It has always been hard for me to rank the Top Ten Dodger Prospects, but I am going to give it a stab here before to the All-Star Break. Sometimes the criteria for ranking prospects is a little hazy to define. Do you rank a AAA player who is close to being MLB-Ready higher than someone who may look like a superstar in the making but is in A Ball? I think you have to consider both aspects. It should be noted that of the Dodger’s Top 10 Prospects, 4 of them are at Great Lakes.
- Diego Cartaya – (RHH) He just turned 20 and at 6′ 3″ and 215 pounds he is not your prototype catcher. He runs well and is cat-quick behind the plate. If the Dodgers sign Will Smith long-term, he could move to 1B, but it seems more likely that Smith will move. It was an easy decision to trade Keibert Ruiz with this guy in the shadows. 2024 is most likely, but he could be ready sooner – you don’t keep talent like this down. His biggest asset is his mind! ETA – 2024
- Bobby Miller – (RHP) We saw him shut down the Angels on the last day of Spring Training and I have to say he has regressed… but maybe he has not. He throws 100 MPH but does it less than he used to. I presume the Dodgers are trying to turn him into a pitcher instead of a thrower. He throws a 2-seam and 4-seam fastball that behave differently and his slider and changeup are also potentially plus pitches. He seems to have a bad inning every outing. If that keeps up he could be an All-Star closer, but I see him as a #2 starter. ETA – 2023
- Gavin Stone – (RHP) Gavin has flown up the rankings because of his control which is above average to good. His fastball tops out at 98 and he has three other pitches, two of which are plus. He is built more like Walker Buehler than Bobby Miller which is the only question – can he stay in the rotation? I think so, but he could also be a stone-cold closer. He should move to OKC very soon. ETA – 2024 or sooner.
- Ryan Pepiot – (RHP) We have all seen him. He should be on the team shortly (again). He will be 25 next month and is built like a starter but could be a stone-cold killer in the bullpen. His control is the only issue. It’s not horrible – he just seems to “nibble” too much.
- Miguel Vargas – (RHH) Vargas has similar stats to Jason Martin and Jake Lamb at OKC, but the biggest difference is that he strikes out a lot less than either of them. He has fewer strikeouts in 140 more ABs than Mike Busch. He has struck out 18% of the time in 2022 while leading the team in RBIs. He is still 21 and as he matures, he will develop more power, although his HRs are right there with the leaders. Where he plays is the question. Most of his experience is at 3B and he is getting better… however – he has a way to go. DH is his best position, but if he wants to be a good defensive 3B, he can do it. ETA – 2023 or sooner
- Mike Busch – (LHH) Mike will be 25 in November, so his time is close. He reminds me of a LH Dan Uggla. He should be above average defensively at 2B or LF and can also benefit from the DH. He has a short, efficient, powerful swing and could be an occasional All-Star. He actually is more like Max Muncy at 2B or batting. ETA- 2023 or sooner
- Landon Knack – (RHP) HIs stuff looks like a “light’s out starter” but somehow it doesn’t play up to that. He will soon be 25 years old. His fastball is exceptional (98 MPH) and his changeup is very good. Maybe he should ditch his slider and curve and become a very, very good reliever? ETA – 2023
- Nick Nastrini – (RHP) Nick has improved his velocity to 98 MPH on his fastball and a nice slider and curveball, which, in and of themselves are not devastating, but the totality of his repertoire makes him deadly to hitters. Control is an issue and the Dodgers are working with him. He has a case of the Yips that he beat and if you can do that, the sky is the limit. Another big kid, he is on a Starter’s path but could easily transition to a reliever. he has moved up considerably in my eyes. ETA- 2025
- Jose Ramos – (RHH) Jose is 21 and has some of the best power currently in the Dodgers organization. Give him another year or two to mature and he will have “Light Tower Power.” He is a fastball killer, but if he can learn to lay off or hit the curveball, he will be a superstar. He has a cannon on his shoulder that will make your jaw drop. He is playing CF, but it would be a stretch to think he can stay there. With his arm, he is a natural RF’er. ETA- 2024
- Kyle Hurt – (RHP) This will raise a few eyebrows, but Kyle Hurt is 24 and closer than you may think. He has had two games in June where he pitch a no-hitter through 5 innings. On February 21, 2021, the Miami Marlins wanted Dylan Floro so bad they traded Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt for him. Hurt was the 134th player drafted in the 2020 draft. Alex Vesia has been a solid bullpen piece, but Kyle Hurt looks like a workhorse starter to me. He tops out at 98 MPH, has a very good changeup, and an improving slider, which gets a lot of swing and miss. He throws a curve too which is a work-in-progress. He will move quickly. Remember all the fans who blasted the Floro trade? They were playing checkers… Andrew Friedman was playing chess. Hurt has benefited from the Dodgers’ coaching staff, much like Emmitt Sheehan. ETA – 2023
There are lots of other players who deserve to be in the Top 10 Prospects as well, including Andy Pages, Jacob Amaya, James Outman, Maddux Bruns, Clayton Beeter, Eddys Leonard, Emmitt Sheehan, and Yenier Fernandez… as well as others. Leonal Valera has a chance to be a good player as does Damon Keith. This is a very deep farm system.
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
- OKC won 7-3 as Miguel Vargas went 2-5 (both doubles).
- As quiet as it is kept, Drew Avans is having a nice season. He’s at best, a #5 outfielder, but he is solid. He was 2-5 last night, as were Ryan Noda, Jacob Amaya, and Tom Tellis.
- James Outman was 2-5 in his first AAA game.
- Dellin Betances pitched a clean inning: no Hits, BB, Runs, Walks, or K’s.
- Tulsa won 5-3 as Gavin Stone allowed 4 hits in 7 IP, walking 1 and striking out 11 as he gave up 2 ER. He has to be OKC bound! Maybe LA-Bound! They moved Mike Grove to the Dodgers from Tulsa and his ERA was more than a point higher and he wasn’t even close in stats.
- Maddux Bruns went 2 innings, allowing 0 hits and 0 runs while striking out 3 as Rancho lost 4-2.
- Great Lakes lost 11-8, as Diego Cartaya hit his 14th HR of the year (.993 OPS). I think Diego will soon be singing this:
Another Starter? Ha Ha!
The chant that the Dodgers need another starter has just about faded away, as Mitch White is evolving into a solid #5. Even with Andrew Heaney on the IL, the Dodgers starting pitching is the class of Major League Baseball… and to think that they have Ryan Pepiot and Gavin Stone at the ready. Someone suggested yesterday that the Dodgers trade for Tyler Mahle. I don’t say No to that – I say, ” HELL NO!” Stone and Pepiot are way better… right here, right now! Call them an Uber!
The bullpen is another story. It’s better, but it needs help and there is plenty of help on the way, so if you want to concoct wild trade scenarios, by all means, do so. We need the entertainment value… but it ain’t happening. Barring immense regression, Cody Bellinger will stay in CF. JT seems to be getting his mojo back… maybe he’s not as good as he once was, but he’s as good once as he ever was. Max Muncy is the wild card. He has until the trade deadline… but I now see signs of life… even if he is snakebit!
Craig Kimbrel looked like an All-Star and the bullpen did their job after a nice start by Mitch White. With all the wailing and gnashing of teeth by Dodger fans, you would think the Dodgers are sitting in last place, but the reality is, the Dodgers are in first place ahead of the Padres by 2.5 games with the best record in the NL. Only the Yankees have a better record and (you heard it here first), the Yankees will soon “crash and burn.” They are playing way above their talent level. Watch and see!
Discussion (22)
Disagree, not disagreeable
The Dodgers finally starting to look like they did the day before the regular season started.
Gonsolin….
Wow. Just wow.
Not only is he now 10-0, but he leads NL in ERA at 1.54, WHIP at 0.82 and BAA at .156.
He and Julio have both thrown 81.2 innings, and Anderson is barely “qualified” at 78 innings. All three are in the top ten in WHIP.
Is that Kimbrel is enough?
This is a perfect example of why baseball is such a great game. The unexpected happens and it’s glorious.
The three “Black Holes” in the lineup have provided ALL of the scoring so far this series against a division rival that was in striking distance to take first place with a sweep of the series. All of the runs coming off the long ball just as the weather is starting to heat up at Dodger stadium.
Dodger Horse I like your line up for 2024 with a couple changes. Move Lux to short and Mike Bush in at second. As great a player TT is, as with Seags , I don’t think his paycheck will continue past this season.
The Cat Man is pitching another gem.
Bellinger strikes out with man on third and less than 2 outs. NOT so weird! The guy is just hopeless! I’d much rather see Lux in the lineup than Bellinger against lefties and put Taylor in center.
Some day:
C Cartaya
1B Freeman
2B Lux
SS T.Turner
3B W.Smith
LF Pages
CF Bellinger
RF Betts
DH Vargas
10:10 PM ET
Padres (46-32)
Dodgers (47-28)
SP Tony Gonsolin R
9-0 1.58 ERA 74IP 69K
Confirmed Lineup
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
3B J. Turner R
2B Max Muncy L
LF Chris Taylor R
RF T. Thompson R
CF C. Bellinger L
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
74° Wind 7 mph Out
07/01/22 Los Angeles Dodgers activated RHP Ian Gibaut.
07/01/22 Los Angeles Dodgers optioned LHP Justin Bruihl to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Kpizzle, so you want to call me out by sarcastically calling me genius at the end of you post? That’s the equivalent of calling people names while hiding behind your keyboard in you mom’s basement. Which is literally what you’re doing.
The single most important thing for a closer to do is save the game. If you understood math, you would know that Kenley would have had to pitch twice the number save opportunities to justify blowing twice the number of saves. To say that WHIP is the most important thing just shows your ignorance. No one has ever lost a game by a WHIP.
Aaron Nola has the 3rd best WHIP in the game, but he’s also 5-5 with a 3.13 ERA.
Dylan Cease is nasty with a 1.23 WHIP and is 6-3 with a 2.56 ERA.
Who’s the better pitcher?
Go back to the short bus. Thanks for playing.
I got back from the Italian Store a little while ago. I had to pick up supplies to treat my houseguests over the weekend. I figured I would make some Baked Ziti and Sausage and Peppers to feed a big crowd tomorrow night and have some “Gabbagul” and other cold cuts for sandwiches when they arrive after a hectic drive from the Central Valley.
While I was waiting for my “Gabbagul” and other cold cuts, I was standing outside with my little bully pup when the guy from Lasorda Family Wines was walking in, all dressed in blue, with an “LA” ring on his finger. Meanwhile, I’ve got a Dodgers shirt and hat (Stars and Stripes logo), so we start talking and reminiscing about Tommy.
I got a little choked up talking to this guy, who is close to the family exchanging Tommy stories and talking about last night’s game. I told him I had a tear in my eye as I wiped it a way. Must have been a funny scene for onlookers.
Anyways, he went back to his truck, then came back over to me and gave me a really cool metal coaster with the Lasorda Family Wines logo engraved. It was a small gesture that I appreciate greatly. I’ll likely keep it as a keepsake that will be with me for the rest of my days.
I sent OldBear a photo of the coaster, maybe he’ll share it. I just thought I’d share the story. Cheers!
Several years ago comes to mind when walking down a desert road home from my girlfriends home an old man greeted me from his yard asking why I was walking so fast and I told him I had to make it home in time for game one of the World Series. He asked “It’s not another Dodgers vs Yankees is it?” I had to tell him “Yes Sir”. So That’s why I don’t think the Yankees will crash and burn so severely because I can see myself answering that old man from years ago with that same answer “Yes Sir”
That’s being disrespectful to a tool. This POS is hitting .186 and either walks or strikeouts 43% of the time. He’s SD’s Max Muncy except Max isn’t a little bitch when he actually makes contact. Except, of course, when it’s MadBum mouthing off to him. Yeah, the Padres have a group mouthy little show ponies that haven’t won nothing.
The Pads are full of “tools”. They’re easy to dislike. Even for Jorge! Bellinger is fixed. He’s fixed at .200 BA and .650 OPS. What’s $ that worth to you? Not 17 mil!
Does anyone else really cant stand Grisham? Something about that guy really rubs me the wrong way. Glad we got a GG CF in LA.
Cmon Cat Man keep it rollin….
I was at the game last night. Yes, Mitch White battled and he got through it, not sure that doesn’t mean the Dodgers don’t need another starter. The throw from Chris Taylor to home plate changed the flow of the game.
Okay, at this point the Dodgers seem a little thin in the starting rotation. That could change moving forward, depending on the health of Walker Buehler and Andrew Heaney, plus the return of Dustin May.
Maybe there is a solution on the trade market, but that would be costly. Maybe the solution and depth will come up through the system. There are possibilities. Until then, White will battle, certainly putting the Dodgers to win games when he starts.
Joe Musgrove is a very good pitcher, totally dominated the Dodgers, except for Justin Turner, who absolutely owned him. Yes, Craig Kimbrel looked really good, he dominated the hitters.
Since it is July, I have no idea which direction the Dodgers go at the trade deadline. They seem a little thin with hitters, way too many strikeouts. But there are players in the minors who can maybe help.
I’m guessing, at this stage, they focus on relievers, but some of that probably depends on how the trade deadline market develops. The Dodgers are riding their relievers hard, but other teams doing pretty doing much the same. Maybe that is why so many relief pitchers break these days.
Hey, who would turn down Frankie Montas, if the Dodgers could acquire him? But the price would be high and there will be heavy competition. Probably means that’s unlikely. We’ll see.
There was a little bit of a playoff atmosphere last night with over 50,000 people in attendance. The crowd was really into the game. Honestly, it was one of best games I’ve been to lately.
But, I hate the shift, it needs to go and pitchers need to work a tad quicker. Even though the umps miss a strike or ball sometimes, I think robotic umpires or AI is a little over the top. Too many delays, looking at challenged calls, like did the ball hit Taylor on the hand? Speaking of an adventure, Taylor swings from the heels, no matter what the situation. It’s all or nothing. Last night, offensively, it was nothing.
Good report on the prospects. 2024 seems right for Cartaya.
Nice update on the Dodgers top 10 prospects from your point of view Mark. It’s amazing at the depth in the minors considering where they draft each year. The development of players is remarkable. I don’t think many of us here get worked up on who they draft, sign in the international FA market, or pick up off waivers. We trust that there is a solid reason for those moves. Perfect? Absolutely not, but the cost is negligible so why not. This pitcher they just picked up from Cleveland is an example of this. Like Mark says AF is playing chess while many others are playing checkers or not playing at all.
I don’t see any reason to change much right now except for the Max Muncy conundrum. He still has a good knowledge of the strike zone and his swing appears to be solid. So, what’s the deal? If he doesn’t get it together soon then I think they should give Vargas or Busch an opportunity. Hopefully, when Mookie returns he will be productive right from the get go. The rest of the lineup is what it is at this point of the season. JT’s average isn’t up to his standards, but he is driving in runs (#3 on the team). Someone mentioned that many of RBI’s were while making outs. And that’s a problem? Isn’t that what many here have been pointing out is lack of productive outs. Or would you prefer the Chris Taylor experience with men in scoring position? It’s amazing to me how a player can strikeout so many times and then turn around and be a offensive machine for several games in a row. Those strikeout periods seem to be expanding in length recently and his offensive production is not good. Or worth the agony of a prolonged strikeout binge. Currently has a 50% no contact rate/AB. Awful. Maybe back to being a bench player. Again, let’s give Vargas and Busch a look. Will Smith is finally heating up. And the rest of the lineup has it’s ups and downs with TT, Freeman, and Lux providing some consistency.
The pitching has had its share of injuries and continues to do so. The entire staff has done a nice job of holding things together while they waiting for players to return. And hope any injuries in the future will be minimal. Hey we’re in first place. I haven’t followed the Yankees. Are there any specific reasons for Mark to predict their demise?
Carry On
Looking like Mookie is going to return next week. He will likely play a lot of 2nd base as long throws are painful. Hopefully he is well enough to play in the all star game. This means more left field for Lux and Taylor in right. Amazing throw last night.
Yesterday, there was a conversation about how Jeff Passan is in the know and is privy to good information, somehow, because he works as a columnist for ESPN. I think that particular fallacy is called Appeal to Authority.
I bring this up because timing is impeccable as MLBTR is reporting this…
The controversy was reignited yesterday when Fox Sports Radio host Doug Gottlieb tweeted that Excel’s lead negotiator Casey Close never informed Freeman about a final offer from the Braves. Gottlieb alleges Close “knew (Freeman) would have taken the Atlanta deal” but made the unilateral decision to withhold it from his client, ostensibly because he felt he could top the offer elsewhere. Close forcefully denied that notion last night, releasing a statement (on Twitter) that reads “Doug Gottlieb tweeted a wholly inaccurate characterization of our negotiations with the Atlanta Braves on behalf of Freddie Freeman. We are immediately evaluating all legal options to address the reckless publication of inaccurate information.”
So, it seems that Gottlieb is now in hot water for spreading false information, as big media seems to do regularly these days. It’s ironic that Passan, who works for ESPN and Gottlieb used to work for ESPN and now works for Fox Sports.
This proves Mark’s point that just because you have a lofty job at a well know media outlet, it doesn’t mean they report the truth, knowingly or unknowingly. If you keep your head in the sand, you probably don’t notice this stuff. If you question everything and do your own research, you’ll find this type of stuff this happens all too often, especially with big media companies.
Wake up!
I’d rather have Gagne. Seems we have so much pitching close to ready but not the bats. Only Vargas and maybe Busch. How about a big prospect trade one of our pitchers for a big prospect bat. Can we get Alvarez back!
It’s absolutely insane when you look at Gavin Stone’s starts (especially since being promoted to Tulsa) .
His strike out numbers are DeGrom-like. I’ve only seen highlights, but wow.
Yes, Yes, Yes! Nice synopsis on the prospects. I think you hit the nail on the head. I can’t argue with your ordering, it seems pretty legit to me. Cartaya is saying “WTF and I doing here” with his bat at high A. They should punch his ticket to Tulsa right now. Stone is the pitching version of Cartaya and if it weren’t for Miller’s elite fastball, he would be in the top spot for pitchers. Vargas is the best overall human hitter in the system. Cartaya is more machine than man. Busch isn’t far behind Vargas. Ramos and Pages are very similar players. Ramos is more athletic, so I can see why you bumped him up. No complaints.
What a game last night! CT3’s throw to nail Grisham, and Smith’s tag on the play was a thing of beauty! That is the most exciting play in baseball. I was buzzing and on the phone talking about it with my brother in law right after the play.
JT broke out in a big way. Who would have thunk he had a muli homer game in him after his slower that usual start this season. No one did anything with the bats off Musgrove, except JT who owned him. 1 down and 3 to go.
Even Phillips is a freaking stud! AF pulled a rabbit out of the hat with that signing. I’m wondering he pulled another rabbit yesterday with Gibaut. He has a live fastball, I wonder wonder what tweaks the Dodgers will do to get him to the next level.
I said Mitch White was better than Tyler Mahle before the game yesterday and right on cue, he did a hell of a job shutting down the Padres. Mitch still nibbles too much. He kinda reminds me of our own Tony G (The Cat Man). He’s got the skills, just needs to start using his whole arsenal and stop nibbling so much. His slider is as special as Tony’s splitty. He just needs to use that change a little more to get hitters off the fastball slider combo.
How many of you would still rather have Kenley and his medical issues and blown saves instead of Kimbrel? I said it early in the year that the Dodgers were trying to tweak something with him, specifically with his curveball. He’s too good not to figure it out and it looks like he’s starting to. He’s been the victim of very bad luck. A lot of pinched calls by the umpires and a lot of cheap hits. His stuff is still great and he doesn’t get rattled, unlike our former guy who looks like Bambi every time something goes wrong.
How you doing today Jorge? Don’t turn off the game after the first inning next time we give up a run. Cheers man!
I remember everyone crying on this site when the Padres traded for (Very Overrated) Blake Snell. He’s a lefty, so the Dodgers will make him look a lot better than he is. He’s bringing his 0-5 record and 5.60 ERA to Dodgers stadium tonight on the first night of July! Keep it going Tony-G!
Very nice take on the Dodgers top 10. Hard to argue with your list though I would put Pages definitely up there despite his so-so year so far at AA.
Good win last night. White put up a gutsy performance and went toe to toe with Musgrave, giving the team a shot to win the game.
Was that Kimbrels first 1-2-3 inning in a save situation this season ?Certainly felt that way.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!1