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The Los Angeles Dodgers are at a crossroads. Their recent defeat in the National League Championship Series at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers made one thing clear: the roster is aging, and a shift toward younger talent is imperative by 2027.
While top prospect Josue De Paula is a lock to break camp with the big league club, the focus here is on three slightly under-the-radar names who could make a real impact in the upcoming season.
Christian Zazueta, RHP, 22
Zazueta, a 6-foot-3 right-hander from Mexico, has emerged as the organization’s premier pitching prospect. He features a power fastball, an above-average changeup, and a sharp slider. Though still physically developing—he’s listed at around 170 pounds—adding strength to his projectable frame should help him unlock even more velocity. His athleticism allows him to generate significant tilt on his offspeed pitches, and his ceiling as a top-of-the-rotation starter is legitimate. With Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips potentially departing next season, bullpen roles could open up, but Zazueta’s future likely lies in the rotation.
Zach Ehrhard, OF, 23
Ehrhard was viewed as a secondary piece in the trade that sent Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox, with James Tibbs III headlining the return. However, Ehrhard’s profile is one the Dodgers covet. He’s a gritty, competitive athlete with excellent positional versatility, capable of playing all three outfield spots at a high level. At Triple-A Oklahoma City, he batted .291 with an .872 OPS and swiped 28 bases. There’s a plausible scenario where he replaces Alex Call—who could be non-tendered this offseason—as a reserve outfielder.
Kendall George, OF, 21
The Brewers’ series win showcased the value of relentless speed and pressure on the bases, and the Dodgers have their own burner in Kendall George. The Texas native possesses elite quickness, though scouts consider his arm below average and his power virtually nonexistent. Still, his speed is game-changing. After a promotion to Double-A Tulsa last year, George hit .332 with an .817 OPS and has stolen 136 bases over the past two seasons combined. Often compared to Juan Pierre, George could become a valuable spark plug for the Dodgers as early as 2027, especially in October when the offense has tended to stall.
Key Analysis
The Dodgers’ farm system offers solutions to their aging roster dilemma. Zazueta provides high-upside pitching depth, Ehrhard brings versatility and competitiveness, and George adds an element of speed that was glaringly absent in the NLCS. Each of these prospects has a distinct path to contributing in 2027, and their development will be crucial as Los Angeles looks to rejuvenate its roster and return to World Series contention.