Dodgers Draft: Best compensatory picks in franchise history

3) Dodgers best compensatory picks: Michael Busch (2019, 31st)

The fact that second base prospect Michael Busch, who was drafted just last season, is the third name on this list tells you the Dodgers haven’t had a ton of luck finding gems with compensatory picks. Los Angeles selected Busch with the 31st overall pick gained from failing to sign 2018 first round pick J.T. Ginn.

He is currently ranked as the tenth best prospect in the Dodgers system by FanGraphs. The 22-year-old had many teams thinking he possessed the best pure swing of the 2019 draft, according to Baseball America. The question is where he fits on the defensive side of the field. He played both first base and left field in North Carolina, but the Dodgers had him trying out second base before an injury derailed his 2019 minor league season.

According to the prospect grading scale on FanGraphs, he brings tons of raw power (60/60) and plus speed (50/45), but his fielding (30/40) needs work. But If he can find a regular position and develop his game there, he could be a productive bat in the Dodgers lineup down the road.

2) Dodgers best compensatory picks: Will Smith (2016, 32nd)

It’s possible one day Will Smith proves to be the best compensatory pick in Dodgers history. The young catcher made his major league debut last season, playing in 46 games behind the plate, and flashed impressive power by hitting 15 home runs and driving in 42 RBIs.

When Zack Greinke signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers received the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 draft as compensation, which they used to select Smith out of the University of Louisville.

By the end of the 2018 season, Smith was ranked among the top 60 prospects in the majors by Baseball Prospectus, despite struggling in Triple-A Oklahoma City. After a rebound season in OKC in 2019, he was called up to the Dodgers where he showed he belongs.

Smith will likely split the catching duties with Austin Barnes, if a 2020 season ever gets going. But it won’t be too long before the 25-year-old is the full-time catcher for years to come.

1) Dodgers best compensatory picks: Steve Howe (1979, 16th)

After losing pinch-hitter Lee Lacy to the Pittsburgh Pirates in free agency, the Dodgers gained the 16th pick in the 1979 draft as compensation and used it to select pitcher Steve Howe.

It didn’t take long for Howe to make his stamp at Chavez Ravine, winning Rookie of the Year in 1980 as a 22-year-old with a 2.66 ERA out of the bullpen. Appearing in 59 games, he accumulated 17 saves, which set a rookie record.

The left-hander would end up saving the clinching game of the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees. From 1980-1983, he was one of the best relievers in baseball, pitching to a 2.17 ERA over 212 appearances, with 56 saves.

Unfortunately, substance abuse put a hard stop on his promising, young career. He ended up getting suspended for drug use for the entire 1984 season. The Dodgers would eventually let him walk as a free agent to the Minnesota Twins in 1985.

While Howe’s time with the Dodgers was checkered with his addition to drugs, he remains the top compensatory pick in franchise history, paying immediate dividends for a team that won the 1981 World Series relying on his arm late in games.

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Meanwhile, Lee Lacy ran into his own troubles, as one of the players named in the Pittsburg drug trials in 1985.