MLB Pipeline and Baseball America are the two most widely reported individual team top 30 prospects lists. MLB Pipeline (MLB) is the most visible because they are on the team’s MLB page.
Surprise, surprise, per MLB, the LAD #1 prospect is Japanese RHP Roki Sasaki.
My current dark horse candidate, Jaron Elkins, checked in at #24.
Interesting groups in the top 30. The list includes 7 teenagers, and 3 others that have only reached age 20 . The list is comprised of 13 players acquired from the draft, 13 International Free Agents, and 7 were acquired via trade.
The list includes 3 players who have not yet made their professional debuts. Two players were 2024 draft picks, SS Kellon Lindsey (#8) and 3B Chase Harlan (#20). The third player who has not yet started his professional career is OF Mike Sirota (#21), who they acquired from Cincinnati in the Gavin Lux trade.
Two RH pitchers on the list are out for the year due to TJ surgery: River Ryan (#10) and Kyle Hurt (#22), the two oldest prospects on the list.
Two of the players played in the DSL last year. Emil Morales (#7) was the DSL MVP in 2024 after batting .342/.478/.691/1.169 in 301 PA. He had 14 HR and 25 XBH with 40 BB and 45 K. He also had 12 SB with only 2 CS, and grounded into only 2 DP. He is going to be fun to watch this year.
The second player who played in the DSL last year was their 18 year old OF from Taiwan, Ching-Hsien Ko (#16). He only had 40 PA, so 2025 will be his first extended audition to professional baseball.
Besides Ryan and Hurt, three other pitchers have made their MLB debut: LHP Justin Wrobleski (#11), RHP Ben Casparius (#14), and RHP Edgardo Henriquez (#18).
Three prospects have reached AAA: C Dalton Rushing (#2), SS Alex Freeland (#5), and RHP Nick Frasso (#13). Frasso is already on the 40 man, while Rushing and Freeland are potential 40 man additions this year.
Three other prospects have reached AA: LHP Jackson Ferris (#4), SS Noah Miller (#25), and RHP Jared Karros (#30).
With 12 prospects reaching AA or higher, that leaves 18 prospects who have reached either high A (4), full season A (7), ACL (2), DSL (2), or have not played (3).
As expected 15 of the prospects were pitchers; 12 RHP and 3 LHP. 1 catcher, 7 OF, 5 SS, and 2 3B make up the other 15.
The prospects best tools per MLB.
Hit: 60 (Grade) — Josue De Paula
Power: 60 — Zyhir Hope (Josue De Paula, Emil Morales)
Run: 80 — Kendall George (Kellon Lindsey)
Arm: 60 — Eduardo Quintero (Jaron Elkins, Kyle Freeland, Zyhir Hope, Noah Miller, Joendry Vargas)
Defense: 70 — Noah Miller
Fastball: 70 — Edgardo Henriquez (Maddux Bruns, Nick Frasso, Kyle Hurt, Roki Sasaki, Eriq Swan)
Curveball: 60 — Jackson Ferris (Maddux Bruns, Peter Heubeck, River Ryan)
Slider: 60 — Ben Casparius (Maddux Bruns, Jackson Ferris, Hyun-Seok Jang, River Ryan, Eriq Swan)
Cutter: 70 — Edgardo Henriquez
Changeup: 65 — Jose Rodriguez
Splitter: 80 — Roki Sasaki
Control: 60 — Roki Sasaki
Per MLB, Maddux Bruns has the arm tools to be an Ace. Unfortunately he also has the control tool to be a bust. Hopefully this will be the year he makes the adjustment.
The Dodgers Top 30 prospects per MLB Pipeline:
It’s the 7th of March and the big news is that it’s the Doyen of LADR’s birthday.
Happy Birthday Badger – can’t believe how quickly that has come round again!!
Hope you have a great day my friend.
Good write-up. I really like what I see from Freeland this spring. He’s a player and will fit right in–likely next season. Rushing’s bat–and eye–is ready, but for a guy who catches I haven’t seen him catch. Ferris has huge upside. He, along with Ryan, Stone, Sheehan & Frasso, will be running for a rotation spot next year. Guessing Hurt will convert to relief.
Great stuff Jefe. I really enjoyed watching Ferris pitch yesterday. Great catch to end the game by Dean. Outman looking like he will be back at OKC along with Pages. Edman or Bote can start at second and Kike can play CF for now.
Jeff, thanks for this article today. It gives us a concise look at the insane pitching depth that the Dodgers have. One or two pitchers may find a place on the active roster. Most will be used in trades to keep the farm stock younger prospects. the use of current prospects will be determined, unfortunately, by injuries more so than performance.
I’m looking forward to an exciting and successful 2025 season.
I’m assuming Watford is correct in declaring a day of celebration for Badger’s birthday. I’m on board. Happy Birthday Badger!! Enjoy your special day.
Carry on
Changing my sleeper pick again.
Elias Medina!
Do me proud!
It appears that Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound has been temporarily stalled. He is not expected to throw any bullpens until after the team returns from Japan.
Just when he is going to ramp up to be ready to assume a SP role as well as DH? Now will the Dodgers stay with a 5-man or go with a 6-man in May leaving only 7 for the pen?
Happy Birthday Badger. I enjoy your comments and insights. Enjoy the buffet.
Dumb question…..why isn’t Hyeseong Kim, our recent infielder we added, on this list?
Happy Birthday to an esteemed aficionado of the Dodgers! On this extraordinary day, may your celebrations be as exhilarating and memorable as a World Series victory under the dazzling lights of Dodger Stadium. May the sun shine with relentless brilliance, echoing the glory of our beloved team and inspiring you to seize every opportunity that comes your way. As you proudly don your cherished Dodger blue Badger, may you be enveloped by the warmth and camaraderie of fellow fans who elevate your spirits to new heights, just like a soaring home run. Here’s to a year brimming with captivating moments, remarkable achievements, and the exhilarating thrill of triumph. Raise your glass to another magnificent year—where every inning is infused with the promise of greatness!
Happy Birthday Badger.
Just some idle speculation about the Dodgers’ prospect team roster:
C–Rushing
1B–De Paula (because he should learn the position) or Jeondry Vargas (shifting from SS like Ernie Banks…or maybe he plays 3B
2B–I like Freeland here; Noah Miller as UT
3B–Emil Morales, big guy shifting from SS. (He and Vargas are similar.)
SS– Kellen Lindsay… with more athleticism and upside (including the Trea Turner comp), the ex-QB, first-round draft will push Freeland, Morales and Vargas to other roles,
OF– Zyhir Hope, Quintero, George…and I’m really intrigued by Ching-Hsien Ko, the 18-year-old slugger from Taiwan.
DH– De Paula, if he can’t play 1B… maybe Ko?
Rotation: Sasaki, Ferris, Ryan, Wrobleski, Frasso, Casparius, Jang
Any word on Gonsolin?
He last pitched the same day as May. That would have had him out there yesterday but he seems to have disappeared.
@Bums
lovely words above