8. DJ Peters, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 12/12/1995 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: high-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
2017 Stats: .276/.372/.514, 586 PA, 27 HR, 3 SB, 64/189 BB/K
Info: A 4th round pick out of Western Nevada Junior College in 2016 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Peters has done nothing but hit since starting his pro career.
An impressive athlete at 6’6″ and 225 pounds, he has incredible strength wrapped into his frame, and it’s led to plenty of power production. Peters has a substantial swing that impacts the ball at an incredible level. While Peters does have good pitch recognition, he struggles with swinging through stuff on the inside part of the plate.
Defensively, Peters uses his athleticism and a plus arm to work around the outfield, but he’s probably best suited to be in right field, though he likely will play plenty in center until he gets closer to the majors.
Peters will have to close up the hole in his swing to calm the strikeout rate, but he has the ability to become a middle-of-the-order. The Los Angeles Dodgers will see if Peters can hone those skills in AA in 2018.
7. Yusniel Diaz, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/7/1996 (21)
2017 teams/levels played for: high-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, AA Tulsa Drillers
2017 Stats: .292/.354/.433, 492 PA, 11 HR, 9 SB, 45/102 BB/K
Info: The Los Angeles Dodgers dipped heavy into the Cuban market in 2015, and Diaz was signed for $15.5 million after having success in Cuba.
Diaz has an impressive blend of offensive skills
The Dodgers pushed Diaz aggressively, and he handled the assignment very well. Diaz was able to handle center field, though his plus arm and speed underway plays better in right field.
Diaz has an impressive blend of offensive skills. He has plus contact ability and hits the ball with plenty of smack, but he has a flat swing path that leads to plenty of line drives and gap hits rather than home runs. He’s got above-average speed underway, but he’s not quick-footed, so he does well picking up an extra base.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to push Diaz’s skill set up the system, likely having him spend 2018 in AAA.
Next: #5 and #6