After winning the 2020 World Championship, the Dodgers went to 2021 Spring Training with a veteran group of players. Even though their minor league system was deep in talented young players, there were few opportunities for even the cream-of-the-crop to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. Nonetheless, the team invited 22 of their top-30 prospects (MLB Pipeline) to the Major League Spring Training camp, giving those players an introduction to how the Dodgers prepare and play the game/business.

Watching these young men playing the game in pursuit of reaching their dreams of playing Major League Baseball is a treat for fans who follow them through the minors from Rookie ball and progressing to Triple-A. For some, this will be as close as they come to achieving their goals. For others, it will be the start of a short career, and for a select few, the journey may end in Cooperstown.

How did the Top-30 do this Spring?

Catcher Keibert Ruiz was two weeks late reporting for Spring Training due to Venezuela visa issues, but he did not disappoint with the bat or defensively. Even at only 22 years old, he is ready to contribute to the Dodgers right now but is blocked from a roster spot by catchers Will Smith and Austin Barnes.

The Dodgers number two prospect, pitcher Josiah Gray, had a disappointing Cactus League performance, with an 11.81 ERA in 5.1 innings pitched. His prospect status will be determined by how he pitches this season in Triple-A Oklahoma City.

While Gray disappointed, the team’s first draft selection in the June 2020 MLB entry draft was impressive – 6’-5” right-hander Bobby Miller – who also pitched 5.1 innings, not allowing a run, only 1 hit, and striking out 5; quite impressive for a 21-year old who has yet to pitch as a professional in a competitive game.

Highly regarded position prospects Michael Bush (second base), Kody Hoese (third base), Andy Pages (outfield), Jacob Amaya (middle infielder), Miguel Vargas (corner infielder), and Devin Mann (utility) were not expected to compete for roster positions in Spring Training. They were in Major League camp to see how veterans prepared for the season and getting a few at-bats against quality pitching.

With a veteran pitching staff, there was no opportunity for the pitching prospects to crack the active roster. Like the position players, they were in camp to learn under the tutelage of the Dodgers coaching staff, pitching coordinators, and glean some tips from their Major League mentors. Several did well in their first Spring Training camp (Michael Grove, Miller, Kendall Williams, Andre Jackson), while others learned lessons in humility (Dennis Santana, Ryan Pepiot, Edwin Uceta).

Outfield prospect DJ Peters, third base prospect Sheldon Neuse (acquired from the Oakland A’s), and utility infielder Omar Estevez came to Spring Training knowing that they had an outside chance of making the Dodgers Opening Day roster in a bench role as right-handed hitters. While Peters and Neuse had a few highlight moments during the Cactus League, they overall failed to impress the roster decision-makers and may have dropped a few spots in the prospect rankings.

As we root for the Dodgers to win the World Championship in 2021, we will also follow the Top-30 prospects, and the other Dodgers minor leaguers, during the 2021 season. Some of them will be competing for 2022 roster spots one year from now.

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