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Los Angeles Dodgers Top Ten Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Sep 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap is seen on the dugout steps with an american flag prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap is seen on the dugout steps with an american flag prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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6. Yusniel Diaz, OF

Birthdate: 10/7/96 (20 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie, high A
Stats in 2016: .267/.326/.415, 9 HR, 7 SB

Considered one of the best young hitters in Cuba when he defected, Diaz signed with the Dodgers for $15.5M after a seven-month layoff after defecting in April of 2015.

Diaz is a guy who may take some development time, but he’s got the skill set that when it clicks, he should jump 2-3 levels rather quickly with his broad skill set.

He has the ability to possibly be an elite leadoff type hitter with his natural skills, though he did show more power in the Cal League. Some I talked with worried that he may have sold out his swing a bit for the power, as he has excellent strike zone judgement, but elongated his swing such that he struck out 71 times over 82 games.

The tools that will carry Diaz are exhibited most easily on the defensive side of things

The tools that will carry Diaz are exhibited most easily on the defensive side of things. He has a plus running tool and plus arm along with fringe-plus defense that allows him to excel in center field and easily handle any outfield defensive position.

The work left to do for Diaz will be to translate his quick wrists and excellent contact skills into more of a line drive approach with some loft rather than selling out for the loft and losing the liners that he can easily turn into gap hits. With his speed, those gap hits easily become extra base hits.

Diaz got roughly 2/3 of a season at high-A in 2016, so it wouldn’t surprise to see him at the AA Texas League in 2017 at 21 years old, but it would not surprise me at all if the Dodgers slow Diaz down just a touch to ensure he’s maximizing that contact ability at the plate.

Next: #5

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