2024 Dodgers Digest Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Bruce Kuntz 08/06/2024 Prospect Rankings Leave A Comment

The Dodgers lost some farm talent at this year’s trade deadline, but the system remains very strong. Many of the prospects at the top of the list have continued to boost their stocks on a national level and have filled some of the “elite prospect” absence that has seemed to be present the last year or so. Additionally, the depth of the system is still robust on both the hitting and pitching sides, and there is a quality crop of players in the low minors and rookie ball that can become impact players in coming years.

Here are the 2024 Dodgers Digest Midseason Top 50 Prospects.

——

Note 1: Statistics in this article were accessed via multiple outlets, including FanGraphs, Baseball Reference, MLB, MiLB and Baseball Savant.

Note 2: Many of the videos in this article are courtesy of MiLB or MLB. Others are via other sources such as Dodgers Daily, Josh Thomas, Josh Norris of Baseball America, Rhys White of Prospects Live or Patrick Ebert of D1 Baseball. All linked videos are embedded from Twitter, so you can click them to go to the original source.

Note 3: Only players that have not exceeded MLB rookie eligibility are on this list. Each player has their age as of the posting of this article and highest level reached in their professional careers next to their name. Other bio information can be found in the first table below. Additionally, each prospect was assigned scouting grades on the 20-80 scale, where a 50 grade signals average. More information on how that scale works for tools can be found here, and more about how it applies to Future Value (FV) can be found here.

——

Graduations

Traded

Additions

  • SS Kellon Lindsey (MLB Draft)
  • 3B Chase Harlan (MLB Draft)
  • OF Ko Ching-Hsien (IFA signing)
  • RHP Jose Rodriguez (previously unranked)
  • LHP Jakob Wright (MLB Draft)
  • 1B/3B/2B Andre Lipcius (acquired via trade in offseason)

======

1. RF/LF Josue De Paula, 19, A+ (Preseason rank: No. 2)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA:
6’3″/ 185 lbsL/LJan. 2022 (LAD)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
45/6550/6535/6045/7050/4025/4055High

Josue De Paula has taken a narrow lead as the top prospect in the system because of the steps he’s taken this year. He’s improved in his power production while displaying a truly elite combination of plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills. His offensive ceiling is through the roof. De Paula’s defensive future remains murky, but his offensive abilities at such a young age are too great to be placed below the top spot on this list. If he continues the trend that he’s on with his offensive upswing, he could turn into a middle of the order slugger for many years.

——

2. C/1B Dalton Rushing, 23, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 1)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA:
6’1″/ 220 lbsL/R2nd Round (40), 2022 (LAD)2025
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
40/5560/6045/5560/7045/4535/5055Low

Dalton Rushing has been all-around excellent in his first Double-A season, getting even better as the year has gone on. He does everything well at the plate, getting on base a ton through walks and a solid hit tool while displaying more and more game power. His offensive profile has a high floor, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a big ceiling as well. He appears to be capable of catching long term but has gotten some innings in left field as the Dodgers wonder how to get him in the lineup sometime next year. Rushing has now gotten a bump to Triple-A, where he will likely continue to compile outfield innings.

——

3. RHP River Ryan, 25, MLB (Preseason Rank: No. 5)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’2″ / 195 lbsR/R11th Round (340), 2021 (SD)2024
FastballSliderCutterCurveballChangeupCommandFVRisk
55/6055/6045/5050/5540/5540/5050Low

River Ryan got a late start to his season but has done nothing but impress since he got going, reaching the Major Leagues for the first time. He has a chance to graduate prospect status this season but is the top pitching prospect in the system until that happens. Ryan has a full arsenal of above-average or better pitches and should continue to get better with time given this is only his third season pitching professionally.

——

4. LHP Justin Wrobleski, 24, MLB (Preseason Rank: No. 12)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’1″ / 194 lbsL/L11th Round (342), 2021 (LAD)2024
FastballSinkerSliderCurveChangeCutterCommandFVRisk
60/6050/5055/6045/4545/5050/5060/6050Low

Justin Wrobleski has had a continual rise of his stock ever since his pro debut in 2022. Despite having never pitched above High-A entering 2024, he has already reached the majors this year and established himself as one of the top arms in the system. Wrobleski’s pitchability and command paired with a unique look (extremely low extension, which seems to ironically work in his favor) have him positioned to be a valuable long-term starting pitcher.

——

5. SS/3B Emil Morales, 17, R (Preseason Rank: No. 19)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’3″ / 191 lbsR/RJan. 2024 (LAD)2028
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
25/5045/7035/7030/5550/5035/5045+Extreme

After being signed as the top Dodgers ticket in this year’s IFA class, Emil Morales has been one of the best hitters in the Dominican Summer League. Still just 17, he has done everything well offensively, hitting for a ton of power with a manageable strikeout rate and a high walk rate. Whiffs might eventually become an obstacle at some point once he’s stateside, but his swing is fluid through the zone and produces easy power to all fields. Also possessing solid speed and a good glove, Morales looks like a legit five-tool prospect with massive power potential given his large frame and build with additional room to grow.

——

6. LHP Jackson Ferris, 20, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 9)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’4″ / 195 lbsL/L2nd Round (47), 2022 (CHC)2026
FastballSweeperCurveballChangeupCommandFVRisk
55/6050/6045/5535/4535/4545+High

He started the season a little slow, but Jackson Ferris has been on a tear ever since. His best outing so far came in the form of eight no-hit innings which earned the 20-year-old a Double-A promotion. Still just two years removed from being drafted out of high school, Ferris has room to grow and a frontline starter ceiling. To get there, he will have to continue refining his command, as walks can be a problem for him.

——

7. CF Eduardo Quintero, 18, R (Preseason Rank: No. 15)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’0″ / 175 lbsR/RJan. 2023 (LAD)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
40/6030/4520/4540/6070/7040/5545+Extreme

Eduardo Quintero flew onto the radar with a huge DSL campaign last year, and he backed up his performance with another great rookie ball season in his first year stateside. The Venezuelan outfielder posted a .459 OBP with 29 stolen bases in 56 games in Arizona. He has double-plus speed that serves him on the bases and in center field, and he has excellent bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline on the offensive side. A long-term center fielder who could grow into fringe-average power, Quintero could have a very bright future ahead of him.

——

8. SS/3B Joendry Vargas, 18, R (Preseason Rank: No. 6)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’4″ / 175 lbsR/RJan. 2023 (LAD)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/5045/6030/5530/5055/5035/5045+Extreme

The top Dodgers IFA signing in 2023, Joendry Vargas has been excellent thus far in his pro career. He has legit five tool potential for now, although his speed and defense could eventually end up at a more fringe-average level. Vargas has a lot of raw power and a cannon of an arm that should keep him on the left side of the infield, even if he has to move off of shortstop. He struck out a bit more in Arizona this year than he did in the DSL last year, so that’s something to keep an eye on.

——

9. SS Alex Freeland, 22, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 36)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’2″ / 200 lbsS/R3rd Round (105), 2022 (LAD)2025
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
40/4550/5045/5060/6045/4550/5545+Low

The biggest breakout prospect in the system this year, Alex Freeland has shown a wide variety of offensive skills alongside his good glove at shortstop. The UCF alum destroyed High-A to begin the year and continued his success at the plate into Double-A, doing enough to earn a Triple-A promotion in early August. Freeland walks a lot and, although he’s not the fastest pure runner, he is a base-stealing weapon. His instincts that help there also help defensively, where he should be a long-term shortstop. A switch-hitter, Freeland is better from the left side but holds his own against all matchups. The outlook here is high floor because even if he doesn’t end up hitting enough for an everyday role, he can be an easily valuable utility player in the infield.

——

10. OF Zyhir Hope, 19, A (Preseason Rank: No. 45)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 193 lbsL/L11th Round (326), 2023 (CHC)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/4050/6035/5530/4565/6530/5045+Extreme

Another big riser, Zyhir Hope was known to be toolsy when the Dodgers traded for him in the offseason. Although he’s spent most of the season on the injured list, he has been fantastic in Single-A when he’s been on the field, flashing big exit velocity numbers and batting over .300. The teenage outfielder has struck out a bit more than is comfortable, which is something that is likely to be a battle for him as he moves through the minor leagues. Hope is a fast runner with a cannon of an arm, so he projects to be a positive defender in either corner outfield spot.

——

11. C Diego Cartaya, 22, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 7)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’3″ / 219 lbsR/RJuly 2018 (LAD)2025
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/4060/6045/5040/5040/3045/5545High

Things have been rough at the plate for Diego Cartaya these last two seasons. He got back to some production in Double-A this year before being promoted to Triple-A, where his numbers have gone back down to begin his stint. Cartaya has strikeout problems that are rooted in a lacking hit tool and his struggles with breaking balls. He has made himself a solid defender behind the plate alongside his good leadership traits, and his profile is now looking more like that of a defense-first catcher who you hope will run into 15-20 homers if he doesn’t strike out too often.

——

12. RHRP Edgardo Henriquez, 22, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 39)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’4″ / 200 lbsR/RSept. 2018 (LAD)2025
FastballSliderCommandFVRisk
70/7560/7035/4545Medium

Edgardo Henriquez has an argument to be the best relief pitching prospect in the sport. There are barely any pitchers who have stuff like he does, major league or not. Making his return from Tommy John surgery this year, Henriquez has risen all the way from Single-A to Triple-A having been converted to a relief role. His fastball has touched 104 mph while sitting in triple digits, and his slider is a weapon in the low-90s. The Venezuelan flamethrower has room to improve as a strike-thrower, but he is easily projectable as a shutdown late-innings option.

——

13. RHP Nick Frasso, 25, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 13)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’5″ / 200 lbsR/R4th Round (106), 2020 (TOR)2025
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
60/6050/5555/6045/5545Medium

Nick Frasso has been on the shelf this year as he recovers from labrum surgery that he underwent in the offseason. A major shoulder injury is slightly more risky to come back from, but Frasso has been an excellent arm since he was acquired by the Dodgers at the 2022 trade deadline. His stuff played down a bit at the end of 2023, which was probably linked to the shoulder. When he’s been at his best, his fastball has flashed double-plus, with velocity in the high-90s and nutty movement profiles. Frasso also has a quality gyro slider and a changeup that has worked well against left-handed hitters. If Frasso can return as a starter, there could be huge value here, but he also has the stuff to be a weapon in relief if that’s the best way to keep him healthy.

——

14. SS Kellon Lindsey, 18, N/A (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’2″ / 175 lbsR/R1st Round (23), 2024 (LAD)2028
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/5530/4520/4030/5075/7535/5545Extreme

Drafted 23rd overall in this year’s draft, Kellon Lindsey enters the system as one of the more toolsy young players the Dodgers have drafted in a long time. He has great athleticism and speed which help him project as an above-average to plus defender. As an amateur, he showed solid bat control and contact skills, which will be his leading attributes in the box. Lindsey doesn’t look like he’ll ever be a top-of-the-order bat, but with good defense at shortstop (he could also shift to second base or center field, but will stick up the middle) and the ability to steal bases when he gets on, he could become a largely impactful players many years down the road.

——

15. RHP Kyle Hurt, 26, MLB (Preseason Rank: No. 8)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’3″ / 240 lbsR/R5th Round (134), 2020 (MIA)2023
FastballChangeupSliderCurveballCommandFVRisk
60/6070/7050/5540/5040/4545Medium

Kyle Hurt entered 2024 positioned to establish himself as a major leaguer, and he was on the Dodgers’ opening day roster as a reliever. Unfortunately, he has spent the majority of the year on the IL, first with shoulder inflammation and then, shortly after returning, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Hurt is already 26 years old and may be out until 2026, but his stuff is still really good to the point that he couldn’t fall down this list too far. Whether he comes back as a starter, a multi-inning reliever or a one-inning guy, a healthy Hurt has the raw stuff to be a quality MLB pitcher.

——

16. RHP Hyun-Seok Jang, 20, A (Preseason Rank: No. 18)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’4″ / 200 lbsR/RAug. 2023 (LAD)2027
FastballCurveSliderSweeperChangeupCommandFVRisk
55/6045/6045/5550/6035/5030/5045Extreme

Hyun-Seok Jang made his professional debut this year in the Arizona Complex League and, although his overall numbers did not turn out great, he showed excellent strikeout stuff (including hitting 99 mph on his fastball) while he was kept on a short leash. Jang has a full arsenal of good pitches, with five that could be at least average and three that could be plus offerings. He struggled with walks in rookie ball this year, but his delivery is fluent and walks weren’t expected to be a huge issue for him, so they will likely go down across a larger sample. If everything works out, Jang may have the highest ceiling of any Dodgers minor league pitcher right now.

——

17. RHP Peter Heubeck, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 26)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’3″ / 170 lbsR/R3rd Round (101), 2021 (LAD)2026
FastballCurveballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
50/5550/6040/5035/4530/4040+High

Peter Heubeck has had an excellent season in High-A, really putting together many of the things he’s been working on over the past three years. He has big strikeout stuff, led by his bendy but sharp curveball and his fastball that plays well at the top of the zone. Command has remained a battle for Heubeck, as he still issues more than his fair share of walks, but his stuff is undeniable and he’s still only 22 years old. If his command could even reach a fringe-average level, he could be a mid-rotation starter at his ceiling.

——

18. LHP Maddux Bruns, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 16)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’2″ / 205 lbsL/L1st Round (29), 2021 (LAD)2026
FastballSliderChangeupCurveballCommandFVRisk
55/6055/6045/5535/5030/4040+High

Unfortunately, Maddux Bruns has been hurt for much of what has otherwise looked like it could be a breakout season for him. He has a strikeout rate north of 35% but has only made six starts on the season. Luckily, he was recently activated off the injured list and could still fit in a handful of appearances before the end of the year. If he stays healthy, I’d also think he’ll be considered for the Arizona Fall League. Bruns has a mid-90s fastball with good ride and a slider that has become his best secondary pitch. Command has always been his biggest battle, and it could force Bruns into an eventual bullpen role if he can’t limit the walks better as a starter.

——

19. RHP Payton Martin, 20, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 11)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 170 lbsR/R17th Round (525), 2022 (LAD)2027
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
50/6050/6030/5035/5040+High

Payton Martin hasn’t had the best season to follow up his breakout 2023 campaign, but he remains just 20 years old and has plenty of talent to find his success from last year once again. His arsenal is lead by a mid-90s fastball with good shape when he’s at his best and a sweepy slider that was a whiff machine last year. He has been working to add a changeup to his mix this season. Martin did an excellent job forcing ground balls at a 57% rate alongside his 30% strikeout rate in 2023, but both those numbers have regressed significantly this year.

——

20. CF Kendall George, 19, A (Preseason Rank: No. 20)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
5’10” / 170 lbsL/L1st Round (36), 2023 (LAD)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/6020/3020/3035/6080/8045/6040+High

Kendall George has done everything he was expected to do in his first full season of pro ball this year. The 36th overall pick in last year’s draft has reached base at a clip just shy of .400 while already compiling more than 30 stolen bases. He utilizes his speed often with bunt base hits and has good control of his barrel to spray the ball all over the field. The 19-year-old is not a power hitter, nor will he ever be, but he has very good feel for the strike zone and does not chase. George struggles with velocity, but that’s something that should get better as he gets older and more physical. Another area he’s likely to eventually improve is his stolen base efficiency, which has been subpar this year. George can become a plus defender in center field with his speed and projects as an on-base threat and stolen base machine.

——

21. RHP Ben Casparius, 25, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 46)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’2″ / 215 lbsR/R5th Round (162), 2021 (LAD)2025
FastballSweeperChangeupCurveballCutterCommandFVRisk
45/5570/7040/4535/4540/4035/4040+High

Ben Casparius has had a nice year between Double-A and Triple-A, establishing himself as a quality pitching prospect in the system. His arsenal is built around his double-plus sweeper which is one of the best secondary offerings in the entire organization. Casparius has a deep overall pitch mix, throwing a mid-90s fastball as his primary pitch and also leaning on a cutter, changeup and curveball periodically. The former UConn two-way player has work to do with his command to become a mid-to-back of the rotation starter, but his sweeper is so good that he could also work in a bullpen role.

——

22. OF Chris Newell, 23, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 27)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’3″ / 200 lbsL/L13th Round (405), 2022 (LAD)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/3060/6040/5050/6555/5550/5540+High

Chris Newell has been the premier power hitter of the Midwest League this season, leading the circuit in homers by a wide margin. The former Virginia outfielder is a polarizing prospect as his power speaks for itself, but so do his strikeout issues. He is the ultimate three-true-outcomes player in High-A, which can signal serious hit tool problems once he reaches the upper minor leagues. His raw power is tremendous, and Newell also impacts the game through stolen bases and quality outfield defense. It remains to be seen if his strikeout rate well north of 30% will bottom out whenever he gets promoted to Double-A.

——

23. RHRP Reynaldo Yean, 20, A (Preseason Rank: No. 40)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’4″ / 190 lbsR/RJuly 2021 (LAD)2027
FastballSliderCommandFVRisk
70/8050/6025/3540+Extreme

Reynaldo Yean is the second relief-only prospect on this list with ridiculous fastball velocity. Yean has hit 104 mph on his heater this year while sitting in triple digits, and he throws that hard with a quality movement profile on the pitch. He has a strikeout rate of nearly 40% in Single-A this year and has allowed opponents to bat just barely above .100 against him. Yean’s big drawback is command, but he has made progress on that front. Although the walk rate is still very high, many more of his misses are still competitive compared to last year, which has helped him bring his ERA down into a palatable area.

——

24. RHP Carlos Duran, 23, AA (Preseason Rank: 43)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’7″ / 230 lbsR/RMarch 2018 (LAD)2025
FastballSinkerSliderCurveballChangeupCommandFVRisk
50/5555/6070/7040/5035/4035/4040High

Making his return from Tommy John surgery this year, Carlos Duran has continued to show big strikeout stuff. Standing 6-foot-7, Duran throws an excellent slider to go with his mid-90s fastball and sinker, a curveball and an occasional changeup. Duran has struck out one-third of the batters he’s faced this year between Single-A and Double-A while posting a 2.97 ERA. His command still needs improving, but Duran is another arm that could shift to the bullpen and be excellent there if that becomes necessary. He is already Rule 5 Draft eligible, and he could be in danger of selection this offseason if he is not protected.

——

25. RHP Patrick Copen, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: HM)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’6″ / 220 lbsR/R7th Round (220), 2023 (LAD)2026
FastballSliderCutterChangeupCommandFVRisk
60/6050/6045/6030/4030/4040High

Patrick Copen has flown up prospect boards quickly since he was drafted in the seventh round last year out of Marshall. He never had a ton of success in college, but he has good stuff and athleticism that has translated better to pro ball. His delivery hides the ball well and he throws from a low release point, which both help his fastball play very well. Copen tunnels his slider off of his fastball well, and he also throws a cutter as a middle-ground. All three of these pitches at the top of his arsenal have flashed plus. His command is unrefined, so that will have to change for him to remain a starter long-term.

——

26. OF Damon Keith, 24, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 41)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’3″ / 195 lbsR/R18th Round (552), 2021 (LAD)2025
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
35/4070/7045/5540/5555/5545/5540High

Damon Keith had a quality performance in the Arizona Fall League last year, and he has backed it up with an impressive Double-A debut season. Although he was on the injured list for a long stint early on, he has mashed when he’s been on the field, tapping into his double-plus raw power better than he was able to in High-A last year. Keith strikes out a lot, but has improved in that regard despite the jump in level from last year to this year. If his hit tool can hold up well enough to let his power play, Keith could become a solid power hitter. He has above-average speed and a good arm that should make him an average or better defender in the corners.

——

27. 3B Chase Harlan, 18, N/A (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’3″ / 205 lbsR/R3rd Round (98), 2024 (LAD)2028
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/4050/6030/5520/4545/4530/5040Extreme

The Dodgers took Chase Harlan in the third round this year. Having just turned 18 years old, he is young for the class. Still, Harlan has already shown the ability to drive the ball with authority, posting high exit velocities with his 6-foot-3, 205 pound frame. He will look to develop into a legitimate power threat with a hit tool that is good enough to keep up. Harlan has decent enough athleticism and speed, although neither are great, but it should be enough for him to stick at third base.

——

28. IF/OF Austin Gauthier, 25, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 21)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Post-Draft UDFA:ETA
6’0″ / 188 lbsR/RAug. 2021 (LAD)2024
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
50/5540/4035/3570/7055/5555/5540Low

Austin Gauthier has made himself into a valuable player after he signed with the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. His offensive profile is built around his fantastic plate discipline and on-base ability, as he has reached base at a clip well above .400 in his minor league career. Gauthier has good bat-to-ball skills and is a solid contact hitter, but his power is more fringy. His value mostly comes from his skills as a utilityman, playing solid defense around the diamond alongside his offensive production. The 25-year-old has a good chance to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason and could immediately step into a bench/super-utility role in the majors next year.

——

29. RHP Chris Campos, 23, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 49)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
5’10” / 170 lbsR/R7th Round (225), 2022 (LAD)2025
FastballSliderChangeupCurveballCommandFVRisk
50/5540/4540/5035/4545/6040Medium

Another one of the former two-way players the Dodgers have turned into a quality pitcher, Chris Campos has had a good year in 2024. He began the campaign in High-A, posting a 3.15 ERA and 5.00 K/BB before earning a Double-A promotion. He’s continued to show his combination of solid strikeout stuff and plus command in Tulsa. Campos has the look of a high probability back of the rotation starter.

——

30. RHP Samuel Sanchez, 18, A (Preseason Rank: HM)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
5’11″ / 150 lbsR/RJan. 2023 (LAD)2028
FastballChangeupSliderCurveballCommandFVRisk
50/6045/6030/5020/4040/6040Extreme

Samuel Sanchez performed well in the Arizona Complex League this year, which was enough for the Dodgers to give him his first Single-A promotion at just 18 years old. Despite a very small frame, Sanchez runs his fastball into the upper 90s and has good feel for his changeup. Those two pitches are the best and most refined in his arsenal, but Sanchez also has a slider that could become a quality secondary in the future. He has good command for his age and could become a premier pitching prospect in the system over the next few years.

——

31. OF Arnaldo Lantigua, 18, R (Preseason Rank: No. 34)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’2″ / 200 lbsR/RJan. 2023 (LAD)2029
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/4545/6030/5525/5045/4530/5040Extreme

Arnaldo Lantigua has backed up a solid pro debut last year with a monster performance in the Dominican Summer League this year. He hits for easy power as a teenager, putting up big slugging numbers. He already has 17 professional home runs 65 DSL games. Lantigua will likely not land stateside until next year, but once he does, he could fly up boards if his power-hitting performance continues.

——

32. 3B/1B Jake Gelof, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 22)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’1″ / 195 lbsR/R2nd Round (60), 2023 (LAD)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/4555/6040/5045/5045/4535/4040Medium

Jake Gelof began the year by tearing up Single-A, but he has scuffled since being promoted to High-A. Virginia’s all-time home run leader, Gelof has big raw power that he uses to launch home runs to all fields. His hit tool is behind his power, and he’s hit below .200 since his High-A promotion. Gelof still has plenty of time to get back on track and remains with a quality offensive ceiling. His defensive future is more murky, as he may be better suited for first base or left field than his current spot at third base.

——

33. 3B/SS Oswaldo Osorio, 19, A (Preseason Rank: No. 25)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’1″ / 171 lbsL/RJan. 2022 (LAD)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PwrPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/4040/6030/5540/6045/4540/5540Extreme

Oswaldo Osorio has quality tools that haven’t immediately translated to Single-A this year. His power is his best attribute, but contact problems have prevented it from showing through much in games this season. Osorio has a good feel for the strike zone and draws walks, increasing his on-base value despite that he’ll never be a great contact hitter. If he can cut down on the whiffs and let his power play, his fluent left-handed swing could produce well. His glove is solid and should stick on the dirt at third base or maybe even some shortstop.

——

34. C Hunter Feduccia, 27, MLB (Preseason Rank: No. 33)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 215 lbsL/R12th Round (374), 2018 (LAD)2024
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
45/5040/4040/4055/5530/3060/6040Low

Hunter Feduccia has had another quality season at the plate in Triple-A. He is a good defender behind the plate in all senses, including leadership of the pitching staff and game calling. Feduccia’s hit tool is ahead of his power production, which will never be too great, but he walks enough to deliver some value offensively. He was added to the 40-man roster last offseason and could be in a good position to take over the traditional backup catcher role whenever Austin Barnes is done.

——

35. SS Noah Miller, 21, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 29)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
5’11” / 190 lbsS/RCB-A (36), 2021 (MIN)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
40/5530/3030/3045/5550/5055/6040High

Noah Miller has been right around average so far in his first year in the Dodgers organization. The former 36th overall pick has been the everyday shortstop in High-A for most of the season. His defense is his best feature, as he was the Minor League Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop in 2023. Miller has cut down on strikeouts while increasing his average a bit from last year. He is not a power hitter but increases his offensive value with a good eye at the plate.

——

36. RHP Jesus Tillero, 18, R (Preseason Rank: No. 32)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’0″ / 190 lbsR/RJan. 2023 (LAD)2028
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
50/6040/5530/4535/5035+Extreme

The Dodgers gave Jesus Tillero an aggressive promotion by sending him stateside before he turned 18. Tillero had some growing pains in the Arizona Complex League with regression in both his strikeout and walk rates compared to last year in the DSL. However, these numbers were only across a 20 2/3 inning sample size, so Tillero could easily still bounce back next year. His fastball touched 97 mph with good carry at times last summer, so Tillero still could have a very bright future ahead of him.

——

37. OF Ching-Hsien Ko, 17, N/A (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’3” / 215 lbsL/RJune 2024 (LAD)2029
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/5535/5020/4520/5050/5025/5035+Extreme

After not using all of their IFA money in January, the Dodgers signed Ching-Hsien Ko for $650,000 this June. He’s turning 18 this summer and is already making his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. Ko has good athleticism and could develop into an above-average to plus hit tool. He’s also physical, already being listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. He is the kind of prospect to keep an eye on, as he could move up this list very quickly.

——

38. RHP Jared Karros, 23, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 56)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’7″ / 195 lbsR/R16th Round (495), 2022 (LAD)2025
FastballSliderChangeupCurveballCommandFVRisk
45/5540/5045/5535/4550/6035+Medium

Jared Karros had a great start to 2024, posting a 2.72 ERA and 27.8% strikeout rate while displaying plus command. However, after five starts following his Double-A promotion, Karros landed on the development list. A return to the mound for him this year appears unlikely, but this season wasn’t a waste due to the progress he made early on. With good command and extension to help his stuff play up, Karros could become a back of the rotation starter.

——

39. LHP Wyatt Crowell, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: No. 52)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 169 lbsL/L4th Round (127), 2023 (LAD)2026
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
45/5050/6040/5030/4535+High

Wyatt Crowell made a full recovery from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last spring at Florida State. The Dodgers took him in the fourth round last year while he was rehabbing, and it appears to be a gamble that is paying off. Crowell has a nasty slider that is particularly useful in left-on-left matchups. He’s being given a chance to develop as a starter, but he also has experience in relief from college, so he could end up being valuable in a number of roles.

——

40. RHP Jose Rodriguez, 23, A+ (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’6″ / 200S/RJune 2019 (LAD)2025
FastballSliderChangeupCurveballCommandFVRisk
50/5555/6045/5545/5040/5535+Medium

Jose Rodriguez has been excellent in his first year of full-season ball, working multiple-inning outings with tons of whiffs and good command. He stands 6-foot-6 and has very good feel for his secondary pitches, with each of his slider and changeup being above-average to plus offerings. Rodriguez is already Rule 5 eligible, and it’s easy to imagine him get nabbed if he’s not protected this offseason despite that he’s yet to pitch above High-A.

——

41. RHP Eriq Swan, 22, A (Preseason Rank: HM)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’6″ / 240 lbsR/R4C Round (137), 2023 (LAD)2027
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
60/7050/6040/5030/4035+High

Eriq Swan has never had much success at the college level or in his short professional career, but his stuff leaves a ceiling to dream on. His fastball sits in the high-90s and has reached 101 mph before. However, he entered the pro ranks needing to add life to the pitch, and it was more of a dead-zone heater when he missed his spots. His slider could be an above-average or plus pitch, and he has the makings of an average changeup. Swan has rough command and ultimately profiles as more of a reliever long-term if he cannot begin throwing more strikes and stay healthy more consistently.

——

42. OF Ryan Ward, 26, AAA (Preseason Rank: No. 55)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
5’9″ / 200 lbsL/R8th Round (251), 2019 (LAD)2024
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/4055/5550/5040/4040/4035/4035+Medium

Repeating the level, Ryan Ward has been one of the best hitters in Triple-A this season. He missed a stretch of about three weeks in May and still is leading the Pacific Coast League with 26 home runs this season. While his power hitting has been impressive, Ward has struck out at a high rate without many walks due to his more aggressive approach. Rule 5 eligible already, Ward could get taken this offseason to get a corner outfield look somewhere else, as he is unlikely to be protected.

——

43. OF/IF Dylan Campbell, 22, A+ (Preseason Rank: 50)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
5’11” / 205 lbsR/R4C Round (136), 2023 (LAD)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
35/5055/5530/4535/4550/5040/6035+High

Dylan Campbell has spent this year in High-A, turning in right around average production at the plate while showcasing how his impact is felt across the game. He’s already surpassed 30 stolen bases on good efficiency and plays good defense in the corner outfield (as well as three games at second base). Campbell hasn’t hit for much power but he has the raw strength to predict some more power to come in the future.

——

44. IF/C Yeiner Fernandez, 21, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 28)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
5’9″ / 170 lbsR/RJuly 2019 (LAD)2025
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
40/5035/4030/3545/5545/4540/4535+Medium

Yeiner Fernandez has held his own while being very young for the level in his first Double-A season. He brings a quality combo of bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline to the box, reaching base at a good clip without many strikeouts. Fernandez doesn’t hit for much power but is still young enough to add a little thump eventually. He hasn’t been able to play much catcher this year due to the presence of Dalton Rushing and Diego Cartaya on Tulsa’s roster, but now that those two are both in Triple-A, Fernandez could get some more innings behind the dish thrown his way.

——

45. LHP Jakob Wright, 21, N/A (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 170 lbsL/L4th Round (128), 2024 (LAD)2027
FastballSweeperCutterCurveballChangeupCommandFVRisk
40/5055/6545/5045/5030/4030/4535+High

Jakob Wright’s profile is heavily based around his plus or double-plus sweeper. It’s a very good pitch from the left side that averaged over 18 inches of sweep this spring at Cal Poly SLO. Wright’s fastball sits in the low-90s while maxing out at 95 mph. The Dodgers’ fourth rounder this year, he will be given the chance to start and see if the rest of his arsenal can hold up enough to let this sweeper dominate.

——

46. 3B/1B Logan Wagner, 20, A (Preseason Rank: HM)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’1″ / 200 lbsS/R6th Round (195), 2022 (LAD)2027
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
20/4540/5530/5035/5545/4530/4035+High

Logan Wagner has had a hard time staying healthy thus far in his pro career, but he produced very well in his first full look this year in Single-A. Unfortunately, he went back on the injured list in July and was subsequently transferred to the 60-day IL, signaling that he will be out long-term. During his 38 game Single-A debut, Wagner posted a 139 wRC+ with six homers and a 16.5% walk rate. Wagner has patience and power from both sides, but will need to stay on the field to realize his offensive potential.

——

47. C Jesus Galiz, 20, A (Preseason Rank: No. 47)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’0″ / 183 lbsR/RJan. 2021 (LAD)2026
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
30/4040/5030/4525/4035/3040/5535+High

Jesus Galiz returned to Single-A and took some steps forward in terms of offensive production compared to last year. His 114 wRC+ earned him a High-A production following the Thayron Liranzo trade, which opened up the catcher spot for Great Lakes. Galiz is a quality catcher and leader of the pitching staff, and his biggest value will always be on the defensive side. In the box, his power is ahead of his hit tool, and he struck out at a 28.2% rate in Single-A this year.

——

48. LHRP Ronan Kopp, 22, AA (Preseason Rank: No. 24)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’7″ / 250 lbsL/L12th Round (372), 2021 (LAD)2026
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
65/6555/6035/4025/3535+High

Ronan Kopp has had a rough year in Double-A while converting to a full-time relief role. Through 24 games, Kopp has a 20.8% walk rate, and his strikeout rate has also fallen from last year to 26.4% (likely at least partially because of the severely inconsistent strike throwing). Kopp still has great stuff and the 6-foot-7 frame from the left side that screams high-leverage reliever, but he has work to do to improve his command and eventually be reigned in enough for a big league bullpen.

——

49. 1B/3B/2B Andre Lipcius, 26, MLB (Preseason Rank: N/A)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:Draft:ETA
6’0″ / 190 lbsR/R3rd Round (83), 2019 (DET)2023
HitRaw PowerGame PowerPlate Disc.RunFieldFVRisk
50/5050/5040/4540/4545/4540/4035+High

Andre Lipcius was acquired in the spring from Detroit for cash, and he began his time in Oklahoma City on an absolute tear. He’s cooled off over the last two months, sitting at a 107 wRC+ overall between the hot streaks and cold ones. Lipcius made his MLB debut with the Tigers last year and is well fit for a bench role in the majors next year, even if it isn’t with the Dodgers, where he has been blocked this year.

——

50. RHRP Sauryn Lao, 24, AAA (Preseason Rank: HM)

Height/Weight:Bat/Throw:International FA:ETA
6’2″ / 182R/ROct. 2015 (LAD)2025
FastballSliderChangeupCommandFVRisk
55/6060/7040/4530/4035+Medium

Originally signed as a position player, the Dodgers only converted Sauryn Lao to the mound before the 2023 season. He has already become a very solid relief prospect with a slider that could be a plus or double plus pitch. Excluding his first three outings, between Double-A and Triple-A this year, Lao has a 1.56 ERA this year. He’s Rule 5 eligible already since he’s been in the organization so long, and he seems likely to be taken if the Dodgers don’t protect him this offseason.

——

Honorable Mentions

Tags

About Bruce Kuntz

Avatar photo
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.
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2014-2023 | Dodgers Digest | All Rights Reserved