3 fast-rising Dodgers prospects who could be trade bait

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be one of the most dominant forces in baseball. Their starting lineup featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and JD Martinez is arguably the best in MLB. The starting rotation that's still led by Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw has been solid of late as well.

What isn't talked about enough, though, is the fact that the Dodgers dominate the game in both Major and Minor League Baseball. Ranked as the No. 3 system by Baseball America (subscription required) heading into 2023 and No. 2 per MLB.com, it's a wonder how the organization is able to be so filled with talent quite literally from top to bottom.

With the graduation of Miguel Vargas from the top 100 lists as well as Bobby Miller, Michael Busch, Gavin Stone and Ryan Pepiot potentially doing the same at some point this year, the top prospect rankings for the Dodgers are going to look quite a bit different. What's most fascinating about the farm system is the fact that they're going to immediately be replaced by even more top-tier talent.

It's worth mentioning that when you have an embarrassment of riches like the Dodgers do, not every single prospect is going to have a simple path to the majors. In fact, there are quite a few of these young up-and-comers that may be better utilized as trade bait. Since they're firmly in the middle of a huge competition to get to the top of the organizational depth chart, sending some lottery tickets packing in exchange for, say, a high-caliber starting pitcher at the deadline, may be the best route to go for the club.

3 fast-rising Dodgers prospects who could be used as trade bait

RHP Landon Knack

Currently ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the Dodgers system, Landon Knack is yet another uber-talented young starter in an already stacked depth chart.

Knack, 25, has been leapfrogged by Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove and Ryan Pepiot as he looks to make his big league debut. This is not because he isn't as good as the others, but rather because this organization is just that strong in the pitching department.

This year, Knack has made a total of 13 starts between both Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. In that time, he is 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 60 innings. His K/9, right around 10, is on par with many of the other arms in the system. He also has an HR/9 under 1.0 right now, which is a huge plus given he's pitched in two very hitter-friendly leagues this year.

Since there are so many other options at starting pitcher floating around the Dodgers, moving someone like Knack could be an option the club considers since he's just about big league-ready and could very easily help a team like the White Sox, who are shopping a few starters, in the near future.