Dodgers Prospects Who Could Contribute in 2016

Austin Barnes (#13):  

Barnes had a brief appearance with the Dodgers in 2015, and if any injuries occur to Yasmani Grandal or A.J Ellis, Barnes will be the first catcher to replace them.  He has hit for Avg well in the minors, and also has a good OBP.  His defensive skills seem to be a plus as well.  With Grandal still the unquestionable starting catcher right now, and Ellis still serving as a great veteran backup, it’s unsure where Barnes will fit in down the road.  But assuming the Dodgers hold on to him this year, it seems like a safe bet that he’ll at least get a crack at contributing sometime during the season.

Frankie Montas (#4): 

Montas was acquired in the same trade that brought in Micah Johnson.  He also got a brief call-up from Chicago last season, and some think he may be ML-ready now, even though he’s still only 22 years old.  He’s got a live arm and has the potential to be a top tier starter, although he could also wind up as a reliever if he struggles with his command.  There’s a good chance the Dodgers have Montas start the year at AAA and continue with his development, but a September call-up or possibly even a spot start somewhere along the season wouldn’t be surprising.

Outside Chance of Appearing

Ross Stripling (#25): 

Stripling missed all of the 2014 season after Tommy John surgery, but came back nicely in 2015.  At 26 years old, he may have already made his ML debut if not for his injury.  The problem, again, comes with the current depth that the Dodgers have in their starting rotation.  He’ll likely be at AAA to start the year, however, if the Dodgers get bit by a bunch of injuries (just look at last year) Stripling could get a call.  He projects as more of a mid-level starter.

Jharel Cotton (#17): 

Cotton bounced around at different levels of the minors last year, and will probably start this year at AA or AAA.  He started 11 games in 2015, but most believe Cotton will end up being a relief pitcher, which could give him a quicker shot to make the club.  He has the ability to miss bats (9.8k/9 inn strikeout rate in 2014 and 10.7 in 2015) but he’ll need to continue to develop his off-speed pitches.  A mid-season call-up isn’t out of the question for the 23-year old, especially if there happen to be any injuries to relievers.

Chris Anderson (#9): 

Another first round pick by the Dodgers (2013), Anderson could turn out to be a starter or a reliever.  He’s only 23, and had some ups and downs between AA/AAA last year, finishing with a 9-10 record and 4.74 ERA.  With the ability to throw multiple pitches, the Dodgers will likely give Anderson a shot to be a starter, but if he gets a mid-season call-up this year, it will likely be coming out of the bullpen.

Julio Urias (#2):  

Other than Corey Seager, Urias is probably the prospect that Dodgers fans are waiting for the most.  He’s only 19 years old, but had already made his way up to AAA ball by the end of last year.  Many scouts believe that Urias pitches beyond his years, and he obviously has the ability to improve even more with how young he is.  Just as with Jose De Leon, the Dodgers have been steadfast in their desire to not part with the talented youngster, despite numerous rumored trades within the last couple of years.  The Dodgers are gradually trying to work up his pitch count & innings, and continue to develop their young prospect, so it’s very likely Urias could spend at least another full year in the minors.  Depending on how he does down at AAA, a September call-up could happen, although it’s probably not likely.  Dodgers fans may have to wait another year before getting to see Urias in the big leagues.