Dodgers: Three backup options for Cody Bellinger at first base

2. Edwin Rios

Not many Dodger fans may know about Edwin Rios unless they are avid minor league watchers. Heck, we did not even have a picture of Rios in our database. Rios is ranked as the Dodgers’ 16th best prospect on MLB Pipeline and was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB Draft.

Although he is not a familiar name in many households, Rios could find himself smashing baseballs out of Dodger Stadium sometime in 2018.

Rios is another left-handed hitting power bat in the Dodgers system. Although his stock is nowhere close to that of Bellinger’s, he has electric pop that has translated to professional baseball. While the transition to the MLB is a whole new level, Rios has earned his shot at the big leagues.

Rios is a career .302 hitter in the minor leagues with 54 home runs and 180 RBIs. Last season, in split time between AA Tulsa and AAA Oklahoma City,  Rios hit .309 with 24 home runs, 34 doubles and 91 RBIs.

Rios has the versatility that could find him at either corner infield position as well as a corner outfielder if necessary. Chances are that Rios will find some path to the majors in 2018 as the season transpires. When he does get there, he could do enough to become a power-hitting, backup utility for LA.

And part of that role is at first base behind Cody Bellinger. While Rios will not start the year in the MLB, he could have a significant role come season’s end.