A few days ago, The LA Times talked about the Dodgers’ “burgeoning crop of outfield prospects.” They went on to list them as:
“Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero and James Tibbs III — who are on track to break into the big leagues by 2027, if not the end of next season.”
— Jack Harris – The LA Times
In typical LAT fashion, they left out the Prospect who is ranked #3 by Baseball America and #6 by MLB.com… namely Mike Sirota, who is the only one of the prospects who is a “natural center-fielder.” He’s also the one who could be quickest to the show. That, of course, is MY opinion, but it’s also the opinion of other baseball people.
I am loath to trade these top prospects because “you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone” as Joni Mitchell said:
For every Diego Cartaya, there’s a Michael Busch. For every Alex Verdugo, there’s a Yordan Alvarez. The thing is, “You don’t always know that up front!” If you are not convinced that Mike Sirota is “all that,” let’s look at some of his 2025 highlights:
Sirota made a splash in his first full pro season after L.A. acquired him in the trade that sent Gavin Lux to Cincinnati. He slashed around .333/.452/.616 across Low-A and High-A in 2025 before a knee injury — very impressive. Sirota is absolutely a serious contender to be the Dodgers’ Top Prospect — maybe the most intriguing sleeper in the Dodgers’ system going into 2026 and beyond. Analysts praise his five-tool tools: bat-to-ball skills, power, speed, defense, and arm strength. Some scouting reports note his athleticism and natural outfield ability as among the best in the Dodgers system. Because of that breakout performance and raw tool-set, some scouts and writers now rank him among the very top Dodgers prospects, and some have floated the idea that — if he continues developing — he could be a future centerpiece of the farm system. All of this for Gavin Lux!
So, here we are: The Dodgers need to move Teoscar Hernandez from RF to LF, where he is less of a defensive liability. Teoscar and Andy Pages are both RH, so it seems logical that the Dodgers either need a Centerfielder or a Rightfielder who is LH, as Pages can play either position. I would not spend a lot to get a centerfielder, as I feel Sirota will soon be patrolling it. The Red Sox have a glut of young outfielders (Roman Anthony et al), so it seems likely that either Jaren Duran or Wilyer Abreu could be traded. Abreu has more power and is a Gold Glove right-fielder, while Duran is a better pure hitter (Both are left-handers), but Duran would have to play center field, while Abreu would play right field. The Red Sox need pitching (Emmet Sheehan) and maybe an infielder like Heyesong Kim. To me, Abreu is the best solution due to his defense, and he can platoon in RF with Alex Call.
Andy Pages was a no-show in the playoffs, but don’t forget – Andy was 3rd on the Dodgers in OPS with 27 HR and 27 doubles, which was better than Teoscar and Betts – only Ohtani and Freeman were better. I am ambivalent about whether the Dodgers need another reliever, given that River Ryan is coming back and the other talent in the system. I would not be afraid to go into the season with this team:
- Ohtani DH
- Betts SS (I am not ready to move him)
- Freeman 1B
- Smith C
- Muncy 3B
- Teoscar LH
- Pages CF
- Abreu/Call RF
- Edman 2B
Bench: Rojas, Rushing, Ward, Kike (he’s got another one left in him). A lot of fans don’t think Kike hits enough, but batting averages hve been coming down all around baseball for the past several years. Additionally, Kike was hurt last year… including the playoffs but played through it and had surgery after the season. Along with Miggy Ro, he is the heart and soul of the Dodgers. Following the 2025 World Series win, Will Smith spoke openly about the free-agent status of both Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, who were vital veteran leaders during the team’s postseason run. His exact quote was: “Personally, I’d love to have them back. I know I’m sure we’re going to be trying to get them back. Love those guys and hopefully they’re back with us next year“.
Every player in that dugout knows what Kike brings and wants him back.
Management knows the value of Kike. They played him everyday in the postseason, KNOWING that he was injured and needed surgery. But of course we don’t know how that will translate to signing him AND Rojas for 2026. He will be cheap enough. He can sit on the IL for half the year. The other interesting question is Ward. Just what is the plan? Keep tuned
i didn’t mean Ward can’t play at all. i believe he’s got talent. But do the dodgers believe he’s a better option than Teo? Probably don’t want both of them roaming the outfield. If he’s faster and a better option,,try and trade Teo. Probably not going to happen. Either option with Boston would be good. But unless there’s an overpay, will the Sox even trade with AF? The last few haven’t turned out so good for them! i like Duran’s bat to ball. skills! I like his ability to turn a double into a triple. He has the legs! I like Abreu also. Either one is a good choice. And while Tucker wouldn’t be a bad choice, i believe he ends up being a NY Met. Cohen will be on a mission.
Speaking of the mets, Read an article on Soto and Lindor. Talk is Lindor was (is). not all that fond of the great Soto. That padre clubhouse has been rumored to be a bit toxic over the past couple of seasons. I’m sure tatis and machado would disagree!! Will Soto be the downfall of the Mets someday soon? He seems to wear out his welcome every where he goes! Maybe that’s why Alonzo is considering moving on.
speaking of the padres, read they would love to find a way to dump bogarts! Preller can pick em can’t he?
As far as Kike , if he’s back, great . you can see how much he is loved in the dugout. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with him. I just believe either he or Rojas will be gone. Just me.
Lindor and McNeil were on the outs in2025. Started when Lindor complained to McNeil about his defense. McNeil is most likely traded this off season.
The Mets are a mess even with Steve Cohen’s money. The culture seems to be a problem.
That may explain why they acquired Semien and his gold glove…
Ryan Ward has been in the Dodgers’ System for seven years. Never once has he been ranked among the Dodgers’ Top 30 Prospects.
Of course, that doesn’t mean much. They had other players who reached the major leagues without ever being in a Top 30 Prospect List.
Chris Taylor — Never ranked in Seattle, became a star in L.A.
André Ethier — Pre-lists era, but was never considered a Top 30-ish prospect equivalent.
Matt Beaty — Never a Top 30 guy. Reached the majors and contributed.
Zach McKinstry — Never ranked before debuting.
Max Muncy – Nuff said.
Gus Varland — Not a Top 30 guy. Made the majors after Rule 5 selection.
The Dodgers, in particular, have a long history of guys who were overlooked because their system is so deep that a player who would be #12 on another team might be #38 with L.A.
I’d like to see Ward get a shot. But it probably won’t be with the Dodgers.
Who knows?
Maybe he’ll be fine against big league pitching and prove the front office was stupid to sign Conforto.
There were some on this site who wanted Soto. There would be jealously no matter where he signed, because frankly he is NOT worth Ohtoni money and he doesn’t pitch. His contract will ultimately be disastrous. Also be careful with who you wish for with a signing of Tucker. Bichette is my choice .
I’m concerned that more mega-contracts can restrict a team’s flexibility. One problem with Bichette: He is now better suited for 2B, and we expect Mookie to move there in another season or two.
I like Belli for his flexibility; he can succeed Freddie in time. But Belli crushed Yankee Stadium, so I worry that his production will wane if he leaves.
I still like the idea of gambling on Buxton, but I also like idea of dealing with Boston for either Abreu or Duran. If the Dodgers can’t pull that off, Kwan is a possibility.
I also still like Bader, perhaps on a two-year contract–but he might seek more years elsewhere.
Hope you are right about Sirota. (The Lux deal actually brought back Sirota and the draft pick that became Charles Davalan, who also bears watching.)
Sirota is a bit older than Hope and de Paula, but unlike them he hasn’t reached Double A, probably because of his injury last year. Tibbs, meanwhile, is a bit older than Sirota but already put up a strong season in Double A ball. He is not as touted as four younger Dodger OF prospects, but if he now seems ready for OKC.
Teo-Duran-Pages or Teo-Pages- Abreu?
Either seem very possible.
“Driven” refers to the documentary Driven: The Freddie Freeman Story, which chronicles the life and career of the baseball player, covering his emotional journey, family ties, and perseverance through hardships like the loss of his mother. The film debuted in July 2025 on MLB Network and is available on demand for those with an MLB.TV subscription.
If you can ,watch this, it is excellent, heart warming and well done narrated by Tom Verducci.
Sirota content!
Closer Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a two-year, $28 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources told ESPN, continuing the remaking of Baltimore’s beleaguered pitching staff with one of the most sought-after relievers on the free agent market.
Lots of rumors out there: Paula Skenes, Sandy Alacantra, and the Dodgers are going to build a new 30-story high-rise to house all the rumors.
Jose Ramos signed with the Mets. Yawn…
This isn’t a rumor….
Skubal is starting his walk year.
Assuming he stays healthy, the Tigers will either need to sign him to the biggest contract ever for a pitcher–or hang a “for sale” sign lest they lose him for zero return, much as the Angels lost Shohei.
Mark, are you serious about Sandy A.? i don’t know why the dodgers would consider him. He’s not been the same since his injury. plus the asking price is way higher than the dodgers would ever pay. Skeenes? yeah right! Maybe after his tommy john! Hopefully that doesn’t happen for the young man. Rumors abound! Don’t need a starter anyway. Hey, i hear Joey Gallo is throwing now! He’s always had a strong arm! he could be a 2 way player!! (i’ll pass)
Rumors are not facts. In fact, most never happen.
I need a trade
OK, I will trade you for three PTBNL.
I actually prefer keeping the prospects than trading them. I can’t believe our outfield glut–we have about 12 legit OF prospects. I’m a little concerned with pitching depth. Ferris, Serwin, Copen are interesting but much of our arm talent graduated–or at least debuted–in the last two years or so: Sheehan, Stone, Ryan, Hurt, Wrobleski, Sasaki. We need these guys to pull down innings.
As for the interesting names, I need to see another year of development.
JDP, Hope, Quintero & Sirota will be fun to follow. Kendall George says don’t forget about me.
George can be a 5th OF’er!
Here’a a small prediction, similar to your “Sirota might be the best pure CF option in the system”:
Tibbs will reach the show before JDP or Hope and have some immediate success.
George might be better than that. If he can get on base with regularity, he might live up to the Juan Pierre comparison.
I used to think that was a dis. Then I looked up Pierre’s stats.
Quite a career: .295 BA, 2,217 hits, 614 steals
It won’t happen with the power-mad Dodgers, but George could be exciting, popular addition on a small-market team.
Next Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium:
1. Ohio State
vs.
2. Indiana University!
“The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly became the first Major League Baseball team to generate $1 billion in gross revenue, reaching the milestone during their 2025 World Series season. According to reports from March and October 2025, this figure includes playoffs and was achieved before revenue-sharing payments.
Other reported financial figures for the Dodgers related to 2025:
Net Revenue: Estimated at $855 million after revenue sharing.
Team Sponsorship Revenue: The Dodgers contributed significantly to MLB’s record-breaking team sponsorship revenue of over $2 billion in 2025.
Franchise Value: Forbes valued the Dodgers at $6.9 billion in 2025, a significant jump from $5.5 billion in 2024. Sportico valued the franchise even higher, at $7.73 billion, in March 2025”.
Can they buy us a new outfielder cuz ours aint workin?
Hummmm… I thought we just won the World Series!
Just minor upgrades needed
I’m confused, help me?
The Dodgers are the first team to generate more than a billion dollars for a baseball season is how I read the first paragraph.
The Dodgers generated two billion dollars in Sponsorship revenues for the last baseball season. Sponsorship has marginal costs, how did the team not generate well more than 1bn?
Even if 48% goes to revenue sharing?
“ The Dodgers contributed significantly to MLB’s record-breaking team sponsorship revenue of over $2 billion in 2025”
The operative word is contributed. The Dodgers didn’t generate 2 billion by themselves, they along with 29 other teams lead to 2 billion.
Living in the past much? That was (almost) last month.
Kiki was let go once and will be let go again. Getting rid of the third highest BA (.281) on the team (Kim) with 3 years remaining,who happens to also be a Swiss army knife and the best base-stealer on the team, woul be, as is commonly referred to on this site, moronic.
I like Kim, BUT Batting Average is but a small part of the equation. OB% is essential too, and Kim had a .317 OB% – not good, but what I look at more than anything is OPS. He OPS’ed .699! That was 10th on the team. Miggy Ro had a higher OPS. Kim has no power! Kike means more to this team than Kim. I want to keep them both, but if I can only have one… It’s 100% Kike!
I don’t think Kim has been given a fair chance. Let him play for as long as Vargas did and we will find out what we have.
I think the team would like Kim to win the 2b job with Freeland spot starting there and 3b.
Edman then becomes CF.
I see no way that Edman is the Centerfielder… barring injury.
Now that Kike won’t be ready for opening day, It seems like a no brainer. Who else would sign him??
Sonya Chen on Sasaki:
Sasaki ditched his slider and cutter in the postseason, relying on his splitter and fastball as his go-to options…
“I think for us, it was about trying to get his delivery back,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said after World Series Game 7 in Toronto. “I feel like we made a lot of progress on that. And so for us, we’re definitely viewing him as a starter and a really good one, and we’ll continue to work this offseason and put him in the best position to be ready in Spring Training to help us win again.”
I am not convinced that he can be an MLB Starter.
I am certain he can be a Closer.
Gavin Stone will be back next season. He is allegedly ready now.
Good to have convictions and certainty
Good to have pitching depth.
Made it out to California safely. Drove 758 miles the first day. Got to watch USC beat UCLA while I was in Vegas last night. Still waiting to see if Dodgers make any moves soon.
Glad to hear, Bear. Where are you laying your head?
My sis lives in Carson. Close to Torrance.
Cool
was raised 1st. 10 years in Torrance, 190th and Hawthorn blvd area (Tallisman st.) Carl Steele elementry and Torrdondo little league park. Good Year blimp’s home was in Carson. Carol Shelby’s test track was on Carson blvd. as well. I thoroughly traversed my Sting-Ray bike every inch of the South Bay area. Sing me back home Bear.
Donovan seems like such a perfect fit with us. Only downside is he’s very similar to Edman.
He’s a better hitter than Edman but more limited defensively.
He’s a poor man’s Bo Bichette.