While a discussion about Rookie of the Year (ROY) candidates may seem more appropriate for mid-season player evaluations, the Dodgers have four players on their 40-man roster who have the talent to be legitimate contenders for the National League award in 2023.

With the team going through a roster retooling, the rookies who may get their opportunity to demonstrate that they are ROY-worthy are pitcher Ryan Pepiot, infielder/outfielders Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas, and outfielder James Outman.

The Dodgers have a long history of ROY winners, starting with the great Jackie Robinson for the 1947 season (the first MLB recipient), and their most recent, Cody Bellinger, in 2017. The full list follows, including the players predominant position that year, and the award year.

• Six pitchers: Don Newcombe – 1949, Joe Black – 1952, Rick Sutcliffe – 1979, Steve Howe – 1980, Fernando Valenzuela – 1981, and Hideo Nomo – 1995
• One catcher: Mike Piazza – 1993
• Three first basemen: Jackie Robinson – 1947, Eric Karros – 1992, and Cody Bellinger – 2017
• Four second basemen: Jim Gilliam – 1953, Jim Lefebvre – 1965, Ted Sizemore – 1969, and Steve Sax – 1982
• One shortstop: Corey Seager – 2016
• One left fielder: Todd Hollandsworth – 1996
• Two right fielders: Frank Howard – 1960, Raúl Mondesi – 1994

(Note: The Dodgers 18 ROY winners is the most by any team in MLB history)

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What about the 2023 Dodgers rookie prospects?

Perhaps the most difficult hurdle for Busch, Outman, Pepiot, and Vargas is earning a roster position in spring training. Unless there is a trade, Pepiot will be competing with Dustin May for a spot in the five-man starting rotation (with the loser going to the bullpen or to the team’s Triple-A team in Oklahoma City). Busch and Vargas may be competing for the second base position, and Outman must win a roster spot over non-roster Invitees Jason Heyward, and Bradley Zimmer – both of whom are veterans who will be fighting to continue their ML careers. 

The 25-year-old Pepiot may have the best chance to become the Dodgers 19th ROY. If he can demonstrate the ability to consistently command his arsenal of pitches the fifth spot in the starting rotation will be his. His brief ML experience in 2022  (nine games, seven starts, 3.47 ERA, and strong peripheral stats) provides him with a solid base as he heads to spring training.

Outman, who will celebrate his 26th birthday in May, may have the longest odds of being the 2023 ROY. While he had an auspicious start to his MLB career with a home run on his first plate appearance, and slashed .462/.563/.862 (16 plate appearances), his spot on the roster is far from assured. The opening day roster is unlikely to include both Outman and Heyward – they will likely compete for the same roster spot in spring training; the player who demonstrates that he can be an average or better ML run producer will win the spot. In either case, the spot will be in a platoon role with Chris Taylor or Trayce Thompson.

The two best hitting prospects currently in the Dodgers prospect pool are the left-hand hitting Busch (25 years old) and the right-hand hitting Vargas (23 years old), but finding a defensive position for both will be challenging. They may be competing for the second base position with the loser going back to OKC, on call if/when there is an injury, or he could be traded. Either player’s bat could carry him to ROY contention in 2023.

The Dodgers are in great position to continue their legacy of ROY awards over the next several years with Dodgers number one prospect Diego Cartaya (catcher), number two Bobby Miller (pitcher), number five Andy Pages (outfielder), number seven Gavin Stone (pitcher), and others showing the skills to be considered some of the best in the game.

The beat goes on.

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