2023 Dodgers Digest Midseason Top 55 Prospects

Bruce Kuntz 07/24/2023 Prospect Rankings Leave A Comment

Dalton Rushing (Photo: Cody Bashore)

There have been more eyes on the Dodgers’ farm system this season than many recent years. The system has always been good, but it has been especially relied upon with this Dodger team. 12 rookies have appeared in the majors for L.A. so far, with that number still expected to grow as the season goes on.

Even with the prospect graduations of some of this year’s rookies, this system is arguably the best in baseball. It is in or near the MLB lead in Top 100 Prospects on many lists and thrives with quality depth throughout the organization. The Dodgers’ minor league pitching (especially the group that started with Double-A Tulsa this year) is a stockpile of riches that not many other organizations come close to.

Here’s a look at their 55 best around the middle of 2023.

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Note: Only players who have not exceeded rookie eligibility are included on this list. I have also assigned Future Value grades and the level of risk for each prospect.

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1. C Diego Cartaya, 21, AA

55 FV / High Risk

Diego Cartaya is back to being the top prospect in this system now that Bobby Miller has graduated, although Dalton Rushing isn’t far behind. The jump from High-A to Double-A may be the toughest in the minors and some growing pains for Cartaya should have been expected. The Venezuelan has seen big regression in plate discipline and power, which were his two strongest tools at the plate before this season. He is working on improving his blocking and receiving behind the plate and he has made progress in both areas this year.

All of this aside, the ceiling for Cartaya is still very high. He is only 21 years old, and since the Dodgers have All-Star Will Smith catching in the majors, there will be no rush for Cartaya to make his debut. He certainly has places to improve, but past years have shown that he is an extremely talented player. It might just take some more time for him to reach Los Angeles than was previously expected.

Raw power is still a big strength for Cartaya. He also has a great arm from behind the plate. Given time to adjust to better pitching and to keep developing defensively, Cartaya should be just fine. Some refinement of his approach in the box will help him get back to the big power, high OBP numbers he had posted every year until this one.

2. C/1B Dalton Rushing, 22, A+

55 FV / Medium Risk

With where Dalton Rushing is now, it is incredible to imagine that he fell to the 40th overall pick a year ago. He has a legitimately great hitting profile that hasn’t skipped a beat translating to the professional game. Some limited playing time in college (specifically behind the plate) while former first overall pick Henry Davis was also catching at Louisville is the only reason he ended up a Dodger.

Rushing has the power/discipline combo that is so sought after in today’s game. His walk rate is best in the system among full-season clubs and his ISO is in the top 10. He has done all of this while in the difficult Midwest League, where bad weather conditions limit hitters extensively early in the year. Three years of college ball under his belt when he was drafted has helped Rushing adapt to professional pitching quickly.

The main question mark with Rushing is where he will play on defense. He has split time at catcher, first base and DH this season at roughly a 50%-25%-25% ratio. Los Angeles has been working hard with him on mechanics in the squat with the hope that he can remain at catcher. Rushing has shown good progress, and it seems at least possible that he could reach the majors without fully moving away from catching.

3. OF Josue De Paula, 18, A

50 FV / Very High Risk

The Dodgers showed how much faith they have in Josue De Paula when he was promoted to Single-A before his 18th birthday. He has rewarded that faith with very good performance, especially over the last month. De Paula has walked more times than he’s struck out and batted over .300 during that stretch.

Last year, De Paula tore through the Dominican Summer League and earned a quick invite to instructs in Arizona. He skipped the Arizona Complex League altogether when heading to Single-A in May. The 18-year-old is one of only three players in the system with 150 PA and a swinging strike rate of 7% or lower this season. De Paula has top 25 prospect in baseball upside, and the low strikeout rates he has posted are extremely encouraging. It is extremely lofty, but many have looked at Yordan Alvarez for a possible comparison to De Paula’s ceiling.

De Paula is not extremely rangy, but he has a good arm and may be able to stay in right field. If not, he’ll eventually shift to a left field or DH role. Either way, his bat is the thing to watch as he moves through the minors.

4. 3B/2B/DH Michael Busch, 25, AAA

50 FV / Low Risk

If Michael Busch had a position that he was easily projectable at, he would be rated higher by everyone. His bat is big league ready and hasn’t been in much doubt for a while now. He’s destroyed Pacific Coast League pitching this year with an OPS that has hovered around 1.000, and he even had a few clutch hits in his first 15 MLB games.

Much of the focus on Busch has been about his move to third base, which he had never played before this season. It hasn’t gone particularly well, with Busch posting a fielding percentage around .900 in Triple-A and -3 OAA in only 11 major league games. He’s been better in less action at second base, but still may not be able to stick there long term.

Barring some quick improvement with the glove, Busch’s future may be rotating between first base and DH while trusting his bat to provide his value. He is very patient and disciplined in the box, and should be able to provide decent averages with a good OBP and 20-25 homers.

5. OF Andy Pages, 22, AAA

50 FV / High Risk

After trimming down some weight in the offseason, Andy Pages came into camp looking for a breakout campaign. He opened the year on a tear in Double-A and may have been on pace to debut down the stretch. However, his season was derailed when he tore his labrum during his first Triple-A game.

A torn labrum is a very dangerous injury even for a position player, so there is some risk with him being able to be the same hitter after recovering. However, assuming that he can come back as himself, Pages is an extremely good prospect. The slimmed physique gave him extra speed and athleticism that translated onto the field immediately. Pages stole more bases in a month this season than he did all of last year.

Pages’ hit tool is around average or slightly below, but he pairs it with good discipline and big power. Defensively, he appeared to be relegated to the corners last season. Instead, after his transformative offseason, he played more games in center field than he did in right this year. Also possessing a great throwing arm, if Pages could play center field long-term, that would be hugely valuable.

6. RHP Emmet Sheehan, 23, MLB

50 FV / Medium Risk

Emmet Sheehan was certainly good last season, but that was nothing compared to what he’s been this season. He tore through Double-A and earned an uncharacteristically aggressive MLB call-up in June, where he has remained since. In Tulsa, his fantastic 19.7% swinging strike rate and 1.86 ERA were both near the top of the minors.

Sheehan’s four-seamer is arguably the best in the system. It has so much run that it read as a sinker on Statcast for the entirety of his debut. He has thrown the fastball almost 2/3 of the time in the majors, and it has a .207 opponent average. Sheehan also has a nasty changeup that is especially effective against left-handers and has a 40.9% whiff rate so far in the majors. His hard slider has gotten hit around a bit, but it is necessary especially to put righties away.

Even though he may go back down to the minors at some point, Sheehan has shown that he will be in the mix of starters in Los Angeles going forward. If he can keep his command serviceable and limit the long ball, he has a bright future.

7. RHP Gavin Stone, 24, AAA

45+ FV / Medium Risk

It’s been a tough year for Gavin Stone. He was the best pitcher in the minors last season but some new issues have arisen since. He’s made three starts in the majors and none of them have gone well. He has had poor batted ball luck both in Triple-A and with the Dodgers, so that hasn’t helped.

Stone makes his money with his changeup, which may be the most effective one in the system. It is effective against both handed batters when it can play off his fastball. However, his biggest problem this year is how bad his fastball has struggled. All he needs the pitch to be is average and it will set up his changeup and slider, but Stone’s four-seamer has been hit hard in 2023.

To help the fastball struggle, Stone has added a cutter to his arsenal. He looked a lot better in his final start before the All-Star break, tossing six shutout innings for Oklahoma City. Stone still has a good profile to be a reliable starter in the majors, but he will have to solve his fastball problems before that can happen.

8. RHP Nick Frasso, 24, AA

45+ FV / High Risk

The Dodgers sent Mitch White to Toronto at last year’s deadline in exchange for Nick Frasso and Moises Brito in a trade that is looking like a massive steal. Frasso has been lights out since arriving with the Dodgers, putting up crazy pitch data and dominating in Tulsa this year. He allowed just three total runs in his first eight starts of 2023, and he didn’t allow his first home run until July 3.

Frasso is an uber-athletic and lanky 6-foot-5 on the mound. He has a bit of a funky delivery before the ball explodes out of his hand. His fastball sits in the mid-to-high 90s with good induced vertical break and a ton of run. His changeup has a lot of run as well and is an absolute weapon against lefties. For the put away against righties, Frasso has a nice mid-80s gyro slider that is very effective.

To put it simply: Frasso’s stuff is nasty, and he is more capable of controlling it than most pitchers with his profile. The main concern is if his durability can hold up. He missed a few starts in May with a shoulder issue but was able to avoid the injured list. Further, he had Tommy John surgery the year he was drafted. If he can dodge the injury bug, Frasso has an extremely high ceiling.

9. RHP Nick Nastrini, 23, AA

45+ FV / High Risk

Nick Nastrini has not made quite as much progress so far this season as was hoped. His strikeout rate has gone a bit backwards from last year. He had a late start to the season due to an injury, so that could be to blame.

Much like other top arms in the system, Nastrini has top-quality stuff and is striving for better command. He has a great fastball in the mid-to-upper 90s that gets a lot of whiffs. Nastrini pairs his heater with a sharp slider, a good curveball and a solid changeup. He’s a whiff machine at his best, and only fell to the fourth round in 2021 because of how bad his control was in college.

Nastrini will be very good if he can consistently harness his stuff. If he can’t, he may end up being a late inning relief weapon. His stuff is good enough to provide solid value in some capacity, regardless of if he can start.

10. LHP Maddux Bruns, 21, A+

45+ FV / Very High Risk

Command was the main concern that allowed Maddux Bruns to fall to the Dodgers in the first round of the 2021 draft. Those issues have certainly showed so far, with Bruns walking over a batter per inning in Single-A last year. He returned to Rancho Cucamonga to begin 2023 and has since been much more effective.

Bruns has a 2.92 ERA so far between Single-A and High-A this season. His walk rate is still very high at 17%, but it is down nearly 4% from last season. Bruns has electric stuff, with a fastball-curveball-slider arsenal of all above-average or better pitches. All he needs to do is control it a bit and he is very hard to hit. His .164 opponent average and 31.8% strikeout rate show that.

In order to reach his high ceiling, Bruns will need to continue developing his command. His current level works against A-ball opponents but won’t above that. However, his progress is encouraging, and an eventual outcome of passable command does not feel outside the realm of possibility.

11. RHP River Ryan, 24, AA

45+ FV / Very High Risk

Acquired for Matt Beaty in 2022, River Ryan was converted to a full-time pitcher and has made big strides since. After dominating just 15 career games on the mound, he started 2023 in the Double-A rotation, where he has pitched to a 3.13 ERA. However, his peripherals have been a bit behind that ERA, with his xFIP coming in at 5.10.

Even if Ryan still has some development to do, that is understandable for someone only in his second pro season as a pitcher. His results should catch up to his fantastic stuff eventually. Ryan’s fastball sits in the high 90s with induced vertical break in the high teens, and he has three secondaries that are at least decent: a tight cutter, a fading changeup and an over-the-top curveball. He’s not even Rule 5 eligible until after 2024, so he has plenty of time to learn and look to become a major-league starter.

12. SS/3B Joendry Vargas, 17, R

45+ FV / Very High Risk

The Dodgers’ top international signee last year, Joendry Vargas has been at the forefront of the absurdly good DSL LAD Bautista team. He is excelling in every way offensively. Through 31 professional games his OPS is .952, he has 12 stolen bases and, maybe most impressively, Vargas has a 1.10 BB/K rate as a 17-year-old.

Vargas is big for a shortstop at 6-foot-4. His glove is good, but his size may require an eventual move to third base. He projects to have a bat that fits anywhere, sporting potentially average-or-better tools across the board. It will be interesting to see how aggressive L.A. is with the talented Vargas, especially seeing how quickly they’ve moved Josue De Paula through the system so far.

13. RHP Ryan Pepiot, 25, MLB

45 FV / Medium Risk

Just about a month out from turning 26, this was supposed to be Ryan Pepiot’s year to establish himself as a big leaguer. Unfortunately, an oblique injury has kept him out to this point, and he just made his first rehab appearance coming out of the All-Star break. As soon as Pepiot is ready, he will be in the majors to help out the battered pitching staff.

Pepiot has a good high-spin fastball and a well above-average changeup. His slider has struggled as a third offering, and it got crushed in the majors last year. Pepiot also lost his command at times, making it easier for hitters to lay off his changeup when he couldn’t throw it for a strike. He will need to throw consistent strikes and bring his slider along, or else he could move to a back end bullpen role, where he should be effective with his current makeup.

14. RHP Landon Knack, 26, AAA

45 FV / Low Risk

Landon Knack is essentially an MLB ready fifth starter already. Since he’s in the stacked L.A. system, he hasn’t made his debut yet, but he is a good bet to do so before the end of the year. He has a 2.28 ERA and 3.65 FIP between Double-A and Triple-A this year, and he has walked just 6.4% of batters.

Knack has a good and deep arsenal of pitches, certainly profiling as a starter. Three could be average or better in the majors, with a makeup of fastball, slider, cutter, and a more sparsely used changeup. He has also throw a decent curveball. His slider generated 10 whiffs on its own on July 1 in a start where he threw six shutout innings (quite a feat in the PCL). Knack should permanently be major-league starter or long reliever by next year.

15. LHP Ronan Kopp, 20, A+

45 FV / High Risk

It is interesting to imagine how Ronan Kopp fell to the 12th round in the 2021 draft. His ceiling is massive, and even if he can’t get there, he should provide value in the majors. Kopp has a massive 6-foot-7, 250 pound frame, is left-handed, and throws a fastball that has touched triple digits; what’s not to love about that profile?

The main knock on Kopp is his very high reliver risk. Not only does he struggle to throw strikes consistently, but he also lacks a fully reliable third pitch. His fastball and slider are both great, but his changeup needs development. The good thing is that even if he moves to the bullpen, his fastball and slider are good enough for high-leverage dominance.

16. 2B Jorbit Vivas, 22, AA

45 FV / Medium Risk

Jorbit Vivas has enjoyed a very good year in Tulsa, improving in most categories compared to his High-A season last year. He has already matched his double and home run totals and has continued to walk just about as often as he strikes out. Further, Vivas already has his most stolen bases in any season since he was 17.

Great bat-to-ball skills, Vivas has a relatively high floor. Next season is his final option year, so he’s in line to be a major leaguer by 2025 at the latest, even if it’s not with the Dodgers. He has a good chance to be average across the board aside from a better hit tool and slightly lacking power. That is a solid second base profile that would start on many teams.

17. RHP Kyle Hurt, 25, AA

40+ FV / High Risk

An extremely interesting prospect, Kyle Hurt came over from Miami alongside Alex Vesia a couple years ago. Since then, he has had stretches where his results are ace-like and stretches where he struggles badly. Mostly, it has to do with whether he’s throwing strikes, because his pure stuff is great no matter what the results are.

He has shown what he can do with decent command in 2023, posting peripherals among the best in the minor leagues. His swinging strike rate is best in the minors among pitchers with 50 innings by a good margin. In that same group, his strikeout rate is only passed by Andrew Abbott and Emmet Sheehan, who have both made their major league debuts this season. Hurt has a mid-to-high 90s fastball with great carry and three above-average secondaries. The only question here is whether he can control it all.

18. C/2B Yeiner Fernandez, 20, A+

40+ FV / Medium Risk

Former Little League World Series star Yeiner Fernandez has a relatively high floor for a player who hasn’t reached Double-A yet. Playing both catcher and second base, he brings versatility alongside his above-average hit tool. He has good bat-to-ball skills that help limit too many strikeouts as well.

Fernandez has drawn comparisons to Austin Barnes because of his small frame and defensive positions. However, Fernandez might have more second base in his future even once he reaches the majors than Barnes has maintained. Fernandez still has development to make behind the plate, but a backup catcher or utility role should eventually make sense for him.

19. OF Jonny Deluca, 25, MLB

40+ FV / Low Risk

Already having debuted, Jonny Deluca is pretty close to the player he will be for a while. Good speed and the ability to play all three outfield spots make him a valuable player for a bench role. The fact that he mashes lefties should give him a permanent spot in the majors as a platoon bat by next season.

Deluca has torn through the minors since being drafted in the 25th round out of Oregon in 2019. He was a bit of a surprising 40-man add over the offseason but has proven that it was a good choice, posting a .952 OPS in the minors before he was called up to the big leagues.

20. RHP Payton Martin, 19, A

40+ FV / High Risk

Payton Martin has exploded onto the scene to be one of the top young pitching prospects in the system. He wasn’t drafted until the 17th round last year and he still went straight to Single-A to start 2023 before he even turned 19. Martin has a great 20.8% K-BB rate this year and has been a ground ball machine, forcing more than two grounders for every fly ball he allows.

Martin was mainly a shortstop in high school, which helped the Dodgers get him so late in the draft as a pitcher. He’s gained velocity quickly and made his slider into a weapon. Now sitting in the mid-to-high 90s, Martin could be touching triple digits in the future. Having this much success early in his pitching development is an encouraging sign for the young right-hander.

21. OF Eduardo Quintero, 17, R

40+ FV / Very High Risk

The highlight of the DSL so far this year, Eduardo Quintero has torn through pitching as a 17-year-old. He’s shown a big power-speed combo, posting a .268 ISO and compiling 14 stolen bases. His 187 wRC+ through 32 pro games is nearly best in the organization.

To go with Quintero’s impressive power stroke, he has not struck out too much. He has a quality 0.95 BB/K rate and is striking out just under 15% of the time. His good athleticism and speed have put him in center field for almost all of his defensive action, a spot where he would be immensely valuable if he can stay there and keep producing offensively.

22. RHP Jake Pilarski, 25, AA

40+ FV / Medium Risk

An independent ball find over the offseason, Jake Pilarski’s stuff has absolutely exploded since he went undrafted out of college. Half a season into his pro career, Pilarski has already shown that his stuff will play in the late innings of games at the major-league level. He was speculated to make his debut this year, but he’s been on the injured list since early July, so he’d have to return to the field healthy first.

Pilarski’s fastball sits in the 97-100 mph range and has fantastic life. His sharp slider is a dominant offering as well, and it works against both right and left handers. In a spring training appearance this year, Pilarski’s velocity and movement readings were borderline breathtaking. His two-pitch attack should be in Los Angeles soon enough.

23. OF Jose Ramos, 22, AA

40+ FV / High Risk

Whiff concerns dropped Ramos’ prospect stock over the offseason and allowed him to go unselected despite being available in the Rule 5 draft. However, despite a promotion to Double-A, Ramos has improved his strikeout rate by nearly 5% in 2023. He has cooled off over the last month, but Ramos is still having a very good overall year for his first experience with Tulsa.

Ramos has plus power, and the question will be whether his hit tool can keep up. Defensively, he possesses a cannon of an arm, which he showed off with an outfield assist while playing for Panama in the World Baseball Classic. He has played mostly center field this year, and although he may still be better suited for right field long term, it would be huge for his value if he could stick up the middle.

24. LHP Justin Wrobleski, 23, A+

40 FV / Medium Risk

The Dodgers took a chance on Wrobleski in 2021 after he had Tommy John surgery close to the draft. It is looking like it was a good choice for the Dodgers, as he has settled into a nice groove in High-A this season. From May 3 to July 18, Wrobleski had a 2.14 ERA and 2.70 FIP while striking out over a batter per inning and only allowing one home run.

Wrobleski has a nice mid-90s fastball that he has located well this season. His curveball has good action, and his changeup and cutter have both been decent as well. With his inherent added value of being left-handed, Wrobleski looks like a high probability major leaguer, and his deep arsenal of pitches give him a solid chance to stick as a starter as well.

25. IF Rayne Doncon, 19, A

40 FV / Very High Risk

Rayne Doncon has had a tough first full year in Single-A. His power hasn’t shown through like it did last year, and he’s performed well below the average California League hitter. However, he is just 19, so there is plenty of time left for the talented Doncon to figure it out.

Doncon’s bat should be fine, his questionable defensive outlook brings down his value. He is unlikely to remain at shortstop long term, and may even have to move off the infield altogether. The Dodgers will hope he can make second base work, where his plus power would be an asset at the position, assuming he can turn around his numbers at the plate.

26. 3B Jake Gelof, 21, Draft

40 FV / High Risk

The Virginia Cavaliers’ all-time home run leader, Jake Gelof fell further in the draft this year than was expected. The Dodgers took him with their second round pick, 60th overall, getting pretty good value at that spot. Gelof is a power-first prospect whose violent and aggressive swing should translate right away.

Relative to his home run prowess, Gelof did well limiting strikeouts in college. He posted a 50-48 K/BB ratio this spring. Defensively, Gelof has a good arm and has a solid chance to stick at third base, where he could be an average or at least serviceable defender.

27. C/1B Thayron Liranzo, 20, A

40 FV / Very High Risk

Despite having just turned 20 earlier this month, Thayron Liranzo already has a physical build that helps him drive the ball with authority. A switch-hitter, he’s slugged the ball well from both sides of the plate, leading him to place second in the California League in homers.

Liranzo’s bat is the selling point as his defensive future as a catcher is a bit cloudy. Even if he ends up at first base eventually, his switch-hitting power is legit, and he has developed quality plate discipline as well.

28. CF Kendall George, 18, Draft

40 FV / Very High Risk

Kendall George may have been the fastest high school player in the draft this year. The Dodgers selected him a little earlier than he was expected to go at 36th, taking a chance on his athleticism. George is a very good base stealer and uses his speed to be a plus defender in center field.

At the plate, George has a good feel for the strike zone and should draw a good share of walks. He prioritizes contact with a compact swing, so he will probably never have much home run power. However, his controlled swing and on-base ability should still give him offensive value in a table setting role.

29. U Austin Gauthier, 24, AA

40 FV / Medium Risk

Austin Gauthier has been great since he was signed by the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. His advanced approach and ability to get on base showed through right away, but he has added a new facet to his game in 2023: power. Gauthier has roughly doubled his home run rate from last year while still walking more than he’s striking out.

Gauthier has moved all over the diamond defensively, playing third base and both corners in the outfield the most. He is capable of playing second base and shortstop as well. Gauthier has quickly turned himself into a high-likelihood big leaguer, even if he is eventually limited to a bench utility or platoon role (he has an OPS above 1.100 against lefties this season).

30. OF Damon Keith, 23, A+

40 FV / High Risk

Offenses across the Midwest League usually struggle in the miserable weather to start the season, and Damon Keith wasn’t able to avoid a rough start to 2023. He turned it around starting in May and has continued to improve, batting .302 since June 7. Keith’s power has been a bit down compared to last year, but his raw strength is one of his best attributes, so the homers should come back soon.

If he can rebound with his power production as well as his strikeout and walk rates, Keith still has everyday or platoon potential. He has a plus arm in the outfield and could be at least an average defender in both corners.

31. SS Eddys Leonard, 22, AA

40 FV / High Risk

After a brutally cold start to his first Double-A campaign, Eddys Leonard has bounced back extremely well. He has increased his OPS from .376 to .743 since the beginning of May, increasing his stock closer to where it was entering 2022. It is questionable whether Leonard will be able to play shortstop long term, but he has experience at second base, third base and the outfield that he can rely on if he has to move positions. Next year will be Leonard’s final option year, so he is poised to end up in the majors by 2025.

32. RHP Carlos Duran, 21, A+

40 FV / High Risk

Carlos Duran has battled injuries so far in his career, with the latest one requiring Tommy John surgery that has caused him to miss the entire 2023 season. He has a massive frame on the mound, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 230 pounds. Duran has a starter’s pitch arsenal, with a slider that is one of the most dominant in the system, but his wavering durability might push him to a late-inning relief role.

33. OF/1B Samuel Munoz, 18, R

40 FV / Very High Risk

Samuel Munoz has a clean left-handed swing that he used to bat .347 in the DSL last summer. He’s continued to produce solid numbers stateside in 2023, and should remain a productive hitter for a long time to come. His power is closer to average, but he could develop into a .280-ish hitter in the majors. He will try to stick in left field, but he also had some infield experience as an amateur, so first base could eventually be an option as well.

34. RHP Peter Heubeck, 20, A

40 FV / Very High Risk

Although he hasn’t taken a step forward on the level of fellow 2021 prep draftee Maddux Bruns, Peter Heubeck has shown encouraging signs of progress this season. His walk and home run rates are significantly lower than last year and his strikeout rate is up. Heubeck has a starter’s pitch repertoire with four offerings that could be average or better, and if he can further refine his control, his ceiling is high.

35. RHP Maximo Martinez, 19, R

40 FV / Very High Risk

After an elbow injury limited him to two games last year, Maximo Martinez returned to the ACL in 2023 and has been solid. His fastball touches the upper 90s, his slider and curveball could both be above-average, and he has a decent changeup for a fourth pitch. Having just turned 19 a month ago, Martinez’ command is more advanced than most high-velocity arms his age. If he can stay healthy, he is a relatively high probability starter.

36. C Jesus Galiz, 19, A

40 FV / High Risk

Jesus Galiz has struggled a bit to translate his bat to Single-A this year. He has had difficulty controlling the strike zone, posting a low walk rate that has held back the rest of his offensive profile. Galiz still shows good tools defensively and can develop into an above-average defensive catcher, but there are still some steps to take to get there.

37. RHP Edgardo Henriquez, 21, A

40 FV / Very High Risk

Another Tommy John surgery victim, Edgardo Henriquez won’t be pitching again until 2024. He was impressive in his first extended Single-A stint last year, posting a 16% K-BB rate. Henriquez has a good fastball that touches triple digits as well as a deep bag of secondaries that are all solid (especially his slider). He turned 21 in June, so there is still time for him to get healthy and reach his high ceiling as a major-league starter.

38. IF Oswaldo Osorio, 18, R

40 FV / Very High Risk

Oswaldo Osorio demonstrated his advanced discipline and power in the DSL last year and put himself onto the radar. He’s been good again this season in the ACL, although he is striking out at a concerningly high rate. Osorio has flashed impressive defensive tools as well, and should end up as an above-average defender in the middle infield or third base.

39. OF Chris Newell, 22, A+

40 FV / High Risk

After completely tearing through Single-A to start the year, Chris Newell has cooled off in Great Lakes. Still, his combination of 21 homers and 15 stolen bases on the year is impressive. While his bat may not be quite on the level he showed in his month and a half with the Quakes, Newell has good defensive tools and is a center fielder by trade. If he can limit the whiffs, he has good platoon probability in the future.

40. RHP Jerming Rosario, 21, A+

40 FV / High Risk

Though he hasn’t always been consistent, Jerming Rosario’s peaks have been extremely impressive. His first High-A stint started brutally, but he turned it around to post a 1.16 ERA and 33% strikeout rate over his last six outings. When Rosario is able to throw strikes, he generates a lot of whiffs and has three pitches that could keep him as a starter or long reliever.

41. 3B/1B Devin Mann, 26, AAA

35+ FV / Low Risk

Devin Mann went unselected in the Rule 5 draft last offseason and has responded with his best year as a pro. He has an OPS of nearly 1.000 in Oklahoma City and should be in the major leagues by early next season, whether it’s with the Dodgers or another organization. He can play across the infield (although he wouldn’t be well suited at shortstop in the majors) as well as left field, making him a valuable player for a bench role.

42. SS Alex Freeland, 21, A+

35+ FV / Medium Risk

A quality depth infielder, Alex Freeland should be able to stick at shortstop long term. He’ll look to develop into as close to an average hitter as possible, both in terms of contact and power. Freeland makes solid swing decisions to boost his OBP and has a good chance to serve at least a bench role in the future.

43. 3B Logan Wagner, 19, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Logan Wagner had signability questions due to his Louisville commitment when the Dodgers drafted him in the sixth round last year. He ended up signing for a well above-slot $600,000 bonus, which was the second biggest total of L.A.’s 2022 draft class. Wagner has a good swing from both sides of the plate and should be able to stay on the dirt defensively, probably at third base. He’s disciplined in the box and could grow into above-average power.

44. LHP Wyatt Crowell, 21, Draft

35+ FV / Very High Risk

An absolutely dominant reliever at Florida State over the last two springs, Wyatt Crowell only fell to the Dodgers in the fourth round because of his recent Tommy John surgery. He has touched 98 mph on his fastball when pitching in relief, but his heater will likely be in the 94 mph range if the Dodgers attempt to use him as a starter once he’s healthy. His best pitch is a nasty sweeping slider that is effective against both handed batters, though it gives lefties trouble in particular.

45. RHP Brady Smith, 18, Draft

35+ FV / Very High Risk

A high-spin prep arm, the Dodgers took Brady Smith in the third round this year. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s with good metrics and he has good secondary options in his curveball, slider and changeup. He is a very typical Dodgers selection, as they will look to take advantage of his metrics to make Smith into the best pitcher he can be.

46. RHP Joel Ibarra, 21, A

35+ FV / High Risk

While struggling with command, Joel Ibarra has showcased fantastic stuff in Single-A this season. His strikeout rate is over 30%, but his walk rate currently sits at an ugly 20.8% clip. When he’s near the zone, hitters have struggled to barrel his high-velocity fastball and sharp slider, batting just .088 off Ibarra this season. He needs to throw more strikes, but Ibarra’s ceiling as a high-leverage reliever is evident.

47. RHP Lucas Wepf, 23, A+

35+ FV / High Risk

The Dodgers signed Lucas Wepf last August after he went undrafted and he has quickly emerged as an intriguing relief-only prospect. He went straight to Single-A to start the year and posted an incredible 37.6% K-BB rate while dominating his way to a High-A promotion. Wepf will be interesting to watch and see if he gets fast tracked to a relief role in the majors, possibly by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

48. RHP Jesus Tillero, 17, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Only two and a half months out from his 17th birthday, Jesus Tillero has had an immensely impressive start to his pro career. Six starts in, Tillero has a 23.4% K-BB rate and a 1.10 ERA. Even at his young age, he already rides his fastball into the mid-to-high 90s and could have a bright future ahead of him.

49. IF/OF Mairoshendrick Martinus, 18, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Mairoshendrick Martinus has immense raw power potential. He had a good summer in the DSL last year, but he hasn’t done well so far this season in his stateside debut. Martinus has struck out nearly 40% of the time and has not driven the ball as much as he did in 2022. Possibly complicating his struggles are a move to center field for the majority of his innings. Martinus will need time to improve his hit tool before his power can begin to show through more proficiently.

50. RHP Reynaldo Yean, 19, A

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Reynaldo Yean tore through the complex to start 2023, showcasing what he can be at his best. He’s struggled pretty bad in his first five Single-A appearances, but those results should turn around soon. He struck out 57.1% of batters in his ACL stint, and his fastball-slider combo provide late-inning relief upside.

51. OF Arnaldo Lantigua, 17, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Already possessing good power at 17, Arnaldo Lantigua was one of the bigger names in the Dodgers’ 2023 international class. His plate discipline and ability to work walks were a bit of a concern before he was signed and that will be an area he focuses on improving. He has solid speed and range in the outfield and will be playing mostly center field, at least to begin his career.

52. RHP Alvaro Benua, 20, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Another strong, high-velocity relief prospect, Alvaro Benua has struck out 18 batters per nine innings in the ACL this season. He’s less than six months from turning 21, so he should be expected to move to Single-A before the end of the year. If he can throw enough strikes and develop his slider, Benua is another potential bullpen weapon in this system.

53. RHP Ben Casparius, 24, AA

35+ FV / High Risk

After a very successful start to the season in High-A, things have fallen apart for Casparius after a Double-A promotion. He has a 9.29 ERA in 31 innings with the Drillers, having allowed more than three homers per nine. Casparius’ slider is his only pitch that is above-average, and it is a great one, but his struggling fastball has made success in Double-A difficult. If he can get his fastball to just be effective enough to set up his plus-plus slider, Casparius has a long-relief type of ceiling.

54. RHP Eriq Swan, 21, Draft

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Eriq Swan is a pick that makes sense for the Dodgers. Taken in the fourth round this year, he has had pretty bad results at Middle Tennessee State over the last two years, but one thing sets him apart: he has touched 102 mph. His fastball lacks shape and command, so the Dodgers will need to work with him on that. Swan actually locates his slider more effectively than the heater and he also has a changeup. There’s a fairly high ceiling here if Swan can add life to his fastball and improve his command.

55. C/1B Angel Diaz, 19, R

35+ FV / Very High Risk

Angel Diaz has demolished the DSL in his second season there, posting a ridiculous .400/.489/.733 slash line on the year. His numbers are simply too good to leave off this list. He’s split time between catcher and first base as a pro, and he threw out 37% of base stealers in 2022.

——

Honorable Mentions: LHP Moises Brito, RHP Chris Campos, RHP Jared Karros, OF Dylan Campbell, IF Alexander Albertus, IF Elias Medina, OF Jaron Elkins, SS Bryan Gonzalez, 1B Joe Vetrano, LHP Ben Harris

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About Bruce Kuntz

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I'm a Long Beach State journalism student and I've been writing about the Dodgers and their farm system since I was in high school.
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