Dodgers: 5 players that prove LAD already has its next championship team in the works

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his three run homerun with Zach McKinstry #8 and Gavin Lux #9, to take a 5-1 lead over the Washington Nationals, during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Zach McKinstry #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Zach McKinstry

Remember all that talk about who was going to take over for Kiké Hernández after he departed for the Boston Red Sox? OK, everyone knew that’d be Chris Taylor, but he’s a free agent after 2021 and the Dodgers have a number of other players who take priority.

The one constant on these great Dodgers teams in recent years was the presence of a do-it-all utility man. Hernández filled that void playing all over the infield and outfield while wielding a bat capable of hitting for power and delivering in clutch situations.

After an impressive spring training and the start of the 2021 season, Zack McKinstry looks like he’ll be able to fill that role on a full-time basis once it’s needed. Following injuries to Taylor, Betts and Bellinger, McKinstry has gotten more playing time from the jump than anyone could’ve imagined. And in typical Dodger fashion, he’s delivered with his versatility on his defense and lefty bat.

In nine games, he’s already slashing .321/.355/.679 with five runs scored, two home runs and 10 RBI in 31 plate appearances. He’s reiterated he wants to take over for Hernández, and so far, so good.

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