2. Alex Verdugo, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 5/15/1996 (21)
2017 teams/levels played for: AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers, MLB Los Angeles Dodgers
2017 Stats: Minors: .314/.389/.436, 495 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 52/50 BB/K; Majors: .174/.240/.304, 25 PA, 1 HR, 2/4 BB/K
Info: Blessed with not just a powerful arm, but a very polished one coming out of high school, Verdugo had many teams who liked him better as a pitcher than a hitter in the 2014 draft. The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Verdugo in the 2nd round as an outfielder, knowing his development would likely be slower in that path. Instead, Verdugo has rocketed up the system.
A big reason that Verdugo has moved so quickly is that he has shown advanced understanding of the strike zone at the plate, as evidenced by his total of equal 54 walks and strikeouts combined between AAA and MLB, a very impressive thing. However, his advanced approach has also meant he’s moved so quickly that he’s not developed the raw power that he has, reaching the majors without really tapping into the above-average raw power he possesses in the cage.
Verdugo has impressive instincts in center field, and that’s why he is able to play above-average to even plus center field defense even though he has average speed (a double-plus arm doesn’t hurt either). Verdugo is never going to be a guy to steal many bases due to that average speed, but he uses good instincts on the bases to take extra bases quite often.
Unless the Los Angeles Dodgers find a taker for Matt Kemp, Verdugo may open 2018 back in AAA, but he could be a key to a midseason trade or find his way into a key role in the 2018 Dodger lineup the way Cody Bellinger did early in the 2017 season.
1. Walker Buehler, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 7/28/1994 (23)
2017 teams/levels played for: high-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, AA Tulsa Drillers, AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers, MLB Los Angeles Dodgers
2017 Stats: Minors: 28 G, 19 GS, 88 2/3 IP, 3.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 8.7% BB, 34.9% K; Majors: 6 G, 9 1/3 IP, 7.71 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, 18.2% BB, 27.3% K
Info: If Buehler were to walk up to you on the street, you would have a hard time believing that this skinny guy can throw a triple digit fastball! However, after taking time to come back from Tommy John surgery after being drafted 24th overall in 2015 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler has one of the most electric arms in all of the minor leagues.
Buehler has one of the most electric arms in all of the minor leagues
Buehler previously had sat 93-95 in college, touching 97-98, but he returned from surgery with a fastball that sits 96-98 deep into games and touching 100, even late into starts. He has an easy delivery that generates this velocity, but the fastball is fairly straight, which means he needs excellent secondaries to pair with it.
True to form, Buehler has a pair of plus breaking pitches that allow his straight velocity to play up. His slider has big, late break and runs up into the low-90s in velocity. His curve is a sharp-breaking 12-6 variety that works in the low-80s. He commands his change, but currently struggles to get consistent arm action on the pitch to allow it to play up to even average at this point, but he did show big progress over the course of 2017 on the pitch.
His raw stuff would make him a future frontline starter in projection, but his great work ethic and the raves that coaches and opponents alike give to Buehler for his mentality on the mound of competitiveness.
Buehler’s 2017 was still a building season in innings, but he already reached the majors. He’s going to make the Los Angeles Dodgers have to strongly consider his future in 2018 as he could immediately be an impact multi-inning reliever at the major league level, but building up his arm strength further could also allow him to become a future ace to pair alongside Clayton Kershaw.
Next: Newcomer to watch