Los Angeles Dodgers: Getting to know Keibert Ruiz

Dodgers prospect Keibert Ruiz is ready to make an impact on the big club.

Keibert Ruiz is the most recent call up from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ seemingly revolving door of big time prospects. The club has always had a knack for drafting and developing young talent, and Dodger fans have grown accustomed to rookies making an impact as soon as they get the call. Ruiz answered the call by homering on his first major league swing, depositing a Julio Teheran offering over the right field fence.

It seems like we have been hearing Ruiz’ name for a long time, but he’s only 22. The Dodgers signed him out of Venezuela when he was just 16, and he’s spent the last six years raking in the minor leagues.

He’s amassed a .299 average over his MiLB career, and has a laundry list of accolades, including making a Futures Game appearance in 2018, and he currently resides at number 73 on Baseball America’s top 100 prospects list.

Keibert Ruiz provides value to the Dodgers

Ruiz’ name has repeatedly come up in trade talks over the years, but he appears to be in the team’s plans, at least for now.

The Dodgers have two very talented young catchers, which certainly isn’t the worst problem to have. Even when Will Smith comes off the Injured List, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruiz gets another call up later in the season.

Maybe a catching tandem is in their future, but the Dodgers have options. Ruiz profiles as more of a contact/line-drive hitter, whereas Smith has more of an all-or-nothing approach.

Ruiz lacks an elite throwing arm like Smith, but has quick hands and has demonstrated consistent improvement in all other aspects of his defense.

The switch-hitting catcher grew up idolizing Victor Martinez and has a similar player profile, albeit with less home run power and a less developed swing from the right side.

All in all, I’m excited to see what Ruiz can do with the big club, and I hope he can contribute to the Dodgers for years to come. It’s nice to see a hitter who prioritizes contact, as the three true outcomes have become the norm.