Dodgers: Under the Radar Prospects to Keep an Eye on in 2018

MESA, AZ - MARCH 10:
MESA, AZ - MARCH 10: /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Dodgers
DENVER, CO – JUNE 1: A general view of the stadium from the outfield before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on June 1, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Cristian Santana, Infield

Another lesser-known prospect, Santana had a great 2017 season in Ogden and Great Lakes. He hit .537 in Ogden and was almost immediately promoted to A ball with the Great Lakes Loons. With the Loons, he hit .322 and was very productive in the games he was able to play.

The 20-year-old Dominican had 10 home runs in the 54 games he played. He is aggressive as they get at the plate, only walking 11 times in those 54 games. He might have to refine his approach a bit in order to get into more hitter-friendly counts but despite this, he was still able to hit very well. If he is able to refine his approach he will be a fast climber in the system.

He has all the tools necessary to be a big league player. Something else that will help him work his way through the system quicker is his versatility. He is able to play good defense at every infield position. His main position is third base but he is athletic enough to play the middle infield and, if necessary, even the outfield.

Santana was hampered by injuries but should be back strong and continue his growth as a ballplayer. He could help himself in 2018 with another year of improvement and make a jump into the top tier of the Dodgers prospects. 2018 will be very important for him to build on his breakout 2017 and really make his name known.