Christian Franklin deserves a real MLB look for the Nationals as outfield production remains spotty. Since arriving in the Michael Soroka trade, the 25-year-old has posted a .296 average and an .840 OPS, showing a well-rounded hit tool and plate discipline that could translate quickly at the big league level. Moving Dylan Crews to center right now would unlock Franklin’s natural corner fit, while Hassell III and Jacob Young have not provided the needed impact. The end-of-season phase should be used to evaluate Leiter-like upside, and Franklin offers a credible test to determine if he belongs in the MLB long term.

With Franklin in the lineup, Crews could slide to his natural center field position, which the article argues is a better long-term alignment for the club. Hassell and Young have carried the lineup but haven’t produced, making a Franklin call-up a low-risk, high-reward move that could reshape the outfield root-up for 2026 and beyond.

Mo'ne Davis and Robert Hassell III cross paths at Nationals Park in a full-circle moment: Davis pitches, Hassell catches, echoing their LLWS showdown from 2014. Hassell, a first-round talent now patrolling the Nationals’ outfield, delivered a respectable MLB debut line this season—.250/.264/.356 with two homers over 106 plate appearances—highlighting the long arc from Little League legend to MLB prospect. The moment also anchors the Soto trade arc, with Hassell among the Padres’ prized prospects who eventually found a path to Washington.

Davis’s return to a pro ballpark ahead of Women’s Pro Baseball League tryouts at the same scene underlines a rare bridge between youth stardom and professional opportunity. For fantasy managers, Hassell’s early big-league production is encouraging but not lockstep, as roster dynamics and depth charts in Washington will influence his playing time. The charity of the Davis-Hassell moment sits inside a broader narrative of how historic LLWS success pathways converge with modern MLB careers, all while Soto’s trade history remains a cautionary tale about prospect timelines.

Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies, Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals, and Spencer Jones of the New York Yankees are highlighted as top fantasy baseball prospects worth stashing. Painter, a promising right-handed pitcher, has rebounded from a rough start in Triple-A, showing strong potential with a recent 2.51 ERA over his last three outings. Hassell, an outfielder, has demonstrated significant production in the minors following a brief MLB stint, posting an impressive .455/.556/.955 line after returning. Meanwhile, Jones has shown power and speed, hitting .403 in his last 16 games with 8 home runs, though concerns about his high strikeout rate remain. These players could provide valuable contributions during the second half of the season, making them essential targets for fantasy managers.

Week 14 brings exciting prospects to watch as fantasy baseball managers look to bolster their rosters. Moises Ballesteros, the Chicago Cubs' No. 4 prospect, is making a case for a call-up. Despite a rocky MLB debut, he has excelled in Triple-A with a .310 batting average, showcasing his ability to draw walks and limit strikeouts. The Cubs may need his offensive spark, especially with injuries affecting their depth at catcher.

Another name to consider is Robert Hassell III of the Washington Nationals. While his initial stint in the majors was less than stellar, he has rebounded impressively in Triple-A, hitting .455 over his last five games. The Nationals' outfield situation opens a potential pathway for his return, particularly if he continues this hot streak.

Lastly, Hunter Barco, a left-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is garnering attention after a strong showing at Double-A. Though he has faced challenges in Triple-A, his recent performance suggests he may soon find his way into the Pirates' rotation, making him a player to monitor closely for potential late-season contributions in fantasy leagues.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches its midpoint, fantasy managers are buzzing about the latest crop of prospects making their major league debuts. With injuries and performance struggles afflicting many teams, organizations are turning to their minor league systems for fresh talent to bolster their rosters.

Jac Caglianone, first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, is making headlines after a dominant minor league campaign, hitting .322 with 15 homers. He’s expected to get significant playing time as a right fielder. Cole Young, now with the Seattle Mariners, is also a name to watch after a solid stint in Triple-A, offering potential at second base. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have called up Marcelo Mayer, whose impressive minor league stats suggest significant upside despite a slow start at the big league level.