Dodgers Position by Position Breakdown: The Farm System

RELIEF PITCHERS 

Top Prospect:  Yaisel Sierra

You won’t find him on any prospect lists since he is older (though still only 26) and was signed as a player with “pro” experience in Cuba, but I have him here because he is the closest thing to a pure relief pitching prospect the Dodgers currently have in the system.  Jordan Sheffield may end up in the bullpen, but he will likely begin this season as a starting pitcher.  Sierra was signed to a six-year $30 million contract in February 2016 and was outrighted off the roster later that season

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after struggling as a starter.  His contract served as a deterrent to teams selecting him in the Rule 5 draft both this offseason and the previous offseason.  Last year strictly out of the bullpen split between AA and AAA, Sierra posted a 3.04, with 81 K’s in 71 innings, and appearing in 39 games. Sierra will be in big league camp this spring and will have a chance to impress the coaching staff.  The Dodgers are hoping they will soon benefit from their investment in Sierra.

Top Reinforcement:  Yimi Garcia

Garcia spent last year recovering from Tommy John surgery but appears ready to have a breakout year.  The Dodgers front office is confident Garcia will provide an experienced RH arm late in ballgames.  Garcia still has a minor league option and would benefit from getting some innings under his belt before stepping back onto a major league mound.  However, there is a chance Garcia cracks the bullpen on opening day.  If there is an injury or underperformance by one of the forecasted relievers, Garcia will be ready to step into the role.

Next: Losing Yu Darvish was necessary

The list above is of course not representative of all the talented players that the Dodgers have in their deep system, especially amongst the pitchers.  You will be seeing most of the players above at Dodger Stadium this summer.  The key to the Dodgers championship run will once again be the depth and quality of their farm system.