The Dodgers’ resurgence back to glory took more than just the battle-tested veterans. All season they were provided with needed sparks from their farm systems. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Victor Gonzalez are just a couple of prospects to make an impact this season. With the extensive depth that the Dodgers hold, they won’t be the last. In fact, three Dodger prospects were ranked in the top 100 this offseason.
3B Kody Hoese, Rank: 95
#Dodgers No. 8 prospect Kody Hoese puts the @greatlakesloons on the board with his 5th 💣 of the year, extending his hit streak to six.
Keep up with the 2019 #MLBDraft first-rounder & all top @Dodgers prospects here: https://t.co/u9gVsfslyM pic.twitter.com/fD8aZXJ5gi
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 17, 2019
The 6’4 third baseman possesses some elite power and though there were concerns regarding his defense, he’s proven that he’s capable of handling the hot corner. Drafted 25th overall by the Dodgers in 2019, he posted a .299 batting average with 15 extra-base hits and 29 RBIs in his first 41 career games in the Minors. Hoese seems like the future of third base for the Dodgers but isn’t quite ready. Re-signing Turner on a short-term deal or giving Edwin Ríos an opportunity should give the 23-year old enough time to develop.
C Keibert Ruiz, Rank: 61
First Major League at-bat, first homer for Keibert Ruiz. 💥 pic.twitter.com/TOrD55YNC7
— MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2020
Dodger fans should remember Ruiz’s Major League debut as he homered in his first career at-bat against the Angels. The switch-hitting catcher is another in a long line of highly touted catchers to come up through the system. If it weren’t for another talented catcher named Will Smith, Ruiz may have very well had a spot on the team. However, with the talent of Smith and the recent performance by Austin Barnes, Ruiz finds himself on the outside looking in.
RHP Josiah Gray, Rank: 51
Josiah Gray spun a scoreless frame in his #SpringTraining debut today for the #Dodgers.
Here's where the 22-year-old right-hander ranks among #MLB's Top 100 prospects: https://t.co/66C0q4yFSB pic.twitter.com/ualDOFT3K6
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 26, 2020
Gray, who was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, found his way to the Dodgers through the Kemp-Puig trade. The right-handed pitcher posted a record of 11-2 with a 2.28 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and 147 strikeouts in Double-A to cap off a stellar first season in the Dodgers organization. Some promising appearances during Summer Camp provided a big boost for the 22-year old as he has been ranked the Dodgers’ new top prospect. The club is deep in rotation pieces head into next year, but don’t be surprised if Gray breaks through.
