3 fast-rising Dodgers prospects who could be trade bait

RHP River Ryan

As is the case with Landon Knack, right-hander River Ryan just doesn't seem to have a linear path to the big leagues.

Originally drafted by the division-rival San Diego Padres back in the 2021 MLB Draft, Ryan was traded to the Dodgers in March of last year in exchange for utilityman Matt Beaty, who is already out of the Padres organization. Seems the Dodgers rather easily won this trade.

Ryan, 24, has made a total of 27 appearances since coming over in the deal and he has been money for the Dodgers' A-Ball, High-A and Double-A affiliates. Last year, he struck out over 13 batters per nine innings (15 outings and 47.2 innings) while only surrendering four home runs all year.

Fast forward to the current campaign, Ryan has made 12 appearances (10 starts) and continues to be an absolute force. In 45 innings, he has a 3.00 ERA with 49 strikeouts and again just four home runs allowed. His career K/9 rate is 11.6, which is in line with countless other promising young arms in this Dodgers system.

As is the case with Knack and now Ryan, the Dodgers are simply dealing with an embarrassment of riches that they can seemingly deal from whenever. There are so many more options than just these two, including Emmet Sheehan and Nick Nastrini, who fit the high-strikeout bill that other teams would covet.