Los Angeles Dodgers should hold off on any Keibert Ruiz trade talks

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been pleasantly surprised by rookie catcher Will Smith in his limited big league chances, which has had a domino effect for others.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have arguably the deepest organizational depth at catcher in Major League Baseball. Although the current big league catchers leave more to be desired, the Dodgers certainly have talent throughout the minor leagues.

Los Angeles has two catchers within MLB Pipeline‘s Top-10 at the position and has four catchers within the organization’s top-13.

Dodger fans have gotten a taste of this depth in Will Smith, who has come up when needed from Oklahoma City and has provided in some big spots. Smith already has two walk-off homers to his name despite having only 26 at-bats.

More from LA Sports Hub

Smith is not even the highest-touted of the four catching prospects as double-A catcher Keibert Ruiz is the best prospect in the Dodgers’ entire organization according to MLB Pipeline’s midseason update.

Ruiz is only 20 years old, four years younger than Smith, hence why we have not seen him crack the big league roster yet. The Dodgers also have Diego Cartaya, who the team signed internationally last year, in rookie ball and Connor Wong in single-A.

Wong will probably end up getting blocked off by the catching depth and is a prime trade chip. Cartaya was arguably the best international free agent last year and has massive potential as well.

Because of Smith’s success in limited at-bats and the Dodgers signing Cartaya last July, some have coined the idea of the Dodgers trading Keibert Ruiz, potentially to help the area of the team that needs it the most: the bullpen.

The best available long-term option for the Dodgers would be southpaw reliever, Felipe Vasquez. Vasquez is under team control through the 2023 season and has a 2.10 ERA over the last three seasons.

Last year, the San Diego Padres traded elite southpaw reliever, Brad Hand, to the Cleveland Indians for their top prospect, Francisco Mejia. Mejia, like Ruiz, is a catcher.

That previous trade and the Dodgers’ need for some bullpen help has made that deal a possibility, at least in the eyes of some fans.

Quite frankly, whether it is Vasquez or not, the Los Angeles Dodgers have to hold off on including Ruiz in trade talks. While Smith has been great in his limited chances and in OKC this year, Ruiz still has a lot to prove and openly shopping him this early only diminishes his value.

Not only that, but Ruiz could raise his stock and be worth more than just Vasquez. Vasquez is one of the best relievers in the game right now but great Pittsburgh relievers have not shown to be great for long once traded (Mark Melancon).

And if we are being completely honest, Smith probably is getting a bit overrated because of his success in the big leagues. Yes, he has hit two home runs, but the sample size is immensely small and letting those two home runs be the talking point can lead to disappointment.

Trayce Thompson once seemed like he was the most clutch player on the Dodgers and had high expectations as well. Smith is undoubtedly better than Thompson, but Thompson gives us a reminder to not over-value these players because of walk-off home runs.

Smith still strikes out, a lot, something Ruiz rarely does. Smith has struck out 31 percent of the time in his 29 big league plate appearances. Again, a small sample size, but a sample size that extends to the minor leagues as well.

This is not to say that Smith can’t be successful. The Los Angeles Dodgers just can’t let a decent performance with some clutch hits in 29 plate appearances dictate whether or not to shop their top prospect.

Next. Top 10 teams in Dodgers' history. dark

The Los Angeles Dodgers front office is smart and they know what they are doing. Chances are they won’t make this mistake, hopefully.

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers