Everyone loves prospects.
While expectations are set unrealistically high in some cases, top prospects can make huge splashes upon arrival to the big leagues and turn the tide for fantasy owners. Here are the top prospects that I think have the best chance at making sizeable fantasy contributions once they arrive in the majors in 2017.
J.P. Crawford - SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Being in a rebuilding system such as the Phillies' certainly helps, but Crawford's advanced approach at the plate likely will have him in the major leagues for a significant chunk of the season. In 2016, the 21-year-old posted an outstanding 72:80 BB:K between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley while scoring 63 runs and swiping 12 bases. Crawford's batting average above High-A hasn't overwhelmed anyone, but the way he avoids strikeouts should make him a consistent fantasy contributor by the end of the upcoming campaign.
Lewis Brinson - OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Brinson struggled a bit at Double-A in the Rangers' system, but following a trade to the Brewers that landed him in Colorado Springs, the outfielder's statline took off. The 22-year-old batted .382 with a monstrous .618 slugging percentage against Pacific Coast League pitching, and although his 2:21 BB:K is a bit unsightly, his 13 extra-base hits in 23 games helped offset the swing and miss. To go with that, the Brewers are in need of a upgrade in center field, meaning that Brinson very well could find his way to Miller Park fairly early on in the 2017 campaign.
Cody Bellinger - 1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bellinger spent most of his time at the Double-A level last season, but bashing 23 home runs and driving in 65 runs while batting .263 is an eye-opening feat no matter how you slice it. He also displayed a good eye at the plate, walking 12.7 percent of the time. Strikeouts do come in bunches for the 21-year-old, but given his ability to play both first base and the corner outfield positions, it's tough to imagine that the Dodgers wouldn't try to get his bat into the lineup if he continues to produce at a high level.
Brent Honeywell - SP, Tampa Bay Rays
This is a bit of a stretch since he only spent half a season above High-A, but Honeywell has succeeded at every level thus far. His ERA consistently sits below 3.00, his career K:BB comes in at an impressive 286:58 mark, and he's only allowed 15 home runs in his three-year professional career. The 21-year-old screwballer may not arrive until the tail-end of the upcoming season, but his past endeavors point toward sustainable success at any level.
Francis Martes - SP, Houston Astros
Martes cemented himself as one of the highest-upside pitching prospects in all of baseball last season. In his first full season with Double-A Corpus Christi, the right-hander posted a 3.30 ERA while striking over a batter per inning. He may be moved to the bullpen in order to get his high-octane arm to the show sooner, but his ability to miss bats certainly would be a nice addition to any fantasy team down the stretch whether he's a starter or a reliever.
Josh Hader - SP, Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have brought in quite a haul of prospects over the past couple years, and Hader is one of the standouts from those transactions. The 22-year-old dazzled opponents at the Double-A level, and despite some control issues during his time at Triple-A, he was almost called up for a few starts in the majors at the end of the season. The lanky left-hander has the stuff to succeed at the major league level.