Diego Cartaya is dripping in talent and has consistently ranked been among the top Los Angeles Dodgers prospects for multiple years. The accolades and impressive rankings he is receiving at such a young age bodes well for his future.
At just 20 years old, Cartaya has already accomplished many things that players well beyond him in terms of experience have never achieved. While the Dodgers have Will Smith practically set as a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future, Cartaya could change the calculus.
How he fits into the organization’s future plans remains to be seen, but as of now, Cartaya is a top prospect with the potential to become one of the best catchers in baseball.
However, the early notoriety and Dodgers prospect rankings are not something Cartaya is motivated by or gives attention to, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I just think that top prospect and all that just means you’re still a minor-leaguer, you know,” Cartaya said of the accolades. “I just work hard like I’m any player. I don’t care about any rank or what prospect I am. Just work hard, play hard.”
When asked about being blocked by Smith at catcher on the Dodgers’ depth chart, Cartaya downplayed having any concern and emphasized a team-first mentality:
“Not really,” Cartaya said when asked if he worries about being blocked. “I’m just trying to be the best version of myself. I’m glad they’re doing a good job. They’re my team. I want the Dodgers to win.”
Working in Cartaya’s favor is he appears to be multiple years away from making his MLB debut. Cartaya has only played in 80 games during his state-side time with the organization, but 2022 should give him an opportunity to play a full season.
Nevertheless, Cartaya being part of the Dodgers farm system was presumed to have played a role in including Keibert Ruiz in last year’s trade with the Washington Nationals.
Cartaya hit mammoth home run off Robbie Erlin in Spring Training
Cartaya recently put his power on display with a moonshot off Minor League signee Robbie Erlin during a workout on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.
Cartaya slugged 10 home runs in just 31 games with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga last year, demonstrating well above-average power for a catcher.
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