A surge of 12 September call-ups could flip playoff races in 2025, and fantasy lineups too. This moment matters because roster expansion adds two players on Sept. 1, creating sudden opportunities for clubs and trade talk. Many of the names below – led by Sal Stewart and Harry Ford – arrived after big minor-league months, bringing immediate power or defensive flexibility. Which of these additions should you grab, follow, or trade for before the postseason push?
Why These 12 September Call-Ups Matter For Fans And Playoff Pushes This Month
- Sal Stewart promoted Sep 1; immediate Reds lineup depth and power upside.
- Harry Ford joined Mariners Sep 2; boosts catching trade value and offense.
- Jac Caglianone added Sep 1; 20 HR in Triple-A signals raw power.
The 12 picks that could redefine September rosters and fantasy races
1 – Sal Stewart: Why This 22-Year-Old Power Spike Demands Attention
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Sal Stewart dominated Triple-A in 2025 (.309 BA, 20 HR), earning a Sept. 1 promotion to the Reds. If he keeps hitting, Cincinnati could plug him into multiple positions, turning him into a short-term fantasy star and an offseason trade chip. You’ll want to watch his plate appearances this week; will he stay hot?
2 – Jac Caglianone: The Royals’ Power Bat Who Could Explode
Caglianone hit 20 HR in the minors this year and arrived in September after a hamstring rehab. The Royals need homers, and his Triple-A .337 average suggests a real chance at a late-season breakout. If you rostered sluggers, does he belong on your bench?
3 – Harry Ford: Why The Mariners’ Prospect Matters Even Behind Raleigh
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Harry Ford slashed .283 with 16 HR in the minors and moved up as a trade-value booster despite Cal Raleigh’s MVP chase. The Mariners aren’t moving Raleigh, so Ford’s immediate value is future trade upside and every good at-bat raises his price. If you follow prospects, are you tracking his hits?
4 – Carter Jensen: Royals’ Catcher With Legit Triple-A Power
Jensen posted a .290 Triple-A line with 20 HR and arrived in September as Salvador Perez’s understudy. He won’t supplant Perez now, but Jensen’s bat could force DH days and a midseason trade. Would you stash him in dynasty leagues?
5 – Kevin Alcantara: Cubs Outfield Depth That Could Surprise
Alcantara’s Triple-A season included 17 HR and a promotion that might be strategic roster timing. The Cubs’ crowded outfield limits starts, but any hot week could flip that. If the Cubs shuffle, could Alcantara seize a regular role?
6 – Craig Yoho: Brewers Reliever With A Real Chance To Rise
Yoho dominated minors (1.04 ERA) and returned amid bullpen turnover. With Trevor Megill injured, Yoho could climb the pecking order and earn holds or saves. Short-relief volatility is high – are you streaming relievers this week?
7 – Andrew Alvarez: Nationals’ Surprise Starter With One Big Debut
Alvarez debuted with five one-hit innings and brings a groundball, control-first profile. Washington’s rotation is unsettled, offering him runway to stick. If you need a streamer, would you bet on Alvarez’s next start?
8 – Justyn-Henry Malloy: Tigers’ Contact Bat Who Could Play Vs Lefties
Malloy’s high on-base minor track and recent pull-power improvement earned a September look. Expect spot starts, especially against lefties; he’s a matchup play with upside. Do you bench a shaky veteran for a hot prospect?
9 – George Valera: Guardians Prospect With Hard-Hit Tools And Chance
Valera’s Triple-A exit velocities and on-base rise produced a call-up for Cleveland. He’s not a top-100 darling anymore, but the Guardians need outfield help late. Could he be a low-risk, high-reward pickup this month?
10 – Nick Yorke: Pirates’ Infielder Ready For Extended Chances
Yorke’s August surge (.337 for the month) earned a promotion; Pittsburgh’s depth issues create playing time. He profiles as a patient hitter who can ladder into starts – useful in roto formats. Is he a buy-low option for your roster?
SAL STEWART I LOVE YOU
— Reds in Four (@RedsInFour) September 10, 2025
11 – Andrew Alvarez (Repeat Spotlight): Why One Start Changes Outlooks
Alvarez’s five-one-hit inning debut matters beyond the box score; teams covet durable arms in September. Small sample risk applies, but his profile fits waiver add logic. How much trust do you place in a single dominant outing?
12 – Craig Yoho (Closer Watch): Could Milwaukee Fast-Track Him In 2026?
Yoho’s changeup grades elite and his return to Milwaukee puts him near late-inning consideration. Even if he doesn’t close, strong September peripherals can vault him into next year’s spring camp roles. Would you follow him into next season?
The key figures behind these late promotions and power upside
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Call-Ups Listed | 12 Players | Late-season roster expansion impact |
| Call-Ups With 15+ Minors HR | 3 Players | Immediate power upside (Stewart, Caglianone, Ford) |
| Sal Stewart Minors HR | 20 HR | High power rate before promotion |
How These Picks Could Reshape Playoff Rosters By October – What You Should Do
If a few of these call-ups sustain production, expect roster shifts, increased trade chatter, and fantasy shakeups before the postseason. Buy for value (young hitters with 15+ HR) and stream arms with recent success. Which of these 12 will change your roster decisions this week?
Sources
- https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/these-12-september-call-ups-could-matter-in-fantasy-baseball-from-sal-stewart-to-harry-ford/
- https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46207127/2025-mlb-awards-watch-september-mvp-cy-young-al-nl-raleigh-judge-ohtani-skenes-skubal
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.