While the Los Angeles Dodgers went on a spending spree in free agency last year, at their core they are an organization that strongly emphasizes drafting and development.
The Dodgers utilize Minor League talent they have accrued over the years to bolster the roster, whether that is promoting prospects, relying on veteran depth at various points or as trade candidates to address glaring needs.
While the Dodgers have been flexing their financial might more and more in recent years, they have gotten to where they are now as perennial contenders on the backs of previous draft classes. Take Walker Buehler for example who was drafted in 2015, and was still making an impact for the team nine years later by closing out the World Series.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Baseball America released their initial ranking of the top-10 Dodgers prospects, which is headlined by Dalton Rushing and includes fast-risers Alex Freeland, Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris:
1. Dalton Rushing
2. Alex Freeland
3. Josue De Paula
4. Zyhir Hope
5. Jackson Ferris
6. Eduardo Quintero
7. Kellon Lindsey
8. Justin Wrobleski
9. Joendry Vargas
10. River Ryan
After hitting .271/.384/.512 21 doubles, 26 home runs and 85 RBI in 114 games across Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, Rushing has earned a shot to prove himself at the Major League level.
One issue is finding a spot for Rushing given Will Smith’s presence, but it’s likely he’ll break through with the Dodgers in left field.
The Dodgers began playing Rushing in left field by the middle of this year in effort to find an eventual spot for his bat in the Majors. The Dodgers could have some vacancies in the outfield or at least a spot on the bench depending on how the offseason shakes out. Regardless, Rush will be good outfield and catching depth in 2025.
Freeland was the biggest riser in the Dodgers farm system in 2024, going from relatively off the radar to one of their highest-rated prospects in a matter of months.
Freeland finished 2024 with Oklahoma City after starting in High-A Great Lakes. Across all three levels he hit .260/.387/.442 with 32 doubles and 18 homers. Freeland demonstrates great control of the strike zone which allows him to work counts and draw walks at an impressive rate.
On defense, Freeland has the instincts, range, glove and arm to be a quality shortstop. He also has the versatility for a utility role, with experience at second base and shortstop. Like Rushing, he provides solid depth and could be called upon in case of injury in 2025.
Josue De Paula and Hope are two extremely young outfielders who are likely a couple years away from reaching the Majors. Both enjoyed encouraging seasons in the lower-levels of the Minors and could be future cornerstones of the Dodgers’ outfield.
Eduardo Quintero is another young outfielder in the Dodgers’ pipeline. Signed for $297,500 out of Venezuela in 2023, Quintero dominated in Arizona Complex League by hitting .330/.459/.449 in 185 at-bats as he made the transition to the outfield from his original catcher position.
Quintero did not find the same success with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, but at just 19 years old there is plenty of time to find his footing.
Justin Wrobleski and River Ryan were both called upon by the Dodgers in 2024 as injuries to their starting rotation began to mount. Ryan had some promising moments before an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) strain in his right elbow required Tommy John Surgery and ended his season.
Wrobleski did not find much consistent success in the Majors, but could be called upon again if the Dodgers are in need of starting pitching.
River Ryan’s Tommy John surgery
Ryan was 1-0 with a 1.33 ERA, 18 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 20.1 innings before his season came to an end. The procedure to repair his strained UCL was a success, but Ryan is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
