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Carson Hobbs
In the same way Alabama Rolls through opponents on Autumn afternoons, Right-handed reliever, Carson Hobbs, is starting to roll through minor-league hitters, and he is just getting started. Hobbs has a blistering fastball that is approaching 100, a slider that has become a centerpiece, and a curveball that hitters don’t hit very often. And he finished last year, 2024, his first professional season rolling, just like his Tide back home.
Background
Hobbs grew up in Alabaster Alabama and played for a Hall of Fame coach, Pat Hamrick, and in a program that knows nothing other than winning at Thompson. He played Short Stop on one of the best teams in the State of Alabama, but despite being a pitcher with the Dodgers now, he actually didn’t pitch much while in High school.
His transition to the bump didn’t happen until he got to College at Samford.
So, the Head Coach at Samford at the time was Casey Dunn, and he told me I could come in and try to hit, but we want you to pitch. And so I just kind of made that executive decision on my own to put all my eggs in the pitching basket and go 2 feet in all the way and pursue it with all I had. Luckily it has worked out pretty well so far.
Samford
Hobbs is another success story in a long line for the Scouting and Development of the Dodgers, because, after a very good Sophomore season at Samford, he had to shut down his Junior Year after 11.2 Innings due to Tommy John. In fact, when the Dodgers drafted him, Hobbs had thrown less than 50 innings at the Collegiate level, very little at the High School level, and was in the middle of recovering from Tommy John surgery.The folks who dug into this young man, researched, and pulled their triggers on him deserve a lot of credit. As they always do, they saw his potential, they understood the intangibles behind his talent, and, like it usually does, that work is bearing fruit, more and more by the day.
Here’s Hobbs on the Tommy John and limited pitching experience
I faced my first hitter I think exactly a year after I had surgery. I had surgery on April 6th of 2023, then faced my first hitter on April 6th of 2024 in extended Spring Training.
In all honesty, I kind of knew I was going to get drafted because the lines of communication throughout the injury process were so good. Once I got injured, the Dodgers were one of the few teams that actually stuck with me and kept an open mind. They’re so good at bringing guys in and basically building pitchers from scratch again, so I’m really blessed that they gave me this opportunity, and it’s been a great fit.
High-Leverage
Hobbs loves the adrenaline of the big moments, so when he was transitioned to the closer role at Samford, it fit him like a glove. Closing games, as he put it, “is an adrenaline rush you can’t find anywhere else.”.
So, beyond the high-leverage stuff, he also takes a high-leverage mentality with him to the mound every time he pitches. But, much like every Minor Leaguer, his process hasn’t always been linear, and there were some great adjustments he learned he had to make to consistently get professional hitters out.
He especially learned that lesson moving from Single-A Rancho to High A Great Lakes. While that transition had a rocky start, it finished with a smooth finish and created a ton of momentum heading into 2024. Hobbs made several adjustments, mostly in terms of his approach, and, with a smile, here’s what he had to say about that.
I gave up a home run on my first pitch in High A so it was definitely a baptism by fire. Yeah, that transition was tough, and my first 3 outings were rough, but then I had a really good conversation with DA, the pitching coach, and he was big in getting that Monkey off my back.
Hobbs continued about the plan that was put in place
So, we went over a bunch of numbers and simplified my game plan, and that’s where everything started lining back up and success started to happen.
And, success definitely did happen as Hobbs had a dominant month of July, then, beyond 1 outlier performance in August, posted a 2.55 ERA from the beginning of July forward.
Mix and Approach
Click to watch Hobbs mix, with him talking about it Pitch Mix: Hobbs features a fastball that is likely to touch 100 MPH in the very near future, a slider that is a “centerpiece” type pitch, and a curveball that he mainly uses for “swing and miss”, but also, on needed occasions, uses it to “steal” strikes.
Click to Watch Hobbs use his fastball, with him talking about it. 4-Seam Fastball: Here’s a good look at his 4-seam fastball, with Hobbs himself explaining how he uses it. He uses his it in a North/South approach, attacking hitters at the top and bottom of the zone, and has almost completely eliminated the East/West element to his approach. In other words, it’s the classic “power arm” approach, where harder is better, and spin rate carries the ball past barrels at the top of the zone, and then surprises hitters that his pitches at the bottom carry the zone for strikes.
Click to watch Hobbs use his slider, and as he talks about it Slider: Hobbs started using his slider more when he moved up to High A Great Lakes because he had to as hitters got more selective. In fact, it pretty much became a centerpiece of his arsenal.
Click to watch Hobbs throw his curveball as he talks about it Curveball: Hobbs also features a curveball, that has a similar shape to his slider, but that is just bigger in break. That is very effective, because he throws his slider for a strike a lot, so, when hitters see the “shape type”, it makes them think slider, and puts them in “swing mode”. That’s when the curveball breaks out of the zone and hitters swing and miss.
Get Ready for Him to ROLL!
To think of just how little Hobbs has actually pitched, but yet, how advanced he already is in his approach and execution is very exciting. It suggests that, as many strides as he’s already made, he’s just now touching the tip of the iceberg. So, stay tuned to this young man as he continues to develop because every element is there for him to become a high-leverage reliever that you need to know about.
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Cameron Decker: Light Tower Power
The Dodgers love drafting young prospects who have multi-sport backgrounds, bloodlines that link to high levels of baseball, and a skill set that translates into versatility, especially when it’s combined with a plus amount of athletic ability. As a matter of fact, I might be going out on a limb here, but I would have to think all organizations are looking for those types of prospects. In other words, they’re all looking for the next Cameron Decker, a prospect in the Dodgers organization who has all of the above.
Decker was drafted by the Dodgers in the 18th Round of the 2022 Draft and is starting to show just how exciting his potential is.
He was considered the “Barry Bonds” of High School baseball back in Indiana because no team wanted to throw to him knowing the type of damage he was capable of. In fact, to begin his Senior year at North High back in Evansville he hit 3 home runs in his first 4 at-bats, and six home runs in his first 3 games.
Earlier this year, on August 3rd to be exact, as a professional, Decker also had maybe the best game of any Minor Leaguer for the season of 2024, and maybe of all time. He made history by setting an all-time franchise record for RBIs in one game for the Quakes by knocking in 10 runs. He knocked in those 10 runs by pounding out 6 hits, including 3 doubles and a home run. When it was all said and done, he had 12 total bases and had set a Quakes franchise record for RBIs in a single game.It’s a memory he will never forget
It was a fun day, for sure, and I think however long I play this game, I’m gonna remember that night forever. Having Kendall in front of me, and doing what he was doing was cool, but it wasn’t really in my mind, it was just kind of another game where I was trying to have good at-bats.
By the last one I kind of just blacked out at that point, but it’s really a credit to my teammates as well to be able to have that many opportunities with runners on base.
If you can’t tell, Decker is extremely humble and is always quick to praise his teammates and those around him. He learned that from the folks he grew up around, those who have a history in this game, one that makes you either humble or about to be humbled.
Approach
Decker has “light-tower” power, and it’s very impressive, but his approach is equally as impressive. Typically speaking the Indiana youngster is very good at staying up the middle and using the big part of the field, and that should work to gathering hits beyond just hitting majestic home runs.
Here’s what he said about his approach and where he learned it.
Going into my Senior Year I was really comfortable with where my swing was at, so I was like, how can I get the most out of my approach, and what do I need to do with each at-bat?
Honestly, I had to think right field foul pole because of the arms are like 80, and it’s rare when they get to the 90s. So I think having that approach keeps me in the zone for a longer period of time, so I’m better able to stay on the off-speed pitches.
Background
Decker was fortunate to learn from some folks very close to him who had a lot of experience with baseball and high-level competitive athletics. They taught him a great perspective, and, above all, how to be a good person.
My grandpa played in the Reds system with Pete Rose and was roommates with him in Spring Training, so I’ve heard a lot of Pete Rose stories. So, really, him sharing the way that he played the game motivated me to realize how I need to handle my business when it comes to the game of baseball.
Having a good support system has really helped, and obviously my dad has done so much for me, and he was a great player too, and he’s pushed me and motivated me. I also had a cousin who was drafted by the Cubs, Jeff Goldbach, so having that type of experience around makes all of this easier.
Turning Pro
Decker had committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF), to play baseball, and was actually already on campus when he was drafted. So, having already settled into such a great place of Orlando, Florida, it was going to take an offer that was simply too good to resist. And, that’s what he got when the Dodgers drafted the talented young Decker in the 18th Round of the 2022 Draft.
I went the route with no agent, so it was just my dad and I. I knew I wasn’t going to be a Day 1 or 2 guy, but I had a pretty good idea that I might go on Day 3. I got that call from Mitch Schulewitz, who is the Area scout, and it was super exciting.
In Case You’re Wondering
You might be wondering why you’re just now hearing of Cameron Decker and his immense talent in the Dodgers organization. That would be because of setbacks, which are hopefully all in the past. The talented youngster got his feet wet in 2022 after being drafted, but then hurt his hand in 2023 which forced him to miss all but 69 at-bats of that season. It was frustrating for him, but it did give him the chance to gain a great perspective and appreciation for his opportunity.
The rehab process plus the perspective he had gained set him up for a great season in 2024, something which he had.
Positional Versatility
Decker played a lot of 1st base this past season, and outfield as well, but he grew up playing shortstop and was a successful athlete in multiple sports. So, he has the athletic ability to become very versatile in terms of the possibilities of where he could play defensively. That will surely give the organization a better chance to find places for him to play and to continue to find the best ways to maximize his offense.Here’s what he had to say about his defensive versatility.
I think being versatile is a good thing, for sure being able to play multiple positions like someone like Chris Taylor. Growing up playing shortstop, basketball, and football I always felt like I was an athlete, so being able to move around really helped me.
Growing up playing shortstop, even though I might not play it in the future, I think was necessary for me to be the best baseball player I could be. And, whatever gets my bat in the lineup is what I want to do.
Moving Forward
Put Cameron Decker in your Rolodex, and put him in whichever part of it you choose, because this dude has “serious” talent. He has a multiple sports background, baseball bloodlines, a humble perspective and a quiet confidence that’s going to allow him to continue to grow.
I could not be more excited to watch his progress through the next couple of years.
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Cam Day: Poised For a Big Year!
Cam Day is a right-handed pitcher in the Dodgers organization who has some of the best stuff of any pitching prospect in the organization, and maybe in all of Minor League baseball. That may sound like a stretch, but the sharp break on his “left turns”, and his potential for velo is a very exciting combination.
Click to hear Day describe his Pitch Mix While You’re Watching Him Pitch Day has been up to 99 and has a very complete pitch mix. He throws a right turning and sinking 2 Seam, a 4 Seam that has some cut, he also features a cutter, a slider that is his best “swing and miss pitch” and a changeup.
Day says each pitcher has their strengths, but his are his 2 Seam and pounding the zone.
Click to hear Day explain his process with video of him pitching Each pitcher has strengths and weaknesses, and for me it’s my 2 Seam fastball. Pounding the zone with that pitch and getting hitters uncomfortable is where I like to start off in my process, and I like to make hitters expand the zone. So, fill up the strike zone as much as I can, then build off of that.
Day has always been a very talented pitcher dating back to his days at Layton High in Utah, then also at the University of Utah, but, as almost every pitcher does when they enter the organization, he has made some adjustments.
Click to listen to Day describe the adjustments he’s made since becoming a Dodger, with video of him pitching. A big thing that we’ve developed is throwing the slider, and introducing a 4 Seam. I relied on the 2 Seam a lot because it was the only fastball I had. Mixing in the off speeds has been big, and then throwing the 4 Seam that goes straight and through with a little bit of cut has been good for me. It gives me more margin for error in my sequencing.
Mechanically we’ve worked on getting into my lower half more efficiently.
Background
Day grew up in Utah, and learned to enjoy playing baseball in a cold weather environment. He credits his dad for creating a mentality that helps him keep an even keel, which helped him deal with the pressure of pitching in front of as many scouts as he did while in High School at Layton High.
Day was a very good position player who eventually decided to become a pitcher only (PO) at Utah where he played his college ball. Day enjoyed his time as a Ute, but chose to go pro after 2 years and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dodgers in 2023.
Here’s how he described the process of becoming a PO
I loved hitting. I could switch hit, and while I wasn’t the quickest mover on the infield, I had the arm strength to get the ball across the diamond. So, I sat down with Coach Anderson at Utah and we talked about it for about an hour, and with the arm talent he saw, and that I felt that I had shown in my career, pitching became something that I just wanted to master because I knew it was what I would probably be doing in professional baseball.
Day describes his time at Layton High School, why he chose Utah, and what his time there was like.
My Junior year at Layton was the Covid year, and I didn’t really have that many scouts looking at me to that point. It was still kind of early and I had just committed to Utah. But, right after Covid in my Senior year, I started to throw a little harder and my pitches got better and I started getting some attraction from the scouts.
Day always wanted to play at Utah because it gave his family a chance to watch him play, so he chose the college route over turning pro out of High School. After 2 years as a Ute he then chose to turn pro and signed with the Dodgers as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Finishing Up
If you haven’t had the chance to watch Cam pitch, make it a priority, because the sharpness and the explosive attributes of his pitches really stick out. Working on all the bridges between lots of breaks, with an equal amount of strikes is all a part of the Minor League process, and that is not different for Day. That’s a process we’re super excited to follow at Dodgers Daily.
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Dodgers Draft Class (Picks 14-18)
The Dodgers are known for drafting players that out perform their draft rankings. This year promises to be no different, and in today’s article, we’re gonna cover the final 5 picks, picks 14-18.
Evan Shaw
Picture Courtesy of the X account of Shaw Shaw is a 6’4 left-handed pitcher out of Kansas, who has always shown to have good “swing and miss” offerings.
Shaw has eligibility left, so he does have some leverage, and being drafted in the 23rd Round (Pick 490), will make that situation at least worth watching. I don’t think the NIL monies would be overly significant to compete with, but Kansas provides an elite education, so there are a lot of factors at play.
Shaw is from Minnesota and originally went to Minnesota State, then to Cochise College where he spent 2 years and became an NJCAA All-Region Team selection. At Cochise, he recorded 184 Ks in 129 Innings, which equates to a K/9 Ratio of 12.84.
He made 10 starts as a Junior at Kansas and recorded another very impressive 12.76 Ks per 9 and a K/BB ratio of almost 3 to 1.
I’ve seen him pitch on a couple of occasions, most recently at the Big 12 Tournament, and he has good poise and good stuff. Here’s what his Head Coach at Kansas, Dan Fitzgerald had to say about the Minnesota Southpaw.
“Shaw had one of the best left-handed sliders in this year’s draft to go along with an above average fastball,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a great athlete and will pitch for a long time in professional baseball.”
High praise considering Fitzgerald came to Kansas from LSU and was at Dallas Baptist before that and helped Dan Heefner build that program into one of the nation’s best.
Jackson Nicklaus
AP Photo/Gary McCullough Nicklaus, despite what you might be thinking, is not related to the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. But, they have some of the same qualities in the sense that winning seems to follow them and he definitely has the “clutch gene”. Just check his walk-off against Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament for proof.
This one is a little closer to me because he went to OU, and he was an integral part of the Sooners team that went into Virginia Tech and beat Nick Biddison’s Hokies, then rushed all the way to the College World Series Finals Series. I also got to see him quite a bit against OSU, and will never forget that Gabe Davis, a pitcher for OSU, reached 100 mph for the first time in a game against him.
That was a cool moment.
He was a Freshman that played a huge role on that team, so he’s a bad dog that knows how to bite when he’s a pup.
Nicklaus has hit 27 home runs in his 3 years at OU, and has also drawn 124 walks, an registered an OPS approaching .900. So, he’s very talented, but then fits the profile of an offensive player that excels in the Dodgers system.
He’s also a very good athlete that throws right to give the maximum positional versatility, but hits left, which suggests someone in his background knows baseball.
I’ve seen this young man hit 2 bombs, and I mean bombs, then lay down a drag bunt for a base hit, and on back-to-back days, so he has skill and a complete offensive game.
It’s time to change the spelling of his last name from Nicklaus to STEAL, because that’s exactly what he is as a 17th Rounder, and as the 520th pick.
He does have eligibility left, and OU is headed to the SEC, and I can tell you that NIL monies are the “real deal”, so this one is wait and see, and, quite honestly, hope for the best. This kid is Good!
Very little movement to his swing, smooth path through the ball, lift in front, which gives a hitter the possibility of the best of all worlds.
Isaac Ayon
© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK Ayon is a 6’4 Right Handed pitcher that came to the Dodgers from Oregon and is from Fresno. He was a top 300 National Player coming out of High School but had his Senior season at Buchanan canceled due to Covid.He got mound time right away as a Freshman in 2021, then was a workhorse in 2022 throwing 87.1 innings. So, he had a good first couple of years but then had to miss all of 2023 due to elbow problems that eventually led to (UCL) brace repair, which is an alternative to Tommy John Surgery.Although he avoided Tommy John the first time, he wasn’t able to escape it as he had to miss 2024 as well, this time to have the Tommy John Surgery.His stuff plays up when healthy though and has touched high 90’s, and his ball has a pretty distinct sinker-ish right turn on pitches located middle-in to righties. His slider has a sharp break, great depth, and the potential to be a + pitch. He pairs that with a changeup with good tumble.This is the 2nd year in a row that he has been drafted, and, having missed 2 years, would have eligibility, so we’ll see what happens.Just as an aside though, taking a player in his situation is not foreign to this organization. This is exactly what happened with Michael Grove at West Virginia, and, to a little lesser extent, Justin Wrobleski at OSU.Chase Willams
Williams is a really talented 19-year-old outfielder with a middle infield background who played a year at Northwest Florida State (Powerful Juco). Then, after hitting .379, parlayed that into an offer from Florida State, to which he is currently committed.Williams is a switch hitter who walked 31 times beyond his lofty batting average and used his speed to steal 29 bases. He also scored 71 runs, so, he masters in getting on, getting over, then getting in.I LOVE his kind of game, and especially the fact that it is being targeted by the Dodgers at a noticeably high rate.Hunter Elliott
Photo courtesy olemisssportssports.com Elliott is a 6-3 LHP who did not pitch this past season at Ole Miss due to having Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers offer a Doctorate for pitchers looking to recover from the dreaded procedure, as they’ve done it with countless pitching prospects.
He does have eligibility left, and, again, NIL money in the SEC is eye-opening, and being the Dodger’s last pick, and overall pick number 610 makes this an interesting situation to follow.
Elliott was a big part of the Ole Miss squad that beat Jackson Nicklaus and the OU bunch for the 2022 National Championship, so he has high-level experience, albeit limited due to injury.
As a freshman, he posted an ERA of just 2.70 and also threw 80 innings, so he was good and was a workhorse. He also recorded 102 Ks and had a batting average against of just .201 and for a Freshman in that competitive of a world, that’s insanely impressive.
Elliott is known to carve up lefties and features a good fastball that he locates very well, a change-up that can carry him, and a slider that is + when it’s on. He also has a ton of grit, and performs even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, and, according t0 Mike Bianco, his Head Coach at Ole Miss, keeps fighting until he “finds it”.
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Dodgers Draft Class (Picks 9-13)
In today’s article we’re gonna cover picks 9-13. More power potential in terms of arms, and more speed in terms of position players. The Dodgers never miss when finding prospects that have the perfect tools to succeed in their system.
Aidan Foeller
Picture Courtesy of siusalukis.com Aidan Foeller is a 6’3 Right Handed pitcher who comes to the Dodgers via Southern Illinois, and is a pitcher that creates a lot of “swing and miss”.
He had 105 Ks this past season and ranked top-30 nationally in Ks/9 at 12.17. which led the MVC, and he has the frame and tools to keep adding. Per the Southern Illinioan, “He recorded 12 or more strikeouts on five different occasions and held opponents to a .249 batting average against.”
He made 15 starts, and, coming into his last outing in the MVC Tournament, he had averaged over 6 innings an outing in his last 7 outings, so not only can he miss bats, he has the ability to add length as well.
His pick is one of projection because he checks the boxes very well in terms of potential. He has length, great extension, and the ability to spin the ball, and when he executes he gathers a ton of strikeouts.
When pitchers enter the Dodgers system, they have the opportunity to earn a PHD in sequencing and execution to go alongside maximizing their mix. It’s why guys like this, who have the raw tools readily available, can excel very quickly, and there is no reason why that won’t happen to Foeller.
Cody Morse
Morse is a 6’6 LHP out of Weatherford College who was committed to furthering his career at OU, but was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th Round. As an Oklahoma native, although I am far from a fan of OU, I can tell you that, if Skip Johnson wants you, you can pitch.
That’s all I need to know, because Skip Johnson is one of the best pitching coaches in the game, at any level.
Fastball was low 90’s this past Spring, to pair with a good backdoor slider that has very sharp breaking action. 3/4 slot, which gives his slider a “natural” sweeping motion, and also gives a “crossfire” feel to his “glove side” locations to his FBs.
His 3/4 slot, especially at 6’6, suggests the potential to be very difficult on lefties, especially if he throws a sinker to pair.
The Dodgers have started throwing sinkers to same-arm hitters to command the inner half, and cutters to opposites to command the outer half, and his natural “cut” should play well to gain that effect.
He has the frame to grow, no question, and a lot of “projectability”.
Mike Villani
Photo courtesy of longbeachstate.com Villani is a 6’2 RHP pitcher out of Long Beach State who has a good fastball/slider combo. His fastball has “sinker” tendencies with quite a bit of “arm side” run, which is something the Dodgers will use to command the inner half of the plate against righties.
His 4 Seam straightens out on “glove side” locations (outside to righties), but has added tail when started center or on “arm side” of the plate. That’s a great combo because it should allow him to be fairly pin-pointed to locations of safety to righties (outer half), but, then, also use movement to get the ball inside and on the hands.
His delivery creates “easy power” in the sense that he creates good velo numbers in what appears to be far from maximum effort with his release. That creates a complicated “perceived velocity” for hitters as does movement moving in.
Those factors of deception helped Villani record a batting average against of just .185 this past season & a K/9 ratio of 10.44.
Bruce Kuntz covered him as a broadcaster at Long Beach State and believes he will be a reliever in the Dodgers system.
Will Gagnon
Gagnon is a 6’1 Right Handed pitcher out of Reedley College, and then, also, Reedley High School, which is a touch over 3 Hours North of L.A.
According to his Twitter account, he features a fastball at 93-95, a slider at 79-82, a cutter at 86-88, and a curveball at 74-76.
He appears to hide the ball very well and already uses a cutter to lefties, which will play well in the Dodgers system. The layering in the change of speeds between his 4 offerings is of interest and will be fun to see how it gets incorporated and sequenced in the Dodgers system.
He is committed to UCLA, so signing him is far from a done deal, especially considering the amount of NIL money being given these days.
Gagnon recorded 27 at-bats in the 2022-23 season but did not have any at-bats this past season, so one would have to assume that playing a position is a thing of the past.
He posted ERAs of 4.65 and 3.69 in his 2 years at Reedley, but then also posted a K/9 last year of 16.43 in 53.2 innings.
Erik Parker
Photo courtesy of Gwinnett Daily Post Parker is an 18-year-old shortstop prospect who is committed to playing for Georgia, so another situation where getting him signed is far from a done deal.
Parker is 6’0 and can play multiple positions, and we all know that versatility is something the Dodgers heavily value. He is also another middle infielder who has a lot of speed, which, again, hopefully, is a sign of offensive shifts within the organization.
His swing is very smooth and very nice. Moves through the ball well, keeps everything very compact, tall(er) back side and has good lift in the front. He has the type of “easy” swing that has the potential to be very line drive oriented, but with Home Run capabilities on the front side of the swing, mainly on inside pitches.
Smooth footwork, has obviously been taught fairly elite glove work and how to judge hops and move through the ball.
He has quite a bit of room to fill out his frame, so moving through a Minor League system would provide him that opportunity, while also gaining reps. At the end of that process, with his speed and smooth mechanics, there is no telling what the ceiling might look like.
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Dodgers Draft: Just What You’d Expect
The 2024 Draft has come and gone and the Dodgers have added a whole new crop of talented players, and in today’s article, we’ll be covering several of them.
Photo by The Philadelphia Inquirer Chase Harlan
The Dodgers used their 2nd pick to select yet another 18-year-old High School infielder, Chase Harlan.
Harlan is a corner infielder, and, at 6-3, and over 200 pounds, definitely looks the part. And, he can hit balls to the moon. He also has a very direct path to the ball, very simple movements in his swing, and a wide stance.
In fact, he gives off some Jeff Bagwell vibes with his setup.
And, while all of that is very good at the current moment, the most exciting aspect of his game is his upside, IMO. At 18 years old, the Dodgers will be able to mold his power stroke almost from scratch. They will have plenty of time to add and subtract to the complexities and the movements in his swing to create a finished product that has serious potential.
When evaluating prospects, it’s always premium to project how they will advance in the Dodgers system, vs. how they perform at any particular moment. With the willingness he has shown to adapt, plus the instruction and opportunity he will get with the Dodgers, watch out, this very easily could turn into a match made in Heaven.
Harlan is committed to play at Clemson, but here’s what he had to say about his decision as to turn pro or not.
“It’ll come down to the amount of money that’s right for me, financially,” Harlan said. “I’ve already settled here at Clemson. I love it here. It’s a special place. I’ve got a big decision to make. It’s definitely one of the more stressful processes. It’s a decision you make for your career and what you’ll do for a living.
“I’m excited for whatever path I decide to take. I’m ready to take on both.”
Harlan was taken with the 98th pick, which has a slot value of $745,000. That is a lot, no question, but, keep in mind, NIL monies are now available, and in many cases in large quantities. And, a college education is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, so these decisions are not as easy as they always seem.
So, stay tuned on the Central Bucks East High alum we’ll keep you informed.
Picture via gopoly.com Jakob Wright
Jakob Wright was the Dodgers 3rd pick in the 2024 draft and hails from Northern California, Paso Robles.
Wright played 2 seasons at Cal Poly and made huge strides his last year there after dealing with elbow injuries his Freshman season. In fact, this past season he threw 5.1 innings against Texas and gave up just 1 run, and threw 6 against Cal State Fullerton giving up just 1 run as well. The Big West is a fantastic baseball league, so posting a 2.97 ERA is not an easy feat, and it was good enough for All-Big West honors.
To add further, he recorded 101 Ks in 88 innings, and gave up just 71 hits in that action, so his stuff has a lot of swing-and-miss, and soft contact on the occasion it does get hit.
Wright has an elite pitch, his slider, which is a pitch that was ranked as one of the best single-pitch offerings of any pitching prospect in the Draft.
The Dodgers love left-handers with sweeping breaking balls. The backdoor and backfoot combos, when paired with dotted-up fastballs is a formula that has produced several really good left-handed relievers in recent years.
Control will be the biggest focus, but, join the club, that’s not something that is uncommon in the Dodgers system which is full of elite pitch types.
At 21 it will be interesting to see how fast the Dodgers move him. With an elite pitch in his bag, but with some refining to do, there’s certainly no hurry. But, Wright faced good competition last year, so, will need to be facing the best hitters possible to maximize his potential.
In a recent interview with Mustang News, Wright talked about his focus heading into the draft.
“Probably to just get bigger, sharpen my craft, throw my pitches where I want to throw them, build on a changeup and little things like that to really sharpen my skills.
Wright offers a fastball in the low 90s and curve ball and a change. He was selected in the 4th Round by the Dodgers.
Brooks Auger
Brooks Auger comes to the Dodgers after a great career at Mississippi State, after transferring from Hinds Community College. He’s originally a product of Cedar Creeks High School in Louisiana and is a very imposing figure on the mound at 6’5 215 pounds.
Auger made a splash in his 1st year as a Diamond Dawg and highlighted it with a spectacular start in the 2021 College World Series where he threw 8 innings of 1 run ball, struck out 13, and gave up just 3 hits.
But, after a great 2021, then a fast start to 2022 Auger tore his UCL and had Tommy John surgery, which ended that season and kept him out for 2023 as well. But, after a longer-than-anticipated rehabilitation, he recovered nicely this past season to post an ERA of 3.35.
Similar to Gavin Stone in his college days, Auger has pitched in every role from closer, to long relief to starter, so the Dodgers will love his versatility. I can smell some “piggyback” bulk inning outings headed Auger’s way.
Auger sits at 93 on the fastball, but has touched 97 and also features a cutter that sits 87ish, a slider that sits 85, and a change that sits 84. He’s touched 90 or above on both his cutter and slider.
Picture courtesy of Oregon State Athletics Elijah Hainline
Elijah Hainline is originally from Spokane Washington, went to Washington State, then transferred to Oregon State for 2024. Hainline still has eligibility with Oregon State and being the 220th overall pick slots him at $250,000.
He was Pac 12 Honorable Mention as a Sophomore and has a very aggressive swing, that has quite a bit of lift at the front. That, in all likelihood, will be seen as a positive in the Dodgers system, because he is going to be able to get the ball in the air. And, in doing so, will use the Minor League system to balance the “swing and miss” with the power to make the most productive offensive player possible.
The Dodgers do this all the time and they almost never fail in finding the best offensive version of each prospect as they work through the system.
Hainline is going to be able to get the ball in the air, he typically swings at the right pitches, he’s a super utility player that specializes in short stop, and, in other words, he’s exactly what the Dodgers look for.
Brendan Tunink
Brendan Tunink will feel right at home in Dodger Blue as those are the same colors he’s always worn at Newman Central Catholic back in Sterling, Il.
Tunink is committed to play at Notre Dame and was the 250th player selected and says it’s a great feeling.
Here’s what he told Drake Lansman of the Shaw Local News Network
“Words can’t even explain the feeling right now,” Tunink said. “This is beyond my expectations of everything. Just super happy my name got called.”
“It means a lot. I mean, it’s the Dodgers,” he said. “They have a great, great organization. They have a really good minor league system. You can’t ask for a better team to go to. Super pumped to be a part of that team.”
“I kind of waited longer than I expected, but that’s OK,” he said. “I got the team that I really wanted. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what round you go, it’s how you perform and compete at that level. I’m just super fortunate to get a really, really good team.
“I’ve got to get some Dodgers gear now.”
Here’s what MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis had to say about Tunink
“Area scouts were trying to figure out exactly where he might go,” Callis said. “They like the bat. He’s got a decent swing, he’s got the bat speed. … sneaky pop, center fielder.
“You like the bat speed, if he gets stronger there might be some power. So he’s a real interesting one. This could be a really nice pick for the Dodgers here in this round.”
It is of note that Tunink also went 18-0 on the mound with an ERA of 1.20, and struck out 204 hitters in 134 innings, so he does have a two-way background. But, so does almost every American pitching prospect in the organization. I’m sure the International pitching prospects do too, but I can’t confirm it on as wide of a scale.
Photo courtesy of Troy Athletics Kole Myers
Kole Myers is a 6’1 outfield prospect out of Troy who was drafted in the 9th round by the Dodgers. Myers is originally from Lafayette, and played at LSU Eunice before transferring to Troy.
LSU Eunice is also where Hunter Feduccia, a catcher in the Dodgers system, played as well.
Here is what his coach at LSU Eunice had to say about him
“Kole is a tremendous athlete who has worked incredibly hard, and we could not be prouder of his achievements after his time at LSU Eunice,” LSU Eunice head coach Jeff Willis said. “We’re looking forward to watching him continue to chase his dreams with the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Here’s what his head Coach at Troy had to say about the speedy outfielder
“Two years ago when Kole set foot on our campus, he helped us create an identity as a program,” Meade said. “He set the tone for us nearly winning 80 games the last two years as one of the most dynamic players to ever play at Troy. He is a super kid from an awesome family, and is going to an elite organization where talents can prevail. We are over the top happy for Kole and can’t wait to see him in professional baseball.”
Myers is a master at drawing walks, drawing 62 last year, and then combining that with 32 stolen bases. His OPS was over 1.000 and has been described as playing “elite” defense in center field during his collegiate days at Troy. In fact, his WAR was 4.42, which was 7th nationally amongst centerfielders.
The College game is, many times, a different offensive approach, where getting on base, getting over, and getting in is valued much more than at the professional level.But, make no mistake about it, he can go deep. He hit 25 home runs in his last 2 years at Troy, so he can beat a defense in every which way.
Seamus Barrett
Seamus Barrett played with Dalton Rushing at Louisville before transferring to Loyola Marymount. At 6’7 he was a bullpen piece with the Cardinals, but then became a very successful starter, while also relieving for the Lions as well.
Good swing-and-miss stuff, including a splitter a sinker that’s 92-94 with good life, and change, curve & slider. He also throws a 4 seam that has touched 97.At 6’7 and with the projectability that he has, this feels like a real steal for the Dodgers. Patrick Copen, Jared Karros, and others with tall frames and projectability have flourished, no reason why Barrett won’t too. -
Kellon Lindsey: Dodgers #1 Draft Pick
The 2024 Draft is complete and the Dodgers have again compiled some great athletes, big guys that can throw hard, and a group of youngsters that promise to bring this organization a lot of excitement.
For the 2nd year in a row, they have chosen speed, last year Kendall George, this year Kellon Lindsey.
Lindsey is a shortstop prospect out of Florida who falls in the mold of infield defenders the Dodgers like. At 6’2 he’s long & rangy, he has a multiple sports background and he’s a great athlete.He was the quarterback on his High School Team until he decided to focus 100% of his efforts on baseball, and he has 80-grade-type speed. Of course, being just 18, and coming straight from High School, he will enter the system with a ton of room to grow, and even more time to do it with.
His swing is short, and he has an advanced understanding of how to pull his hands inside the ball and stay centered and connected. There’s no telling how much home run power there might be in that swing when he matures, but there should be a ton of very natural “gap to gap” potential.
Here’s Billy Gasparino, Dodgers Vice President of Baseball Operations, on the young shortstop prospect.
“He’s a dynamic athlete, and shortstops are so hard to find,” Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Billy Gasparino said in a statement. “We also love his work ethic, and we think he’s going to be a very prototype Dodger player that we all like and are rooting for in the future.”
As mentioned earlier, this marks the 2nd year in a row where the Dodgers have used their top pick to grab a middle-of-the-field player with 80-grade speed, so hopefully that marks a shift, at least in small part, to that aspect of the game. This organization has always valued athleticism and versatility but hasn’t also maximized speed to influence games, so this possible shift could balance out the ups and downs.
Lindsey’s stock is full of “helium” meaning, he has a ton of momentum and is rising fast. Since he quit playing football, and then posted a monster Senior year, Scouts and industry insiders have raved about this young man.
Here’s a quote from Keith Law of the Athletic
“He’s an outstanding athlete who was a quarterback and defensive back before he gave it up to focus just on baseball and recorded the best running times at the MLB combine in June,” Law wrote in his scouting report on Lindsey. “I saw strong defense at shortstop, and he probably starts out there in pro ball, with the obvious potential to move to center at some point given his speed. He’s a huge upside play with a ton of downside risk in the bat.”
From a cultural perspective, Lindsey will fit right in. He is a leader, more by actions than words, but plays with a tremendous amount of confidence. Being a good teammate is top on his list of priorities, the same way as it is within the Dodgers system.
Lindsey was committed to the University of Florida, where he was going to trade in his championship Orange and Blue at Hardee High for the Orange and Blue of the Gators. But, being the first pick of an Iconic organization like the Dodgers, and the 23rd pick overall, surely has changed those plans.
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Damon Keith: All the Tools
The Dodgers are well known for having a scouting system that consistently identifies players who are much more talented than their draft position. Along the same lines, they are equally as well known for developing and maximizing that talent once players enter the organization.
That’s where we start our story of Damon Keith.
Background
Photo via Damon Keith’s X Keith grew up in Redlands California, less than an hour away from Dodgers Stadium, and became a great player during his High School days at Redlands East Valley. He led his team to the CIF post-season while earning an All-CBL First Team selection and got himself noticed by many of the great baseball schools in the area.
He knew he wanted to stay close to his friends and family and he also wanted to go somewhere he could maximize his development.
One school, in particular, Cal Baptist, had everything he wanted, so he chose to be a Lancer, and for good reason. That program is led by the legendary Gary Adcock, the program’s winningest coach of all time. Adcock has posted a remarkable record of 733-386-1, and under his guidance, the Lancer program has won eight conference titles in 18 years, have qualified for the postseason 17 times, and produced 29 draft picks.
So Keith knew he was in good hands, he knew he was going to get to stay close to friends and family, and he knew Cal Baptist would be a great fit.
And, he was right.
At Cal Baptist Keith was voted the WAC Player of the Year in 2021, he was all-conference, and he led the WAC in home runs and runs scored, while also compiling the 2nd most hits overall as well. Long story short, Keith was really good, good enough, to put himself in a position to be drafted.
And that’s exactly what happened when the Dodgers took him in the 17th Round of the 2021 Draft.
Keith did have eligibility left but made the tough decision to go pro despite being super happy and equally as thankful for his time at Cal Baptist. Here’s what he had to say about that decision.
Going Pro just felt right. You know, I had gone through and put in the work and it was something that I have always wanted to do and take the chance on, so it felt right to go after it and take advantage of that opportunity.
Leaving college for a 17th-round selection isn’t an easy decision, especially when you have the great experience Keith had as a Lancer. Keith explains why he chose Cal Baptist and his time there.
Cal Baptist was close to home for me, so I was able to be close to my family all the time and be around everybody I knew in an area I was familiar with. The coaching staff there is great, and they get guys ready, so it was a great fit for me.
17th Round
Photo via Keith’s Instagram If you’ve seen him play, especially in person, it becomes obvious that the 17th Round doesn’t begin to tell the story of how talented the young Southern California native is.
Not close!
He has some of the loudest tools in the game and is known for consistently registering exit velos over 100 mph. That’s what you may know about him, but what you might not know is that he is also one of the fastest players in the Dodgers system as well. When asked if that is an underrated part of his game, this is what he had to say.
I would say so. I’ve heard it a couple of times from some people, and people have gotten on me, even some of my teammates to run more because I definitely can, that’s for sure. When a lot of people see me for the first time they never believe I run as well as I do, so I definitely need to put that to good use a little bit more.
Keith is a big dude, especially in his lower half, so I can understand when people are surprised when they see how well he runs.
How We Got Here
Photo courtesy of Milb.com Keith entered the system in 2021 and spent the rest of his short season at the complex after being drafted. He then started 2022 at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and after hitting .299, was promoted to High A Great Lakes at the beginning of August. He stayed in Great Lakes all through 2023 and was promoted to AA Tulsa at the beginning of this year, 2024.
But his AA debut was short-lived as, early in the season he broke his hamate bone which kept him out until Early June. It was a setback, no doubt, but not one that kept him down for long. Here’s what he had to say when asked about his Hamate injury.
It was a tough one for sure because the goal is always to be healthy and to be out there and be on the field with the guys. So, to have that happen was tough, for sure, but I was told I was going to go to the doctor and I was like, alright, let’s get it going so I can do what I can to get back.
Keith continued
I definitely took the time back in Arizona to get ready as quickly as I could so I could be back out here with the guys.
It didn’t take him long to get back into the swing of things as, shortly after his return, he had 2 walk-offs in the same week, off the SAME pitcher, the first being in his first game at home with Tulsa. I was there for the first one and I can tell you, it was a cool moment.With a Damon Keith smile, this is what he said about the walk-offs
It was definitely special having the home stadium debut and having that happen, you know, twice. Even having it happen once is crazy, but to have it happen twice, and against the same pitcher was definitely surreal, and it was awesome to do that here.
As mentioned, Keith has big tools, and those tools combined with the instruction in the Dodgers organization were bound to be a perfect match.
And, it has been.
Keith couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities he has been given and for the great instruction he has received.
The instruction in this organization is unbelievable. I mean, you hear everybody talk about it, and you don’t fully understand it until you’re in it. I’ve been here for a couple of years and it still feels like I’m learning something new each day. We have staff, trainers, and coaches from top to bottom to prepare people and they do a really good job with that.
Minor Leaguers spend countless hours and put everything on the line to chase a dream. Damon is no different, and to do so, you have to have had a village of people who have all chipped in and helped.
Here’s what he said when asked about his village.
It’s a long list, for sure, but I have to give thanks to my family for all the years driving places getting me where I needed to be, and raising me and getting me ready. All my coaches from High School to college, the ones I’ve worked out with on the side, and even the coaches here and everybody we come in contact with every day. It’s a long list, but it’s a thanks to everybody because it’s not just about the ball player, it’s also about being a man off the field.
Closing
Damon has a world of talent and is putting it all to good use. He’s got everything he needs to make his dreams come true, now, it’s just a matter of continuing to make it happen.
I would like to thank Damon for joining Dodgers Daily, it was a pleasure to get to meet and talk to someone I’ve enjoyed so much in covering the last couple of years. He is a super kind young man, very appreciative of the opportunity he has been given, and is very focused on seeing this thing to the finish line.
After all, it’s always been something he’s wanted to do, and now he’s just one phone call away from doing it.
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Dalton Rushing “I Just Wanna Win”
Click to watch our interview with Dalton
Dalton Rushing was drafted 2 summers ago as the 40th pick and in the 2nd Round of the 2022 Draft. Since then he’s been on a rise that has landed him atop of the Dodgers Prospects list, pretty much unanimously. His “hit tool” is for real, he’s a very good athlete and is a good defender behind the plate.
Those are all the skills and physical gifts one might expect of the Dodgers #1 prospect, no question. But, what you may not know, is that he is one of the most fiery competitors you will ever see on a baseball field. And, despite the attention he’s getting, he has only one goal, and that is to win and to be a part of a winner.
I probably got my competitive nature through playing football. I chose Louisville because they had a thing for winning and that was me to a tee. I was excited when I found out I was going to be a Dodger because I knew they had a winning culture.
Rushing expanded on how important playing in a winning culture is to him
I came from a winning culture before College, during College and throughout College, so being able to follow that through Pro ball was a Dream Come True.
He then talked about how being in a winning culture makes things easier for him.
I was excited because I knew I was going to get to play the same game. You don’t have to worry about yourself or how you’re doing personally, it’s more about just winning.
Now that you have a little context as to “who he is” let’s back up and find out how it all got to this point.
Background
Photo Courtesy of Perfect Game Rushing grew up about 45 Minutes Northeast of Memphis in Brighton, Tennessee, which has a population of 2888. He played football for his first 2 years at Brighton High, then, when it became clear that his future was in baseball, he hung up his football cleats in favor of his baseball spikes for good.
He hit .491 his Senior Year, was a 2019 Tennessee Gatorade player of the year finalist, the #3 player in the State, and was recruited by anyone and every one of College baseball. He chose Louisville because, as the quote earlier stated, he liked their winning culture.
At Louisville, Rushing immediately had to learn patience because the Cardinals had Henry Davis who eventually became the 1st pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. So he wasn’t the Louisville full-time catcher until his last season as a Cardinal in 2022 and had to learn to play other positions, mainly 1st base.Rushing experienced a little bit of everything at Louisville, from Covid in his first season there, to a down year in 2021 for the team, to being just one game away from Omaha in his last season in 2022.
That was the first year, his last year in college, where he had the opportunity to take over the reins as the full-time catcher for the Cardinals.
And, he became one of the best players in college baseball.
He finished his Cardinal career by going 20 for his last 56 (.357) and getting a hit in each of his last 12 games as a collegiate.
He had made a name for himself and was in a position to be an early-round draft pick, which is exactly what he became when the Dodgers drafted him with their first pick of the 2022 Draft. He was the 40th overall pick and an early-rounder, 2nd round to be exact.
And, he couldn’t have been more excited to be drafted by the Dodgers.
He had heard all about the instruction in the Dodgers Developmental system and was excited to be a part of that. But, he was most excited about becoming a part of an organization that preaches the importance of winning, every day and at every level.
And his excitement showed with his play on the field.
He started his career by spending just 2 games at the Complex before being shipped out to Rancho where he continued to stay hot, just as he had been to finish his college career a month or so earlier.
He went 5 for his first 7 and hit .442 in his first full month in professional baseball, and his play made folks take notice.
Rushing had arrived, he had made a name for himself and was ready to embark on his path to becoming a Major Leaguer.
That period was nice, it was really, really nice. I was swinging it really well at the end of my College season and in Super Regionals, and I was swinging it really well when I got to Rancho, so it was kind of just grab the bat and go.
He added
I spent 2 games in Arizona and they were like, hey, you’re going to Rancho, and I was like, alright, let’s go. I got there and it was kind of like just picking up where you left off kind of thing. I was feeling good at the plate, things were going my way, and for about a month and a half everything went my way. That’s not always going to happen, but you take advantage of those opportunities when they come in your baseball career.
Welcome to the Minor Leagues
Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images But, just as it seemed like his steamroller couldn’t be stopped, 2023 happened. After getting off to a good start in April and May, then having a great June, especially considering the cold environments he played in, Rushing got injured. Shortly after getting back off the IL, he went through a 0 for 36 stretch right in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer.
For someone who had as much momentum as he had, and was so highly thought of, that type of situation could be a real eye-opener and a big test of confidence. But, thanks to some elite mentoring, Rushing knew exactly how to handle it.
ALL of it!
He gives credit to his College Coach, Dan McDonnell for teaching him how to handle adversity, and then, also, as he called him, the Godfather, John Shoemaker, the legendary Rancho Cucamonga manager.
Coach McDonnell teaches professionalism, and understanding of what’s in front of you and what your work is. He wants you to understand your opportunities and adventures in the game, and how to handle the ups and the downs. Everything this game brings you, he prepares you for it at a young age.
Rushing continued
Most guys at 18 aren’t being prepared for going 0 for 25, or 0 for 30 in the Minor Leagues, but that was something he kind of embedded into your blood to say, okay, you’re gonna do these things and you’re gonna have to learn how to get out of them. Thankfully those things have helped me down this road.
On Shoemaker, this is what Rushing said
We have a manager in the system, the Godfather, John Shoemaker, and he taught me that nothing really changes between a player. The opportunity arises and you take advantage of it. And that, realistically, it’s gonna be the same game here that it’s gonna be in the big leagues because you’re gonna have struggles in both places. So, along the way it’s gonna be the same exact thing and the more you treat it that way, and the more you enjoy it and make the most of it, and create a little fire and competitiveness, the easier this game gets.
Perspective
Photo by Getty Images That’s some big-time perspective for someone who is just 23 years old and still in AA. And, it’s something that is needed in large doses when you are the #1 prospect in one of the most visible organizations in the world. When asked how he handles the expectations of being so highly ranked, this is what he said.
That’s something you try and leave out of things. I mean, the external pressure you receive from that kind of standpoint itself makes it tough to think about and then also play the game of baseball.
Rushing continued
So, I just think about, how can I just go out and be “me” for nine innings, because you have to be yourself and let the game come to you. You are who you are, and you’re gonna do the things you were put on this earth to do, and you’re gonna do the things that everyone sees in you and just play the game of baseball.
Rushing, as you can tell by his quotes, knew how to keep things in perspective during his injury-led 0fer patch in 2023, and eventually turned that season on its head by hitting .316 in September. He had made it to the other side of his first bit of Professional Baseball adversity and was ready for the next step, AA Tulsa.
And, that’s where he started this season, 2024.
And, in the meantime, became teammates with the Dodger’s #1 prospect from the year before, and fellow catcher, Diego Cartaya.
So, for the 2nd time in his career, he was sharing time with an elite player at the same position.
Good thing Rushing had the experience to draw upon.
Playing with Diego was a familiar standpoint for me, and we both understood that we both had to control the staff and that it couldn’t be one sided. It’s something we had to work together on how we handle the staff, how to talk to certain guys and all of that. We teamed up together and I feel like we did a pretty good job.
Cartaya has recently been promoted and Rushing is nothing but excited for him.
So, that brings us to the present where he is the everyday catcher for AA Tulsa and is an unquestioned leader and one that breeds confidence and competitiveness in everyone around him. When asked where his competitive nature came from, he didn’t hesitate to mention his mom.
I grew up in a single parent household and my mom was the best. She could put a little fire in me, that’s for sure, and she still does. She’s everything anyone could ever ask for in a mother and she’s been everything to me. On the field, off the field, you name it, she’s done it.
Finishing Up
Photo by True Blue LA Dalton is one of the most talented young prospects in the game, no question. He can absolutely mash, his defense is very good, and he has elite skills in just about every way.
But, the most impressive part of what he does, in my opinion, is how he holds his pitchers accountable. He reminds them over and over that they have the easiest job on the field because the hitters are at the biggest disadvantage. And that, all they have to do are 2 things: 1) Attack and 2) Fill up the zone. He also reminds them that, if they are good enough to be in the Dodgers system, then their stuff is good enough to beat whoever is 60 foot 6 inches in front of them.
To be honest, I’m getting fired up just typing that, and I can tell you, his pitchers get just as fired up when he reminds them of these things. He breathes fire into his pitchers and he demands they pitch with confidence, and competitiveness and that they believe they are better than the hitter. It’s hard to explain, but when you see it, it explains itself, and it’s very impressive.
In closing, I would like to thank Dalton for taking the time to talk with Dodgers Daily. These guys have their schedules detailed down to the second, so taking time to let Dodgers fans get to know them better is a great thing to do, and much appreciated. Dalton is a great player, but is a better person, is super kind, is humble, yet, extremely confident. In other words, he is a Dodger!
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Prospects You Need to Know
While the Dodgers Major League Club had a flat night in their return to L.A. there were some very exciting moments up and down the system.
Click to watch Knack in action Landon Knack got the call up from AAA OKC, and, like he’s done every time he’s been given the chance, he killed it. Knack featured a 3 pitch mix (He didn’t throw his Curve Ball), and constantly had the Angels hitters off balance. He’s a pitcher that consistently creates weak contact through elite sequencing, movement & elite execution with both his command & control.
Click to watch Vargas Miguel Vargas continues to gain more confidence with each passing game he has success. A lot of fans would like to see him moved back to 3rd base with the void left by Max Muncy, but it’s not that simple. Vargas has moved around from 1st base to 3rd base, then to 2nd base, almost exclusively at the MLB level, then to Left Field, back to 3rd, then back to left Field.
That’s all in the last 2 years.
So, to ask him, for the 2nd time, to incorporate into a different position at the MLB level, all the while trying to prove himself offensively, with inconsistent playing time, is an ask that not even Super Star veterans could take lightly. To ask a young player who is just now gaining confidence would be a Huge ask, one that the Dodgers have felt is too big to this point.
I can assure you though, Miguel Vargas has an elite attitude, and would accept anything the organization has to offer with open arms, so be on the look out.
AAA OKC
Click to watch Ryan in Action Welcome back River Ryan! Ryan had been out all year with shoulder fatigue, and made his 2nd rehab start last night, first with OKC. Ryan hit 98, and featured his typical change and slider & big swag that he always has.
3IP 1H 0R 4Ks 0BB He sat 96.5, touched 98.9 spin averaged well over 2300 and touched over 2500. That’s a BIG fastball! Cutter hit close to 90, his 4 curveballs got 2 swings, both whiffs, & he threw 1 changeup that landed. Great Outing!
Ryan is not on the 40 man because he wasn’t eligible for the Rule 5 draft last off season, so the Dodgers didn’t have to protect him. So, to get him to L.A. would take some work, someone would have to be removed via DFA, trade or 60 Day I.L. but we all know how creative the Dodgers are in these situations.
What the Dodgers want, in terms of roster construction, they typically get, because they are so thorough in how the do things and leave no stones unturned.
Click to watch Outman in action James Outman has done very well since being optioned down to AAA OKC. Tough situation in that he was a 4 WAR player last year, posted a WRC+ well above league average, and was 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting, only to be given 36 games. But, the decision of where he plays is not something he can control, other than how he plays.
Outman is hitting .296, OPS .974 & has 7 HRs in 108 ABs, which is a home run every 15 at bats. That would be a rate that, over the course of a season, would be close to the top of the entire organization. Plus, his defense is plus, and he has hits in 9 of his last 10 games. So, hopefully he keeps “controlling what he can control” and forcing his way back into the L.A. lineup.
Click to watch Lipcius in action Andre Lipcius has cooled down from what was a crazy pace of offensive output. He started the season going 5 for his first 9 in Tacoma & hit .350 in May, and also, has led the PCL through long stretches in Home Runs with 17. He’s currently behind his teammate Ryan Ward who has 18.
Lipcius has an ISO that is 5 points higher than his K% and has posted a WRC+ that is 28% better than league average, so he has been very good.
A lot of folks think he should be promoted to take over the 3rd base spot left by the Max Muncy injury. First, he’s not on the 40 man roster, so someone would have to get DFA’d or put on the 60 Day IL.
And, no, Chris Taylor, Kike or Gavin Lux aren’t going to happen! At least I don’t think so, so move on from those ideas, at least for the current being.
So, would Lipcius be a good choice?
When I interviewed him for Dodgers Daily he made it very clear that 3rd base is his most natural position, and he’s played 16 games at the Hot Corner, and he’s also played 29 games at 1st base, so he’s definitely most comfortable on the corners.
Click to watch Ward in action Ryan Ward has quietly been one of the best and most explosive hitters in all of the Minor Leagues. In fact, he leads the PCL in Home Runs with 18 and he’s posted a batting average .288, OPS 1.009.
The dude does damage and has one of the best abilities of any player in the organization to hit for both power and average. Also, just know that, last year, he was promoted to AAA well before Andy Pages, and we know how good Pages is.
Click to watch Hoese in action Kody Hoese was drafted in the first Round of the 2019 Draft and got off to very good start to his career. But…then!
Then Covid cancelled the 2020 season, then he had an oblique injury that derailed his 2021 season, then he had a foot injury, then 2024 started.
And, he has finally arrived.
This season, with full health, Hoese is having his best season as a professional this side of his short season in 2019 after he got drafted. He’s hitting .299, OPS 827, he has 6 Home Runs, 34 RBIs and 15 doubles. He’s long been the best defensive infielder in the system and now the “hit tool” has caught up. As Jason Martin said in our interview, everyone’s time table is different, and let’s all hope that Hoese’s time continues to be now.
Click to watch Hurt in Action Kyle Hurt is back from injury and was just recently moved off the IL, activated, then immediately optioned to AAA OKC. This is why it confuses me when Dodgers fans think the Dodgers need MORE pitching. They already have so much depth that guys like Landon Knack and Kyle Hurt, who have both had success at the MLB level, aren’t getting very many opportunities.
Like every player in this position, all Kyle can do is pitch well and force the clubs hand. We know how the club loves to move their pitchers up and down, so he’ll be getting opportunity soon, at least that’s what the Dodgers history of transactions would suggest.
Click to watch Petersen in action The British Gas, Big Mike, Michael Petersen, made his MLB debut after forcing his way into opportunity. In fact, he got the W in the historic comeback win for the Dodgers this past week in Colorado.
Petersen has always thrown “fuzz” meaning he throws hard, and pairs that with good secondary offerings. He’s called the “British Gas” because he was born in Great Britain and moved to Southern California when he was one. So, he is 100% a SoCal boy, but, because of his British roots, he was a part team Great Britain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he struck out Nolan Arenado and looked very good.
AA Tulsa
Tulsa has gotten hot after a slow start, and it’s, likely, due to some timely promotions. Alex Freeland has been on a tear since he moved up to AA, Damon Keith just recently came off the IL, Diego Cartaya is starting to swing the bat well, and Edgardo Henriquez and Lucas Wepf have just made it into T-Town.
Click to watch Henriquez in action Henriquez has been possibly the most “eye opening” prospect in the entire system this year. He didn’t pitch at all last year due to injury, and, to start this season, had thrown just 70.1 Innings with the Dodgers system since 2019.
Then, the Dodgers put him in the Prospect Breakout Game!
Then, we all sat in wonder as to who the heck is this guy throwing the ball 6000 miles an hour to home plate.
Then, he continued to create momentum, then he got promoted to Great Lakes, then to Tulsa.
So, if you want to know how high the organization is on Henriquez, just look at how fast they have promoted him.
He consistently hits over 100 mph, has touched 102 and has a slider that is very good. No prospect is “untouchable”, meaning, if the right package was offered that no team in their Right Mind would turn down, the Dodgers would have to strike. Especially considering that this roster is World Series or bust. But, Edgardo is as close to as “untouchable” as it gets. This dude is awesome to watch!
Click to watch Freeland in Action Alex Freeland has put himself into some rarified air this year with how well he has played. In today’s podcast, Austin Brubaker even hinted that he might be climbing into one of the most “untouchable” prospects in the organization, and for good reason.
He’s hitting .303, OPS .979, he has 9 Home Runs & 17 stolen bases. He stole 31 bases last year, so he has a good shot at being a 20/30 guy, and and outside shot at being a 20/40.
And, all the while doing so with an average over .300, an OPS approaching 1.000 & a fielding percentage at Short Stop of .966. That .966 fielding percentage would place him 7th best at the MLB level, to give it some perspective.
Click to Watch Rushing in Action Dalton Rushing has been as advertised this year for AA Tulsa. His average is just .258, and while that is very respectable, it just scratches the surface of how good he has been.
First, the intangibles!
This dude is one of the most fiery and competitive dudes I have ever seen on a baseball field. He holds his pitchers accountable, and if they’re wavering in confidence, he lights their fire.
I’ve seen him transform usually mild mannered pitchers into fire breathing dominators in the biggest moments of games. Yes, Jack Little, I’m looking at you!
Then, just the overall impact!
He has energy to spare & it is all positive and works towards his competitive edge. And, it’s infectious! He has a very quick release, a good arm, frames the ball well, and can throw from his knees.
Offensively, beyond his .258 average, he’s posted an ISO that is higher than his K% of 20%, which is very good. He also has a walk rate of 12% and when you put all of that together it adds up to a WRC+ of 137, which means he’s 37% above league average when compared to his peers.
I understand that the Dodgers just signed Will Smith to an extension, but I would throw up in my mouth if they traded this guy.
Sorry for the visual…Intentionally dramatic
Click to watch Beck in action Austin Beck is in a similar boat to Kody Hoese in the sense that he was a 1st Round Draft Pick, in his case in 2017, but has fought injury and is hoping he has finally arrived. He came to the Dodgers via Free Agency from the A’s and is very comfortable under the instruction and structure of the Culture of the Dodgers system.
And, he’s having a good year!
He’s hitting .250, has an ISO of .256, a Home Run per Fly Ball rate of 26.3% and a WRC+ of 127. The top end is great, but the one thing I think he’d probably like to see improve, as he continues to improve in this system, is his strikeout rate. He’s striking out at a 34.7% clip, but when your HR/FB rate is so high, that makes up for a lot of that, which the WRC+ reflects.
Click to watch Knowles in action
Antonio Knowles has a really nice pitch mix working, and his execution has been totally spot on. He’s throwing the sinker to lefties that “hops” back over the plate, then his devastating slider to righties, mixed in with the occasional 4 Seam to the top of the zone, or any location that needs to be very specific.
Knowles has posted an ERA of just 1.74, he’s averaging close to 11 Ks per 9 innings, he’s giving up less than 1 Home Run per 9 and his K% is 30.1%. He carries an elite pitch in his tool bag, his slider, of which is so good, I gave it a name, the Conchinator.
Conchinator comes from the fact that Knowles is from Key West & is proud to be a Conch alum.
Click to watch Boyer in action Logan Boyer is in the same vein as Jack Dreyer and Edgardo Henriquez in the sense that he is insanely talented, as his results this year show, but he he’s fought the injury bug.
In fact, coming into this year, Boyer had thrown just 40.1 Innings since being drafted in 2019. But, he’s healthy now, his fastball is touching 100 and he is totally dominating. He’s posted an ERA of just 1.59, and he has 27 Ks in 22.2 Innings. His K% is 30%, he’s allowing less than 1/2 a Home Run per 9 innings and his average against is just .182.
He has a big arm and, injury not withstanding, promises to have a bigger future.
Click to watch Wepf in action Lucas Wepf has turned into a force. He added some really nice weight to his legs and lower half of his body and it has payed off in huge dividends. He’s approaching 100 MPH, and with his awkward motion, it makes it very uncomfortable for hitters.
His ERA was just 1.84 in 29.1 innings with Great Lakes and he has yet to give up a run in his 2 innings so far with Tulsa since his very recent promotion. Wepf loves the high leverage moments, is super competitive and is even more fun to watch. He is “must see’ TV!
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