The Los Angeles Dodgers once again have a strong Minor League system with six prospects named on Baseball America’s top 100 list going into the 2025 season.
Following the signing of Roki Sasaki, they now possess the top young talent in baseball.
Holding the top spot at No. 1, Sasaki finished his final season with the Chiba Lotte Marines carrying a 2.35 ERA, 10.5 strikeouts per nine while featuring one of the most devastating splitters in the sport. He’s joined on Baseball America’s rankings by Dalton Rushing (No. 30), Alex Freeland (No. 46) and Josue De Paula (No. 47) made the top-50.
Zyhir Hope (No. 51) and Jackson Ferris (No. 82), both acquired prior to the 2024 regular season in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, are Dodgers prospects who garnered recognition as well.
Sasaki was expected to be the slotted at the top once he officially signed with a Major League team. Still just 23-years-old, the right-hander is expected join the Dodgers’ starting rotation out of Spring Training.
Perhaps being the most advanced bat in Minor League Baseball, Rushing was transitioned away from his primary catcher position last season, spending a fair amount of time patrolling left field. After a much deserved promotion to Triple-A, he batted .273/.396/.511 with six doubles, nine home runs, 26 RBI and 25 runs scored in 37 games.
His roadmap to MLB could be as early as the upcoming season, should the Dodgers have a need for left-handed pop.
Freeland batted .260/.387/.442 with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, 74 RBI and 91 walks between three levels of the Dodgers’ Minor League system. He is the top shortstop prospect in the organization.
He could earn a promotion to the Major League level in 2025 if the plan with Mookie Betts playing the position takes a slip and the Dodgers opt for a natural fit at the spot.
De Paula is a wild card on this list with immense upside as a position player. His natural tools are very attractive, and the 19-year-old batted .268/.404/.405 with 17 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 62 RBI and 27 steals this past season.
Hope and Ferris were acquired when the Dodgers shipped out former Dodgers prospect Michael Busch to the Cubs, which left some perplexed. But Hope has become one of the most intriguing options in the Minor Leagues.
With the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Hope batted .287/.415/.490 with 16 doubles, nine home runs, 31 RBI and eight stolen bases. He was one of six Dodgers prospects to take part in the 2024 Arizona Fall League.
Ferris rounds out the group, and remains on the watch list to contribute to the Major League roster in the coming years. Producing strong numbers at two different Minor League levels in his debut season with the Dodgers, he possesses a live arm with a big league frame.
What to expect from Roki Sasaki
The Dodgers said at his introductory press conference that Sasaki’s plan is for him to join the starting rotation without much deviation from a standard schedule he previously pitched in.
Sasaki’s upside is unbelievable, and the rookie should have a seamless transition once he gets over the initial hurdle of facing Major League hitters on a regular basis.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
