The Los Angeles Dodgers currently have one of the best farm systems in baseball that’s not only led by a few elite prospects but also features plenty of depth. That was demonstrated on all levels of the organization this season, with several prospects making an impact across the board.
In some instances, with Julio Urias for example, there was expected success with Triple-A Oklahoma City and the Dodgers. Though, injuries forced the club to lean more heavily on the young left-hander than they initially planned.
For others, Jose De Leon, Grant Dayton, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart and Andrew Toles, to name a few, how the 2016 season unfolded could not have been foreseen.
De Leon made his MLB debut a year earlier than expected, Stripling began the season as the Dodgers’ fifth starter, Stewart made meaningful starts, Toles became an near-everyday left fielder and Dayton emerged as a trusted reliever.
Beyond the likes of De Leon and Urias, Bellinger and Calhoun are part of the next wave of prospects gaining notoriety in the Minors.
They were among the players named Dodgers organization All-Stars, via Josh Jackson of MiLB.com:
Catcher — Keibert Ruiz
First baseman — Cody Bellinger
Second baseman — Willie Calhoun
Third baseman — Edwin Rios
Shortstop — Tim Locastro
Outfielders — Andrew Toles, Johan Mieses, Kyle Garlick,
Utility — Rob Segedin
Right-handed starting pitcher — Brock Stewart
Left-handed starting pitcher — Michael Boyle
Relief pitcher — Joe Broussard
The 21-year-old Bellinger batted a combined .271/.365/.507 with 26 home runs and 71 RBIs in 117 games with Double-A Tulsa and Oklahoma City. He earned a late-season promotion to OKC and stuck with the affiliate for their playoff run.
While, Calhoun, a 22-year-old second baseman with power, hit .254/.318/.469 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs in 132 games with Tulsa. Calhoun joined Oklahoma City for the Pacific Coast League Championship.
Bellinger and Calhoun were among the prospects sent to the Arizona Fall League.
Stewart and Toles took similar paths to their respective MLB debuts, with both beginning the season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga and making stops with the Drillers and OKC prior to joining the Dodgers.
Rob Segedin, career Minor Leaguer and newcomer to the Dodgers organization in 2016, reached the Majors in August after a strong showing with Oklahoma City, and enjoyed success while sticking with the club for the remainder of the season.
