Astros, Dodgers Have Prospect Pedigree

The 113th World Series kicks off tonight as the Dodgers and Astros face off in the first World Series to feature two 100-win teams since 1970.

Both teams built dynamic rosters filled with former top prospects. The Dodgers were Baseball America’s No. 1 farm system in 2016, and the Astros were No. 2. Both are in the World Series with players highly-ranked in those systems playing starring roles, including Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger for the Dodgers and Alex Bregman for the Astros.

Here is a look at how at each team team was built, and how they match up in advance of tonight’s opening game.

*On 25-man World Series roster

HOUSTON ASTROS

Record: 101-61 (7-4 in postseason)

World Series record: 0-1 (Last appearance: 2005)

How They’re Built*: 8 homegrown (6 draft, 2 international signings), 17 acquired (7 traded in majors, 3 traded in minors, 5 free agents, 2 waivers)

Strengths: Offense (first in MLB in runs, hits, doubles, total bases, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage in regular season), Starting rotation (Sixth in ERA and opponent average).

Weaknesses: Bullpen (17th in ERA), Stolen bases (23rd in stealing percentage)

Former Top 100 prospects*: 12

Former Prospect Handbook participants*: 23

 

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Record: 104-58 (7-1 in postseason)

World Series record: 6-12 (Last appearance: 1988)

How They’re Built*: 8 homegrown (5 draft, 3 international signings), 17 acquired (10 traded in majors, 2 traded in minors, 5 free agents)

Strengths: Starting rotation (first in MLB in ERA in regular season), Bullpen (fourth in ERA), Patience (first in walks), Power (eighth in slugging)

Weaknesses: Contact (22nd in batting average), Runners in scoring position (25th in average, 15th in slugging)

Former Top 100 prospects*: 13

Former Prospect Handbook participants*: 24