Dodgers Rumors: Five Dodgers who could break out in 2017

Yadier Alvarez – RHP

The revered Baseball Prospectus ranks Yadier Alvarez as the best prospect in the Dodgers’ organization heading into 2017. The $16 million bonus baby signed out of Cuba as a flame-throwing 19-year old in 2015 proved a smart investment in 2016.

With a fastball clocked 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 been described as “free and easy.”

While the Dodgers brass brings pitchers along slowly – see Julio 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.