Dodgers Rumors: Five Dodgers who could break out in 2017

Keep an eye on: Walker Buehler – RHP, Brock Stewart – RHP, Willie Calhoun – Second Base, Austin Barnes – Second Base/Catcher

Walker Buehler was an outstanding collegiate pitcher for Vanderbilt who needed Tommy John surgery almost immediately after being drafted in the first round. He bounced back in 2016, striking out six in his first start, lasting five innings.

Though that is a small sample size, the fact that he was back on the mound had the organization feeling optimistic. Then came this Spring. Buehler was touching high-90s on his fastball, and was causing a buzz throughout camp.

Now comes word that Buehler will likely appear in the Freeway Series versus the Angels – it might not be long before he gets that call and is pitching in a regular season game.

Brock Stewart is a 25-year old that started five games with the Dodgers, mostly in September. His numbers were middling – a 1.60 WHIP, 5.79 ERA – but the Dodgers are hopeful about his contributions for 2017. He will likely figure in the bullpen upon his return from shoulder tendonitis, but the Roberts and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt’s familiarity with the right-hander will loom large in determining what type of role Stewart will have this season.

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Willie Calhoun is an intriguing prospect for the Dodgers mostly because of the power he provides at the position he plays. The 22-year old second baseman slammed 27 home runs in his first full season as a professional in AA last season. His glove work is a bit unrefined, but that bat and power are tantalizing at a position where the Dodgers acquired a good, but not great, player in the offseason.

Logan Forsythe, along with de facto captain Chase Utley, will provide good cover for the team that should allow Calhoun to develop. His power, however, may warrant a late-season call-up for Calhoun.

Austin Barnes is a tough player to project because he is 27 years old. Though he ranks as the 12th-best catching prospect in the game, his intrigue and value comes through versatility. In his limited time with the Dodgers, Barnes received starts at second base and third base, as well as behind the dish. He has appeared in 41 games for the Dodgers and has a lifetime .180 batting average.

His minor league lifetime average of .299 bodes well for future hitting performance, and his 18 steals in AAA Oklahoma City in 2016 could be a sneaky addition to his otherwise well-rounded game. Barnes will likely stick with the Dodgers as a backup catcher/utility player, and could be an unsung hero throughout the season.

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Well, there you have it Dodger fans. Heading into the 2017 season with very high hopes, there is our Dodgers rumors and five players that very well may break out.