Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
Before we get started with the countdown (yes, this is me stalling until I finalize the format of this year’s series), let’s look back at players from last year’s Top 100 list who either graduated due to service/playing time or are no longer with the organization.
Graduated
38. LHP Victor Gonzalez
– He was added to the 40-man last winter, which raised some eyebrows. Now, he looks to be a fixture in the Dodgers’ bullpen for years to come.
18. RHP Dennis Santana
– Still perhaps some of the nastiest stuff in the org, Santana needs to be more consistent. Perhaps a full-time bullpen role will help him gain that.
11. 3B/1B/COF Edwin Rios
– Has shown in limited time that he can absolutely mash. He’s also currently atop the third base depth chart.
7. RHP Brusdar Graterol
– Seeing that he’ll be a reliever from this point forward means he was probably a little overrated last year. But the arm talent is undeniable, as is the swagger.
4. RHP Tony Gonsolin
– Game 6 World Series starter (even if he lasted just five outs) pitched well in the shortened season and showed he belongs in the rotation.
2. RHP Dustin May
– May have been a little misused in the postseason, but his sinker is filthy and he still projects as a starter going forward.
1. SS/2B Gavin Lux
– A Top 5 global prospect a year ago, a rough 2020, coupled with a COVID-19 diagnosis, torpedoed his campaign. Still has loads of talent.
Traded/Released/Rule 5
100. OF Luis Carlos Diaz
– Released 11/2/20, ranked 83rd in 2019. Originally signed as part of 2016 July 2 class.
81. RHP Orlandy Navarro
– Released 1/6/21, ranked 79th in ’19. Lack of offspeed stuff did him in.
71. 1B/LF Connor Joe
– Elected free agency 11/2/20; signed with Rockies 11/15/20; was diagnosed with testicular cancer last spring but is cancer-free now.
67. RHP Shea Spitzbarth
– Selected by Pirates in Minor League phase of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Topped out at No. 39 in my rankings (2018)
65. SS Errol Robinson
– Selected by Reds in Minor League phase of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Topped out at No. 34 in my rankings (2018).
61. OF Kyle Garlick
– Traded to Phillies on 2/15/20 for LHP Tyler Gilbert (whom the Dodgers lost to the Diamondbacks in the ’20 Rule 5 Draft).
54. LHP Leo Crawford
– Traded to Brewers on 12/11/20 for Corey Knebel. Topped out at No. 35 in my rankings (2017).
46. 1B Dillon Paulson
– Traded to Rays as part of 3-team deal for LHP Garrett Cleavinger. Above-average power, good plate discipline, prototypical Rays’ player.
43. RHP Brett de Geus
– Selected by Rangers with No. 2 pick in 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Should stick in Texas bullpen for 2021. Topped out at No. 46 in my rankings (2020).
37. RHP Jordan Sheffield
– Selected by Rockies with No. 8 pick in 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Big-time stuff, but also erratic. Could end up being offered back to LA if he doesn’t stick. Topped out at No. 8 in my rankings (2017).
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This is pretty normal turnover. There haven’t been any big trades this offseason, so I wouldn’t expect many of the top guys moved before the season starts. Then again, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong (and Alex Verdugo, but he wasn’t a prospect at the time) were still Dodgers a year ago at this time, so anything is possible.
