Los Angeles Dodgers 2021 Top MLB Prospects Chat

Image credit: (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Kyle Glaser: Hey everybody, hope you’ve all had a good week so far. Look forward to chatting with you. Let’s get started.

Greg (Tennessee):

 Best Athlete. Best Defensive Outfielder. Fastest Runner. Zero hit tool. Does Jeren Kendall make the bigs as a twenty-sixth man, designated-runner-on-second type, or has time basically run out on even that option?

Kyle Glaser: I wrote about this a few years ago. If you’re an outfielder and don’t hit in the minors, you don’t reach the majors for any consequential period of time, even as a reserve. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/jeren-kendall-buddy-reed-and-the-fourth-outfielder-floor/

Jonathan (OH):

 Kendall Williams, why such a drop in his ranking(s)? I realize he started in the Jays system, it seems as if they gave up on him soon, although the full list of BA isn’t out yet, I’ll assume he’s in the 20-30 range. Looking for an overall update on him, thanks for your time!

Kyle Glaser: I’m not sure what you mean. He didn’t drop at all. You’re correct he’s in the 20-30 range in the Handbook, but that’s not a drop. He was No. 17 in the Blue Jays system at midseason and is slightly lower in the Dodgers by virtue of them having a deeper system. He’s holding steady.

Bob (FL):

 Where does Luis Rodriguez land on the list and what are your thoughts on him?

Kyle Glaser: Rodriguez is just outside the top 10. He was originally slated to be in it, but the reports out of the DR were that he went backward this year. Grew into some strength, which is good, but his approach went way backward. Got very pull-happy trying to yank everything over the left field fence and started swinging and missing a lot. Based on what they saw, Dodgers officials are concerned. It was a weird year and they’re hopeful he can get back on track under more normal circumstances in 2021, but as of right now they expressed a lot of uncertainty whether he’ll be even an average hitter based on the way things trended and what they saw from him this year.

Ben (CA):

 Thanks for taking the time to answer questions! Any reports on Mitch White out of the alternative site?

Kyle Glaser: My pleasure Ben. Thanks for joining. The Dodgers were very pleased with White and felt this was the most consistent year he’s had as a professional. The interplay and execution of his stuff really came together. Consistency was always the thing that eluded him, in large part due to injuries, so it was good to see that shore up a bit. He made his major league debut this year as a reliever and most still think that’s his eventual role, but some Dodgers officials think he increased his chance of sticking as a starter with what he showed this year during summer camp and at the alternate site.

Joe (mi):

 Hey Kyle thanks for chatting. Would you say this farm system is a little weak compared to recent years? Also, Which Dodgers (If any) would you expect to be in the BA top 100? Also, when should us BA/ dodgers fans expect the amazing top 100? Thanks as always for your time Kyle!

Kyle Glaser: My pleasure. The top of the Dodgers system isn’t as strong but it’s for the right reasons – they graduated their top four prospects last year to the majors, which is the point of all this. The strength of the system this year is its depth. You go all the way down to the late 20s and you’re looking at players who might be top 10 in some other systems. It’s a really good system still with a lot of good players. As for the Top 100, I think we’ll see the top three in there, but that’s my opinion and my colleagues may or may not agree. We’ll see how the final list shakes out once everyone’s input is gathered and front office officials provide their feedback.

Bob (Chicago):

 Do u expect any Dodgers to be in the BA top 100? Also, when should us BA/ dodgers fans expect the awesome top 100 to be out? Thanks you for your time and knowledge Kyle!

Kyle Glaser: My pleasure Bob. I answered your first question above. As for your second question, I believe the Top 100 will be released early next week. Our editor JJ Cooper is the one to ask for a firm release date.

Owen (Flagstaff, AZ):

 Are there any players that didn’t crack the top 10 that have breakout potential?

Kyle Glaser: Lots. Lots and lots and lots. Heck, there are some players who didn’t crack the Top 30 who have breakout potential. Alex De Jesus, Kendall Williams, Jimmy Lewis, Leonel Valera, Landon Knack, Jerming Rosario, Yeiner Fernandez, Nick Robertson…all are breakout candidates who could shoot up in the next year. (Some of those guys are in the top 30, some aren’t.) Those are just the main candidates. This system is insanely deep in quality players who could break out in a big way.

Steve (Kansas):

 You’re take on a these prospects please, Kendall Williams, Jimmy Lewis and Luis Rodriguez. How long before they hit the show? Thanks

Kyle Glaser: They’re all a long way away. High school righthanders take a while. It’s likely 2024 before we see Williams or Lewis in the majors. Both are very promising but both have a lot of development left. Rodriguez is tough to project at this point. The outlier international players (Bogaerts, Acuna, Soto, Tatis, etc.) take four years from the time they sign. Most take 6-7 years. Rodriguez still has yet to play a professional game and is TBD pending a reversal of the bad habits he fell into this year at Dominican instructs. If we assume he reverses that and gets on a normal, 6-7 year track from the time he signed, we’re looking at 2025-2026.

Andy Pages (Future top 100?):

 I’ve been called a launch angel unicorn since I generate some of the steepest launch angles in the game allowing my already plus raw power to play up. What are some of the concerns around my hit tool that the Dodgers have been trying to improve? Is there a chance I become at least an average hitter over time?

Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers widened Pages stance a little bit to get him more balanced and able to handle off-speed pitches better. They also tamped down his leg kick a bit. Those are the main adjustments that were made and he’s getting into a better hitting position more consistently as a result. Now, even with that, even the Dodgers internally see Pages topping out as a 45-grade hitter just because his swing path and aggressiveness are always going to lead to a fair share of swings and misses. Still, with his power and defense, that will be enough for him to start in the majors. He’s moving in the right direction and he’s young and he’s intelligent, so it’d be foolish to say it will never get any better, but at this point the 45 hit grade is seen as the best-case scenario even within the organization.

Eric (Vegas):

 How do we get Trout to LA? Gavin Lux, Ruiz, Bobby Miller! Who says no?

Kyle Glaser: I feel like this is a good time to remind people that unless your trade package starts with two major league, cost-controlled, young All-Stars, your trade proposal for Mike Trout is not enough. This is another example where the Angels hang up the phone in one second.

Trent (CA):

 Is there an outside shot of Michael Busch reaching the majors this year?

Kyle Glaser: There are people who believe he has a shot based on how good he looked offensively at instructs. At the same time, the Dodgers are loaded with 2B and 1B options, so unless a series of injuries hits, it’s going to be tough, especially if there is no DH in the NL in 2021 to provide an additional avenue for ABs.

Bored Lawyer, Esq (Office):

 Anything on Jimmy Lewis? I know he’s had some injuries and no meaningful innings, but the size and stuff seem legit. Optimism that LA can make him the next projectable arm to become a legit prospect?

Kyle Glaser: Yes. Lewis didn’t pitch after signing last year due to shoulder inflammation and spent a chunk of this year rehabbing in Arizona before taking the mound in instructional league, where he impressed a lot of people both inside and outside the organization. He showed a really polished delivery and command, was able to execute to both sides of the plate, FB and CB got good reviews (although the CB was a little inconsistent at times) and the CH has really come along. The polished delivery, command and well-rounded arsenal really impressed a lot of people. It was only 15 innings or so in instructs, so we have to see if it holds up over a more significant workload, but it was a good first look.

Nick (San Carlos, CA):

 Whenever the Justin Turner era ends in Los Angeles, be it now or several years down the line, is the long-term future of third base someone within the organization (Hoese? Rios? others?) or will they ultimately have to bring in a free agent or make a trade to fill the position with someone of the caliber the Dodgers expect?

Kyle Glaser: That’s a good question. Rios can play 3B as needed but you don’t want him out there for 162 games. If Kody Hoese shows he was the guy at the alternate site more than the guy he was at instructs, he’d be the guy, but there are some questions about him on both sides of the ball (namely his arm). I do think the wisest thing for the Dodgers would be to bring Turner back on a short-term deal and save their money for extending Corey Seager, but we’ll see.

Ray (Pomona, CA):

 Who are you more confident on, Andy Pages or Luis Rodriguez?

Kyle Glaser: Pages.

Kingston (La Verne, CA):

 Who will have the better career? Clayton Beeter or Bobby Miller?

Kyle Glaser: Based on what they showed at the alternate site and instructs? Miller, and it’s not close. But it was a weird year and there was a big layoff from the college season, so maybe Beeter comes back next year and shows more than he did in his initial showings. We’ll see.

Jonathan (NJ):

 Hey Kyle. Thanks so much for all your hard work. I hope most people recognize the feat of prospecting it is to determine a top 10 for this unbelievably deep organization 🙂 There are so many players I could inquire about who were left off the list, but I’ll spare us all the time and just ask these two questions. Which players improved their stock the most during instructs and could you name your top three prospects not in the top 10 that you expect to see show up in the top 5 at some point in the future?

Kyle Glaser: Hey Jonathan, my pleasure. It is a lot of work – the Top 30s are literally the most work-intensive thing we do, not the easiest thing as someone laughably suggested on Twitter – but we’re fortunate enough to be doing something we love and are interested in, so it makes the work enjoyable. To answer your question, Michael Busch honestly raised his stock probably more than any prospect in baseball at instructs. (Quinn Priester with the Pirates is the other player vying for that title.) He shot up in everyone’s eyes. Leonel Valera, Nick Robertson and James Outman are three others who improved their stock during instructs in the Dodgers eyes. As for your second question, Alex De Jesus and Jimmy Lewis are the two players in particular I could see jumping into the top five in the future, although all the standard caveats apply about aggressive teenage hitters and high school righthanders with past shoulder injuries.

Romeo (WA):

 What do you think are the long term plans for Beeter, Knack and Uceta? Thanks

Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers see Beeter as a two-pitch reliever based on what he showed at the alternate site, but he’ll start for now. They’re very high on Knack and see him as a potential rotation piece moving forward. They’re hoping for some velocity gains from Uceta and think he could be a back-end starter if that comes, but Uceta didn’t do himself any favors by violating the Dodgers safety protocols at the alt site and getting sent home.

Slappy (NC):

 Hey Kyle, Great stuff. Love the 2024 lineup projections. But I’m curious just how accurate they projections are in terms of whether guys become full-time MLB regulars or not (rather than exact team and position). Do you have a sense just how accurate the Baseball America projections are? What percentage of these guys are busts? What percentage of pop-up guys are likely to emerge who currently aren’t on anyone’s radar? thanks

Kyle Glaser: Those are great questions. I think you just inspired my next big research project. I don’t want to give you any uninformed answers, so let me dive into the history and the data and get back to you. These are the kinds of big-picture questions I love sinking my teeth into.

Zak (RI):

 As always, thanks for taking questions today. I know it’s hard to judge a player who hasn’t played professionally yet, but what are your thoughts on Jake Vogel? As far as ceilings are concerned, does he have one of the highest in the system and do you think he’ll end up in the Dodgers top 10 a year from now?

Kyle Glaser: Hey Zak, my pleasure. Vogel is one of the toughest players to evaluate because he needs a complete swing reconstruction, which the Dodgers are in the process of implementing. His load, bat path, lower half, bat position, all of it is being overhauled. He had some games at instructs where he looked great at the plate and others where he was very late to velocity and mostly hitting bloops and soft singles against slow breaking balls and changeups. It’s hard to get a feel on his realistic upside because there are so many questions about his bat. A lot will depend on if he takes to his swing adjustments and they hold.

Zak (RI):

 What level do you expect Clayton Beeter to start the year at? And do you think he can be a major league starter or is he destined for the bullpen?

Kyle Glaser: College pitchers tend to start their first full season at High A, so I would expect the same for Beeter. The Dodgers will start him for now, but even their evaluators who thought he had a chance to start out of the draft are significantly lower on those chances based on what they saw at the alternate site. It’s two pitches only and he really struggled to command the ball or repeat his delivery or execute consistently. Again, it was a weird year with a long layoff so maybe things look better in 2021 when he’s on a more normal routine, but the Beeter the Dodgers saw in 2020 at the alt site even they acknowledge was a 100 percent reliever.

Scott (Minneapolis):

 In a year without minor league games what have you seen from Andy Pages that led to him cracking the top 10?

Kyle Glaser: I personally was not able to see anything given media was not allowed at instructs (with the exception of a few D-backs games). But the combination of the top four players in the system graduating, plus discussions with evaluators and front office officials both inside and outside the system who did see him, it was clear Pages had put himself among the top 10 players in the system with the adjustments he made at the plate and the instinctual defense he showed in the outfield.

Mike (Honolulu):

 Where does Mitch/Mitchell (which is it?) White sit in BA’s 2021 Dodgers prospects ranking and in the 2021 Dodger plans?

Kyle Glaser: He’s officially listed as Mitch on the Dodgers roster, so we’ll go with that. He’s in the 10-20 group. He should be a contributor in the bullpen at least and has a chance to make some starts if injuries hit.

Mike (Honolulu):

 What tidbits can you share from the alternate site and instructs? Anybody stand out at either place? Any surprises or deep roster guys?

Kyle Glaser: Sure thing. Kody Hoese was the Dodgers best hitter at the alternate site and Ryan Pepiot was their best pitcher. Michael Busch was the Dodgers best hitter at instructs and Bobby Miller was their best pitcher. In terms of guys who are not at the top of the list, Luke Raley was the Dodgers second-best hitter at the alt site and Leonel Valera got some love at instructs.

Randy (NM):

 Who do you guess will be the better major leaguer, Keibert Ruiz or Diego Cartaya?

Kyle Glaser: Ruiz. That’s why he’s ranked ahead. That said, Cartaya is very intriguing and it’s not insane to suggest he’ll be the better major leaguer when all is said and done. The top six group on the Dodgers is packed fairly tight together.

Michael (SK):

 Did Jeren Kendall make enough adjustments in 2020 to tap into his potential this year or is he a lost cause for the Dodgers at this point?

Kyle Glaser: He did not. It was a lot of the same. Even the Dodgers internally don’t consider him one of their top 40-50 prospects at this point. Opposing teams have told me they’d have zero interest in a trade for him either except for as a throw-in third or fourth piece in a deal. There’s just been no indication to date that he can hit. We’ll see if that changes in 2021, but it hasn’t changed in three years now.

Chamaco (Mexico):

 Where would Gavin Lux rank on this list if he was still eligible? How has his MLB performance impacted his ceiling and future outlook?

Kyle Glaser: Lux would still be No. 1 amongst this current group. In terms of his outlook, there is some concern with how much he swung and missed and was just not on plane with the baseball. That said, he arrived late to summer camp, was visibly not up to game speed on both sides of the ball and was playing catch up the rest of the year. It just wasn’t an ideal situation. There is still a lot of optimism that, given a regular season and given consistent ABs to work through things, he’ll be the hitter he was projected to be coming into the year.

Karl of Delaware (Georgetown, Delaware):

 How many of these Dodger prospects do you figure will make the top 100 prospect list of BaseballAmerica? And how is progress coming on the 2021 Handbook?

Kyle Glaser: I answered the first question earlier. The Handbook was sent to press on Dec. 21 and should be arriving at your doorstep in a few weeks if you ordered online. For those who haven’t done so yet, go ahead and get your copies here. https://baseballamerica.myshopify.com/products/2021-baseball-america-prospect-handbook

Nilton Maldonado (La puente Ca):

 With International Signing day in a few days? Dodgers are reported to sign both Wilman Diaz and Jesus Galiz. Dp you think they crack the top 30? and also I would appreciate your opinion on Both? Thank you.

Kyle Glaser: Diaz probably would. As for information on them, I encourage you to check out Ben Badler’s international signing preview for the Dodgers. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/los-angeles-dodgers-2020-21-international-signing-preview/

Mike (Honolulu):

 With the #3 system last year, the Dodgers just seem to be loaded with prospects again this year. Are there any weaknesses in the system? If so, where?

Kyle Glaser: The only weakness is they don’t have much in the way of lefthanded pitching. But they’re set everywhere else and there is an even distribution of talent from the highest levels to the lowest. It’s a very well-rounded system.

David (NEW YORK):

 When the Dodgers traded Ross Stripling to the Blue Jays, they got Kendall Williams and a PTBNL. Who was the PTBNL? Scouting report?

Kyle Glaser: The second PTBNL has not been named yet.

Mike (Honolulu):

 Are Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray the clear #1-#2 in the system? Where are the breakpoints in prospect groupings in the Top 10?

Kyle Glaser: Yes, although there was some support for Busch and Hoese to be in the top two as well. The consensus was Miller and Cartaya could be in the top two next year, but no one was willing to go there quite yet. I’d honestly say the top six is a really interesting top group that’s somewhat tightly packed, then you have Edwin Rios kind of in his own tier mashing in the majors, and then 8-11 was the next tier.

David (La Jolla):

 How far off the list was Clayton Beeter, and what do you think his outlook is to stay on track to be a starter?

Kyle Glaser: During his time at the alternate site, Beeter showed a 70 fastball, 70 curveball, 40 changeup and 40 control. As mentioned earlier, he really struggled to command the ball or repeat his delivery or execute consistently. He honestly was not in consideration for the top 10 and is closer to No. 20. You like the two premium pitches, but the changeup and control have to come up significantly for him to start. As mentioned, even the Dodgers internally acknowledge he’s likely a reliever based on what he showed them. He’ll be one to watch next year to see if he looks better with a more normal routine.

Alex Passy (Mexico City):

 Of the 3 pitchers recently promoted to the 40 man roster, which one/s have the best chance of having impact in the major lesgues in 2021? Who will eventually remain a starter?

Kyle Glaser: Edwin Uceta is the only one with a starter chance, although that’s pending some velocity gains. I don’t anticipate Carrillo or Jackson throwing enough strikes to have a major role in the majors in 2021. Never say never, but from what I saw in 2019 and the reports on where they are now in 2020, they have a lot of delivery adjustments and control gains to make to throw enough strikes consistently, even in a relief role.

Mike (Honolulu):

 Last year’s Prospect Handbook had a run of teenagers amongst #22-#29. With the lost season, did any standout in instructs or winter leagues?

Kyle Glaser: Jimmy Lewis would be the guy of that group. Once again, had a very impressive instructs in his first real action since being drafted.

Lydia (NorCal):

 Do you think any of those listed in the 10 top are likely to now be protected from near future trades? Pages was part of the failed Angels trade in 2020 but wondering if his stock has risen and he is now untouchable.

Kyle Glaser: None of these players are untouchable. No one is ever really untouchable, but no one in this top 10 rises to the level of a prospect you really, really, really don’t want to trade (i.e. Wander Franco, Adley Rutschmann, Julio Rodriguez etc.). There’s a lot of guys you like and feel like can be good big leaguers, but if the right deal is there, any one of them can and should be on the table.

Josh (NYC):

 Is Edwin Rios the Dodgers’ starting 3B in 2021?

Kyle Glaser: That wouldn’t be optimal, but it’s possible. I say that as someone who has been on the Rios bandwagon for a long time. He’s a very good major leaguer and an impact hitter. He’s worked himself into a playable defender at 3B, but I don’t know if you feel great running him out there as your primary starter. We’ll see. He’s continued to improve his defense every year, so you never know.

Nick (New Orleans):

 Is Drew Avans the best kept secret in the Dodgers org?

Kyle Glaser: No. That would be Jerming Rosario.

Mike (Honolulu):

 Does Keibert Ruiz push out Austin Barnes as the #2 Dodger catcher in 2021? 2022?

Kyle Glaser: We see how much the Dodgers value Barnes defensive ability every year in the postseason. I don’t think they’ll be so quick to move on from him.

Matt (Denver):

 Any sleepers in the organization you expect to jump onto the radar in 2021?

Kyle Glaser: Keep an eye on Jerming Rosario and Yeiner Fernandez among the young international players. James Outman is an athletic outfielder who keeps making an impression and is worth keeping tabs on.

Antonio (Mexico):

 What´s your take on Gerardo Carrillo and his future with the Dodgers? Does he has what it takes to follow the footsteps of Julio Urías and Víctor González as a mexican big league pitcher with LA? What does he need to work on? Thank you

Kyle Glaser: It’s probably more in Gonzalez’s footsteps in the sense he’ll be a reliever. As for what he needs to work on, it’s pretty straightforward – throwing strikes. Carrillo’s control was a mess at Rancho Cucamonga and it wasn’t great during summer camp or at instructs either in 2020. He’ll throw enough strikes for an inning and then it will implode quickly. Just finding some consistency will go a long way toward getting him up the ladder and into the Dodgers bullpen.

Doug (Chicago):

 Was Luis Rodriguez considered for the top 10? Has his outlook changed at all from a year ago?

Kyle Glaser: There are a lot of Luis Rodriguez questions in here and I addressed him earlier, but I’ll add a little more here. He’s still playing a really good center field, his speed is holding steady at average and he’s getting stronger, all good things. He just, like a lot of young players, found some power with his newfound strength and got into some bad habits with his swing and approach. The Dodgers are still hopeful and he’s not far outside the top 10, but there are hittability questions that weren’t there before. Even Dodgers officials have said they’re not sure he projects as even an average hitter anymore. They’re hopeful he can get back there, but they acknowledge it’s going to be a process and have some concerns.

Jon (Dallas):

 Curious to know your thoughts on Devin Mann, Jake Vogel and Leonel Valera?

Kyle Glaser: Mann continued to show a really good combination of hit and power at the alternate site. He’s a good hitter who should get to the majors, it’s just a matter of what role he plays. His defense continues to be a work in progress. Realistically he’s going to move around to a couple of different positions and just be as versatile as possible. Vogel is an interesting athlete, but we need to see what the swing looks like after the Dodgers overhaul it. Valera added some strength and is a very talented defensive infielder, but he still has to show he can make enough contact consistently.

hal jordan (hawaii):

 Thanks for the great insights in these chats. How much playing opportunity will Michael Busch get in light of his defensive shortcomings? His bat is so good that they undoubtedly will look for chances but the Dodgers’ roster is so deep that I am guessing they will not be able to give him a lot of opportunity.

Kyle Glaser: You’re welcome. I’m glad you find them helpful. Busch will get playing time at some point. If you can hit, they’ll find a spot for you, and he can hit. I don’t know if it will be in 2021 – pending injuries, of course – but at some point he projects to get significant ABs for the Dodgers. It just might be more 2022, 2023. We’ll see what happens with the roster around him.

JD (AZ):

 Hi Kyle, hearing positive reports on Andre Jackson was he in the conversation for the top 10?

Kyle Glaser: No. He wasn’t close. I’m not sure what reports you’re reading, but in speaking with Dodgers officials, they described his performance as “medium-ish”. Jackson has a ton of arm strength, but he has a long way to go to throw enough strikes consistently. The Dodgers spent a lot of time reworking his delivery and arm action and they’re getting better, but they still have a ways to go. Jackson’s stuff plays when it’s in the zone. It’s just a matter of getting it in the zone. He was starting to put it together by the end of instructs. We’ll see if it carries over into 2021.

Tim (San Diego):

 What is the latest on Alex de Jesus?

Kyle Glaser: De Jesus took part in Dominican instructs and hit really, really well there. Everything looks on track offensively. He got a little heavier so it’s purely third base now, but he showed enough to be an average defender there. He’s in a good place heading into 2021.

Eddie (Mission Hills Ca.):

 Do the Dodgers have the prospects the Rockies want to make the trade for Arrenado. Or, it’s all just speculation?

Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers have the prospects to make that trade if they want to do it. Whether they will, or if the Rockies want to avoid trading him within the division, we’ll see, but the Dodgers have the players to make a deal happen.

Lydia (NorCal):

 Will the Dodgers take back the two R5 picks, Jordan Sheffield(COL) and Brett de Geus(TEX) if they do not make it with their new clubs?

Kyle Glaser: I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t.

Ted (Ontario):

 Have you heard anything promising about Michael Grove as he gets further away from the surgery?

Kyle Glaser: The velo ticked up a bit to sit 92-94 (he was 89-93 at Rancho in 2019) and his curveball feel started to come back. He really worked a lot on his slider and changeup usage at the alternate site and they’re coming along. The main thing is just continuing to build his durability. He was limited to mostly two-inning stints in 2019 and he stretched out to four-inning stints in 2020. Consistently throwing five, six innings is the step that still has to come.

Matt (Oceanside):

 Another question regarding Clayton Beeter. I know he only has two pitches currently, but can someone who has two amazing pitches succeed as a starter? I ask because fangraphs has Beeter’s fastball and slider as both 70s and a curveball as a 60. I assume the CB didn’t show up at the alternate site?

Kyle Glaser: Yes, but they need better than 40 control. Beeter’s fastball and curveball are his 70-grade pitches. He does not throw a slider. I confirmed that with the Dodgers multiple times and just re-confirmed it again before answering this question. His curveball has higher end velocity so maybe that’s where there is some confusion, but he does not throw a slider. He’s purely fastball, curveball, changeup.

Bertram (Taiwan):

 There seemed to be some reliever concerns about Miller because of the effort in his delivery at Louisville. Those appear to be gone? Between his stuff and the Dodgers track record of development does he have #1 SP potential?

Kyle Glaser: Miller made some adjustments to his posture and delivery and now he’s a consensus starter. His delivery became a lot more compact and online to the plate. His direction was better, his front side was better, he repeated better…everything was better. There is a very strong sense he could explode into a front-of-the-rotation type of starter. He’s someone to watch as a breakout candidate in 2021.

Matt (Oceanside):

 Thoughts on Bobby Miller’s ceiling if he realizes his full potential? Could you rank the following pitchers based on fulfilled potential : Miller, Knack, Lewis? Thanks!

Kyle Glaser: Miller is in his own tier of that group. Right now he’s getting No. 3 starter grades at worst, with even the evaluators turning him in as that noting he could be more. There is a very real sense, both inside and outside the organization, that the Dodgers got a steal at the back of the first round.

Matt (Oceanside):

 What’s your take on Carson Taylor. Does he ultimately stay behind the plate and if so, what is his ceiling? Also, the Dodgers have some amazing catching depth, especially with this new international prospect!

Kyle Glaser: Taylor’s appeal is his lefthanded swing (he’s a switch-hitter but his lefthanded swing is better), power and plate discipline. The jury is out on whether he remains behind the plate. Blocking is the strongest part of his game defensively right now, his receiving and framing have a ways to go. He’s the type of guy who would benefit from an automated strike zone. Either way, the Dodgers liked his offensive package enough to overshadow any defensive concerns.

Seth (USA):

 I’ve read the Dodgers have internally discussed playing Hoese at shortstop. Is that true, and if so, how feasible is that?

Kyle Glaser: I have not heard that. That would surprise me. He has good hands, reads hops well and has a knack for being in the right spot, but his range and arm strength are the questions. Shortstop would be a stretch.

JC (Ohio):

 Any thoughts on LH hitting OF Luke Raley? How did he do at alternate site? I saw him a few years back at Hi A Rancho and thought he was more than just a platoon bat.

Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers felt Kody Hoese was their best hitter at the alternate site. They felt Raley was their second-best. He had a dominant summer and was hitting balls to the parking garage beyond the RF wall at USC. They already thought highly of him and think even more so now. It’s 55-60 game power. The question is the hit, which ranges from 45 to 55, which is a decent-sized difference in terms of actual production. It’s going to be tough to get regular playing time in the Dodgers outfield, but I do wonder how he would do if given the ABs playing for a second-division team.

Fonz (Milwaukee):

 Can you elaborate please on your answer regarding Clayton Beeter? Do the Dodgers see him as a starter or multi-inning reliever/ Kyle Yarborough type?

Kyle Glaser: At this exact moment in time, they see Beeter’s likely future as a reliever. Not a multi-innings reliever, just a straight one-inning power reliever who blows his stuff by hitters, which is valuable. (And I think you meant Ryan Yarbrough). Now, again, we’re talking about a weird year where he was coming in off a long layoff, so maybe he comes into spring training next year, gets into a normal routine and the CH and control improve and we’re talking about a starter again. It’s something to keep an eye on. He’s a talented pitcher with big stuff and it’s certainly possible his control and changeup improve. The Dodgers will run him out as a starter for as long as they can to see if that happens. Just right now, based on what they saw at the alternate site, the Dodgers saw someone whose long-term future is more likely to be in relief than as a starter.

Mike (Honolulu):

 Outside the Top 10, which prospects are you keeping a particularly watchful eye on in 2021? Also, how about a less talked about prospect that may get noticed in 2021 (a/k/a “personal cheeseball”)?

Kyle Glaser: I’ll be interested to see Robinson Ortiz and where he’s at. He shook off a slow start and finished strong at Great Lakes in 2019 and showed a velo bump in spring training 2020 that was intriguing before camps shut down. He didn’t stay stateside during the pandemic so his only action was in Dominican instructs. Just given the general trend up he was showing, I’m curious to see what he looks like in 2021.

Kyle Glaser: All right everyone, that will do it for today. Thanks for coming out. I’ll be back chatting Padres on Thursday. In the meantime feel free to reach out on Twitter, email, or whatever method of communication you like. I’m always happy to talk baseball. Stay safe and stay healthy. Catch you all later.