Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Los Angeles Places Five Prospects in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100

Even as top talent graduates, the Dodgers boast a deep farm system. MLB Pipeline’s top 100 list is the latest example of why.

Cody Bellinger, Yadier Alvarez, Alex Verdugo, Willie Calhoun and Walker Buehler all cracked the rankings. Bellinger came in highest at No. 13, placing him seven spots lower on this list than Keith Law’s No. 6 rating.



Los Angeles saw Corey Seager and Julio Urias breakthrough in the past couple of seasons. Smart money says Bellinger is next up. Even with Adrian Gonzalez at first, Bellinger also plays the outfield, accelerating his path to Chavez Ravine.

The recently dealt Jose De Leon comes in at 33, which would’ve made him the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect. Instead that honor goes to Alvarez, who is four years younger than De Leon. The 20-year-old placed at No. 49. L.A. reportedly valued him more than De Leon in trade negotiations. I wrote about Alvarez being the next great Dodgers prospect last September.

Verdugo possesses an ideal blend of speed and contact. He projects as a middle of the lineup hitter who could develop 20-homer power if he continues to grow physically. Verdugo is a well-rounded outfielder projected in the Christian Yelich mold.

Calhoun, often considered the long-term solution at second base and perhaps the successor to Logan Forsythe, slotted at No. 82. Calhoun carries a viscous bat, but defensive limitations could keep him from skyrocketing up the rankings. He’ll be with the team throughout spring training, which will be a fair determiner in how ready he is to contribute at the Major League level. His lefty bat and Forsythe’s presence leaves a lot in the air.

Buehler came in at No. 93. The Dodgers were fortunate to grab Buehler, 2014 Baseball America’s top pitching prospect, 24th in the 2015 draft. He required Tommy John surgery and dropped with a health red flag. His fastball sits around 94-96 and is complemented with a curve, slider and changeup. The 22-year-old could be the Dodgers’ next fast riser.

Farhan Zaidi talks Logan Forsythe, trade rumors

Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

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