Dodgers: Edwin Rios Carrying a Chip on His Shoulder in 2021

A funny thing happens when you are a top talent prospect in the Dodgers organization. It’s almost as if no matter how good you are, you have to wait your turn. And it makes sense since Los Angeles is stacked with talent all over the field. 

One guy that knows that feeling of waiting is Edwin Rios. Drafted out of Florida in 2015, Rios impressed very early. He hit a combined 27 homeruns in his first full year at the minor league level, and the Dodgers took notice. They funneled him quickly through the system and he made it to Triple-A by 2017.

Rios has become a big part of the big league team over the last year, though he still finds himself without a role. But the Dodgers slugger spoke recently with am570’s Dave Vassegh about the chip he carries on his shoulder, and he could be dangerous entering 2021. 

I’m one of those guys that even though I’m going to be a big part of the team, I always have that chip on my shoulder. I’m trying to come for names and I’m trying to push my teammates. Because If I do that, it makes me better but it also makes them better. 

Rios would be starting most big league games on the majority of teams around Major League Baseball. But the majority of the teams are not the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rios remains blocked from a starting job, but will continue to fill in and pinch hit. 

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And that was a role that he was very successful in during the World Series run. Rios had a .946 OPS during the regular season, slugging 8 homers in just 76 at-bats. Imagine what he could do with a full season of starts under his belt. 

Regardless of the time he gets on the field, I would not want to be a pitcher facing Edwin Rios in 2021. 

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