Kyle Farmer is Making the Most of His Time in Spring Training

When you think of a top 30 prospect within an organization, typically you know they are going to get at bats in Spring. For the Dodgers’ Kyle Farmer, he is making the most of those opportunities early. Farmer is ranked as the #24 prospect in the system and yet he is playing like an established veteran through his 12 games played. With 26 plate appearances, he has reached base an astounding 14 times. That’s good for an on base percentage of well over .500 as of today.

Not only is he getting on base, but Farmer is mashing the ball. six of his ten hits have been for extra bases, and three were home runs. And these home runs haven’t been luck or barely clearing the fence, he’s hitting moonshots:

It will more than likely come down to depth for Kyle Farmer. He’s been knocking on the door to the big leagues for quite some time, but there just has not been a consistent spot. Given Dave Roberts’ desire to fill his bullpen up, there are really only four bench spots remaining. Farmer hitting .500 and slugging 1.100 this spring is making that conversation much more difficult.

One of those spots will go to Matt Kemp or Andrew Toles, depending on who is pitching that day. Another spot will be designated for super-utility man Kike Hernandez, who is also having a great spring. The third spot will be designated for one of the top two catchers, Austin Barnes and Yasmani Grandal. That just leaves one spot open.

There are at least five guys fighting for that last spot on the roster. Joc Pederson, Alex Verdugo, Trayce Thompson, Chase Utley, and Kyle Farmer. Pederson seems destined for a lengthy minor league stint this year given his spring output. Alex Verdugo will more than likely be a late season call-up if he’s not needed to fill in for injuries. Trayce Thompson is out of minor league options, so that will depend on how much management values his potential. And Chase Utely carries the immeasurable clubhouse leadership. Even if the numbers aren’t there at the end of a storied career.

Analysis

With all of those guys ahead of his, Farmer may find himself on the outside looking in come Opening Day. But don’t be surprised to see him at the big league level very soon. Yasmani Grandal’s contract is up at the end of the season, so you never know what sort of move the Dodgers will make.

Kyle Farmer is going to be a big name in Los Angeles very soon.