Dodgers: 2017 Biggest Draft Steals and Impact Players

2nd RD Pick 62 – Morgan Cooper Pitcher – University of Texas

More from Dodgers Way

• Dodgers might find their next Tyler Anderson with this free agent target
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Are Giants falling off and joining Dodgers at back of Carlos Correa chase?
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Don’t hold your breath on Dodgers making Justin Turner decision soon

Just as the Dodgers selected an Austin Barnes clone in the third round, they got a Ross Stripling clone in the second round. Morgan Cooper was the ace of the rotation at the University of Texas and is likely going to end up in the long reliever role that Ross Stripling currently holds. Cooper has similar size to Stripling as he is 6’4 220 pounds.  He has already had Tommy John surgery but still sits in the 92-94 mph range.

Cooper is known for wearing down late in the season, so he will need to work on building up some endurance. This issue makes him best suited for a long relief role if he proves incapable of shouldering a lot of innings.  Cooper features a fastball, curveball, cutter, and changeup.  He definitely has the arsenal to remain a starting pitcher, so the deciding factor will be how he handles pitching late in the season.

Regardless of the role, he fills he should be a useful pitcher for the Dodgers.  If he is turned into a reliever, he will reach the big leagues faster but given he’s a second round pick the Dodgers will likely give him a chance to start first.  Best case scenario is that Cooper ends up a solid back end of the rotation starter and the worse case scenario is he ends up an average reliever.

Next: Potential Dodger All-Star Snubs

Although the Dodgers were drafting from the back half of the draft yet were still able to come away with quite a few steals. The fact that they decided to draft older, college players shows that the team may be looking for a difference maker sooner rather than later. While outside of Kendall there isn’t much super star potential, the Dodgers were able to make themselves better by drafting quality baseball players to help continue their franchise success.