Over the past few seasons the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system has been headlined by Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias. Of the trio, Pederson was first to reach the Majors.
He joined the Dodgers as a September callup in 2014, then took hold of the starting job in center field last season. The club utilized a similar strategy with Seager.
The 21 year old arrived once rosters expanded last season, and he is expected to take on a full-time role as the Dodgers starting shortstop next season.
Urias’ development was slowed a bit in 2015 as the young lefty underwent cosmetic eye surgery. Urias is likely to debut with the Dodgers when active rosters expand — just as Pederson and Seager did — before fully embarking on a Major League career.
Though, there appears to be some chance Urias is not with the organization next season as the Dodgers explore trade possibilities in their search for a starting pitcher. Meanwhile, Seager’s future in Los Angeles is much more secure.
Already ranked as the Dodgers’ top prospect by Baseball America heading into the 2016 season, Seager has now been recognized and honored by general managers, scouting directors and front-office executives.
In a survey conducted by Jonathan Mayo of MLBPipeline.com, Seager was voted the top prospect well ahead of Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton:
Who’s No. 1?
Seager, Dodgers — 27
Buxton, Twins — 4
J.P. Crawford, Phillies — 1
Undecided — 1
Urias meanwhile, received one vote for top pitching prospect:
Lucas Giolito, Nationals — 7
Blake Snell, Rays — 6
Tyler Glasnow, Pirates — 2
Sean Newcomb, Braves — 2
Julio Urias, Dodgers — 1
Jose Berrios, Twins — 1
Sean Manaea, A’s — 1
Seager began last season with Double-A Tulsa, where he hit .375/.407/.675 with five home runs, seven doubles and 15 RBIs over 20 games. He then joined Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 1, remaining with the OKC Dodgers into early September.
Over 105 Triple-A games, Seager hit .278/.332/.451 with 13 home runs, 30 doubles and 61 RBIs. Displaying remarkable poise for his age, Seager batted .337/.425/.561 in 27 games with the Dodgers. He then became the youngest position player to start a postseason game in franchise history.
