Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
Prior to today’s deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft, the Dodgers added pitchers Nick Frasso and Landon Knack, and catcher Hunter Feduccia to the 40-man roster.
The Dodgers added RHPs Nick Frasso and Landon Knack and C Hunter Feduccia to the 40-man roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 14, 2023
Bruce actually announced it before the team did:
Breaking: the #Dodgers have added prospects:
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) November 14, 2023
RHP Nick Frasso
RHP Landon Knack
C Hunter Feduccia
To their 40-man roster
He also wrote about who the Dodgers should protect late last week, and all three of the players he said the team should protect were indeed protected.
Frasso cemented his status as a top prospect with great performance this season. In 21 Double-A starts before he was promoted, Frasso posted a fantastic 22.2 K-BB%, showcasing his plus control alongside his strikeout stuff. Originally acquired at the 2022 trade deadline from Toronto in the Mitch White deal, Frasso has positioned himself as the next man up in a system that is stacked with young starting pitcher talent.
Although he wasn’t able to make his debut this season, Knack proved that he is Major League ready. He tallied just one loss in his 22 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 2.51 ERA in 100 1/3 innings. Knack would be taken near the top of the Rule 5 Draft if the Dodgers did not protect him, as high-floor starters of his quality are not easy to come by. He should expect to get a roster spot and be part of the Dodgers pitching depth mix in 2024.
As the clear third catcher in the organization, Feduccia would be tough to see go if he isn’t protected. He would be taken and put into a Major League backup role next year if the Dodgers don’t put him on their 40-man roster. His .838 OPS and solid defense behind the plate in Triple-A last year certainly justify a spot to shore up the organizational catching depth.
While Frasso and Knack were easy moves, there was debate about the third inclusion, and I do agree that Feduccia was worth the spot. He definitely would’ve been taken given how valuable backup catchers are and how low of a bar they need to clear, and unfortunately the Dodgers might need him if Austin Barnes‘ decline continues (and arguably could’ve used him last year as it is).
That does mean there are others who are open season for other teams:
Jose Ramos is right on the fence, but his .586 OPS and nearly 35% strikeout rate in the second-half makes me hesitate on whether any team would take him, or if he’s even worth spending a 40-man spot on now. With only five open roster spots to work with, I only see Ramos getting added if the Dodgers non-tender someone else that is already on the roster. I think keeping an extra spot open is worth risking Ramos to the Rule 5 Draft for the second consecutive year. Alec Gamboa would be a shame to lose in the Rule 5 Draft. The same goes for Carlos Duran, John Rooney and Braydon Fisher. However, you can’t keep everyone, and the Dodgers are especially good at finding relief arms to replace lost talent from pretty much anywhere. Yeiner Fernandez and Jerming Rosario are both valuable but are far enough away from the majors where I think they would be safe.
For me, power relief arms being taken away are always a scary possibility to actually stick with another team.
Well, we’ll find out when the Rule 5 Draft takes place at the Winter Meetings on December 6.
