Dodgers: Pitching Prospects to Keep an Eye On in 2017

Trevor Oaks

Trevor Oaks is another righty arm that will be in the starting rotation for the Dodgers’ AAA affiliate to start the year. As I wrote earlier in the spring, Oaks has the consistency and stuff needed to be a major league starter and he has certainly proven capable in his chances.

His fastball command, like Stewart’s, is on par with those at the highest level, and Oaks ranks amongst the best in the Dodgers farm system. His scoreless streak from the spring continued in his AAA debut this year, throwing another four scoreless innings while striking out two.

Although the Opening Night starter for a minor league club isn’t quite the honor it is at the major league level, it still says a lot about Oaks that he was handed the ball Day One for that club.

Another big positive about Oaks has been his ability to stay healthy. In a day and age where pitchers’ arms are treated as they were made of paper, Oaks has been able to consistently rack up innings in the farm system. His ability to pitch week after week with no disruption bodes well for a player waiting for the last minute call up that happens ever so often.

Oaks’ biggest issue, if his pitching stays on point, may simply be that he is in a crowded system when it comes to talent. On many other clubs, he could have even been on the Opening Day roster, but he will have to wait patiently here and hope his number gets called. In the meantime, maybe he can play some piano.