This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
Josiah Gray, P
Fastball: 55/55 | Slider: 50/55 | Changeup: 50/55 | Command: 50/60
Josiah Gray is potentially a #3 starter for the Dodgers. He doesn’t have the smoothest delivery, but he can repeat it well. In 2019 his K/9 was 10.2, BB/9 was 2.1, and he posted a 2.28 ERA. Gray will open 2021 in AAA, where he’ll look to improve his secondary pitches in hopes of making a cameo appearance or two for the Dodgers this season.
Keibert Ruiz, C
Hit: 55/60 | Power: 30/30 | Speed: 20/20 | Arm: 50/50 | Field: 50/50
Ruiz has the tools to be a solid defensive catcher; however, he’s not consistent. His accuracy is spotty, and receiving can be lazy at times. Offensively Ruiz makes solid contact and shows some pop, more from the left-side approach. He’ll need to do a better job at pitch recognition to hit his raw power potential fully but has flashed power in his first three years of professional ball. Look for Ruiz to open 2021 in AAA and work on his offensive inconsistencies and defensive hiccups.
Kody Hoese, 3B
Hit: 35/50 | Power: 35/55 | Speed: 45/40 | Arm: 50/50 | Field: 45/50
Kody Hoese is a 6’4″ right-handed hitting power hitter who should also hit for average. The Dodgers are hoping he overcomes some hiccups defensively at 3B, which, for fantasy owners, could be a nice find. Should Hoese not figure things out at 3B, he’ll likely be moved to 1B, where he still profiles well. Look for Hoese to open 2021 at AA and hope he makes the necessary adjustments defensively to stick at 3B.
Diego Cartaya, C
Hit: 20/45 | Power: 25/55 | Speed: 40/30 | Arm: 55/60 | Field: 40/50
Diego Cartaya is tall for a catcher – standing at 6’3″. He is said to show promise as a game-caller and leader, and when paired with his plus arm and accuracy, he could become a top-tier defensive catcher. Offensively, as Diego matures, he is projected to be a 15 home run, hit for average type player. Look for Diego to open 2021 in Low-A.
Michael Busch, 2B
Hit: 35/55 | Power: 35/55 | Speed: 50/45 | Arm: 45/45 | Field: 30/35
Michael Bush has a balanced approach at the plate which should allow him to hit for average and power. He also has a good eye at the plate, as he drew more walks than strikeouts in 2019. Bush profiles better at 1B or LF, but the Dodgers hope he figures things out at 2B. Where ever Busch does end up defensively, his bat will play. Look for Busch to open 2021 in High-A.
In The Pipeline
Wilman Diaz, SS
Hit: 25/60 | Power: 25/55 | Speed: 50/50 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/55
Wilman Diaz is a 17-year-old Venezuelan prospect with five-tool potential. Diaz was the top teenager in the 2020 international class and signed with the Dodgers for $2.69M. Diaz already has a plus hit tool, plus arm, plus power potential, and he can run – clocking 6.4 in a 60-yard run. Look for Diaz to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
Alex De Jesus, 2B/3B/SS
Hit: 20/40 | Power: 20/55 | Speed: 40/30 | Arm: 55/60 | Field: 40/50
Most scouts profile Alex De Jesus as a 20+ home run upside 3B for the Dodgers. He is expected to slow as he physically matures and most likely won’t stick at 2B or SS. Offensively De Jesus has a chance to hit for average and power, but he’ll need to make adjustments at the plate, specifically pitch recognition. Look for De Jesus to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
Luis Rodriguez, OF
Hit: 25/55 | Power: 25/50 | Speed: 55/55 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/55
Luis Rodriguez is projected as a 20/20 RF/CF of the future for the Dodgers. His solid speed, high baseball IQ, and advanced approach at the plate are reasons the Dodgers signed him to a $2.6M contract in the 2019 International signing period. Look for Rodriguez to open 2021 in Low-A.
Jerming Rosario, P
Fastball: 40/50 | Curveball: 40/45 | Changeup: 50/60 | Command: 25/60
Jerming Rosario is an 18-year-old Dominican pitcher with a projectible frame. Scouts believe as he fills out his frame, he’ll gain some velocity on his fastball, which could make a nasty combination when paired with his already solid changeup. Rosarios’ ceiling depends on his ability to add good weight and gain more command, but if the stars align correctly, he may find his way into the Dodgers rotation as a back-end starter.
Carlos Duran, P
Fastball: 50/55 | Curveball: 55/60 | Changeup: 40/50 | Command: 20/50
Carlos Duran is a 19-year-old, 6’7″ fireballer, and even at this young age, his fastball already touches 96MPH, but his command needs significant improvement. If Duran can correct his 2019 command issues and make some adjustments with his pitch combinations, he may find himself climbing the ranks of the Dodger farm system reasonably quickly. Look for Duran to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
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