With a focus again put on drafting and developing prospects, the Los Angeles Dodgers have seen an influx of young talent throughout the organization’s Minor League ranks. It’s led to Joc Pederson and Corey Seager playing a key role in the Majors, with several prospects behind them.
This season the Dodgers called on Jose De Leon, Brock Stewart and Julio Urias, among others, as injuries ravaged the roster. They found a gem in Andrew Toles, and are awaiting the arrival of the likes of Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo.
Willie Calhoun, selected in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft, is on the same trajectory as the aforementioned duo, but faces questions over his defensive ability.
The 22-year-old second baseman said that serves as motivation, via Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register:
“It’s motivating,” Calhoun said of the all-hit, no-hands label. “I’ve always had to overcome something in my part of the game since I was a senior in high school. I’ve always been told I’m too small and everything. Just being able to overcome those types of things is something that I’m going to have to keep on doing.”
Calhoun spent the entirety of the 2016 season with Double-A Tulsa, where he posted a .957 fielding percentage and committed 21 errors in 484 chances at second base. Calhoun put together another productive year at the plate, batting .254/.318/.469 with 25 doubles, 27 home runs and 88 RBI.
While the Dodgers have a void at second base, the club isn’t yet ready to hand the reins over to Calhoun. Though, general manager Farhan Zaidi didn’t rule out the possibility of Calhoun potentially reaching the Majors in 2017.
