Call to the pen
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Oakland Athletics Jesus Luzardo heads up prospects that could impact 2018 playoff teams in 2019

By Benjamin Chase

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo #9 of the Oakland Athletics and the World Team works the first inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo #9 of the Oakland Athletics and the World Team works the first inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Athletics
WOODBRIDGE, VA – MAY 6, 2018: Darwinzon Hernandez #18 of the Salem Red Sox, single-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, throws a pitch during the bottom of the first inning of a Carolina League game on May 6, 2018 against the Potomac Nationals, single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA.(Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Dodgers

While they’re certainly not done with the offseason, there are not many teams that value versatility the way that the Dodgers do. That will allow Will Smith to have an impact on the 2019 season for the Dodgers.

Smith was a first-round pick by the Dodgers out of Louisville, known for his adeptness behind the plate more than his bat, which made many surprised that he was selected in the first round in what was considered a deep college catching crop.

While he’s not dominated with the bat, Smith’s .233/.322/.455 line with AA and AAA in 2018 is certainly playable, especially with his home run power (20 combined home runs). He’s also shown defensive versatility, playing 68 games between second base and third base along with his time behind the plate, where he’s an excellent defender.

Boston Red Sox

It’s no secret that the Red Sox have really just one hole for 2019 that they’re currently shopping to fill, and that’s the bullpen. However, the costs associated with bringing in essentially an entire bullpen will be difficult. Right now, the options in-house are almost entirely right-handed.

In the Arizona Fall League this year, many saw what scouts had been noticing all summer long – Hernandez had incredible raw stuff that could play up significantly in the bullpen. Pitching exclusively out of the bullpen in Arizona, he tossed 11 1/3 innings, with a 1.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 6/24 BB/K ratio.

While the Red Sox may want to develop Hernandez further as a starter, he’s really maxed out physically at a rotund 6’2″ and 250ish pounds. He can reach the upper 90s and even touch triple digits out of the bullpen while he seems to work much better with commanding his hard slider in short bursts than over the course of a start. He could have a very high ceiling as a reliever, and he could even end up in that role as soon as Opening Day 2019.

dark. Next. NL Central Christmas lists

The 2019 season should be a very interesting one to watch the playoff teams from 2018 shuffle both new players from the free agent and trade markets onto their roster while also using their own prospects. While Jesus Luzardo of the Oakland Athletics is certainly the best, there could be plenty to watch!

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