Dodgers: Options to satisfy the farm system’s needs

Shortstop

There is no question that Corey Seager is among the elite hitters when it comes to the shortstop position, but there are some questions if he will remain at shortstop long term. This season Seager has a -2 rating according to the defensive runs saved advanced statistic. Many see him shifting over to third base once Justin Turner has played out his contract.

Justin Turner did have microfracture knee surgery, so there is also doubt if he will hold up at third base for the remaining three years on his contract after this season. If Turner’s knees continue to get worse, the Dodgers could move him over to first base eventually when Adrian Gonzalez is gone. This could prompt the Dodgers to move Seager to third base and then they would need a shortstop.

The Dodgers did draft Gavin Lux in the first round of last year’s draft, but he is seen as a defensive shortstop that won’t produce much offensively.  Lux is currently struggling with a .227 average this season and has never hit a home run in his minor league career.

Should Lux turn into a bust, the Dodgers will find their farm system to be dry on shortstop talent. It wouldn’t hurt to draft another shortstop to stock the farm with potential shortstop options when Seager inevitably moves to third base.

Potential 1st Rd Pick:  Nick Allen SS, Francis Parker High School (CA)

If you’re a fan of smaller players like Dee Gordon and Dustin Pedroia, then you would Nick Allen.  Allen is only 5’9 165 pounds, but this is his scouting report according to scout.com:

"Allen is instant offense. He brings a skill set that puts the defense on edge. His bat control allows him to sting balls to all fields. His speed forces every grounder to be fielded cleanly and thrown quickly. Once he gets on base, his 6.56 second 60 speed makes him capable of swiping second and third base — sometimes on back-to-back pitches."

If there is one thing the Dodgers have missed since they dealt away Dee Gordon, it is the lack of a legitimate base stealer. Besides Yasiel Puig, Chris Taylor, and Andrew Toles, the Dodgers don’t have any players that can steal off speed alone.

Allen could wind up being a legit base stealing threat from the shortstop position if Seager moves to third. Giving Dave Roberts a legit base stealer would be a move I would love to see.

Allen played varsity baseball all four years in high school and finished with a .373 batting average.  He also pitched a little and is said to have a strong throwing arm for a shortstop. Despite his small stature, Nick Allen would provide the Dodgers’ farm system with some big time talent at the shortstop position.