Dodgers Rumors: If Cody Bellinger stays, who is the Dodgers top prospect?
By Jason Reed
1. Alex Verdugo – CF
- .333 BA, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB (AAA Oklahoma City)
The stat line may not be the most impressive thing in the world, but the all-around impact that Alex Verdugo has for a baseball team is huge. Verdugo is a solid hitter, he has some decent pop but is not much of a power hitter. Instead, he has a silky smooth left-handed stroke that can find gaps and slice the defense. Hence his .333 batting average in AAA ball.
The biggest plus about Verdugo is his great fielding. Verdugo is essentially a nice blend between Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig. Verdugo is decently quick, nothing insane, but has the reaction time and break away speed that gives him range similar to Pederson. Add in his excellent throwing arm and Verdugo would make the perfect right fielder at the big league level.
More from Dodgers Rumors
- Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: Mookie Betts close to a massive contract extension
- Dodgers Rumors: MLB trying to resume play in May
- The Los Angeles Dodgers were robbed of making history
- Dodgers Rumors: Why the potential Jose Martinez trade is genius
- Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: There is no point in trading for Jose Abreu
Verdugo is just about as ready for the big leagues as you can be, yet likely will not see Chavez Ravine until the rosters expand for the postseason. Verdugo may get an unexpected call-up due to injury much like Bellinger did, but besides that chances are we may not see Verdugo at the MLB level for a couple of months.
The obvious reason for that is that the Dodgers outfield is very crowded. Yasiel Puig does need a left-handed hitting platoon partner with Andre Ethier on the DL, but the Dodgers need that roster space for their bullpen.
The team would need to either send Andrew Toles or Enrique Hernandez down to bring Verdugo up, which is highly unlikely.
Verdugo has the potential to be something special for the Dodgers. With a great swing, okay power, good speed, and excellent fielding and throwing Verdugo is a guy that can bring it all to the table.
Next: Which Dodgers' outfielder is most likely to be dealt?
Well, there you have it. There are our top three Dodgers prospects according to these Dodgers rumors. Chances are Bellinger will be back in OKC soon to reclaim his throne, but until then, that throne belongs to Alex Verdugo.