Fantasy Baseball: Minor Leaguers / Major Consistency – Week 5

Ron Rigney shares his top prospects and where they stand in their progression towards the Big Leagues in 2023! Follow Ron on Twitter – @RonRigney

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J.J. Bleday, OF – OAK

We know Oakland is an awful team for a lot of reasons, but there are a few spots on the roster where we can find some fantasy production. Let’s start with a post-hype former fourth overall pick in Bleday. Known for being a power hitter with a solid approach at the plate, the now 25-year-old was never able to put it all together in the Minors. He failed to impress in his 2022 callup where he saw 65 games, slashing .167/.277/.309 with five homers, 16 RBI and 21 runs scored. Surprisingly he swiped four bases, but if you’re looking for speed, Bleday’s 40 grade speed means you need to look elsewhere in the category. In a swap of former top picks who have disappointed to this point, Bleday was sent to Oakland in exchange for hurler A.J. Puk.

Bleday has been with the big club for 8 games and has smashed three homers in that span. He’s hitting the ball hard and his .379/.419/.793 is being propped up by a .381 BABIP, which won’t last. His BB% is down a bit, but mostly because he is making solid contact at the plate. Even if we see a bit of a drop, he’s still worth an add in most leagues due to the prospect polish, even though it has dimmed a bit. Bleday figures to be a source of counting stats, as long as he can keep the strikeouts down, but don’t forget he plays for an Oakland team near the bottom of the league in runs scored.