Dodgers’ MLB Draft Picks: First-Rounder Kody Hoese

The 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft is in the books and the Dodgers have hopes of adding quite a few of their selections from this year into their prospect ranks. This article will be the first in a series where we will take a look at every draft pick from this year, provide updates on who actually signs with the club, and project and discuss the long-term outlooks of each player.

Kody Hoese

First, we will be starting off with the Dodgers’ first selection in the draft, 22-year-old third baseman Kody Hoese. I am pleased to announce that Hoese has signed on with the Dodgers (no surprise) for the full slot of $2,740,000.

Officially a Los Angeles Dodger! ?? pic.twitter.com/Y9biFPZLa1

— Kody Hoese (@Kmhoese) June 12, 2019

Hoese has quite the resumé and it obviously was extensive enough to convince the Dodgers to select him 25th overall. He was named an All-American this past season, was named the AAC Player of the Year for the Tulane Green Wave, and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.

The Dodgers are taking Tulane 3B Kody Hoese, per Passan. Here's his profile from @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/RoP7purxvb

— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) June 4, 2019

Hoese at Tulane

In his senior season for Tulane, Hoese supplied a gaudy .391 batting average and 1.265 OPS. He accomplished the impressive feat of having more walks (39) than strikeouts (34), as well. 23 home runs is not too bad either!

Hoese was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2018 MLB Draft, but opted to return to Tulane for another year. Here is a look at him this season:

Kody Hoese is ready to ball ?https://t.co/fo3H6tyviK

— Ballplayer Supply (@ballplayerbrand) June 4, 2019

Long-Term Outlook

In Kody Hoese, the Dodgers could have quite possibly found their long-term replacement for Justin Turner, should Hoese deliver on his potential. With JT getting up there in age, albeit still putting up fantastic numbers, Hoese could develop into a real intriguing talent.

He projects as a power bat who does not strike out and knows how to take a walk. I can tell you right now, those do not come around very often.

Obviously it is too early to project a guy who has yet to see the field as a professional yet, it is not hard to get excited about Hoese’s potential.