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Former Top Catching Prospect DFA’d By Dodgers

January 4, 2025 by Last Word On Baseball

The Dodgers DFA'd top prospect Diego Cartaya in a surprise move on January 3.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated minor-league catcher Diego Cartaya for assignment, according to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic. This move opens a 40-man roster spot for Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, who was signed today.

The Dodgers made the Hyeseong Kim signing official.

Diego Cartaya was designated for assignment.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 3, 2025

Dodgers DFA Diego Cartaya

Cream of the Crop?

Diego Cartaya was once considered one of the brightest prospects in the Dodgers organization. A few years ago, he may have been high on other teams’ wish list, but was deemed untouchable. As a result, this development is jarring to some who follow the current World Series champions closely. Cartaya was one of the top signees in the 2018 amateur draft. The native of Venezuela rose quickly in the minor leagues, and was seen as a “can’t miss” talent as little as two years ago. Baseball America rated him the eighth-best prospect at the beginning of 2o24.

Below the Mendoza Line

Cartaya had a .189 batting average in 93 at-bats at Double-A Tulsa in 2023. Just as concerning is the nearly 30% strikeout rate that same year. The defensively adept catcher then improved somewhat in 2024 and was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, only to struggle again with a sub-.200 batting average and a high strikeout rate. A back injury last year didn’t help Cartaya either.

A Different Direction

The Dodgers now have five days to trade Cartaya or place him on waivers. It would be no surprise if another team is interested, given that the 23-year-old still has undeniable talent and he’s still young. However, if he isn’t traded and clears waivers, the catcher could still remain in the Los Angeles organization, but off the 40-man roster.

Down the Depth Chart

Cartaya is now behind Will Smith, Austin Barnes, Hunter Feduccia, and Dalton Rushing on the depth chart. A new start with a different team may be the best thing for the young backstop.

As for the Dodgers, they’ve made it clear that they are retooling to run it back in 2025. This is probably the first of a few moves before spring training opens in February,

 

Photo Credit: © BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

The post Former Top Catching Prospect DFA’d By Dodgers appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.

Filed Under: Dodgers

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