Dodgers: Three Surprises From the 40 Man Roster Decisions

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 01: Edwin Rios #78 and Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo as Justin Turner #10 photobombs in the background before the spring training game against the Cleveland Indians at Camelback Ranch on March 1, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 01: Edwin Rios #78 and Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo as Justin Turner #10 photobombs in the background before the spring training game against the Cleveland Indians at Camelback Ranch on March 1, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – AUGUST 18: A general view of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes during a minor league game at Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter on August 8, 1994 in Rancho Cucamonga, California. (Photo by J.D. Cuban/Getty Images) /

RBI leader Cristian Santana left unprotected

One of the biggest surprises in the Dodgers forty man roster picks is that they left Cristian Santana unprotected.  All Santana did in 2018 was lead the entire Dodgers’ minor league organization with 109 runs batted in.  On top of that, Cristian also hit 24 home runs.  In 2019, Santana will be just 22 years old so the Dodgers must feel that nobody will attempt to roster Santana given hat he has yet to play above Single-A.

While Cristian Santana is the Dodgers’ 24th ranked prospect, the one thing the Dodger farm is lacking is the eventual replacement for Justin Turner when his contract is up.  Santana could be one of the prospects who is Turner’s successor but first he will need to avoid being selected in the rule five draft.  It would be a bit disappointing if the Dodgers lost Santana.