Los Angeles Dodgers 2020 Midseason Top 30 Prospects Update

1. Gavin Lux, SS

The reigning BA Minor League Player of the Year was one of seven Dodgers’ players who missed the start of summer camp for undisclosed reasons. He reported July 10 and will begin the season at the alternate site camp to get up to speed.

2. Dustin May, RHP

May continues to show elite stuff with a 95-100 mph sinker and a devastating cutter. He has changed the shape of his curveball this year to be a tighter, harder pitch in an effort to give him a consistent third offering. After ace Clayton Kershaw was sidelined with back stiffness, May earned a surprise Opening Day start and performed well over 4.1 innings.

3. Brusdar Graterol, RHP

The hard-throwing righthander blew Dodgers’ officials away with his easy velocity in spring training before the Cactus League shut down. He will open the year in the Dodgers’ bullpen and is the team’s closer of the future.

4. Keibert Ruiz, C

Ruiz has yet to report for undisclosed reasons and was placed on the 10-day injured list. He has matured physically and was noticeably stronger during spring training, while also making changes to his lower half in his swing to help him drive the ball more frequently.

5. Tony Gonsolin, RHP

Gonsolin also missed the start of summer camp for undisclosed reasons and did not join the team until July 8. The Dodgers optioned him to their alternate site camp so he can build up after the delay and plan to bring him up as soon as he’s ready.

6. Josiah Gray, RHP

Gray’s fastball has ticked up to 94-98 mph and his slider’s consistency and movement have improved from last year. His changeup remains inconsistent, but his fastball-slider combination is good enough that the Dodgers believe he could help the team in relief this year if needed.

7. Diego Cartaya, C

The Dodgers included the 18-year-old in their player pool despite the fact he has yet to play above the Rookie-level Arizona League. Cartaya is on the 60-man roster strictly for developmental purposes and will remain at the alternate site camp, but his inclusion was a testament to his long-lauded maturity.

8. Kody Hoese, 3B

Hoese was bothered by a tender right elbow in his pro debut last year but still posted an .863 OPS. The 2019 first-rounder was a late addition to the club’s player pool and will spend the season at the alternate site camp.

9. Michael Busch, 2B

Busch was a late addition to the Dodgers player pool. The converted first baseman arrived at summer camp leaner and more agile, which has helped his range and footwork at second base. Dodgers officials who were initially skeptical are now more optimistic he can make the position switch.

10. Bobby Miller, RHP

Miller became a full-time starter at Louisville for the first time this spring and showed enough in four starts for the Dodgers to draft him 29th overall. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound righthander has big stuff with an upper-90s fastball and power slider. Whether he maintains the control improvements he showed this year will determine if he’s a starter or reliever long term.

11. Luis Rodriguez, OF
12. Dennis Santana, RHP
13. Mitchell White, RHP
14. Edwin Rios, 1B
15. DJ Peters, OF
16. Clayton Beeter, RHP
17. Cristian Santana, 3B
18. Omar Estevez, 2B
19. Edwin Uceta, RHP
20. Devin Mann, 2B
21. Jacob Amaya, SS
22. Zach McKinstry, OF
23. Miguel Vargas, 3B
24. Andy Pages, OF
25. Jimmy Lewis, RHP
26. Andre Jackson, RHP
27. Alex De Jesus, SS
28. Ryan Pepiot, RHP
29. Luke Raley, OF
30. Jake Vogel, OF

SYSTEM STRENGTHS

The Dodgers have an impressive assortment of hard-throwing righthanders, many of whom were included in their player pool, as well as infielders who project as everyday players. Organizationally, their catching depth remains arguably the best in baseball with Will Smith in the majors, Ruiz in the upper levels and Cartaya in the lower levels.

SYSTEM WEAKNESSES

The Dodgers have little in the way of potential everyday outfielders, with their two best bets— Rodriguez and Pages—yet to play above Rookie ball.

PLAYER POOL TIDBITS

The Dodgers primarily included upper-level prospects who could help them this year, as expected from a team with World Series aspirations. The primary exception is Cartaya, who will gain valuable experience handling older pitchers at the alternate site camp. The inclusion of RHPs Andre Jackson, Ryan Pepiot, Gerardo Carillo and Michael Grove was notable because none have pitched above the Class A levels, but all have big fastballs and are trending up in the organization’s eyes.

HURTING

RHP Morgan Cooper had his second shoulder surgery in as many years last August. He is currently throwing bullpen sessions in his home state of Texas and has not had any setbacks. RHP Yaisel Sierra is throwing bullpens and progressing on schedule in his recovery from shoulder inflammation. RHP Braydon Fisher had Tommy John surgery last year and is on track in his rehab progression. He will be ready for the start of next season barring any setbacks.