3 Dodgers Prospect to Watch in 2020

While L.A.'s loaded minor league system makes them one of the best organizations in all of baseball, some of their lesser-known prospects who are a little further away but may be just as good aren’t on as many radars—but should be. Here are three.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely familiar with their best young prospects, like infielder Gavin Lux, pitcher Dustin May and catcher Will Smith. All three debuted last season and project to play major roles at the big-league level in 2020. While their loaded system makes them one of the best organizations in all of baseball, some of their lesser-known prospects who are a little further away and may be just as good aren’t on as many radars—but should be. Here are three.

Luis Rodriguez, Outfielder: Just 17, Rodriguez signed for a whopping $2.67 million out of Venezuela this past summer. The teenager is a well-rounded athlete who projects to be above average in just about every facet of the game, although he currently lacks one dominant tool. Ben Badler of Baseball America indicated “several scouts consider him the No. 1 player out of Venezuela,” which is a hotbed of young talent. He is years away from L.A., but his ceiling is that of a regular All-Star, which will make his development fun to watch.

Diego Cartaya, Catcher: Another bonus baby out of Venezuela, Cartaya inked his own $2.5 million deal in 2018. He is the rare backstop who has the tools to be a plus hitter and an impact defender. Still just 18, the right-handed hitter batted a combined .281 with four homers in 49 games in 2019 for Los Angeles’ Arizona League and Dominican Summer League affiliates. As one of the youngest players there, he more than held his own against older prospects. MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez lauded Cartaya for “his pitch recognition and feel for the strike zone.” He also noted, “[h]e has shown some power to the gaps … and has a reputation as a great receiver with very good hands.” Like Rodriguez, he is also nowhere near ready for the majors, but could develop into an impact prospect for either the big club, or as an asset they can utilize down the road as a trade chip. 

Michael Busch, Second/First Base: Last year’s first-round pick (31st overall) isn’t exactly a secret, but lacks the hoopla of many of his fellow prospects. A work in progress on defense, the left-handed hitter has an impact bat. Busch draws lots of walks while posting modest strikeout totals. He has the power to become a regular 25-30+ home run in the majors. If all goes well, he profiles as a potential replacement to Max Muncy, which could come in handy in the next couple of years as the veteran becomes more expensive and progresses into his 30s. Busch played in only 10 minor league games in 2019 because injuring a hand on an HBP. 2020 will be a big year for the 22-year-old to acclimate himself to the rigors of the pro game after a standout career at North Carolina. If he plays well his stock should rise significantly. 

Andrew Martin is a historian, with a specialty in baseball. You can find more of his work on Medium and at his personal blog, The Baseball Historian. He has been featured by a variety of newspapers, magazines and online publications, including Yahoo! and Bleacher Report among others. Follow him on Twitter.