Yadier Alvarez – RHP
The revered Baseball Prospectus ranks Yadier Alvarez as thebestprospect in the Dodgers’ organization heading into 2017. The $16 million bonus babysignedout of Cuba as a flame-throwing 19-year old in 2015 proved a smart investment in 2016.
With afastballclocked as high as 99 mph, the lanky right-hander destroyed batters in Rookie and A-ball, racking up 80 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings, allowing 40 hits and walking only 21 batters. His slider is dominant, and his delivery has beendescribedas “free and easy.”
While the Dodgers brass brings pitchers along slowly –seeJulio Urias – it is not unfathomable that fans may see at least a cup of coffee from Alvarez in September. The innings count will be a major factor, but the creative roster machinations utilized by the front office and implemented by Dave Roberts may foist a September surprise on the National League west.
Rest assured, Alvarez already has the repertoire to compete on the big league level; it is just a matter of honing his command and refining some rough edges.
Yadier Alvarez has the highest projected ceiling of any Dodgers prospect, says@davidchoodhttps://t.co/LSNUjmE15Rpic.twitter.com/gjJ4uQtd5N
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen)February 25, 2017
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