Over the last few years the Los Angeles Dodgers have rebuilt a farm system that’s regularly ranked among the best in baseball. Two of its headliners are young right-handers Yadier Alvarez and Walker Buehler.
In the time leading up to Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline, both Alvarez and Buehler have been mentioned in trade speculation. Although it was Alvarez who began the season as the highest-rated Dodgers pitching prospect, the bulk of trade interest has lied with Buehler.
Specifically from the Texas Rangers, who are believed to have asked for Buehler or Alex Verdugo to be included in a trade for Yu Darvish. The Dodgers to this point have not shown a willingness to deal Buehler, among others.
In the estimation of one American League scout, Los Angeles would be wise to not trade either Alvarez or Buehler, via ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
An American League scout on #Dodgers pitching prospect Walker Buehler: "It's electric stuff. It's flat out electric.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 30, 2017
The scout on #Dodgers Yadier Alvarez: "It's as pretty as it comes. He'll probably throw 100 someday like he's sitting in a rocking chair.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 30, 2017
"With pitching at such a premium, I wouldn't want to trade either one of those guys,'' scout said of Buehler and Alvarez. #Dodgers
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 30, 2017
While Alvarez is capable of reaching triple digits with his fastball, command has remained an issue. It was highlighted as an area that needed improvement when the Cuban native agreed to a $16 million signing bonus during the 2015-16 international signing period.
Alvarez began the season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga and went 2-4 with a 5.31 ERA, 25 walks and 61 strikeouts across 59.1 innings in 14 games (11 starts). He recorded at least five strikeouts in nine games with the Quakes
The 21-year-old has allowed a combined six runs (three earned), issued 10 walks and recorded 10 strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched across two starts since being promoted to Double-A Tulsa.
Buehler also began the year with the Quakes, joined the Drillers for a stretch, and now is with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He rebounded from a poor Triple-A debut to record nine strikeouts while allowing just one run over five innings.
