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👀 Call-Up Watch — Seven To Watch

Full board: Call-Up Watch.

Franklin Arias · SS · BOS

AA bat with a 1.067 OPS and a gaping hole at shortstop above him

The case for promotion Arias is having a monster age-20 season at Double-A Portland: .341/.415/.652 with 11 HR and 4 SB across 159 PA. He grades young-for-level with a 76 composite (90 performance, 100 trajectory) and already sits on the 40-man. A .652 slug in a full Double-A season is elite-tier, and the .415 OBP says the approach is mature, not just hot.

MLB opening Trevor Story (.532 OPS, 2 HR, 30.5% K in 131 PA) and Andruw Monasterio (.697 OPS, 1 HR in 88 PA) have both cratered up the middle. Arias's power-first profile attacks exactly what Boston is missing.

Fantasy verdict STASH NOW. Double-digit HR upside with a speed floor, at a thin position. ETA 4–8 weeks if Boston decides the position is a sinkhole — and Story's 131 PA of nothing make that patience thin. Grab him in all 12-team mixed leagues.

Cooper Ingle · C · CLE

AAA catcher with a .618 slug and a 2-homer incumbent ahead of him

The case for promotion Ingle's Triple-A line in Columbus is loud: .337/.504/.618 with 7 HR over 121 PA. At 24.3 he's age-appropriate for the level, grades a 73 composite (94 performance, 79 trajectory), and holds 40-man protection. The .504 OBP and .618 slug make clear this isn't a glove-only profile — there's a real bat here.

MLB opening Patrick Bailey (.414 OPS, 2 HR in 108 PA) and Austin Hedges (.676 OPS, 0 HR in 39 PA) are giving Cleveland almost nothing at the plate. Bailey's 108 PA of futility open a clear upgrade window, and Ingle's power pace would hit immediately.

Fantasy verdict WATCH. Catcher eligibility is scarce and his power is real, which makes him a premium deep-league stash — but a crowded position adds usage risk, so patience is warranted. ETA 6–10 weeks if Bailey keeps sliding. Rank him ahead of most tier-2 catchers.

Jimmy Crooks · C · STL

Nothing left to prove: a 40-man catcher with .577 power and a soft incumbent pair

The case for promotion Crooks carries the "nothing left to prove" tag as a 40-man player, fresh off a .263/.413/.577 line with 13 HR over 172 PA at Triple-A Memphis. The 73 composite (81 performance, 100 trajectory) says scouts see his minor-league arc as maxed out. A .577 slug is elite for a catcher, and his homer pace projects to roughly 25–28 over a full MLB season.

MLB opening Yohel Pozo (.536 OPS, 0 HR in 28 PA) and Pedro Pagés (.736 OPS, 3 HR in 67 PA) leave the backup job wide open. Pozo's tiny sample and zero power suggest the Cardinals haven't settled the spot — and Crooks's bat plugs the power vacuum directly.

Fantasy verdict STASH NOW. A 40-man catcher with elite power and nothing left to prove in the minors. ETA 2–4 weeks if Pozo or Pagés struggles further. Treat him as a tier-1 catcher stash in all 12-team leagues.

Edwin Arroyo · SS · CIN

Young-for-level two-tool bat (.588 slug, .342 AVG, 9 SB) stuck behind Elly De La Cruz

The case for promotion Arroyo, 22.8 and young-for-level, is on the 40-man with a 72 composite and Triple-A Louisville numbers that pop: .342/.402/.588 with 10 HR and 9 SB over 231 PA. Power and speed in the same package is rare, and 231 PA is a meaningful volume of it.

MLB opening The problem is the man ahead of him. Elly De La Cruz (.847 OPS, 10 HR in 169 PA) is thriving and entrenched. Arroyo's power-speed combo gives Cincinnati a strong fallback, but he needs a De La Cruz injury or trade to clear a path.

Fantasy verdict WATCH. The profile is premium, but the blocker is healthy. ETA 8–12 weeks and entirely contingent on De La Cruz. A deep-league stash in speed-premium formats.

Jacob Gonzalez · SS · CWS

Nothing left to prove (.594 slug, 15 HR, 7 SB) — but the incumbent is producing

The case for promotion Gonzalez carries the "nothing left to prove" tag at 24.0, age-appropriate and on the 40-man, with a 70 composite. His Triple-A Charlotte line reads .294/.406/.594 with 15 HR and 7 SB over 226 PA — power-first with secondary steals — and the maxed trajectory score says scouts view him as ready.

MLB opening Colson Montgomery (.831 OPS, 8 HR in 128 PA) is playing well, though 128 PA is still a small sample. Gonzalez's power and his longer track record give him a path if Montgomery cools or Chicago pivots to youth.

Fantasy verdict WATCH. The status and the power are attractive, but Montgomery's .831 OPS makes a short-term displacement unlikely. ETA 10–14 weeks; best as a deep-league stash in power-heavy formats.

Luis Lara · OF · MIL

Young-for-level speedster (.450 OBP, 18 SB) against a struggling Brewers outfield

The case for promotion Lara, 21.5 and young-for-level, grades a 69 composite behind a speed-first Triple-A line: .342/.450/.500 with 7 HR and 18 SB over 223 PA. The .450 OBP and the steals mark him as a prototypical leadoff bat — contact over power, elite plate discipline, premium footspeed.

MLB opening Sal Frelick (.636 OPS, 3 HR in 133 PA) and Garrett Mitchell (.697 OPS, 1 HR in 119 PA) are both scuffling. Lara's on-base ability and speed would inject scoring Milwaukee's outfield currently lacks.

Fantasy verdict DEEP-LEAGUE STASH. A speed-and-average anchor more than a power threat — the modest 7 HR caps the ceiling. ETA 6–10 weeks if Frelick or Mitchell falters. Best in speed-premium and roto formats.

Cole Carrigg · OF · COL

Nothing left to prove (.356 AVG, 27 SB) against a crater in the Colorado outfield

The case for promotion Carrigg is "nothing left to prove" at 24.0, age-appropriate and on the 40-man, with a 66 composite and a Triple-A line of .356/.421/.545, 5 HR and 27 SB over 215 PA. The steal volume is elite-tier and the .356 average gives it a contact backbone. The 40-man status signals Colorado already considers him ready.

MLB opening Colorado's outfield has been gutted by injuries — Mickey Moniak (ankle), Jordan Beck (hamstring), and Brenton Doyle are all on the IL — leaving the corners thin and the at-bats available. The catch: Carrigg isn't the only one in line. Fellow prospect Sterlin Thompson (No. 15 in the system) has already been up twice to soak up those reps, and as Colorado's No. 5 prospect, Carrigg is the higher-upside name competing for the same openings.

Fantasy verdict STASH NOW. The status, the 40-man assignment, and elite speed make him a tier-1 speed stash. Power is light, but the average and steal rate carry him across formats. The injury-driven outfield vacancy is real; the main question is whether Colorado promotes him or keeps cycling Thompson through it first. ETA 2–6 weeks; prioritize in all leagues.

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🆕 Recent Call-Ups — Last 14 Days

Full feed: Recent Call-Ups.

Colt Emerson · SEA · SS

Recalled 2026-05-17 · 10 days ago · 10 G / 8 GS

Usage signal 🟢9 05-17 🟢8 05-18 🟢9 05-19 🟢8 05-20 🟢9 05-22 🟢9 05-23 🟢9 05-24 🟢9 05-25 🔴B 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — eight starts in ten games (80%), batting 9th in most of them. He's sat the last two, but the start rate makes clear he's been Seattle's primary shortstop since arriving.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Emerson was recalled to cover Brendan Donovan at third base after Donovan landed on the IL, though he can slot to shortstop as needed. The longer-term backdrop is the real story: Emerson is widely viewed as the Mariners' shortstop of the future, with the 31-year-old Crawford "somewhat in the way" and no longer guaranteed the job. At 20.8 and young-for-level on the 40-man, with a Pipeline #6 / FV 62 pedigree, this is a genuine opportunity rather than emergency depth — an 80% start rate over ten games reads as an audition, and the recent two-day rest is likely just that.

Scouting & arc Pipeline #6 · FV 62, with 60 hit / 55 power / 55 run / 55 field grades. Just Baseball's 2026 report praised his polish: <cite index="1-1">one of the younger prep bats in his draft class whose mechanical and approach-based refinement let him stand out immediately as a pro.</cite> His Triple-A line (169 PA, .255 AVG, .816 OPS, 7 HR, 10 SB) lags the scouting grades, but the youth-for-level and across-the-board tools leave plenty of refinement room.

Verdict line STICK. With Donovan on the IL, Emerson has the at-bats — and as the organization's long-term shortstop, the runway extends past the current injuries. His Pipeline #6 pedigree and age make this a real opportunity, not a fill-in; the two-game breather is minor.

Bryan Torres · STL · OF

Recalled 2026-05-22 · 5 days ago · 5 G / 3 GS

Usage signal 🟢7 05-23 🔴B 05-24 🟢7 05-25 🟢7 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — three starts in five games (60%), all batting 7th, with the depth chart listing him as the starting left fielder. The two bench days don't undercut a legitimate starter split.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Torres isn't covering for an injured starter — he's the Cardinals' primary left fielder by assignment. At 28.9 he's a veteran journeyman rather than a prospect (52.67 composite), but the bat has been steady: a .336 AVG and .931 OPS over 166 PA at Triple-A this year, on the heels of a .328/.905 line with 26 SB in 2025. The starter designation and 60% start rate point to a real role, not a bench plug.

Scouting & arc 52.67 composite · Triple-A · age 28.9 · 2026 ETA. This year: 166 PA, .336 AVG, .931 OPS, 2 HR, 10 SB. 2025: 414 PA, .328, .905 OPS, 9 HR, 26 SB. 2024 (AA): 528 PA, .331, 33 SB. The throughline is consistent contact and elite speed; the power is modest, and the drop from 9 HR to 2 in 2026 is worth monitoring.

Verdict line STICK. The starting-LF assignment and 60% start rate signal permanent integration, and the speed gives him category value. The recent two-game breather is minor variance.

Pedro Ramírez · CHC · 2B

Recalled 2026-05-22 · 5 days ago · 6 G / 1 GS

Usage signal 🔴B 05-22 🟢• 05-23 🟢9 05-24 🟢• 05-25 🔴B 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — one start in six team games, batting 9th in it, with three full bench days. A 17% start rate and a backup slot at second: Chicago is stashing him, not playing him.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Not an injury replacement — he's depth being evaluated, not installed. At 22.1 and young-for-level, with a 67 composite and a Pipeline #85 tag, the Cubs have time to look and no urgency to commit. His Triple-A line is genuinely good (196 PA, .312 AVG, .942 OPS, 9 HR, 19 SB), but the bench-heavy usage says they're testing him.

Scouting & arc Pipeline #85. Triple-A: 196 PA, .312 AVG, .942 OPS, 9 HR, 19 SB. The power-speed mix is real, but bench-watch usage caps his near-term fantasy value.

Verdict line BENCH-STASHED. Four bench days in six games tells the story. A speculative stash on the AAA production alone — not a WATCH-grade hold until the starts come. A return to Triple-A or a run of starts would change the call.

Chad Stevens · COL · 2B

Recalled 2026-05-21 · 6 days ago · 7 G / 3 GS

Usage signal 🟢• 05-21 🟢9 05-22 🟢8 05-23 🟢3 05-24 🔴B 05-25 🔴B 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — three starts in seven games (43%), then benched the last three straight. A backup slot at third and a fading usage pattern.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Not an injury fill-in, and the trend is the wrong way: three starts in his first four games, none in the last three. At 27.3 with a 45.46 composite, he's a veteran depth call-up rather than a prospect, and the recent bench streak suggests Colorado is moving past him or waiting on an injury. His Triple-A average is elite (.362 over 168 PA) but the power has vanished — 3 HR this year against 18 in 528 PA last season.

Scouting & arc 45.46 composite · Triple-A · age 27.3 · 2026 ETA. 2026: 168 PA, .362 AVG, .958 OPS, 3 HR, 6 SB. 2025: 528 PA, .290, 18 HR, 20 SB. The 2026 average is loud, but the power drought and his age and depth slot limit the appeal.

Verdict line BENCH-STASHED. A 43% start rate, a backup role, and three straight bench days mark him as rotational depth. Minimal fantasy upside — avoid in 12-team leagues.

Esmerlyn Valdez · PIT · OF

Recalled 2026-05-22 · 5 days ago · 6 G / 2 GS

Usage signal 🟢8 05-22 🟢• 05-23 🟢• 05-24 🔴B 05-25 🟢7 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — two starts in six games (33%), batting 8th, with the bench-and-cameo pattern of a part-time role despite a starting RF listing.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Not an injury fill-in; the alternating usage looks like a platoon or rest rotation. At 22.3 and young-for-level (52.8 composite), he's a prospect in evaluation. The depth chart projects him as a starter, but a 33% start rate and two recent bench days say integration is cautious — or the platoon just hasn't been made official. His Triple-A line is power-first and thin elsewhere: .253 AVG, .887 OPS, 10 HR, 0 SB over 194 PA.

Scouting & arc 52.8 composite · Triple-A · age 22.3 · 2026 ETA. 2026: 194 PA, .253 AVG, .887 OPS, 10 HR, 0 SB. The profile is homers-or-nothing — the low average and zero steals cap the upside.

Verdict line WATCH. A 33% start rate and platoon-style usage fall short of a STICK. The power gives speculative appeal, but the role is unsettled — give it 2–3 more weeks of data.

Donovan Walton · LAA · 2B

Recalled 2026-05-22 · 5 days ago · 5 G / 3 GS

Usage signal 🟢9 05-22 🟢9 05-23 🔴B 05-24 🟢8 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — three starts in five games (60%), batting 9th, with bench days bracketing the run. The start rate sits right on the starter/platoon line; the depth chart has him as a backup.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Walton is covering for Yoán Moncada, who's on the IL with no return ETA — a designation that points to a long or season-ending absence and turns Walton's role from plug into real opportunity. At 32.0 he's a veteran journeyman (43.28 composite), but the bat has produced: .282 AVG, .910 OPS over 168 PA at Triple-A this year. If he hits, Moncada's open-ended timeline means steady playing time; the recent bench day reads as rest, not demotion.

Scouting & arc 43.28 composite · Triple-A · age 32.0 · 2026 ETA. 2026: 168 PA, .282 AVG, .910 OPS, 7 HR, 3 SB. A utility-infielder profile — fine average, modest power — with age capping any prospect appeal.

Verdict line TEMPORARY. He's holding Moncada's spot, and the open-ended IL could mean 4–8+ weeks. The 60% start rate is starter-level, but his age and grade make him a placeholder. Use as an IL replacement only; don't stash beyond 2–3 weeks once Moncada's timeline clears.

Sterlin Thompson · COL · RF

Recalled 2026-05-15 · 12 days ago · 13 G / 4 GS

Usage signal 🟢8 05-15 🟢• 05-16 🔴B 05-17 🟢8 05-18 🔴B 05-19 🔴B 05-20 🔴B 05-21 🟢8 05-22 🟢7 05-23 🟢• 05-24 🟢• 05-25 🔴B 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — four starts in thirteen games (31%), batting 8th in most, with a stretch of bench days in the middle. That gap is misleading, though: he was actually optioned back to Triple-A on May 19 and recalled again May 22, so the cold stretch reflects a roster round-trip, not a benching.

Here to stay, or fill-in? This is the entry that needed the most correction. Thompson's first call-up (May 15) lasted only until Tyler Freeman returned from the paternity list — not an IL stint — and he was optioned out May 19. The Rockies brought him right back on May 22 when Mickey Moniak hit the IL with an ankle injury, and with Jordan Beck (hamstring) also sidelined, Thompson has a genuine runway for regular left-field starts over the next week or so. At 24.9 and age-appropriate (60.75 composite), he's a real prospect in evaluation, but the role is injury-dependent rather than earned outright. His Triple-A line is strong — .344/.491/.496 with 4 HR and 8 SB over 36 games — a contact-and-speed profile with light power.

Scouting & arc 60.75 composite · No. 15 in the COL system · age 24.9. 2026 Triple-A: 36 games, .344/.491/.496, 4 HR, 8 SB. A table-setter profile — strong contact and on-base, some speed — with modest power limiting the ceiling. The left-handed stroke is thought to fit Coors well.

Verdict line STREAMER WATCH. The opportunity is real but borrowed — he's holding outfield at-bats opened by the Moniak and Beck injuries, and his hold on them lasts only as long as they're out. The 31% overall start rate understates his current usage because of the mid-month option, so judge him on the post-May-22 window. Worth a deep-league look while the Rockies' outfield is depleted; not yet a standalone hold.

Jhostynxon Garcia · PIT · RF

Recalled 2026-05-19 · 8 days ago · 9 G / 5 GS

Usage signal 🟢• 05-19 🟢8 05-20 🔴B 05-21 🟢• 05-22 🟢6 05-23 🟢7 05-24 🟢8 05-25 🟢3 05-26 🔴B 05-27 — five starts in nine games (56%), with bench days at the bookends and a backup center-field listing. Just shy of a starter's share, and the bench day yesterday (05-27) is worth watching.

Here to stay, or fill-in? Not an injury fill-in; the usage looks like a platoon or backup arrangement. At 23.4 with a low 40.64 composite, he's a fringe prospect in evaluation. Just Baseball's 2026 report leans on the physical tools: <cite index="1-2">built like an NFL running back, he's physical and athletic, still in need of offensive and defensive refinement, with his natural ability breaking through in a 2024 campaign that saw him climb three levels.</cite> His Triple-A line this year is thin — .205 AVG, .612 OPS, 3 HR over just 78 PA — suggesting Pittsburgh is testing him as a reserve power option rather than a starter.

Scouting & arc FV 50 · 45 hit / 55 power / 55 run / 55 field. The report flags an athletic build and real natural ability against a need for refinement. Triple-A: 78 PA, .205 AVG, .612 OPS, 3 HR, 0 SB — a small, early-stage sample.

Verdict line WATCH. The 56% start rate is near-starter, but the backup slot, low grade, and weak Triple-A slash say Pittsburgh is auditioning him as a reserve. Yesterday's bench day and the thin sample warrant more observation — another 2–3 weeks and 100+ MLB PA before any upgrade.

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