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The Los Angeles Dodgers will be our next stop on the farm to evaluate the best prospects on each MLB team. Once the 2020 MLB season begins, it may turn out that Minor League systems will be more important than usual. Franchises are losing money during the pandemic layoff, so many teams will be looking for sources of cheap production. It might also take older players longer to rebound from a long layoff meaning we could see more injuries and more roster moves. We might even see expanded rosters, at least in the early going.
One important question to ask is: How will a long layoff affect prospects? One has to assume the more advanced prospects prior to the work stoppage will be at an advantage, while the more “toolsy but raw” type could be hurt with the lack of repetition and in-game action; throwing or hitting in simulated environments just doesn’t match up to the real thing. Many prospects will have to work jobs during the pandemic just to make ends meet, while players who signed for large bonuses will have an advantage. Other prospects that lack strong discipline and commitment to their craft could struggle to stay in shape.
We won’t really know what the layoff impact will have on baseball in general until things start ramping up. But we do know that a strong prospect pool will continue to be an important element for a successful baseball franchise. We're looking at the Top 10 (or more) dynasty prospects in each organization with an eye to discovering which organizations are best positioned to succeed with their player development when games resume. Make sure to check out all of our prospect content, including Top 50 for 2020 and Top 250 for Dynasty Leagues.
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Quick Synopsis
The Dodgers’ stacked system continues to be one of the strongest in the game even with consistent prospect graduations. The system has a lot of upper-level depth ready to impact the Majors — if the club can find room for them.
1. Gavin Lux, SS
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 4
2020 Prospect Rank: 2
2020 LEVEL: MLB
MLB ETA: 2020
Lux tapped into his raw power in 2019 which allowed him to hit 28 home runs without sacrificing his ability to hit for a high average. He also has the ability to provide double-digit steals and play more than one position, further increasing his value.
2. Dustin May, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 25
2020 Prospect Rank: 15
2020 LEVEL: MLB
MLB ETA: 2020
May isn’t a flame-throwing beast but he can still get his heater up into the mid-to-upper 90s at times and it plays up further because of his ability to command it. May shows at least three above-average offerings and has plus control, too. This package could make him an eventual No. 2/3 starter and he could rack up lots of wins pitching for the Dodgers.
3. Brusdar Graterol, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 61
2020 Prospect Rank: 36
2020 LEVEL: MLB
MLB ETA: 2020
A bit of a divisive prospect, Graterol produced excellent numbers in 2019 while battling health issues. He has the stuff to start but his body continues to let him down, which will likely force him into a full-time relief role. His plus-plus sinking fastball and slider could make him a dominant closer once he takes over for Kenley Jansen. Until then, he’ll likely be a set-up man getting holds and the occasional save.
4. Kody Hoese, 3B
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 87
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022
One of my favorite college hitters from the 2019 draft, Hoese is currently underrated by most. He had an excellent pro debut and showed the ability to hit while also providing solid pop. Hoese has the ceiling of an average-or-better third baseman with 20+ home run pop and his development will be aided by playing in an excellent player development system.
5. Keibert Ruiz, C
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 101
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020
What a difference a year makes. Coming into the 2019 season Ruiz was seen as one of the best catching prospects in baseball and definitely the future catcher in LA. But then he was surpassed by fellow catching prospect Will Smith. Ruiz has spent the past two years in Double-A where he’s become somewhat stagnant. A move up to Triple-A and the juiced balls could finally help him tap into his raw power but there is also a good chance that he'll eventually move on to another organization.
6. Josiah Gray, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 104
2020 LEVEL: AA
MLB ETA: 2020
A former two-way player, Gray is still making up for lost time as a pitcher but his excellent athleticism should eventually allow him to exceed expectations and develop into a possible No. 3 starter. He has an excellent fastball and just needs time to hone his slider and flesh out a third reliable offering.
7. Tony Gonsolin, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 123
2020 Prospect Rank: 10
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020
I’m one of the biggest Gonsolin fans around and he would be much higher on most teams’ Top 10 list but the Dodgers organization is stacked as is the big league club which could keep him in a relief role. Gonsolin has the makings of four above-average pitches. He generates high spin rates and is incredibly difficult to hit as seen by the .178 batting average that he held big league hitters to during his debut in 2019. He deserves a chance to start but may be stuck in the bullpen for now.
8. Michael Busch, 1B/2B
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 186
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022
Busch hasn’t proven much yet as a pro but he was a very good college hitter who has a chance to hit for average and power as a pro. He’s not a great defensive player but the Dodgers are trying to improve his value by playing him at second base; he’s likely a long-term first baseman or left fielder.
9. Diego Cartaya, C
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 202
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2023
The Dodgers’ system is rich in catching prospects with Cartaya being the furthest from realizing his full potential. In his first taste of pro-action as a 17-year-old in 2019, he hit .296 in 36 games in North America showing an approach beyond his years. He also has a chance to develop above-average pop.
10. Luis Rodriguez, OF
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 247
2020 LEVEL: Rookie
MLB ETA: 2024
Rodriguez is extremely raw — having yet to play a pro game but he comes with an immense upside. He’s shown an advanced bat and should eventually hit for power while providing double-digit steals.
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