another one likely to start next week. We'll see how it all shakes out, but hopefully I can bring a couple titles home this year. I hope  you are able to do the same!

Note: all stats current through Tuesday 9/2/25 and all minor league Statcast figures are sourced from TJ Stats.

Dynasty Baseball Pickups - Prospects Live
Prospects LiveTaylor Corso

Mid-Week Pickups

Kala'i Rosario - 23/OF/MIN/AA

Height/Weight: 6’0”/205 lbs
Bats: R
Fantrax Rostership: 3%

PLIVE+ (Career): 137
PLIVE+ (2025): 125

2024 stats (A/AA): 307 PA .238/.329/.428, 10 HR, 3 SB, 11.4% BB, 29.6% K
2025 stats (AA): 531 PA .259/.362/.503, 25 HR, 25 SB, 13.0% BB, 27.3% K

Why To Pick Up

Rosario, a 5th round pick in the 2020 draft, is someone I've been monitoring for awhile. I originally posted about him back in 2023:

At the time, I added him to quite a few of my teams, but would eventually send those shares back to the wire during a disappointing 2024 season at Double-A, where Rosario spent two and a half months on the injured list with an elbow injury. One thing that went under the radar last season is that, despite an elevated strikeout rate of 29.6%, Rosario was actually able to significantly increase his contact rate and decrease his swinging strike rate. This season, while repeating Double-A, Rosario has been able to keep the contact gains while also hitting for more power. He's raised his ISO to a career high, .244 to go with a career high 25 home runs. A significant difference is his nearly 20-point drop in ground ball rate, to a career low of 36.9%, while pulling the ball at a career high of 50.5%.

Power has always been the calling card for Rosario, who hit 21 homers in 2023 and gets a plus raw power grade from Fangraphs.  However, the big surprise this year has been the increase in stolen bases. Prior to this season, Rosario's career high was seven steals in 2022. This season, however, that number has jumped to 25 so far while being caught just six times. So what changed? According to a recent Athletic article by Dan Hayes, apparently, we have Caleb Durbin to thank. Rosario reportedly decided to be more active on the basepaths after watching Durbin run wild during last year's Arizona Fall League. It's worth noting that Rosario receives a 50 current speed grade from Fangraphs and has always been an efficient base stealer.

Rosario got off to a slow start this season, batting just .179 in April with a 43.5% strikeout rate and 6.5% walk rate, but since May 1st, he's slashed .276/.389/.541 with a 23.9% strikeout rate and 14.4% walk rate with 22 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He's saved his best ball for recently, however, as he's posted a .309/.420/.727 slash since the start of August with a 23.7% strikeout rate, a 15.3% walk rate, and 12 home runs in 28 games. While he's split time between the corner outfield spots and DH, Rosario is actually graded by Fangraphs as an above-average fielder. PLive+ also loves Rosario, and his peak projections compare favorably against other hitters in Double-A.

Why To Think Twice

While Rosario has made more contact over the last couple of years and has cut his strikeout rate throughout the season, the contact is still a major concern. Fangraphs gave Rosario a 35 hit tool, and according to TJ stats, his zone contact and whiff rates are below average. Rosario is also extremely passive, swinging at under 40% of pitches.

Final Thoughts

Rosario has been a known name in deeper dynasty leagues for a while now, but it's worth noting that he has not only rebounded from a tough 2024 but also taken steps forward in nearly every way. Between his newfound stolen bases, improved contact, and increased power, plus his on-base ability and solid defense, there is a lot to like here. The only question is whether the hit tool is good enough for those things to matter. In medium-sized leagues, it's a bet I'm willing to make.

Where to pick up: Leagues with 300+ prospects rostered.

FAAB bid: Minimal (0-5%)