Los Angeles Dodgers 2023 MLB Draft Review
See Also: 2023 MLB Draft Database
Draft Theme: Southern States.
While the Dodgers did have their first overall pick lowered after exceeding CBT thresholds, they also picked up a few compensation picks after the first round after Tyler Anderson and Trea Turner signed elsewhere in free agency. The Dodgers used all of their first six picks by going after players in Southern states, including two outfielders from Texas, a third baseman from Virginia, two righthanders from Tennessee and a lefthander from Florida.
Most Interesting Day 2 Pick: OF Jeron Elkins, 8th round
Elkins plays for the same Goodpasture Christian High School team as third baseman Carson Rucker, who ranked as the No. 297 player in the 2023 class. While most of the scouting industry was on Rucker, it seems like only a few teams were intrigued enough with the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Elkins to sign him out of his Wright State commitment. He’s a standout athlete with tools, including plus or better running ability, plus arm strength and a short and direct swing from the right side. He was not a prominent player on the national showcase or travel circuit, so his hit tool is likely a question for most clubs and will ultimately determine his value and role. He should stick in center field, which takes a bit of pressure off his bat.
Most Interesting Day 3 Pick: RHP Alex Makarewich, 13th round
Makarewich has always shown strikeout stuff with Northwestern State, but has consistently struggled to rein in what he’s throwing and put the ball in the zone consistently. After pitching out of the bullpen in 2021 and 2022, he moved to a starting role in 2023 and posted a 5.16 ERA over 14 starts and 66.1 innings, with a 29.1% strikeout rate and a 14% walk rate. The 6-foot, 185-pound righty throws a fastball in the 89-93 mph range and uses a low-80s slider as his go-to secondary. The pitch varies in shape and consistency but has good downward bite when it’s on. He has also mixed in a slower curveball that is well below-average and a changeup around 80 mph that also needs some work.
