Anthony Arroyo
As the Los Angeles Dodgers embark on Spring Training, here’s a look at some key prospects who could soon make an impact at the Major League level.
Zyhir Hope
One of the most intriguing prospects in Dodgers camp this spring was outfielder Hope, ranked No. 75 in Major League Baseball’s top prospects list, according to MLB.com. Hope was acquired from the Chicago Cubs as part of the trade that sent former Dodger Michael Busch to Chicago.
Initially considered a secondary piece in the deal, Hope has quickly proven he’s much more than that. The 20-year-old has displayed impressive defensive skills and raw power potential, making him a name to watch. While he was recently reassigned back to minor league camp, his spring performance suggests he could be a legitimate asset for the Dodgers.
Josue De Paula
Arguably the Dodgers’ most prized hitting prospect outside Rōki Sasaki, De Paula has turned heads this spring, although he was recently reassigned to minor league camp. The nephew of former NBA player Stephon Marbury, De Paula possesses a rare blend of size 6’3 and hitting potential. His spring numbers have been exceptional—slashing .444 with a .615 OBP across nine at-bats.
The 20-year-old has drawn comparisons to Yordan Alvarez due to his smooth left-handed swing and offensive upside. While De Paula is likely a few seasons away from making his big-league debut, his flashes of stardom suggest he could be a cornerstone player for the Dodgers.
Alex Freeland
A third-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Alex Freeland has quickly climbed the prospect rankings and is now No. 71 on MLB.com’s list. The primary shortstop had a breakout season in the minors last year, slashing .260 with a .387 OBP and 18 home runs across multiple levels, including Single-A and Triple-A.
With the Dodgers experimenting with Mookie Betts at shortstop, Freeland could be a natural option to step in should the team reconsider their infield alignment. He’s had a solid spring, hitting .286 with one home run in seven at-bats. His offensive production and ability to handle shortstop make him a viable option for a call-up soon.
Justin Wrobleski
Left-handed pitching prospect Justin Wrobleski is another exciting name in the Dodgers’ system. Currently ranked as the seventh-best left-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com, Wrobleski has shown promise in Spring Training, leading the team in innings pitched six while posting a respectable 3.00 ERA.
However, breaking into the Dodgers’ rotation will be a significant challenge, given their deep pitching staff, which includes stars like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Rōki Sasaki, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan. While Wrobleski’s path to the big leagues may not be immediate, his development in the minors will be crucial as he waits for an opportunity.
These four prospects have already impressed in Spring Training and are poised for key roles in the Dodgers’ future. While some may debut sooner than others, their performances this spring have solidified their status as players to watch in the coming seasons. Dodgers fans should keep an eye on these young talents as they continue their journey toward the Major Leagues.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
