Dodgers Top Prospects
With Spring Training winding down, both major leaguers and minor leaguers are preparing for their respective seasons. I thought it would be fun and wise to look at each MLB team’s top prospects. After all, more often than not, the top prospects of their team will accomplish one of three things, be the next star/regular player for their team, get traded for a star player, or at least reach the MLB and contribute in some fashion. They are the backbone of any successful organization. Look at the Rays, they may have a tiny payroll, but they are consistently a top-performing team with their amazing prospect system. As such, I’m taking a look at the Dodgers’ top-5 prospects. The Los Angeles Dodgers have built a star-laden team through their minor leagues and prospects mainly. Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Lux, Will Smith, Tony Gonsolin, and many others were prospects in their system.
So, who are the next 5 players set to become potential stars for the free-spending Dodgers?
1. Diego Cartaya, C, High-A
Diego is the Dodgers’ latest high-profile catcher to rise through the ranks. Their most recent one was Keiburt Ruiz who they traded with Josiah Gray for Trea Turner and Max Scherzer last year. Diego was signed as an international free agent in 2018 and projects to arrive to the majors sometime in the 2023 season. He’s got excellent hitting ability with the ability to consistently make hard contact with decent bat speed. He’s a pull hitter which will hurt his ability to get hits unless the shift is eliminated. His defense needs a lot more polishing. He’s got a weak arm and poor glove behind the plate. He reminds me of a future Gary Sanchez which isn’t always a good thing. The 6’3 20-year old still has plenty of time to right the ship with his defense.
2. Bobby Miller, RHP, Double-AA
Miller impressed this past spring training when he dominated the Angels starting lineup. The former first-round pick from 2020 has an elite fastball, strong changeup, and slider, but okay control. Despite the control, he has elite stuff and looks like another great starting pitcher heading to LA soon. Last year, in an aggressive first year in the pros, he struck out 70 batters in 56 1/3 innings while allowing a .192 batting average and a 2.40 ERA. His fastball sits 97mph easily and that sets up his other pitches great. The 6’5 23-year old should make his MLB debut later this year and could have a ceiling of Buehler. He fits the mold of a long-term #2 SP.
3. Michael Busch, 2B/1B, Double-AA
Busch was originally drafted in the first round of the 19′ draft. He was seen as a pro-ready prospect that could push to the majors quickly. However, due to Covid, he didn’t get a full pro season until 2021 and suffered an injury that limited him to only 107 games last year. The 24-year old impressed in those 107 games at Double-AA had 27 doubles, 20 HRs, 67 RBIs, 70 walks, and 129 K’s. He displays a great patience at the plate which will work at the MLB level. He’s a pure hitter with raw power, a strong lefty swing, and understands how to drive the ball to all fields. His defense is a mixture as he is best suited to first base, but with Freddie Freeman there long-term, he might not get much of a chance any time soon. He profiles well to Max Muncy and ultimately should reach the majors this year for the Dodgers or another team.
4. Andy Pages, OF, Double-AA
Pages was signed in 2017 out of Cuba and is only just now 21. He has above-average bat speed and raw power to drive the ball deep. He’s a pull hitter and is developing a strong eye at the plate. He’s got decent speed but a very strong arm that will allow him to throw out plenty of runners. Last year, he hit 31 HRs, 88 RBI, 77 walks, and 132 K’s in only 120 games at High-A. Look for him to push to debut in 2023 and be another solid outfield option for the Dodgers.
5. Ryan Pepiot, RHP, Triple-AAA
Ryan was drafted in the 3rd round out of the 19′ draft and has excelled in his sole full pro season in 2021. Over his 101.1 innings in 2021, he struck out 127 while walking 47. He’s got a wipeout fastball and changeup while dominating Double-AAA. He struggled during his time in Triple-AAA last year, but he should do fine this year. He’s got mid-rotation upside or could be a terrific closer. It depends on if he can keep making strides with his control and stamina. Expect him to debut later this year, or in 2023. He’s got a good future ahead of him.
