MLB Los Angeles Dodgers

Ranking the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Top 10 Prospects Heading Into 2015

Ranking the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Top 10 Prospects Heading Into 2015

Los Angeles Dodgers
Brett Davis- USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have plenty of talent at present, as evidenced by their first-place finish in the NL West in 2014. Even more help is on the way too, as the Dodgers have a solid farm system both in terms of elite talent and depth. Here's a look at how their top prospects rank heading into 2015.

10. Chris Reed

Chris Reed Los Angeles Dodgers
Rick Scuteri- USA TODAY Sports

10. Chris Reed

Chris Reed Los Angeles Dodgers
Rick Scuteri- USA TODAY Sports

Reed put together a nice season in 2014, posting a 3.22 ERA in 23 Double-A starts before struggling in a Triple-A cameo. The lefty's arsenal does not jump out at you, but he has three average or slightly better pitches in his fastball, slider and changeup. His two-seamer and slider have flashed above-average, but remain inconsistent. Reed needs to hone in his control, but there is a middle to back-end starter there.

9. Darnell Sweeney

Darnell Sweeney Los Angeles Dodgers
Joe Camporeale- USA TODAY Sports

9. Darnell Sweeney

Darnell Sweeney Los Angeles Dodgers
Joe Camporeale- USA TODAY Sports

Sweeney proved his lower-level success was not a fluke in 2014, as he slashed .288/.387/.463 at Double-A. He has nice contact and on-base abilities, and though his power is only average or a tick above, it plays well out of the middle infield. Sweeney also impressed with his versatility in 2014, as he played 23 games in center field, 28 at shortstop and 81 at second. His plus speed gives him great range, and he also has a solid arm.

8. Scott Schebler

Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

8. Scott Schebler

Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

Schebler proved any doubters wrong in 2014, as he hit .280/.365/.556 with 28 homers at Double-A. He hits the ball with authority, resulting in solid average and power. An aggressive approach does mean he likely will not walk a ton at the big league level. He has nice speed and range in the outfield, but not quite enough to play center, and a poor arm will limit him to left. Schebler could further crowd the Dodgers' outfield before you know it.

7. Chris Anderson

Los Angeles Dodgers Baseballs
Kirby Lee- USA TODAY Sports

7. Chris Anderson

Los Angeles Dodgers
Kirby Lee- USA TODAY Sports

Anderson's 4.62 ERA and 63 walks at High-A in 2014 were hardly inspiring, but he still struck out over a batter per inning. He features a nice arsenal, including a well above-average fastball, an above-average slider, an average changeup and a curveball that's a tick below average. His biggest problem is his control and command. Anderson has the upside of a No. 2 or No. 3 starter, but has plenty of work to do to get there.

6. Zach Lee

Zach Lee Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

6. Zach Lee

Zach Lee Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

Lee had a rough go of things in 2014, posting a 5.38 ERA and 5.8 K/9 at Triple-A. Still, he has shown promise in the past, even being ranked a top-100 prospect, and he had a nice year at Double-A in 2013. He has a nice four-pitch arsenal led by his above-average fastball and changeup, followed by his average slider and below-average curveball. If he can take his command to its previous levels, Lee could factor in with the Dodgers in 2015.

5. Grant Holmes

Grant Holmes Los Angeles Dodgers
Reid Compton- USA TODAY Sports

5. Grant Holmes

Grant Holmes Los Angeles Dodgers
Reid Compton- USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers' first-round pick in 2014, many were surprised he fell all the way to 22nd overall. Just 18, Holmes has a plus fastball that has hit triple-digits with late life. He adds another potential plus pitch in his curveball, and his changeup is advanced for a pitcher his age, with above-average potential. He has also already shown decent command of all of his pitches. Put all that together, and the upside of a frontline starter is there.

4. Alexander Guerrero

Alexander Guerrero Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

4. Alexander Guerrero

Alexander Guerrero Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

Signed to a four-year, $28 million contract prior to the 2014 season, Guerrero did not get much of a chance to make an impact partially thanks to being blocked and partially because a bizarre injury. When healthy, he showcased the advanced hitting he was signed for, slashing .329/.364/.613 in 65 Triple-A games. His ability to factor in the Dodgers' plans in 2015 is unclear, but the upside of an above-average, bat-first second baseman is there.

3. Julio Urias

Julio Urias Los Angeles Dodgers
Jerry Lai- USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Lai- USA TODAY Sports

Julio Urias Los Angeles Dodgers
Jerry Lai- USA TODAY Sports

Playing almost the whole season as a 17-year-old at High-A, Urias dominated to the tune of a 2.36 ERA, 11.2 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9. The left-hander already shows a fastball and curveball with plus potential, and his changeup is not far behind. He also has command, control and pitchability well beyond his years. There is a possibility Urias could be in the big leagues before he is 20, and he has all the makings of frontline pitcher.

2. Corey Seager

Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

2. Corey Seager

Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

Seager had a monster season in 2014, hitting .349/.402/.602 in 80 High-A games and 38 Double-A games. Just 20 years old, Seager already shows above-average contact and power abilities that could both become plus. He does need to tone down the aggressiveness of his plate approach, though. He has played shortstop thus far in his career, but a move to third is likely. Seager could be an impact middle-of-the-order bat when all is said and done.

1. Joc Pederson

Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

1. Joc Pederson

Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark J. Rebilas- USA TODAY Sports

Pederson has nothing left to prove in the minors after hitting .303/.435/.582 at Triple-A in 2014. He is well-rounded at the plate thanks to above-average contact and power abilities, along a great plate approach. Defensively, he has solid range and a good arm, and can handle both center field and right field. Where he fits into the Dodgers' 2015 plans remains to be seen, but the team will likely trade an outfielder to open room for him.

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