LOS ANGELES — A couple weeks ago, MLB Pipeline released its new Dodgers’ Top 30 prospects list, which took into account some of the performances from each prospect to start the 2024 season.
As is the case every year, some prospects saw their stock go up due to big years, while others dropped after some struggles. After the midseason re-rank, the Dodgers proved to have one of the best farm systems in baseball.
It’s a system that has a lot of solid pieces, while also possessing a couple of players who could be real difference-makers if they continue their current trajectory. With the Minor League season coming to an end, let’s take a look at how the Dodgers’ Top 10 prospects have fared this year.
Dalton Rushing, C/OF (No. 1 prospect, No. 39 overall)
Since getting drafted in the second round in 2022, all Rushing has done at the Minor League level is hit at an elite clip. The 23-year-old is at the doorstep of making his Major League debut, posting a .323 batting average and three homers in 18 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. It’s not a matter of if but when Rushing makes his debut in ’25.
Josue De Paula, OF (No. 2 prospect, No. 49 overall)
For a couple of years, the Dodgers have presented De Paula as one of the best prospects in the organization. Now, De Paula is one of the best prospects in all of MiLB and has the potential to be the biggest impact player in the Dodgers’ organization. The outfielder with a sweet left-handed swing has done a better job of tapping into his power potential this season, hitting 10 homers between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and High-A Great Lakes. The 19-year-old will only get better as he continues to fill into his 6-foot-3 frame.
River Ryan, RHP (No. 3 prospect, No. 65 overall)
Ryan impressed everyone in his first taste at the big league level this season. The former shortstop made it to the Majors much quicker than anyone anticipated, but the moment didn’t seem to faze him at all. Unfortunately for Ryan, his season came to an end when he underwent Tommy John surgery, and he’ll likely miss all of 2025.
Alex Freeland, SS (No. 4 prospect, No. 78 overall)
It’s easy to make a case that no prospect in the Dodgers’ system improved his stock more than Freeland did this season. The UCF product has taken a massive jump offensively in 2024, hitting 14 homers with an .823 OPS over three levels. Freeland was already a good defensive shortstop and has a great arm at the position. His improved offense could get him to Dodger Stadium as early as next season.
Jackson Ferris, LHP (No. 5 prospect, No. 88 overall)
Ferris was acquired from the Cubs in the deal that sent Michael Busch and Yency Almonte to Chicago. In his first season in the organization, Ferris has established himself as the top left-hander in the system.
Justin Wrobleski, LHP (No. 6 prospect)
Much like Ryan, Wrobleski really impressed the Dodgers in limited time at the big league level this season. A bit of an unknown coming into 2024, Wrobleski flew through the Minors and has firmly cemented his place in the team’s pitching plans next season.
Joendry Vargas, SS (No. 7 prospect)
Vargas was the Dodgers’ big international acquisition in 2023, signing out of the Dominican Republic for more than $2 million. The 18-year-old is still in the Dominican Summer League, but he has shown off the offense that made him one of the best international prospects of his class, posting a .928 OPS and 11 homers in 86 games as a pro.
Emil Morales, SS (No. 8 prospect)
Morales is a favorite of a lot of scouts within the organization, and his jump in rankings this season comes as no surprise to those who have followed his development over the last year. Morales, who was born in Spain, has destroyed pitching in the DSL this season, smashing 14 homers and posting a 1.169 OPS in 46 games. It remains to be seen if he’ll stick at shortstop with his 6-foot-3 frame, but if he keeps hitting at this clip, he can play wherever he wants.
Eduardo Quintero, OF (No. 9 prospect)
Quintero was a bit of a hidden gem in the Dominican Summer League last season, but the secret is now out as the talented outfielder has joined Single-A Rancho Cucamonga to begin his Minor League career in the United States. Quintero has struggled a little to start his Single-A career, which is expected, hitting .192 in his first 52 at-bats.
Kellon Lindsey, SS (No. 10 prospect)
Lindsey was drafted by the Dodgers with the No. 23 overall pick last month. His first real taste of pro ball will come next season as he looks to show off the speed and defense that caught the Dodgers’ attention in the scouting process.
