In the search for sleepers many owners often lean on players like outfielder Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is expected to start the season off in the majors, or Cubs third base prospect Kris Bryant, who should be called up as soon as it makes financial sense for the team to do so.
Sometimes though, there are hot prospects who aren't quite on the MLB radar yet, or struggled the previous season in the minors and have seen their stock drop. These guys can be drafted with your last pick, or even picked up before the season starts.
Here are five minor leaguers with very little or no MLB experience at all to consider stashing not only for mid-to-late season benefits, but for keeper league reasons.
Francisco Lindor, SS Cleveland Indians
Lindor isn't much of a bopper, but this rising shortstop will provide instant benefits on the base paths as soon as he is called up. Last year at Triple A Lindor's production was not elite. He slashed .273/.307/.388 with five home runs and three stolen bases in a somewhat limited (38 games) sample size. The previous season his average wasn't impressive but he swiped 25 bags, the third time he had stolen 20-plus bases.
Another young player, 22-year-old Jose Ramirez, is the man in Lindor's way. He has a similar skill set-he stole 38 bags in Double-A in 2013 and swiped 10 bases last year in 69 MLB games. Ramirez is a plus defender, but he doesn't have the same upside at the plate as Lindor even if they share great speed. If Lindor is raking expect a call up.
Miguel Sano, 3B Minnesota Twins
Sano had knee surgery last season that ruined his chance of reaching the big leagues, and after a full year's absence he might need all of 2015 in the minors to regain his form. But maybe he won't. Fantasy owners are rightfully drooling over Kris Bryant's power potential, but Sano has even more. Per Fangraphs his raw power is at the top of their 20/80 scale, and he has already displayed nice on-base skills despite a propensity for striking out.
He will provide immediate pop at the big league level, and if he's killing it the Twins may not hesitate to bring him aboard. They're expected to finish last in the AL Central, and Sano would be a reason for Twins fans to come out to Target Field.
Noah Syndergaard, SP New York Mets
Syndergaard was a hidden gem acquired when the Mets dealt R.A. Dickey to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for catcher Travis d'Arnaud and Syndergaard. While d'Arnaud struggled mightily early, Syndergaard became the big get. Last season at Triple A removed much of the excitement for him though in fantasy circles.
He pitched 133 innings and went 9-7, but posted an ugly 4.60 ERA while walking nearly three batters per nine. His FIP (3.60) was much better than his ERA, but he wasn't putting up numbers consistent with a pitcher about to be called up. Now, he may be behind Steven Matz and Rafael Montero in call up order, but he's still one of the game's elite prospects. Zack Wheeler is already down for the count, and several current rotation members are able to be moved if the front office wants to bring him up. Expect Syndergaard in 2015.
Mike Foltynewicz, SP Atlanta Braves
Foltynewicz exceeds 100 miles per hour on his fastball and regularly sits in the mid-to-high 90s, so chances are he will blow away hitters in Triple A and be called up sooner rather than later. Atlanta's offense looks terrible on paper, but the Braves' staff is young with upside, and Foltynewicz is a big part of that. The Braves are throwing also-rans out there as No.4 and No. 5 starters that can easily be released or moved to the bullpen if the new guy is catching fire. His main issue is control; if he can figure that out, there's Dellin Betances potential for him, but as a starter.
Joey Gallo, 3B Texas Rangers
Gallo has major roadblocks at the corner infield spots. Their names are Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder. Still, Gallo's power may be too insane for Texas to ignore. Like Sano, Gallo is considered an 80/80 in terms of raw power, but his upside is limited by incredible strikeout totals. In 2014 Gallo whiffed nearly 40 percent of the time at Double-A, and hit .232 despite a healthy BABIP. That needs to come down. Gallo is more of a stash for next year type, but if there are injuries and he's raking, don't be shocked to see him in Arlington. If so, get ready for strikeouts and bombs.
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