The Los Angeles Dodgers went through a three-game stretch in May where Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Trayce Thompson each produced a multi-home run game. Since then there have been more fireworks and walk-off hits.
In Pederson’s and Seager’s case, it was a reminder of what they’re capable of. For Thompson, it was a sign of things to come. Pederson and Seager entered the 2016 season as unquestioned starters at their respective position.
Thompson made the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster only because of an injury to Andre Ethier. However, the dynamic outfielder has since played his way into an everyday role, and made cutting Carl Crawford all the more possible.
“Obviously they’re incredibly talented players. But also behind the scenes, their work, watching them gravitate toward veterans, learning from them and that whole dynamic is something that’s a lot of fun to watch,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman of the young trio this month.
“A lot of these guys have a chance to play together for a long time and also help in continuing that culture once they have a few more years under their belt and the next wave of players comes in to continue that cycle. We’re seeing it right now and it fits in very well with the forward-looking vision that we all have.”
The Dodgers in recent seasons decided against trading Pederson, Seager and Julio Urias. The trio three made up the core of the organization’s focus on breathing air back into what was a depleted farm system.
Urias has been pressed into the rotation this season due to injuries, and shown multiple signs of the talent that has him rated as the Dodgers’ best pitching prospect. As for Pederson, Seager and Thompson, one of the three is ranked at or near the top in any offensive statistic.
Seager leads the Dodgers in hits (75), batting average (.277) and RBIs (36), and is second in slugging percentage (.498). Pederson is first in doubles (15), second in home runs (12) and third in RBIs (31) and slugging (.485).
Thompson leads the Dodgers in slugging (.512), on-base plus slugging (.854), OPS+ (134), wOBA (.368) and wRC+ (136). He’s third on the team with 11 home runs.
Seager ranks second on the Dodgers with a 125 OPS+, .352 wOBA and 125 wRC+. Pederson’s 113 OPS+, .333 wOBA and 112 wRC+ are all good for third-best.
