Editorials

Dodgers Top Prospects List Recap: Numbers 11-15

Over this last weekend we began a recap of the Dodgers top prospects. Over the off-season our Farm-Hand Fridays were very successful. But as any good fan understands, there’s more to a farm system than the top 10 prospects. So, with that in mind we are going to continue our recap of our top prospects. And will additionally include not just the top 10 prospects, but also the #11-20 prospects. We already have covered our #16-20 prospects, so here now are prospects #11-15.

#15: Caleb Ferguson

Checking in at #15 on our list is one of the only lefties in our system right now that has a legitimate shot at making the Majors as a starter. Taken out of Ohio in the 38th round of the 2014 draft, Ferguson had only compiled 81 innings in 2015-2016. But in 2017 he took a giant leap forward throwing 122.1 innings of 2.87 ERA ball at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Not only that but he struck out 10.3 batters per 9 innings. With a fastball sitting in the low-mid 90s, and a high 70s curveball that induces many swings and misses, Ferguson should continue to climb our rankings. And if he reaches AA and does well there, he could be knocking on the door to our Top 10. Especially since he is that sole lefty starter in our Top 20.



#14: Matt Beaty

Matt Beaty is a bit of an unconventional pick at #14. While he is generally listed either just inside the Top 20 or just outside the Top 20 on most lists, we put him at #14. This lack of excitement over Beaty is primarily due to the fact that he isn’t especially special in any one particular area. However, players like Beaty are extremely valuable to teams because of their versatility. Beaty has a career Minor League triple slash of .311/.365/.449. He has a long track history of making solid, consistent contact, good plate disciple (only a 13.3% career strikeout rate), and has a lot of defensive versatility and value. He had a very nice Spring Training (1.000 OPS) and should have a great season at AAA, where he is expected to play.

#13: Starling Heredia

Starling Heredia was one of the many International signees in the 2015-2016 period. He has had tantalizing tools always on display, and finally, last season put up a very intriguing .321/.397/.555 triple slash in 2017. Heredia is still only 19 years old and could see a great deal of time at High-A Rancho Cucamonga this year. If he continues his development as a solid hitting corner outfield prospect, he could really jump up on many lists. He has lightning quick bat speed that should help him to make the necessary adjustments as he progresses. To me, he is the second most exciting non-Top 10 prospect behind only Cristian Santana. Keep an eye on Heredia.

#12: Dustin May

May is the red-haired wonder of the world. He was the spotlight player in our piece on breakout Dodgers prospects for 2018. And for good reason. Since being drafted in 2016 he has already reached High-A Rancho Cucamonga and pitched to a tune of a 3.67 ERA while consistently being three to four years younger than his competition. Even more encouraging is the fact that he has walked only 1.7 batters per 9 innings during that time. He is continuing to fill out his lanky 6’6″ frame and adding velocity to his fastball. His curveball is turning into a gem as well with one of the highest spin rates in the system. Consider this: at High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2017 he walked only 0.8 batters per 9 while striking out 12.3 per 9 innings. May will be a Top 10 prospect for the Dodgers, and a Top 50 Overall by years end. Take that to the bank.

#11: Edwin Rios

Edwin Rios has definitely opened a lot of eyes this Spring Training. When you hit .423/.464/.885 with 3 home runs, that causes a stir. But Rios hitting everything in sight is nothing new. Over the course of his Minor League tenure, he has a .302/.350/.542 triple-slash. So the fact that Rios is hitting is not new news. However, Rios’ major issue is that his defense is less than stellar, which forced his move off of 3B to 1B. Though he is mainly a first-baseman now, he can still play 3B or LF/RF in a pinch. He is also blocked by Bellinger, Turner, and Puig at his three main positions. Despite these downsides to Rios, the dude can flat hit, and he lands just outside our Top 10 prospects.

Andrew Toles Optioned to AAA

Blake Coble

Born and raised in SoCal and bled Blue my whole life. Absolutely love baseball and absolutely love the Boys in Blue! I have a fascination with analyzing the statistics and trends that drive player performance, and I love following our minor league prospects as well! Active duty Air Force currently stationed in Central California! Follow me on Twitter @yarritsblake

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