A fresh crop of rookies arrives every season, promising to reshape fantasy baseball rosters with their tantalizing potential.
Though veterans anchor lineups, it’s the newcomers who often deliver league-altering upside. Some, like Dylan Crews and Matt Shaw, face early growing pains, but others, like Caleb Durbin, Luke Keaschall and the electrifying Nick Kurtz, are knocking on the majors’ door.
Among them, Kurtz stands out as the rookie to watch, crushing Triple-A pitching and poised to make a seismic impact for the Athletics — and your fantasy squad — once called up.
Crews and Shaw exemplify the rookie roller coaster. Crews, the Nationals’ prized outfielder, flashed five-tool brilliance in the minors but has limped to a .140/.183/.140 slash line with just four steals and zero power.
Similarly, Shaw, the Cubs’ third-base prospect, earned a roster spot out of spring training but has only hit .172 with one home run and three RBIs. He has been shipped back to Triple-A Iowa for now while the Nationals continue to show patience with Crews, though he has been riding the pine a little more often lately.
Meanwhile, new faces like Durbin and Keaschall are seizing opportunities. Durbin, recently called up by the Brewers, brings strong plate discipline and 28 steals from his 2024 campaign. His 60-grade speed and eligibility at second and third base make him a deep-league gem, especially with Milwaukee’s infield flux.
Keaschall, the Twins’ No. 61 prospect, earned a weekend promotion with a .299 average, .419 OBP and 41 steals across three minor league seasons. His contact-oriented approach and 20-steal potential could stabilize Minnesota’s injury-hit lineup, offering immediate redraft value if he sticks. Both are worth monitoring in dynasty and deep formats.
But the rookie generating the loudest buzz, however, is Kurtz, the Athletics’ No. 4 overall pick in 2024. Kurtz is demolishing Triple-A, slashing .329/.383/.699 with seven homers and 22 RBI in 17 games. His 68.2 percent hard-hit rate and .560 ISO from 2024 showcase jaw-dropping power, while his current 80.9 percent in-zone contact rate ensures he is no all-or-nothing slugger.
The Athletics are clearing a path for his arrival, shifting Brent Rooker to left field, a position he last played sparingly in 2023. This move allows Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom to platoon between DH and first base. Soderstrom’s hot start is impressive, but Kurtz’s plus-plus power and ability to pepper Sutter Health Park’s short right-field porch could make him the superior fantasy asset.
In West Sacramento’s hitter-friendly confines, Kurtz’s power could rival Pete Alonso’s prime, with 30-homer potential over a full season. His plate discipline and pull-heavy approach amplify his RBI upside, making him a must-stash in all formats.
Though Durbin and Keaschall offer speed and versatility, Kurtz’s game-changing bat is the one to prioritize. Keep him rostered, watch the Athletics’ lineup moves, and prepare for a rookie who could redefine your season. The wait won’t be long, and the payoff will be massive.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy baseball news and advice.
