Here is reason No. 24 the Dodgers will win the 2018 World Series:
Several Top Prospects
The Dodgers front office has done a great job in revamping the Los Angeles farm system and it has paid dividends for the club.
It also doesn’t appear that’s going to be stopping any time soon. Already streamlining contributors such as Austin Barnes (poised for a breakout season as No. 25 on this list) and back-to-back National League Rookie of the Year recipients in Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger, there are a couple more players to keep an eye on in 2018.
Alex Verdugo, the 21-year-old center-fielder from Arizona, appeared in fifteen games late last season and hit his first career home run in September. Verdugo batted .314 in Triple-A last season and is competing this
Spring for an opportunity in a crowded outfield.
Much like how Cody Bellinger came out of no where last year and exploded, Verdugo is a prime candidate for the same kind of rise. Whether it be injuries or otherwise, when he gets his opportunity he will provide a lift for the lineup in a long Major League season.
On the mound, all eyes are on hard throwing reliever Walker Buehler, the 23-year old from Vanderbilt. Buehler made his debut late last season, and while he showed some growing pains, he also struck out 12 batters in 9.1 innings pitched.
With the Dodgers needing to replace Brandon Morrow (now with the Cubs) and the importance of keeping Kenley Jansen in favorable positions, there will be plenty of opportunities for Buehler to find a role and contribute on a championship team.
A little over three weeks til the San Francisco Giants come to town for Opening Day. Tune in to KHTS Radio FM 98.1 and AM 1220 throughout the 2018 season for your Dodgers coverage.
It’s been 30 years since the Dodgers last World Series triumph in 1988. In honor of the ’88 team and respect for the championship-caliber 2018 club, we present our “30 IN 30” Spring Training series: 30 reasons why the Dodgers can win the World Series in 2018. We’ll count down from No. 30 to No. 1 every day up to Opening Day against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.