Dodgers: Constructing the Future Dodgers Rotation

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October 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias speaks to media before game three against the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Julio Urias

He probably isn’t the next Clayton Kershaw, but the fact that he’s drawn comparisons to the best pitcher on the planet shows how high in regard the Dodgers hold him. He is considered a generational arm by many and has been dominating professional hitters since he was 16-years-old.

With 100.1 innings thrown, Urias is no longer a prospect, but his age (20) suggests otherwise. Most 20-year-old baseball players are still years away from tasting the bigs, but he did it as a teenager.

His rookie year numbers suggest an excellent campaign for any starter, let alone a 19-year-old rookie. He was the youngest player in the majors last season (still was this year), yet at times dominated people ten years older than him.

After getting called up, he made 18 appearances (15 starts) and finished the season with a 3.39 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 77 innings. After the All-Star Break, he went 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 40.2 innings.

No teenager should be able to produce like that in The Show, so it just shows how special Urias truly is. He is currently in the minors (and on the DL) because of his early struggles with LA, but don’t fret, he’ll be back this season. He’s just too talented to not figure things out. And remember, he’s only 20.

With the Dodgers’ current ace a southpaw, it’s only fitting if their next one is too. Julio Urias has one of the highest ceilings of any pitcher in the entirety of Major League Baseball and with his four-pitch arsenal, he has the makings of a true ace.

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