Dodgers: 2017’s (a Little Past) Mid-Season Prospect Rankings

10. Will Smith

Smith is a guy I’ve mentioned a few times this year, not only for his great name but because he’s one of the most athletic catchers in all of the minor leagues. His athleticism and defensive ability are what gave him this spot over another great catching prospect in the system, Keibert Ruiz. Ruiz has had a better year swinging for average, but Smith has flashed the power, and that is a tool less equipped to catchers these days.

Smith recently made the move up from Rancho to the Tulsa Drillers. This will be a real test to see how his bat fares against better pitching. His strikeout rate has been high this year and is probably his biggest concern going forward. His elite-level defense will take him very far, but he will need to reduce the punches if he wants to join the likes of Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes.

9. Mitchell White

Another draftee from the class of 2016, Mitch White was somewhat of a surprise when the Dodgers selected him last year in the second round out of Santa Clara. Since then, he has been nothing short of dominant at every level he’s been at. Before suffering an injury this year, many thought White was on a fast track to the bigs and may have even breached the bullpen by the time this season was over. As nice as that may be to think about, there is certainly no rush for the 22-year-old at this point.

Like Smith, White recently was moved up to Double-A Tulsa, where he made his first outing since the injury, and he looked to be on the same track as he was before. His 2.17 ERA over his minor league career has got to have the organization drooling over him, and his 11.2 K/9 is pretty nice as well. White could be the first member of the 2016 draft class to hit the major league level so keep your eyes on him over the next year or so.