Dodgers Prospect Kody Hoese Credits His Development to Justin Turner and Time at Alternate Site in 2020
Dodgers former first-round pick Kody Hoese has had a fantastic spring at the plate in just six games (1.571 OPS). LA’s number four overall prospect still has a long ways to go, but his improvement has been encouraging early in camp.
Hoese joined David Vassegh on AM 570 last week and credited last year’s Alternative Training Site at USC with his continued development. More specifically, the opportunity to try to hit off of major league arms.
I thought it was great for us guy that got to go out to USC… we got our at-bats in. We faced some great, great arms out there. I was facing some major leaguers daily … I think overall, it was very beneficial for me to go out there and just continue my progression of getting better and developing.
Vassegh asked if he had the opportunity to hit off of World Series champs Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May at USC.
Yep. Tony. Dustin. Seen JoJo [Josiah Gray] a lot. [Walker] Buehler a few times. Some guys that were rehabbing came down and threw to us. Got to see some quality arms out there … it was very beneficial to see what’s at the top of the MLB.
Kody Hoese – By The Numbers
Now experiencing his first big league spring training, Hoese was asked who he’s tried to learn from around Camelback Ranch. The former Tulane ballplayer smartly mentioned Dodger veterans Justin Turner and Mookie Betts.
Mainly JT just because he’s at third base. I kinda just study him. See what he does before the games. Just see his daily routine. Just watch him. He’s done it for so long at such a high level. Even Mookie Betts, just how he goes about his day. How hard these guys work when guys aren’t actually watching.
The invaluable experience of training next to veterans like Mookie Betts and Justin Turner should only help Hoese get better. Between Single-A and the Arizona Fall League in 2019, Hoese slashed .299/.380/.483.
If he continues his progression at the plate, Hoese could one day mature into a legitimate Dodger big leaguer.
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Hoese & Vargas give us hope for strong competition with Rios in the future. Vargas is a right handed bat. I believe Rios may end all the speculation. Rios can hit and with power.
Turner and Betts are team leaders with a genuine team attitude. Betts taught Barnes how to hit. Turner is teaching guys too. These two are both future manager material, if they want to go that route.