These prospects could make a difference in September

Top 10 potential September callups could provide long-term fantasy value

August 30th, 2018

All season long, we've been touting which prospects could provide the most fantasy value should they get called up. We've tried to find a combination of potential production and possible opportunity, knowing those two things don't always align neatly.
But here we are, on the cusp of roster expansion on Sept. 1, and that world seems almost limitless. Sure, there are still roadblocks, like a prospect not being on a 40-man roster, or headed to the playoffs in the Minor Leagues. But just look at our look at one potential September callup from each organization to get excited about story. Keep that list at the ready so you can pounce for your fantasy team, even if it's for next year's keeper leagues.
:: Complete prospect coverage ::
As always, we've whittled it down to a top 10 rankings of fantasy prospects presently in the Minors. And as always, they're based on expected 2018 fantasy production in the big leagues, while our Top 100 reflects long-term value in all phases of the game.
1. , OF, White Sox (Previous rank: 1)
There is literally nothing left for him to prove in Triple-A and he's hitting .452 over his last 10 games there. Already on the 40-man roster and playing on a last-place team, there is literally nothing keeping him from a Sept. 1 callup.
2. , OF, Nationals (Previous rank: 3)
Slowly, Robles is getting his feet back under him and he's swinging the bat better of late. His team is also out of contention and the Nats really should get a nice look-see at what an outfield with both him and Juan Soto at the same time will look like.
3. , OF, Astros (Previous rank: 5)
He's been up twice, without much success, and to his credit, he just goes back down and rakes. He's currently as hot as any hitter anywhere on Earth, with nine homers in his last 10 games, hitting .523 in that span. Think he deserves another shot? I do.

4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Blue Jays (Previous rank: 2)
With news that he's headed to the Arizona Fall League, it seems less likely he's going to get a chance in Toronto this year. But it's always a good idea to watch the transaction wire, just in case. Even after "slumping," he's still hitting .382/.441/.635 for the year.

5. , OF, Rangers (Previous rank: NR)
In a brief stint in Texas when was on the disabled list, Calhoun held his own (He's now 19-for-69 in 22 big league games this year). He'll undoubtedly get called up when rosters expand, and the Rangers, playing for next year, should see what they have in their future left fielder.

6. , C/OF, Padres (Previous rank: 4)
While the Padres did call up Luis Urias from the playoff-bound El Paso Chihuahuas, it looks like they might wait to bring up Mejia until after El Paso's postseason run is done. He's continued to only catch since joining the Padres organization, so there's more limited opportunity (though that does raise his fantasy value).

7. Touki Toussaint, RHP, Braves (Previous rank: 6)
Since his stirring big league debut on Aug. 13, Toussaint has allowed just one run over 19 innings in three Triple-A starts, striking out 24. It's unclear if he'll get more starts for the contending Braves, but even in a bullpen role, his ability to miss bats should be of interest.

8. , OF, Dodgers (Previous rank: 8)
It comes as no surprise that Verdugo continues to hit (he's third in the PCL with his .329 average). And there's no real place right now for him to get regular playing time in the Dodgers' outfield, but a guy can dream, can't he?

9. , LHP, Yankees (Previous rank: 10)
Sheffield has had a very, very good year and could definitely bolster the Yankees' pitching staff in some capacity. It should be noted that his last two outings have been in relief, which may be his first way to show what he can do in New York.
10. Bryse Wilson, RHP, Braves (Previous rank: 7)
Like Toussaint, Wilson was outstanding in his big league debut. And like Toussaint, his stuff could play very well in a bullpen role, something he's done in his last two outings back in Triple-A, so keep an eye on that development.

Dropped out: Peter Alonso, 1B, Mets (Previous rank: 9)