The Los Angeles Dodgers have retooled their roster for the 2025 season, and barring injuries, it might be one of the deepest in baseball. However, no one can predict the future. The Dodgers kept this in mind when they announced their non-roster invitees for spring training. Here are three players (not named Roki Sasaki) to watch when LA heads to Arizona next month.
Three Names to Watch in Dodgers Spring Training
On the Cusp
Dalton Rushing is the 30th-ranked prospect overall in the major leagues. Rushing was the Dodgers’ 2024 Minor League Player of the Year. The young backstop got some time in the outfield last year due to the organizational depth at catcher, but has since moved back behind the plate since Los Angeles moved fellow prospect Diego Cartaya to the Minnesota Twins. Primarily known for his power, the left-handed hitter smashed 26 home runs while refining himself defensively. Rushing is adept at working the count and getting on base, which are qualities the Dodgers value. In addition, the 23-year-old’s short, compact swing lends itself to hard contact. Rushing appears to be behind Will Smith, Austin Barnes, and Hunter Feduccia on the depth chart, but if the top prospect continues to impress with the bat and improve defensively, the Dodgers may have no choice but to promote him.
A Possible Renaissance?
Giovanny Gallegos has tasted a measure of success as a St. Louis Cardinal after being traded from the New York Yankees in 2018. He was the designated closer for the Redbirds in 2021 after having a stingy ERA of 2.31 with 93 strikeouts in 74 innings. The 2020 season was marred with injuries for the right-hander.
Gallegos ascended into the closer’s role for the Cardinals in August of 2022. He had a 3.02 ERA with 95 strikeouts with 14 saves by the end of the season. A similar pattern held for the 2023 season with 14 saves and an ERA of 3.05. This earned the closer a two-year deal with St. Louis. Unfortunately, the wheels came off in 2024, and Gallegos was designated for assignment in August. The reliever spent some time in the Minnesota Twins minor league system with an ERA well above 4.00. Perhaps the Dodgers and pitching coach Mark Prior can recover some of the greatness Gallegos displayed in previous years, and the right-hander could regain the effectiveness he has shown in the recent past. The Dodgers need not look very far in the past to attest to the adage, “There is no such thing as too much pitching.”
A Coveted Outfield Prospect
Zyhir Hope may be young, but he certainly shows promise. The 20-year-old didn’t have much playing time in high school. As a result, he wasn’t drafted until the 11th round of the 2023 Draft. The Dodgers wanted him, but the Chicago Cubs drafted him first. However, Los Angeles eventually got the outfielder in the Michael Busch trade. He had a batting average of .287 in his first season at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Unfortunately, the left-hander missed significant time with a fractured rib. Hope has 30+ home run potential and can hit for average as well.
The pitcher-turned-outfielder has decent speed and could be an exceptional outfielder if given time. His game intelligence may explain why he was a coveted talent and a rising star within the Dodger ranks and why he got a spring training invite.
Prospect of the day #29: Zyhir Hope, No. 11 prospect in the Dodgers system…
A .903 OPS, 9 HR in ‘24 across A, Rk ball, OF with elite raw pop, uber athletic.
Also carries an 80-grade baseball name. pic.twitter.com/uwfzHTfMGb
— Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) January 10, 2025
There is no question that the Dodgers have retooled and reloaded for the 2025 season. These three players are a testament that the Dodgers value depth and can recognize talent as well.
Photo Credit: © BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
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