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Grading on the Curve: Top 10 Fantasy Rookies in 2016

By Matthew Schoettler

Apr 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; First base featuring opening day graphics prior to the first inning between the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox on opening day at Citizens bank Park. The Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; First base featuring opening day graphics prior to the first inning between the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox on opening day at Citizens bank Park. The Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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With baseball season five weeks away, let us take a look at 10 MLB prospects who could become fantasy baseball contributors in 2016.

Each year, fantasy baseball players look and speculate which MLB rookies will make an impact in the upcoming season. With farm systems being the focal point to most teams in today’s game, we are blessed with a young crop of talented, young prospects. This year, it is no different, as there are plenty of MLB prospects capable of making a splash in fantasy baseball for 2016.

Some of the players on this list saw time last season; however, they did not record enough at-bats or games to lose their rookie eligibility. Their time spent in 2015 should only help out in the upcoming season in 2016. However, there are other prospects who hope to make their MLB debut in the upcoming season, offering some late-round upside in fantasy baseball.

From Los Angeles to New York, there are a vast array of young prospects capable of making an impact for the 2016 fantasy baseball season. Let us take a look at whom makes the top-10 fantasy rookies for the upcoming season.

Next: South-side Chicago Shortstop?

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Next: Starting Pitcher in the Mile High City?

Jon Gray. 9. player. 108. <p><strong><a href=. SP. Chandler, Oklahoma

Next: Low-Risk, High-Reward Slugging Third Baseman?

Las Vegas, Nevada. Joey Gallo. 8. player. 95. <p><strong><a href=. 3B

Next: Rookie Shortstop in D.C.?

Boynton Beach, Florida. Trea Turner. 7. player. 90. <p><strong><a href=. SS

Next: New Ace on the Horizon for the Twins?

6. player. 2. <p>The top pitching prospect in the Twins’ farm system, <strong><a href=. SP. Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Jose Berrios

Next: Meet the Matz?

3. <p>Last season, <strong><a href=. SP. Stony Brook, New York. Steven Matz. 5. player

Next: Pittsburg's Next Gerrit Cole?

4. <p>Similar to Jose Berrios, the Pittsburg Pirates had a tough decision on their hands with <strong><a href=. SP. Newhall, California. Tyler Glasnow. 4. player

Next: Nationals' Rotation to Get Better?

90. <p>Pretty much everyone has grown to know the name <strong><a href=. SP. Santa Monica, California. Lucas Giolito. 3. player

Next: Twins' Top-Rated Prospect Poised for Breakout 2016?

2. player. 2. <p>Last year, Billy Hamilton jumped up fantasy baseball draft boards due to his speed and baserunning skills. Thus, with Buxton likely to assume the starting center field job in 2016, he should provide similar production to Hamilton. However, <strong><a href=. OF. Baxley, Georgia. Byron Buxton

Next: Is the Next Mega-Prospect Amongst Us?

Corey Seager. 1. player. 71. <p><strong><a href=. SS. Charlotte, North Carolina

Next: Who Just Missed the List?

Who’s on the Cusp of Fantasy Relevance in 2016?

Blake Snell is the most obvious pitcher left off the list, but I question if he is ready to take on big league hitting on a regular basis. Snell ascended from High-A to Triple-A in 2015, posting stellar numbers at every stop. The only downfall with pitchers who earn multiple promotions in a season is that they sometimes find it difficult to replicate their success in the following season. 

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Blake Snell is a great prospect in every aspect; however, some regression is bound to happen in 2016. Thus, the Rays should not rush Snell into the big league rotation. Pecota picked the Rays to win the A.L. East, and if Snell dominates in Spring Training or early on in the minor leagues, he should be a big contributor to the Rays’ success.

If and when Snell earns his promotion, he jumps to the sixth-rated spot on this list, falling right behind Steven Matz. Blake Snell is certainly a guy to keep a close eye on heading into Spring Training, because he offers immense upside as a left-handed starting pitcher. Keep a close eye on Snell heading into fantasy baseball drafts.

In addition to Snell, Jose De Leon makes for an under-the-radar rookie arm to keep a close eye on in 2016. De Leon, unlike Julio Urias, should make an impact for the Dodgers in 2016. The real question is when will he make an impact? Jose De Leon could make an impact as soon as April or May, but he could not see his MLB debut until September.

Next: Grading on the Curve: Top 50 MLB Prospects in 2016

With how stellar Corey Seager performed last season, it would not be surprising for the Dodgers to be patient with Jose De Leon next season. If he dominates at Triple-A, the Dodgers will have no choice but to see how he performs at the MLB level. Keep an eye on De Leon and Snell in fantasy baseball this season. Could be a steal during the season.

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