5 Dodgers prospects that should undoubtedly be on 2023 roster

2. Michael Busch

He likely isn’t going to be in the starting lineup, but at some point, it’s time to give one of the organization’s top prospects a chance at the big-league level. That’s the case for 2019 first-round pick Michael Busch, who really has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues.

If Busch was still 22 or 23, then the Dodgers could at least start him in Triple-A and eventually let him make his MLB debut during the season. At 25 years old, however, it’s time to bump him up as a depth infielder and see what he has to offer.

If Trea Turner does indeed sign with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Dodgers do not sign a shortstop to replace him, then we could see Busch in the Opening Day lineup in 2023. Gavin Lux would presumably shift over to shortstop with Busch taking over at second base, serving as one-half of a platoon with Chris Taylor.

Busch has certainly put together a resume to earn a spot on the big-league club to start the 2023 season. In 142 games between AA and AAA last season, Busch slashed .274/.365/.516 with 32 home runs and 108 RBI. He struck out at a high clip (26%), but that’s not a concern in today’s game.

If the Dodgers are really high on Busch, it wouldn’t be surprising if that’s the reason they let Turner potentially walk. Perhaps the Dodgers would rather spend big on someone like Aaron Judge and instead start Lux and Busch up the middle. Not going to rule anything out just yet.