Dodgers: Five players who will improve the most in 2018

1. Alex Verdugo

Alex Verdugo did not get a significant opportunity to shine on the big league club in 2017. When the left-handed hitting outfielder did get his September call-up though, he failed to capitalize and played as a rookie with no big league experience should play. The transition to big league pitching faltered Verdugo, leading to a very underwhelming stat line in his short MLB tenure.

Verdugo made 15 appearances for the Dodgers in September, making 25 plate appearances in the process. The rookie outfielder mustered just four hits, one of which was a home run for his only RBI, accounting for a .174 average. He struck out four times and walked twice.

That poor start may lead to some skepticism from Dodger fans. Dodger fans have been spoiled with immensely hot starts the last two seasons from Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager. After seeing that, and then seeing what Verdugo did, it is not surprising to see Verdugo’s stock fall.

However, any rational Dodger fan understands that Verdugo is still the best hitting prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system and has a swing that naturally will succeed in the MLB. Verdugo’s smooth left-handed stroke naturally leads to gap-to-gap production; warranting him as an extra base machine.

Plus, it helps that Verdugo has solid fielding and a very strong arm. Those things alone will get him playing time in 2017, his bat is going to be what keeps him there.