Dodgers Prospects: FanGraphs Ranks Los Angeles’ Farm System Third in MLB
FanGraphs has ranked the Dodgers third in the league in terms of farm system strength.
The two teams that are ahead of them are the Tampa Bay Rays, headed by shortstop Wander Franco, and the division-rival San Diego Padres who have already graduated some of their elite prospects like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack.
As we approach the heightened period of trade activity ahead of the deadline, here are our farm system rankings. Methodology here: https://t.co/RmR5QN7GyZ pic.twitter.com/XCpFHkgB0R
— FanGraphs Prospects (@FG_Prospects) July 13, 2019
The Dodgers were previously ranked ninth by FanGraphs lead prospect evaluators Kiley McDaniel and Eric Longenhagen.
On the Rise
With the big-time breakouts of Gavin Lux, Dustin May, and Will Smith, mixed in with emergent blue chippers Jacob Amaya, Josiah Gray, and more, there is no surprise here. The Dodgers not only boast one of the deepest teams in the majors, they also boast one of the deepest farm systems.
Winning the Draft
We have become accustomed to solid drafts under the direction of scouting director Billy Gasparino and the presence of Lux, May, and Smith near the top of the ranks is a testament to that. The additions of draftees like Kody Hoese, Ryan Pepiot, and Michael Busch, this only gets better.
International Front
Picking up guys like Keibert Ruiz, Diego Cartaya, and Dennis Santana from overseas definitely help the cause.
Overall
The Dodgers remain the class of Major League Baseball in every sense of the word.
Perhaps the Dodgers FO should use some of these prospects to bring in the missing piece to bring that World Series Championship to Dodger Stadium. You won’t be able to pay for all of these guys when they are suppose to get that big contract.
It’s an achievement to build a good farm system when: A) the big-league club is always winning and making the playoffs, therefore always drafting late and; B) when you’re not tanking. Gasparino should be lauded for finding them, the farm system should be lauded for developing them, and Friedman should be lauded for keeping the best of the bunch –even as he made big trades the last few seasons.