Dodgers: MLB Comparisons for Some Current Top Prospects

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The Dodgers have always had a knack for developing their own farm system into fan favorites and superstars. For some fans, it is hard to keep up with them because many don’t have the opportunity to see them play. So to make it easier here are some of our top prospects and their closest current MLB comparison.

For this list, I will stay towards the top of the farm system. Players who fans have likely heard of, but have probably not gotten the chance to see play a single pitch. This means no Julio Urias, Alex Verdugo or Walker Buehler because most fans have seen them play.

Some of these players could become household names in the near future while others could have some immediate impact this season. This team has shown year after year that even a plethora of injuries couldn’t derail the season because the amount of depth this organization has.

Fans have always had a special bond with players who have come up through the system. Clayton Kershaw, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger all had and still do have the hearts of many Dodger fans. There is just that feeling fans get knowing that the Dodgers developed this player through their system and lead the way to create this great path.

The only problem with this is fans take a while to finally get with that player unless they have seen him play. Minor league baseball isn’t exactly plastered all over sports center and MLB network so fans can only go by what they hear. Hearing the same phrases on repeat isn’t that helpful so these comparisons should help get fans an idea of what the future holds.

Yadier Alvarez

The 21-year-old right-hander has been a topic of discussion for many fans familiar with the farm system. He is 6’3 and just 175 lbs. He still has not filled into his body quite yet. With that being said, Alvarez still sits in mid to upper 90’s with his fastball.

He has a changeup that can be filthy when he is on. His strikeout pitch is his slider. With his long and lanky body, he is able to get that wipeout action most dominant sliders have. Alvarez still has some work to do but he has all the makings of a top of the end rotation.

The comparison I have for Alvarez is Aaron Sanchez of the Toronto Blue Jays. Similar body type, the only difference being Sanchez at 25-years-old has filled into his body as he weighs 30 lbs more than Alvarez. Both have a similar delivery. Very simple with no extra movements and a very slight hesitation at the top of their leg kick. They both deliver very smooth and it looks crisp. Very pretty to look at.

They both also hit 96-97 and do it very easily. They do not look like they exerting themselves it just looks so easy for them to throw the ball that hard. Sanchez and Alvarez also have a similar repertoire.

Like I mentioned fastball is almost identical with 4 seam action. Changeup can be dominant. The differences come with their put away pitch. Sanchez relies on that dirty curveball and Alvarez on his wipeout slider. Sanchez was dominant in 2016, hopefully, Alvarez can be just as good.

SAN JUAN, PR – MARCH 8: Fans of Cuba display a Cuban flag as they cheer their team during their game against Panama at the World Baseball Classic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 8, 2006, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Yusniel Diaz

Yet another international signing here. The Dodgers have done a great job in international free agency. Diaz is yet another example of this. He is 21 and stands 6’1 weighing 200 pounds. He is as athletic as they come. The Cuban defector can play all 3 outfield positions because of his ability to read the ball well and tops it all off with plus speed and a plus arm. He has all the makings of a future Gold Glover.

With that being said his comparison is a current free agent. Lorenzo Cain. Similar build and athletic abilities. As we know Cain is a perennial Gold Glover and is among one of the best defenders in all of baseball.

Yusniel Diaz has all the tools necessary to follow in the footsteps of Cain defensively. Diaz could play any outfield position like Cain, but the best use of his ability would be in Center Field in order to get your money’s worth on him. This is because offensively he isn’t exactly going to blow your mind with his numbers.

However, he will be a solid hitter. Diaz, like Cain, isn’t a power hitter but will make you pay for any mistake you make over the middle of the plate. He does most of his damage gap to gap. Legging extra-base hits and getting on base. His discipline at the plate is special.

He isn’t going to get you 30 bombs and 100 plus RBI’s but he will get on base and hit around .300 with a high OBP and be a table setter for your team. If Diaz can turn into Lorenzo Cain the Dodgers are in a very good spot.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – MARCH 12: Victor Martinez /

Keibert Ruiz

The reigning minor league player of the year has shot up the Dodger rankings. Ruiz is doing everything possible to become the future backstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers. At just 19-years-old Ruiz has continued to impress at every single level he has been at. He has not hit under .300 at any level and just continues to hit the cover off the baseball.

He is just going to get better and it is scary to think that he is not even 20 yet. This comparison is actually quite an easy one. It is just screaming right at you. Victor Martinez. Think Victor in is prime except more athletic.

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The reason this is so easy to make the comparison is 2 things that stand out. Both from Venezuela and both switch hitters that are just as good on both sides of the plate. Apparently, Venezuela has something in the water because they have produced 3 of the best pure hitters in the sport; Miguel Cabrera, Jose Altuve, and Victor Martinez. Ruiz hopes to follow in their footsteps.

Like Martinez, Ruiz has a great idea of the strike zone and does damage on pitches he wants. Both are very difficult to strikeout and will have some of the toughest AB’s. His power numbers are starting to go up which will just add to his ability. Aside from being great with the bat, he is a great pitch caller and receiver like Martinez was in his prime.

Next: A minor league flame thrower who could make a difference in 2018

Ruiz is just a special player from what I have been able to see and hear about him. Ruiz might be the best prospect in the system and still somehow remains under the radar but another big year will get him on the radar of many more fans.

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