Fantasy Podcast: Six Prospects Who Have Our Attention

Baseball America25mApril 17, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast, hosts Jeff Ponce and Ian Kundle spotlight six emerging minor league prospects who are generating significant buzz in early-season evaluations. The discussion centers on players with high upside, elite tools, and compelling underlying metrics that could make them valuable assets in deep fantasy leagues. Key names include Titan Gray, a third-round pick with elite bat speed and power potential; Ronnie Cruz, a Nationals acquisition with explosive exit velocities and speed, who could be a top 75 prospect soon; Josiah Hartshorn, a Cubs sixth-rounder with advanced plate discipline and contact skills; JT Quinn, an Orioles pitcher with elite velocity and a promising four-pitch arsenal; Ben Jacobs, a Tigers lefty whose fastball velocity and extension have dramatically improved; and Mason Peters, a Seattle reliever with one of the most unique breaking ball profiles in the minors. The hosts emphasize that while some players are still in early samples, their advanced metrics and physical profiles suggest long-term fantasy relevance, especially in 30-team or deeper leagues. They encourage listeners to act quickly on these names before they become universally rostered. The episode also features two sponsored segments: Outdoorsy, offering 10% off RV rentals with code OUTDOORSY2026, and BetterHelp, providing 10% off therapy with code BASEBALLAMERICA. The tone is enthusiastic and forward-looking, with a strong emphasis on data-driven scouting and early-season value plays. The hosts highlight the importance of monitoring player development, park factors, and positional versatility when evaluating prospects. Overall, the episode serves as a timely guide for fantasy managers seeking hidden gems before the market catches up.

Key Takeaways
1

Titan Gray (3rd round pick) has elite bat speed (avg EV >95 mph), high exit velocity ceiling, and is a strong value pick in deep leagues.

2

Ronnie Cruz (Nationals) is a breakout candidate with 107+ mph max EVs, 10 steals in 12 games, and power-speed potential; add him now before he becomes universally rostered.

3

Josiah Hartshorn (Cubs) has elite plate discipline (sub-10% chase rate) and advanced contact skills at age 19; under-the-radar value in low A.

4

JT Quinn (Orioles) is a 6'6" hard-thrower with 96-100 mph fastball and strong secondary pitches; a high-upside starter or bullpen option.

5

Ben Jacobs (Tigers) has seen a dramatic velocity jump (now averaging 94+ mph) and 50%+ whiff rate on fastball; a rising lefty with high strikeout upside.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
1 min

Summer Travel & RV Rentals

Sponsored segment promoting Outdoorsy for RV rentals with 10% off using code OUTDOORSY2026.

0:59
1 min

Podcast Intro & Guest Update

Jeff Ponce introduces the episode, explains a recording delay due to forgetting, and confirms Dylan’s absence. Sets the stage for the fantasy prospect discussion.

1:59
3 min

Titan Gray: The Athletic Power Hitter

He's someone that I'm definitely buying into early if I can right now.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

Ronnie Cruz: The Rising Power-Speed Threat

Stop what you were doing and add Ronnie Cruz. I don't care.

Highlight
10:00
3 min

Josiah Hartshorn: The Advanced Teenager

He just doesn't chase at all. Like it's a sub 10% chase rate as a teenager in pro ball.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Stop what you were doing and add Ronnie Cruz. I don't care.
Jeff Ponce8:23
Viral: 90.0
He's someone that I'm definitely buying into early if I can right now.
Ian Kundle5:43
Viral: 75.0
He just doesn't chase at all. Like it's a sub 10% chase rate as a teenager in pro ball.
Ian Kundle13:46
Viral: 70.0
Speakers

Hosts

Jeff PonceIan Kundle
Topics Discussed
Fantasy Baseball Prospects95%Minor League Performance Analysis90%Exit Velocity and Launch Angle Metrics85%Player Development and Physical Transformation80%Fantasy League Strategy75%Pitching Arsenal Evaluation70%Park Factor Impact65%Draft Value and Roster Management60%
People & Brands

Ian Kundle

person

15xPositive

Jeff Ponce

person

12xPositive

Ronnie Cruz

person

12xPositive

Titan Gray

person

10xPositive

Josiah Hartshorn

person

7xPositive

JT Quinn

person

6xPositive

Ben Jacobs

person

5xPositive

Mason Peters

person

4xPositive

Outdoorsy

brand

3xPositive

Brody Bimela

person

2xPositive

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