Dodgers prospect profile: DJ Peters should be on everybody’s radar
By Jason Reed
DJ Peters is not a name that many Dodger fans are familiar with. However, the 21-year-old should be on every fans radar as he progresses through the Dodgers farm system.
Six-foot-six, 225 pounds, plays right field – sound familiar? Although he is one inch shorter and about 60 pounds lighter, Dodgers prospect DJ Peters has the “big guy” appeal that has swarmed around Yankees phenom Aaron Judge. With his second full season of professional baseball coming to a close, Peters is proving that he could become a household name.
The Quakes’ slugger was recently crowned the 2017 California League MVP and Rookie of the Year. Peters, who was drafted in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, made the leap after playing rookie ball last season. There, the slugger hit .351 with 13 home runs in 66 games played.
It is no surprise that Peters took home the MVP honors, either. Through 120 games played Peters has slugged 24 home runs, drove in 74 RBIs and has hit .284. Peters was second in the league in home runs, fourth in RBIs and sixth in runs. This performance played a huge role in the Quakes’ league best 34-23 record.
Still, Peters is not getting the recognition he may deserve. MLB Pipeline ranks Peters as the 17th best prospect in the organization. While it is a testament to the Dodgers farm, there is no reason Peters shouldn’t crack the top 10. His .903 OPS led the California League last season and is, in fact, better than Cody Bellinger’s .873 OPS with the Quakes back in 2015.
While Peters is not on the same level as Bellinger yet, he does deserve far more recognition. Following his season at Rancho, Bellinger moved into the top ten.
More from Los Angeles Dodgers
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw can bury the narrative
- LA Dodgers: Julio Urias was key to winning a championship
- LA Dodgers: All parties to blame for Justin Turner COVID debacle
- LA Dodgers: Corey Seager was rightfully named World Series MVP
- Los Angeles Dodgers: World Series Champions by the numbers
Ironically, MLB Pipeline has given Peters very similar ratings to Bellinger’s in 2015. On a 20-80 scale, the duo has the same power (55) and run (50). Bellinger had a slightly better hitting grade while Peters owns the edge with his arm. The biggest downfall for Peters is his fielding, which is rated at slightly below average.
However, Peters did make improvements in the outfield this season. With 209 putouts and 10 assists, Peters only made six errors. While it could be improved upon, yes, he has made the same amount of errors this year as he did last year in almost twice as many innings.
While his big, uppercut swing may cause some problems as he progresses through the farm, Peters’ has the bat speed to make it up. As he comes up through the system, that swing will only get prettier and prettier and the ball will only fly farther and farther.
Next: Players not on the 40-man that will make playoff roster
Overall, fans should keep an eye out for Dodgers prospect DJ Peters. The 2017 California League MVP is already in good company. The last Dodgers prospect to win the award? Corey Seager.