Los Angeles Dodgers Breakout MLB Prospects Entering 2024

Entering 2024, we’re examining multiple Dodgers prospects on the verge of a breakout season. To qualify as a breakout prospect for this exercise, a player must rank outside the Top 10 Prospects in his organization entering the year.

You can find all of our preseason prospect rankings here and a link to breakouts for all 30 teams here.

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Breakout Prospects

Payton Martin, RHP

Preseason rank: 18
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

TRACK RECORD: Martin primarily played shortstop at East Forsyth (Kernersville, N.C.) High and started only six games as a pitcher in high school. The Dodgers were intrigued by his arm action and athleticism in those limited looks and drafted him in the 17th round in 2022, signing him for $125,000 to forgo an East Carolina commitment. Martin’s stuff ticked up with his focus on pitching and led to a breakout pro debut in 2023. He posted a 2.04 ERA in 14 appearances (12 starts) at Low-A Rancho Cucamonga before reaching his innings limit.

SCOUTING REPORT: Martin is a lean, twitchy righthander with exceptional athleticism. His potentially plus fastball sits 93-96 mph and touches 98 out of a clean, compact delivery and fast arm. His 86-89 mph power slider is another potential plus pitch that starts in the strike zone before shooting out late for empty chase swings. He also has a firm, 89-92 mph changeup that has been a point of emphasis and flashes above-average. Martin has rapidly assimilated to pitching and pounds the strike zone with above-average control. He is a confident, aggressive competitor who throws strikes with no fear.

THE FUTURE: Martin is still physically slight and threw only 39.2 innings in his pro debut. He has the foundation to be a mid-rotation starter and now just needs to add strength and durability.

Scouting Grades
Fastball: 60. Slider: 60. Changeup: 55. Control: 55.

Joendry Vargas, SS

Preseason rank: 19
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

TRACK RECORD: Vargas grew up as a switch-hitter before deciding to bat righthanded only as a teenager. The change helped him emerge as one of the top offensive players in the 2023 international signing class. The Dodgers signed him for $2,077,500, half of their bonus pool, the day the signing period opened. Vargas lived up to his pedigree with a sensational pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. He hit .328/.423/.529 with seven home runs, 31 RBIs, 19 stolen bases and nearly as many walks (30) as strikeouts (31) to lead DSL Dodgers Bautista to a 42-11 record and the DSL championship.

SCOUTING REPORT: Vargas has a long, projectable 6-foot-4 frame and an advanced aptitude for making adjustments in the batter’s box. He had a long, rotational swing when he signed, but he quickly adopted a shorter, more dynamic swing and became a force. Vargas is a high-contact hitter who controls the strike zone and drills balls into the gaps with his bat speed and natural feel for the barrel. He has natural strength and leverage in his swing and projects to be an above-average hitter with above-average power as he adds muscle to his frame. Vargas is an average runner with good range at shortstop, but he projects to slow down and outgrow the position as he matures. He has plus arm strength and will profile well at third base.

THE FUTURE: Vargas projects to be an everyday third baseman, though he’s many years and developmental steps away. He’ll make his stateside debut in 2024.

Scouting Grades
Hitting: 55. Power: 55. Run: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 60.