The Los Angeles Dodgers had a relatively quiet offseason as they head into a youth movement backed by one of the deepest and best farm systems in baseball.
Miguel Vargas, Michael Busch, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone and Ryan Pepiot are expected to make the biggest impact on the Major League roster in 2023, but none of them are considered as talented as Diego Cartaya, who is the organization’s top prospect.
Cartaya was added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, but it’s still likely he isn’t up with the Dodgers on a full-time basis 2024 or 2025. Still, it would not be totally surprising to see Cartaya get a taste of the Major League level this year if there is an injury to Will Smith or Austin Barnes.
As Cartaya prepares for his 2023 season which will likely take place mostly with Double-A Tulsa, he is already working out and preparing at Dodger Stadium.
Mondays at the office. pic.twitter.com/sohiHhcJAm
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 24, 2023
Cartaya has been ranked as the Dodgers’ top prospect and one of the top overall prospects in MLB on multiple lists, including No. 18 on Baseball America and No. 19 on Baseball Prospectus. Cartaya was also ranked as the No. 2 catching prospect in the league by MLB Pipeline, trailing only New York Mets backstop Fransisco Álvarez.
The 21-year-old participated in the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Dodger Stadium and was named the 2022 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year by the Dodgers after hitting a combined .254/.389/.503 with 22 doubles, 22 home runs and 72 RBI.
He also drew praise following the season from Dodgers director of player development Will Rhymes, who said the young backstop is on track to being a great player with his elite talent and exceptional personality. Aside from his talent, Cartaya was praised by MLB Pipeline for his overall makeup, including his leadership, communication and game-planning skills.
Dodgers prospects participating in 2023 Winter Camp Series
The Dodgers are due to host their annual youth winter camp series at Dodger Stadium with appearances from numerous Minor League prospects for the final dates in January.
Backed by the Dodgers Training Academy, the club has scheduled 12 prospects to attend, headlined by Maddux Bruns, José Ramos and Dalton Rushing. The Winter Camp features two dates left of on-hand instruction for different age brackets.
Ronan Kopp, Juan Alonso, Nick Biddison, Alex Freeland, Peter Heubeck, Thayron Liranzo, Payton Martin, Emmet Sheehan and Logan Wagner are among other Dodgers prospects who will provide guidance and tips during the two days of organized activities.
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