Dodgers News: Diego Cartaya Focused on Adding Strength, Staying Healthy for a Full Season

Top catching prospect Diego Cartaya has a bright future ahead of him in baseball. Whether he ends up being traded elsewhere or remaining with the Dodgers, this kid is a big league star waiting to happen. One knock against him, however, has been his durability.

Cartaya was signed out of Venezuela as a 16-year-old in 2018 and made his pro debut for the Dodgers in 2019 getting into 49 games at the rookie level. He spent 2020 at the team’s alternate site after the pandemic wiped out the minor league season that year. Then in 2021, it was show time for the prized prospect.

He only got into 31 games while dealing with injuries, including a hamstring issue that shut him down for the second half of the year. Healthy again in 2022, Diego got into a career-high 95 games, slugging 22 home runs between Low-A Rancho Cucamonga and High-A Great Lakes. He did miss a little bit of time with a minor wrist injury but for the most part, was able to stay on the field.

Now after spending some time in big league camp early this spring — he was optioned to minor league camp on Monday — he told DodgersNation.com what his focus is heading toward the new season.

“I’m just trying to spend more time in the weight room. Trying to get more strength and all that. But my body feels great. I’m glad I feel good.”

Via Dodgers Nation TV

While his swing is not quite dialed in just yet this spring, the catcher has still earned the praise of Dodger manager Dave Roberts who is “pleased” and “very bullish” on the 21-year-old. The words from Doc made their way down to Diego who reacted to his manager’s support.

“It means a lot. Getting his words it feels amazing so I’m trying too just get my work and keep being me.

What Comes Next for Diego Cartaya?

Another season starting in the minor leagues, likely at the Double-A level. The Dodgers are pretty well equipped at the big league level with Will Smith and Austin Barnes locked in for the next few years. Barring injury, it’s hard to see Diego getting a chance in LA this season, but he’s someone people will be keeping an eye on. Mainly other teams around the league.

What Are Others Saying About Diego Cartaya?

Heading into spring training, Dodger general manager Brandon Gomes had this to say about the 21-year-old catching prospect.

“Diego’s combination of at-bat quality and ability to do damage is exciting. What’s equally impressive is the way he handles a pitching staff and navigates a game behind the plate. He possesses true leadership qualities and makes those around him better.”

Brandon Gomes Talks Diego Cartaya

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