Probable Dodgers 2018 Starting Infield

by Dez Tamayo

Hey all you Dodger fans! In this article, we will be analyzing the potential starting infield come Opening Day 2018.

1B- Adrian Gonzalez: The All-Star first baseman is signed through the 2018 season, making that his (possible) last year with the Dodgers. It will be his age 36 season, by which time his power levels and average will probably drop substantially from what his career averages are. However, he will more than likely still be a force to be reckoned with as well as a solid defender at first.

2B- Darnell Sweeney: While not the overwhelmingly popular pick to be the starting second baseman a few seasons from now, Sweeney looks to have tools that would make him a good fit on the club. While his other positions include short and center, second base would be natural for him, what with his solid defense and good range. Offensively, Sweeney hits for contact and has good speed to get a lot of base hits. His minor league high for stolen bases came back in 2013 with 48 at Rancho Cucamonga, meaning he could be a great table setter at the top of the lineup.

SS- Jose Peraza- Acquired from the Braves in the recent Hector Olivera-Alex Wood-Mat Latos trade, Peraza was Atlanta’s top prospect at the beginning of the season. A solid hitter similar to Sweeney, his great speed can prove to be crucial to the team. Peraza’s career minor league batting average is .305 and he has amassed at least 20 stolen bases in each season so far, with his highest being 64 in 2013. Along with Sweeney at the top of the lineup, Peraza could wreck havoc at the plate and on the base paths.

3B- Corey Seager: The Dodger’s top prospect going into this season and arguably the best prospect left in the minor leagues, Seager projects to have plus-hitting with above average power. While he is at the time being a shortstop, the third base position has opened up with the trade of Hector Olivera. Plus, Seager’s build makes him a more natural fit for a third baseman than a shortstop. With Jimmy Rollins set to leave after the 2015 season, Seager could arrive as early as late this year, leaving plenty of time for him to mature. When 2018 arrives, Seager will be merely 24 year old and more than likely be hitting in the heart of the order.

C- Yasmani Grandal- Acquired from the Padres in the offseason for Matt Kemp and Tim Federowicz, Grandal seems to be a steal, being elected an All-Star while hitting .295 with 15 HRs. He looks to be here for a while, as there are no amazing catching prospects in the Dodgers’ system, and in 2018 he will only be 29 and in his final arbitration year. His great defense and solid hitting will always be welcome but his ability to frame pitches is bonus.

Notable Omissions
2B- Alex Guerrero: Despite being his rookie season, Guerrero’s name was thrown around the rumor mill at the trade deadline. On Opening Day 2018, Alex will already be 31 and his original contract will be up, which casts further doubt Guerrero will be with the team by then.
1B- O’Koyea Dickson: Dickson, despite already being in Triple-A, does not seem to show enough potential to kick out the All-Star Gonzalez from first. He may get moved to a corner outfield position or be traded until then.
3B- Justin Turner: Turner seemed to come out of nowhere the 2014 season to be one of the Dodger’s most productive hitters. However, he will be 33 on Opening Day 2018, and his regression in the next few seasons seems inevitable. However, he may stick around with the Dodgers, likely as a bench role, as Seager takes the mantle at third.
C- Austin Barnes: Barnes, despite playing solid defense and being an above-average hitter, does not seem like he will take Grandal’s job in the conceivable future. He can however, be used as a utility player, as he can smoothly play second base while also serving as a backup catcher.

Original Article from our friends at dodgerdetails.