2 Dodgers Prospects Just Miss Top-100 List: Report
For the past decade, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been able to lean on their farm system for talent, and the same can be said in 2024. There’s no one better than the Boys in Blue at drafting and developing at a high level.
Although their farm system isn’t ranked among the top five right now, like it was a few seasons back, it doesn’t mean they don’t still have elite talent. The Dodgers have a robust farm system that could go toe-to-toe with the best of them.
It’s one of the Dodgers’ biggest accomplishments, which is why six of their top prospects made Baseball America’s Top-100 list. It’s a significant achievement for the organization and players.
However, like on any list, players are left out. In the case of the Dodgers, two players just barely missed the cut.
The two players were their number eight prospect, right-handed pitcher River Ryan, and their number seven prospect, outfielder Josue De Paula.
Here’s what Baseball America had to say about the two prospects, starting with Ryan.
Ryan was a two-way prospect coming out of North Carolina-Pembroke in 2021 and was a hitter in San Diego’s system when they traded him to the Dodgers as the return for outfielder Matt Beaty. He impressed on the mound in fall instructional league and has been a pitcher ever since. The athletic righty boasts four above-average or better pitches but control that projects as only fringe-average. Ryan is understandably raw and has never lasted more than five innings in a start but has considerable upside.
Per Josh Norris of Baseball America
In his minor league career, he’s recorded a 3.38 ERA, 180 strikeouts and a 1.28 WHIP. Ryan’s fastball is insane, clocking in at 95-97 MPH and reaching nine with a quality-induced vertical break. His low-80s curveball is another tool that gives him a vertically breaking pitch.
Here’s what Norris had to say about De Paula.
Teams have become more aggressive in recent years when it comes to moving talented youngsters in and out of the complex leagues. De Paula skipped the Arizona Complex League entirely in 2023 and instead jumped directly to Low-A, where he posted a .769 OPS as an 18-year-old. De Paula is a talented hitter who should produce a blend of contact and impact as part of an offense-driven profile.
Kyle Hurt, Thayron Liranzo, Diego Cartaya, and Joendry Vargas all received at least one vote for the Top 100 list according to the article but also failed to make the cut. Pitcher Nick Nastrini, part of the Dodgers’ package for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly at last year’s trade deadline, also made the “just missed list.”
Per Josh Norris of Baseball America
De Paula may only be 18 years old, but he already possesses an incredible ability to recognize pitches and make advanced swing decisions. De Paula is also 6-foot-3. When you combine his hitting ability and bat speed, he will be a force to be reckoned with when his time comes.
These two young prospects may not have made it to the big leagues yet, but they will be up soon in due time.
Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
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