Los Angeles Dodgers: Reranking the Dodgers top ten prospects
By Jason Reed
6. RHP Jordan Sheffield (MLB Pipeline: 8)
Jordan Sheffield was the second of three consecutive Vanderbilt players drafted by the Dodgers over the span of three years. The Dodgers selected Sheffield with a compensation pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, making him the 36th overall selection.
The transition from college ball to professional baseball has been a smooth one for Sheffield. This season, playing for Class A Great Lakes, Sheffield has started 12 games and has posted a 2.84 ERA. His strikeout rate is a huge upside, standing in at 8.7 K/9, with his walk rate alarmingly high at 4.3 BB/9.
Sheffield’s mid to high nineties fastball alongside his deceptive changeup has the potential to be a deadly one-two punch at the big league level. As he further develops the rest of his arsenal, Sheffield will only continue to be a menace on the mound.
5. OF Yusniel Diaz (MLB Pipeline: 5)
The second, and last, ranking that I agree with from MLB Pipeline is outfielder Yusniel Diaz. Diaz has four obviously better prospects ahead of him in the Dodgers system, so it makes sense to see him at number five. While those four are mixed around from MLB Pipeline, they are the same four.
However, that should not take away from the good year that Diaz is having with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Diaz has batted to a .278 clip, hitting five home runs while driving in 28 RBIs.
With athleticism on his side, Diaz has the potential to grow into a similar mold as Yasiel Puig. Diaz has good speed and a fairly good arm. With the right coaching, knowing how to use it, Diaz could turn into something special; hence being the 93rd best prospect in baseball.