Despite recent trades and graduations, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to boast a bevy of talent and potential within its Minor League ranks. The organization’s farm system recently placed No. 8 in MLB Pipeline’s update.
That represented a two-spot jump for the Dodgers’ farm system, as it previously checked in at No. 10 in MLB Pipeline’s 2018 preseason rankings. Only the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds placed higher this time around.
The Dodgers’ rise in the rankings can be attributed to a number of factors, including the front office ultimately holding on to most of its top prospects past the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Los Angeles shipped out only one of its top-10 prospects in outfielder Yusniel Diaz, who was the centerpiece to acquire All-Star shortstop Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles at the non-waiver trade deadline.
Moreover, the organization has seen many of its notable prospects take the next steps in their respective careers this season. The likes of Dustin May and Gavin Lux, in particular, have enjoyed breakout campaigns and were highly sought-after in trade talks. The Dodgers reportedly refused to include the pair in offers for Machado.
Alex Verdugo continues to lead the way as the Dodgers’ most talented prospect. He tore the cover off the ball for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season while also seeing some time at the Major League level to boot.
The 22-year-old is one of four Dodgers farmhands to recently crack MLB Pipeline’s top-100 prospects midseason update. At No. 28 on the list, he is joined by catchers Keibert Ruiz (No. 37) and Will Smith (No. 72), as well as the aforementioned May (No. 81).
With Walker Buehler losing his prospect status early on, May took the helm as Los Angeles’ top pitching prospect. After a terrific showing with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, he was promoted to Double-A Tulsa at the end of July, where he has since experienced some growing pains.
