Dodgers: Pitching Prospects to Keep an Eye On in 2017

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Feb 16, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catchers catch a bullpen session during a Spring Training practice at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Yadier Alvarez

With the graduation of Julio Urias from the prospect list, the new top dog on the rankings for Dodgers’ pitching prospects is Yadier Alvarez. The 21-year-old has flashed some phenomenal stuff in his short time stateside, including a powerful fastball and wipeout slider.

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Alvarez came to the Dodgers after being one of the hottest international prospects available over the last few years and he has not disappointed since his arrival. The Cuban stud has dominated minor league hitting and missed a ton of bats while doing so. His K/9 ratio last season was above 11.5 in both of his minor league stops, nearly 60 innings altogether.

Alvarez will still need a few years to develop before he makes his first appearance in the grande leagues, but the combination of Buehler-Urias, as mentioned earlier, could be even sweeter as a trio of Buehler-Urias-Alvarez.

The 6’3″ righty has shown a fastball near the triple digits in his time with the Dodgers, which could even have you wondering about his future being in the bullpen rather than the rotation, although having him sit in the mid-90s over the course of a game isn’t a bad idea either. His best pitch, however, may be the slider, ranked as the best in the Dodgers’ system, and a true strikeout pitch.

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Whichever direction the Dodgers decide to go in, even trading the precious piece, he is a major asset to this organization. His ceiling is much higher than, say, the roof, but it’s really anyone’s guess as to how high it is. Alvarez will get his shot in the bigs and it will be very interesting to see the path he travels. Hopefully, it ends with some dominant innings in blue at Chavez Ravine.

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