Kaelen Culpepper – Imaginary Brick Wall

Posted on April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (4/6/26)

I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season here on the Brick Wall. The rest of the week you can catch my Rundowns on the Patreon. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (4/6/26):

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Slade Cecconi – CLE, RHP, 26.9 – I was the only man alive with a bat speed against target this off-season, and in fact, I might have been the only man alive to even look at bat speed against, hah, but when I dug in, there was one major takeaway, and in short, that takeaway was Slade motherfucking Cecconi. Hitters swing in Slow Mo vs. this man, and they were swinging in mud yesterday too. He went 6 IP with 1 hit, 0 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB vs. CLE. He has a well below average 70.0 MPH swing speed against this year, which is even better than last years mark. I was smelling that there was some value in bat speed against when I dug in for my 18 Dynasty Baseball Strategies/Thoughts for 2026, writing in part, “Chis Sale once again led all starters with a 70.9 MPH against, and Hunter Greene was 2nd at 71.1 MPH. Skubal was third and Skenes was 4th. I mean, the fact that those 4 guys are top 4 tells me that bat speed against means at least a little bit. The interesting takeaway from that is that Slade Cecconi is 5th.” The 93.5 MPH 4-seamer dominated in this one with a 44% whiff% (8 for 18). I loved the cutter this spring, and he went to it 29% in this one, using it to induce weak contact with a 72.8 MPH EV. The curve and sweeper were solid too, leading to a 30% whiff% and 87.1 MPH EV on the day. His first outing wasn’t as good as this one and the fastball velo is down a bit, so too early to call this one in either direction, but I’m pumped to continue following how my bat speed against does. And just looking at the early leaderboard this year, I see Andrew Painter sitting pretty at 69.6 MPH. Hmmm .. I like it.

Braxton Ashcraft – PIT, RHP, 26.6 – If you read my first Monday Morning Rundown of the season last week, you know I took my lumps, so let your boy have some fun with this one and take some laps. And nothing more fun than seeing one of my top pitcher targets go off against Baltimore. Ashcraft went 6 IP with 4 hits, 1 ER, and a 8/0 K/BB. The 96.2 MPH gas put up a 31% CSW%. The slider and sinker induced weak contact. And the curve and splitter missed bats and induced weak contact. That’s two good outings to start the season for Ashcraft, and while I would say he’s off to more of a solid start than a truly dominant one, as there are things to nitpick (like the 22.7% whiff%), we’ll take it. I know he started to get a ton of love as the off-season went along (thanks, Eno 😉 … hah, I’m just messing around, I’m an Eno fan! But I planted that flag back on October 6th in the first Dynasty Team Report I wrote up, and I literally wrote in that Pirates Team Report, “There is nothing worse than identifying targets/sleepers early in the off-season, only to watch their value skyrocket by the time your draft comes around. You just sit and pray everyday that some popular analyst doesn’t decide to name them one of their sleepers, because if they do, forget about it, all value is lost in the blink of an eye.” … hah, so can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but he deserved that love and I remained high. Long way to go but good start.

Edward Cabrera – CHC, RHP, 28.0 – Cabrera was another big target for me, and he put in Yeoman’s Work vs. CLE, going 5.2 IP with 1 ER, 0 ER, and a 4/5 K/BB. Sure those walks are scary considering his track record, but when it comes with a one hitter shutout, we won’t get so worked up over them. He went to the 93 MPH changeup 46% of the time and it notched a 35% whiff%. The heaters didn’t miss any bats, but he was pumping them in there at 97 MPH on the sinker and 95.5 MPH on the 4-seamer. The curve and slider combined for 2 for 5 whiffs. That’s two straight shutouts for Cabrera. Great start.

Chase Burns – CIN, RHP, 23.2 – I hade Burns in a completely other Tier than any of the other fun young aces, already putting Top 10 dynasty pitcher status on him, and he hasn’t disappointed, going 6 IP with 5 hits, 1 ER, and a 9/1 K/BB vs. TEX. The 98.6 MPH fastball put up a 32% whiff% and the 91.2 MPH slider put up a 56 whiff%. He didn’t go to the changeup often, but it dominated when he did with 3 of 6 whiffs and a 56.8 MPH EV against. It’s his 2nd dominant outing of the season. I was all gas, no brakes on Burns and this is why. I still think he’s on a level of his own. True ace.

Maikel Garcia – KCR, 3B, 26.1 – Garcia got on the board for his 1st homer with a 101.5 MPH shot off Kyle Harrison, and it was only a matter of time with that 18.1 degree launch. Once he got a taste of that power uptick in 2025, I knew he was going to smell blood in the water and come for more. I saw the Ketel Marte rise since him being one of my top targets in 2024, and I thought he was coming for elite dynasty asset status this year, writing in his Top 1,000 blurb, “I don’t see why Garcia wouldn’t be emboldened by the success he had in 2025, and try to continue to build on that this off-season. Ketel Marte had that similar slow but steady rise in launch, barrels, and air pull, and I still see that same path for Garcia. Even if he doesn’t keep improving, this was a definite leveling up/breakout, and I think there could be more down the line especially with the new ballpark dimensions. I’m buying high.” … and I’m still buying high. I really do believe we could be looking at an elite or near elite dynasty asset in short order.

Joseph Dzierwa – BAL, LHP, 21.11, A+ – I know Dzierwa didn’t pitch yesterday, but I’m too pumped not to include him in this Rundown after his gem of a first outing. He went 6 IP with 1 hits, 0 ER, and a 9/1 K/BB. If you’re on my Patreon, you know he was my top true sleeper college FYPD arm that was getting zero hype, but he’s not getting zero hype anymore as his value already started to rise with a killer Spring Breakout appearance. And now this. Just watch this filth from a funky 6’9” lefty delivery. That is what I was watching when this guy was in college, saying he’s massively underrated. It’s only High-A and there is a long way to go, but you almost got your money’s worth already as a trade piece if you scooped him in your FYPD.

Miguel Sime – WSH, RHP, 18.11, A – Dzierwa was my top college sleeper target, but Sime was my top high school sleeper target, and the start to Sime’s career might be even nastier than Dzierwa. I was seriously on an island with both of these guys. His hype got going in Spring Breakout too, and now it’s going right into the regular season. He went 2.1 IP with 1 hit, 1 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB at Single-A. I watched this entire outing and Single-A hitters were straight helpless up there. The breakers were filthy and he actually commanded them pretty damn well. He was then blowing upper 90’s heat right by guys. There is definitely still control/third pitch risk, but I’m even more all in now than I already was. Don’t make me choose between Sime and Dzierwa! It’s like making me choose a favorite child! But both are legit on a beeline for Top 100 status.

Kaelen Culpepper – MIN, SS, 23.3, AAA – And how about another FYPD Target while we’re on the subject, this one from the 2024 Draft, Culpepper is off to a hot start at Triple-A, going deep twice for his 2nd and 3rd bombs on the year. The first came off Payton Tolle (who pitched well as we are just awaiting his much deserved 2nd shot at the majors) at 101.3 MPH. When Culpepper gets ahold one to his pull side it is a thing of beauty as seen here off Tolle and then here for his 2nd of the day. The camera wasn’t close enough to see if he went Tongue Out, but I like to think he did. He definitely looks bigger and stronger to me this year too, and he’s hitting the ball harder too with a 50% Hard Hit% and 90.3 MPH EV. That is the main thing we needed to see, because the hit, speed and D were already there. The Twins don’t believe in Brooks Lee. That means Culpeper is on the way sooner rather than later at SS, although Marek Houston is going to figure in very soon as well. I’ve loved him for 2 years now, and his value is jumping even higher to start 2026. He basically needs to be owned in just about all leagues sizes, no matter how shallow or how few prospects are owned.

Jesus Made – MIL, SS, 18.11, AA – Checking on in the 18 year old Made at Double-A … 4 for 5 with an opposite field frozen rope dinger and a stolen base. Yea, I would say that will do. With Griffin, McGonigle, and Basallo all debuted, that makes Jesus Made my #1 non debuted prospect in baseball. But you better believe Leo De Vries is nipping at his heels. If I could name two #1’s, I would. But I can’t. That’s not how rankings work. There can only be one #1. It’s Made … for now.

Marek Houston – MIN, SS, 22.0, A+ – Houston needs to show more power. We know he needs to show more power. He knows he needs to show more power. And then he went out in his 3rd game at High-A and showed more power with an opposite field blast. Although it seemed he lifted that one into the wind stream and let mother nature do the rest. He’s off to a hot start to the season with a 232 wRC+ in 3 games. If the Hard Hit comes, he’s going to look like an FYPD steal, but long way to do and he’s still in the lower minors.

Charles Davalan – LAD, OF, 22.4, A+ – Davalan ripped up his 8 game pro debut in 2025, and now he’s picking right back up after hitting 2 homers in the same inning! That also might tell us something about the level of pitching he was facing, but we’ll gloss over that for a second hah. Davalan is your classic little man discount FYPD pick, and in an era where the little men are starting to get not all that discounted at all, he still did at 41st overall in the draft. LA jumped on that value. He’s little, but he cracked 14 homers his junior year and 10 homers his sophomore year, so the guy has pop. The contact is elite, he’s got good plate skills and plus speed. That is everything. I still fear he’s a 400-500 PA guy on the Dodgers if he doesn’t get traded, but that is only something we can keep in the back of your mind right now. He’s gonna fly up rankings this year.

Jack Leiter – TEX, RHP, 25.11 – 5 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 9/1 K/BB vs. CIN … The 97.3 MPH fastball put up a 56% whiff% (9 for 16). The changeup nearly matched it at 54% (7 for 13). And the slider chipped in with 2 for 4 whiffs. It all led to a 47% whiff% with a 86.7 MPH EV against. I was getting pretty excited about Leiter after his first outing, and I can’t help but feel even better after this one. We know he’s inconsistent. We need to see it for longer before really putting young ace on him, but man does he look electric. I’m buying it.

Kyle Harrison – MIL, LHP, 24.8 – 5.1 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 6/2 K/BB vs. KC … The Brewers are like, who needs secondaries anyway, we’ll get the breakout just on the back of that nasty fastball on it’s own. It sat 94.2 MPH in this one on 60% usage with a 30% whiff%. The slurve induced weak contact with a 77.5 MPH EV against the changeup was useless with 0 whiffs, 0 called strikes and a 110.8 MPH EV. His value was rising in spring due to the changeup, but the real reason his value was rising because Milwaukee is the model franchise, and they are proving once again their supremacy. The fact the secondaries haven’t been shining still matter to me, so I wouldn’t go too crazy on his value, but he clearly keeps trending up.

Kodai Senga – NYM, RHP, 32.6 – 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 7/2 K/BB vs. SFG … The 96 MPH put up a 29% whiff%. The forkball notched a 44% whiff%. The cutter and sweeper missed bats. It all led to a 32% whiff%. We already knew Senga was back this spring. He dominated in game 1 too. He’s fully back. Now he’s just gotta stay healthy.

Oneil Cruz – PIT, OF, 27.6 – I joked in my Patreon Rundowns that my 2025 Targets were so insane, that the few that didn’t hit are now going off in 2026 (Jordan Walker, Jose Soriano, Garrett Mitchell, Oneil Cruz), and Cruz keeps coming with a 111.8 MPH bomb yesterday. And better, yet, it came with 0 K on a 2 for 4 day. The swing and miss is still in crazy, full blown danger zone with a 48.5% whiff%. Honestly, I’m not even sure what to do with that hah … so I ain’t going back all in as the risk is still sky high, but I love to see the hot start to the season. I still own a lot of the guys I listed above from going after them in 2025. Those 2025 Targets are the gift that keeps on giving.

Ben Rice – NYY, 1B/C, 27.1 – Speaking of those 2025 Targets, Rice might have been my favorite hit from that group, and now he’s going next level nuclear after destroying a 110 MPH homer off Pete Fairbanks. He has a 96.9 MPH EV with a 1.380 OPS and .453 xwOBA. After being unlucky the last two years according to Statcast, the luck gods are in his favor this year. I’m scared to see what a lucky Ben Rice season looks like.

Drake Baldwin – ATL, C, 25.0 – Baldwin wasn’t a target for me in 2025, but there were more than enough catcher targets to go around for everyone last year, and like Rice, Baldwin’s taking it up a notch in 2026 after going 3 for 5 with a 108.4 MPH homer off Pfaadt. That gives him 4 homers with a 6.7% K% and .461 xwOBA. The launch is up a bit to 8.5 degrees. We are in a whole new era of catchers and it’s glorious.

Cole Young – SEA, 2B, 22.8 – Young’s power surge from the spring has transferred to the regular season with him smacking a 104 MPH homer for his 2nd in 10 games. He has a 157 wRC+. The underlying numbers don’t look quite as good as the surface stats though with a 85.4 MPH EV and 37.5% Hard Hit%. That Hard Hit% is up from 2025, so I see the uptick, but it’s still not in true power hitter territory. I still do worry that he’s not running much, and I also worry the power is only going to end up solid rather than truly impact. Which means the upside might not be huge, especially in Seattle, but I can’t hate on the start. Or I guess I can, because I just did hah, but I like him!

TJ Rumfield – COL, 1B, 25.10 – Rumfield was getting some deep sleeper love this off-season, and the guys touting him have to be hyped right now after he lifted off at 107.6 MPH for his 2nd homer. He now has a 168 wRC+ in 9 games. I can’t lie that I’m still not really buying in though. He just simply doesn’t hit the ball hard enough for me. He has a 84.3 MPH EV with a 31.8% Hard Hit%. He didn’t hit the ball that hard at Triple-A either. The hit tool is solid but it’s not elite. Fun start, and maybe I’m wrong, but I still don’t see big upside here. I’m not buying high.

Mickey Moniak – COL, OF, 27.11 – Moniak on the other hand I was buying into more, and he’s looking to build on that 2025 breakout with 2 homers at 108.7 MPH and 103.1 MPH. He crushed the ball in 2025, and he’s back at it in 2026. I’m in here.

Foster Griffin – WSH, LHP, 30.8 – Hit em with that kitchen sink baby as Griffin threw a 7 pitch mix, going 5 IP with 5 hits, 1 ER, and a 6/3 K/BB vs. the Dodgers. He only sits 91.2 MPH, but the myriad of secondaries had the Dodgers in stiches, leading to a 30% whiff% overall. That’s his 2nd excellent outing of the season as Griffin is establishing himself as a legit fantasy option. Back end kitchen sink guy is likely still the projection, but the mid-rotation upside is definitely popping it’s head up. With Cody Ponce down for the count, Foster has to pick up the pieces for his fallen Expat.

Parker Messick – CLE, LHP, 25.5 – 5 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 6/3 K/BB vs. CHC … there is nothing prospect rankers hate more than low velo. These guys can literally prove it in the majors, and prospect rankers will still give them all kinds of disrespect. But you know what, Messick averaged 93.3 MPH in this one, which isn’t even low velo for a lefty, and the pitch put up a more than respectable 25% whiff%. The changeup was untouchable with 7 of 10 whiffs. The breakers missed some bats and he mixed in a sinker and cutter, all leading to a 35% whiff% overall. His first start was a gem against the Dodgers. It’s pretty clear this dude isn’t going anywhere. I gave him love as a Top 75 prospect and Top 300-ish dynasty asset, and he continues to climb those rankings.

Christian Zazueta – LAD, RHP, 21.6, A+ – 4 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 7/1 K/BB at High-A … Zazueta is a hype beast breakout candidate this year, and his first real start at High-A went just about how his starts at Single-A went last year. Which is that he’s a K/BB King, and a K/BB King is the best kind of King there is as a pitcher. He put up a 29.7/5.9 K%/BB% in 2025. He’s 6’3” with a potentially plus 93+ fastball/changeup combo. Fastball/changeup righties guys can often dominate the lower minors before finding trouble against more advanced competition, so as a 21 year old, we need to see it in the upper minors before really going crazy, but keep him on your radar.

Nathan Flewelling – TBR, C, 19.5, A+ – Flewelling was a popular sleeper catcher prospect this off-season, and he got on the board for his first at High-A as a 19 year old going lefty on lefty. He also has a 50% K% in 3 games, so still a long way to go and a lot to prove, but he looks to be in the next wave of top catcher prospects.

Conor Essenburg – ATL, LHP/OF, 19.6, A – Essenburg was a $1.2 million dollar bonus baby, and while I was unsure if they were going to unleash him as a pitcher or a hitter, it looks like hitter won with him cracking his first pro homer. He utterly obliterated this thing and then hit us with a much deserved stop and stare. I think it left the park. He’s 6’2′, 200 and you can see that power clearly. He’s also hitting .182 with a 40% K% in 3 games, so as with a lot of these super talented high school players, it will come down to if the hit tool will play or not. If it doesn’t though, he’s got the backup plan of going back on the mound.

Kevin Alcantara – CHC, OF, 23.8, AAA – Alcantara is off to a smoking start at Triple-A, crushing his 4th homer in 8 games. These things aren’t chip shots either with him putting up a 93.7 MPH EV in the early going. Dude is 6’6” with no joke power. The same problems from the off-season are still there though, which is the hit tool (35.8% whiff%), and really the biggest problem, which is that he didn’t get traded. He desperately needs a trade and for a team to unleash his truly special talent and power/speed combo. There will be hit tool troubles, but the right team should stay patient with him.

Roki Sasaki – LAD, RHP, 24.5 – 5 IP, 5 hits, 6 ER, 5/3 K/BB vs. WAS … it was nice while it lasted. I don’t think anyone was buying after his first solid appearance and I honestly think the Dodgers are only starting him because they feel like they have to/it’s the right thing to do. He signed for just $6.5 million under MLB’s international free agent rules. Without those rules, he would have probably gotten over $100 million. I think they feel like they owe him this. But I will say the underlying numbers for this start don’t look bad at all. He put up a 32% whiff% with a 85.6 MPH EV against. All 3 of his pitches missed bats. I don’t think this outing should be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. A breakout isn’t impossible even if I’m not betting on it.

George Klassen – LAA, RHP, 24.2 – Klassen made his MLB debut and it was rough, going 2.2 IP with 3 hits, 2 ER, and a 4/5 K/BB vs. SEA … the filthy stuff was there with the 97.1 MPH fastball putting up a 40% whiff%. The slider notched a 67% whiff%. The 40% whiff% with a 86.6 MPH EV overall looked good, but as you can see, the control just wasn’t there at all. That is what he’s struggled with his entire career. I love the stuff obviously, but I hate the franchise, and I just don’t trust the Angels at all to call Klassen one of my guys. He’s definitely in that pitching prospect bucket I love shopping in, but I ended up grabbing other guys in that bucket this year.

Dalton Rushing – LAD, C, 25.1 – 1 for 3 with his 1st homer at 103 MPH in his first start since March 30th and with only 5 PA on the season … James Tibbs, meet your ghost of MLB Debut future …

James Tibbs III – LAD, OF, 23.6, AAA – Didn’t homer … now I only give you updates when he doesn’t homer. More noteworthy …

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)
Blue Sky: Dynasty Halp (@ImaginaryBrickWaIl)

Posted on August 12, 2024August 12, 2024 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (8/12/24)

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Jac Caglionone KCR, 1B/LHP, 21.6 – In the last Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown, I wrote that “those insanely inflated college stats from all these guys are about to get a cold splash right to the face. I’m buzzing with nervous excitement for all these guys to debut. You can’t hide behind metal bats and freshman pitchers anymore.” … and while it’s still early, some of them aren’t only getting a cold splash to the face, they are going full ice bucket challenge on us. Jac threw up an 0 for 4 day with 3 K’s yesterday, and he’s now sporting a .150 BA, 64 wRC+, and 31.8% K% in 5 games at High-A. You ain’t in Kansas, er, Florida, anymore Jac, you are in Davenport, Iowa, and you are not adjusting well, so far. 5 games is still insanely early and these are human beings going through a major life change, playing for a new team, new coaches, new teammates, new bats, new balls, new cities etc … definitely don’t overrate just 5 games, but also, college is over.

Travis Bazzana CLE, 2B, 21.11 – Bazzana got shipped out to Eastlake, Ohio, and he’s having that same ice bucket crash on his head, going 0 for 4 with 2 K’s yesterday. He’s now sporting a .156 BA, 101 wRC+, and 33.3% K% in 9 games at High-A. A little better than Jac, but ain’t nothing like the nonstop destruction of college where everyone was hitting a homer every other game. This brings me no joy to report. I just read the news … You stay classy San Diego, I’m Ron Burgundy?

Charlie Condon COL, 3B/1B/OF, 21.5 – Sorry Charlie, but you can’t escape either after going 0 for 4 with 2 K’s yesterday. You are now sporting a 40.9%/4.5% K%/BB% in 5 games at High-A. Granted it comes with a 131 wRC+, but the hit tool was the one concern here, and well, it’s still a concern. This isn’t me panicking on these guys by any means. Don’t get it twisted. This is just me watching, and going, hmmmmmmm …

Kaelen Culpepper MIN, SS, 21.8 – Let me try to turn that frown upside down, because Culpepper is someone starting to get me really excited with his pro debut. Here is what I wrote in his Top 57 FYPD Rankings (Patreon) blurb, ranking him 33rd overall, “He reminds me a lot of Minnesota’s 2nd round pick in 2023, Luke Keaschall, who has similar size, speed, and feel to hit. Nothing jumps off the screen, but they get the job done in all facets of the game. Minnesota has had a lot of success with Keaschall, and Culpepper looks to be next.” … and Culpepper is living up to that comp. Keaschall had an explosive pro debut, and so is Culpepper, going 2 for 5 with a double yesterday, and is now 5 for 13 with 2 doubles, 1 homer, 1 steal, and a 1/2 K/BB in 3 games at Single-A. Here is video of his first pro homer with the ball exploding off his bat. 33rd already feels too low. He’s moving into the early to mid 20’s for me right now.

Nick Kurtz OAK, 1B, 21.4 – Kurtz got his pro career started on Saturday at Single-A, and he cracked his first pro homer in game one. He’s doing his thing with a .500 OBP and 241 wRC+ in 2 games. Keep in mind that Jac, Condon, and Bazzana are all at High-A, while Culpepper and Kurtz are at Single-A, and at this point of the season in particular, I do think that is a nice size jump in difficulty level.

Christian Moore LAA, 2B, 21.9 – And how can I not mention Christian Moore right now, even though he didn’t play yesterday. He needed a break from hitting all those homers I guess with 6 homers in 8 games, and 5 homers in 6 games at Double-A. He’s looking at the struggles of the guys getting drafted before him and laughing. We all already knew he was going to be up with the big league club in no time, and now that’s a foregone conclusion. The only question is, how far is he going to rise in off-season First Year Player Drafts. Would it be crazy to take him 1st overall at this point? No. But would I take him first overall? … … … … … I don’t know, don’t make me answer that right now ;). I was already super high on him though, ranking him 38th overall on the Updated Top 327 Dynasty Prospects Rankings that just dropped on the Patreon last week.

Spencer Schwellenbach ATL, RHP, 23.10 – I should just start calling these the Monday Morning Schwellenbach Rundown, because Schwellebach shoves, pushes, kicks, punches, and karate chops every Sunday, and then every Monday I sing his praises. He did it again yesterday, going 6 IP with 6 hits, 2 ER, and a 7/2 K/BB vs. COL. The fastball sat 96.3 MPH and dominated with a 30% whiff% and 85.8 MPH EV against. The splitter, curveball, and slider all racked up whiffs too, leading to a 37% whiff% on the day. He now has a 3.09 xERA (3.95 ERA) with a 26.8%/4.2% K%/BB% in 70.2 IP. I officially rang the Major Target bell back on July 22nd’s Monday Rundown, writing, “Schwellenbach is officially one of the most exciting young starters in the game, and is a major target if you can buy off his inflated 4.62 ERA.” He just keeps rising and needs to be valued as around a Top 100 overall dynasty asset.

Jeffrey Springs TBR, LHP, 31.11 – 5 IP, 6 hits, 1 ER, 8/0 K/BB against the tough Orioles lineup. That looks like vintage Springs right there, and it only took his 3rd start back from Tommy John surgery to see it. The fastball only sat 90.3 MPH, which is about a tick+ down from pre surgery, but it got the job done with a 26% whiff% and 38% CSW%. It was the changeup that really dominated though with a 67% whiff%, leading to a 42% whiff% on the day. Missing bats and throwing the ball over the plate is what he does. I wouldn’t say he looks in prime form, but this is a very encouraging outing to say he is headed in the right direction. I was all about taking the Tommy John discount on him, and while he might not take off this season, I can see 2025 being a big year for him after a full normal off-season to truly round back into form.

DL Hall MIL, LHP, 25.11 – I’ve never seen a pitcher who can just so easily gain like 2+ MPH of velocity after one trip on the IL. Hall was sitting low 90’s early in the year in 2023 in the minors, went on the IL, and then came back throwing mid 90’s. And now he’s done the exact same thing this year, throwing low 90’s early in the season, hitting the IL with a knee injury, and now returning at 94.6 MPH last night. Is he just chillin during the off-season? Hunting, fishing, Bud Light .. and then he gets to camp and goes, oh shit? He went 4.2 IP with 5 hits, 3 ER, and a 9/3 K/BB vs. CIN. Along with the fastball, the velocity was way up on all of his pitches, and it allowed him to re-find his bat missing ability with a 31% whiff%. He obviously still didn’t pitch well, and he didn’t pitch well at Triple-A either with the newfound velocity, so I’m far from jumping back in. But at least it makes him interesting again. Keep an eye out.

Zyhir Hope LAD, OF, 19.7 – Hope got hit with the dreaded out of sight, out of mind hype dry up when he was out with a shoulder injury, but he’s been back at Single-A for a couple weeks, and he’s firmly back in sight and back in mind. He went 2 for 3 with a double and a homer last night. He’s right back to raking since returning from the injury, slashing .362/.516/.596 with 3 homers, 1 steal, and a 21%/17.7% K%/BB% in 13 games. I held strong on his ranking throughout the injuries, checking in at #92 on the Updated Top 427 Prospect Rankings, and he might now be sneaking into Top 75 range again.

Jhonny Severino PIT, SS, 19.9 – Severino just snuck on those Updated Rankings at #320, writing, “Big upside bat with big power, but he’s done most of his damage this year in rookie ball as a 19 year old … I just don’t love shopping in the 19 year old rookie ball breakout aisle.” But he’s not in rookie ball anymore, and he keeps on crushing it, going the opposite way for his first homer in 9 games at Single-A. He now has a 147 wRC+ with a 24.4%/9.8% K%/BB% at the level. The longer he keeps it up at Single-A, the faster his hype train will pick up speed.

Tai Peete SEA, SS/3B, 19.0 – Peete isn’t having the best season at Single-A with a 92 wRC+ in 94 games, but keep in mind that he was an 18 year old for almost the entire season. He turned 19 yesterday, and he celebrated his birthday in style, going 1 for 3 with a homer and a steal. So he may have been mediocre as an 18 year old at the level, but as a 19 year old, he has a 1.833 OPS. His game power has been coming on strong for a little while now with 6 homers in his last 33 games. This is still a super toolsy, super exciting prospect even if the full explosion hasn’t happened this year.

Robert Calaz COL, OF, 18.9 – Speaking of 18 year old’s at Single-A, Calaz has had no issues since being called up, absolutely obliterating a 455 foot, 109 MPH blast out of the ballpark for his first homer at the level. He finished the day 2 for 3 with a homer and a steal. He now has a 148 wRC+ with a 25%/10% K%/BB% in 10 games. He is on the fast track to be an elite power hitting prospect by this time next year. He entered the Top 100 Prospects at #97, and that number will keep rising.

Welbyn Francisca CLE, SS, 18.3 – Francisca doesn’t have the raw power of Calaz, but it didn’t stop him from also jacking out his first homer in 9 games at Single-A as an 18 year old. He had himself a day, going 3 for 4 with a double, homer and walk. He now has a 196 wRC+ in 9 games, and he is showing more than enough power this year (7 homers in 54 games) to let his hit/plate approach/speed profile shine. He checked in at #116 on the Updated Rankings.

Dillon Dingler DET, C, 25.11 – It’s a Dinger for Dingler, and it’s his first MLB homer, smashing a 107.9 MPH, 406 bomb off Hayden Birdsong. He also tacked on a 104.3 MPH double. It’s his first good game in the majors with a .727 OPS in 7 games, but the underlying numbers look standout right now with a 11.8% Barrel%, 92.7 MPH EV, 14.8 degree launch, .438 xwOBA, and 26.9% K%. The hit tool is definitely still a risk with a shaky at best hit tool throughout his career, but the power looks so sincere.

Kristian Campbell BOS, 2B/OF, 22.2 – Campbell might be THE 2024 breakout, and he’s only picking up steam after homering in his 3rd straight game at Double-A. He’s now slashing .380/.484/.592 with 7 homers, 17 steals, and a 14.8%/14.3% K%/BB% in 49 games. That is good for a 203 wRC+, and that is not a small sample. My goodness gracious. I’ve never said my goodness gracious in my life, but I feel like this is the right time to whip that one out. He might be a Top 10 prospect by the end of the season if he isn’t there already.

Agustin Ramirez MIA, C, 22.11 – Ramirez is starting to get comfortable in his new digs, and he’s starting to get comfortable at Triple-A too after going deep for his 2nd homer in 10 games since the trade, to go along with a 165 wRC+ and 10.5%/13.6% K%/BB%. He’s now on a beeline for Miami’s starting catcher job with plus power and a solid plate approach.

Quinn Mathews STL, LHP, 23.10 – 5 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 6/2 K/BB at Double-A. That is Mathews third gem in a row at Double-A, and he’s now dominating the level with a 3.11 ERA and 29.9%/8.9% K%/BB% in 37.2 IP. The stuff backs up the results with a mid 90’s fastball and 2 plus secondaries in his slider and change. He’s got the size too at 6’5”. He creeping up into near elite pitching prospect range at this point.

Ben Casparius LAD, RHP, 25.6 – Casparius had his best outing since getting the call to Triple-A, going 6 IP with 5 hits, 0 ER, and a 8/0 K/BB. The fastball sat 95 MPH, the slider notched a 42% whiff, and the cutter notched a 60% whiff%. He now has a 3.54 ERA with a 25.7%/12.2% K%/BB% in 56 IP. The lack of control and the insanely deep rotation in LA (including all of the injured guys) makes me think Casparius ends up in the bullpen, but he certainly has the stuff and proximity to keep an eye on.

Carter Johnson MIA, SS, 18.5 – Hit tool first high school prospects aren’t my favorite to go after, and neither are hitting prospects drafted by the Marlins. Johnson got the double up on that one, and he’s struggling in pro ball. He went 0 for 5 with 4 K’s yesterday and now has 0 homers, 0 steals, a 86 wRC+ and 33.3% K% in 7 games at Single-A. To be fair, in previous years, he would have been assigned to stateside rookie ball first, where he would have the opportunity to hit like .400 for 9 games before getting the call to Single-A. But with the rookie ball season ending earlier now, these high school bats don’t have that luxury. Just look at the college bats struggling to adjust to pro ball in the lower minors. You have to give high school bats even more leeway there.

Noelvi Marte CIN, 3B, 22.11 – 0 for 4 with 3 K’s. He now has a 40 wRC+ in 36 games. I think I speak for all Noelvi owners, get back on that juice. It’s worth the risk 😉 (one silver lining to leave you with, his EV is back up to 89 MPH in his last 24 games, so better days are ahead)

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By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
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