The Los Angeles Dodgers have been projected to call up one of the organization’s top prospects in 2026, injecting youth into the pitching staff.
Typically, in baseball, teams contending for World Series titles, like the Dodgers, lack quality young talent waiting in the wings as they push their chips in by focusing on adding veterans who can contribute immediately.
The Dodgers’ front office has avoided this pitfall by adding talent through free agency, while keeping hold of top prospects and resisting the temptation to trade them for veterans.
This approach from the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, has drawn criticism from some fans for a perceived lack of aggressiveness. Still, it has kept the Dodgers’ franchise running smoothly.
Los Angeles has become a lock to make the playoffs year in, year out, contending for the division every year or, at worst, fighting for a wild card spot.
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In the Friedman regime, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Dustin May, Emmet Sheehan, Dalton Rushing, Walker Buehler, and Alex Verdugo are all top prospects who have contributed to varying degrees on the team in the playoffs.
Now, according to Ben Weinrib of MLB.com, the Dodgers may be adding another prospect to the list — southpaw Zachary Root.
“The Dodgers’ top pick in July (40th overall) mixes his four effective pitches well and has a bit of funk to his delivery,” Weinrib wrote.
“Root should move quickly, but any untapped potential may have to come from improved command since his 6-foot-2 frame is already filled out.”
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Who is Zachary Root?
Root was a first-round pick just a handful of months ago, coming out of college at the age of 21 and already a well-developed talent.
He is rated 50 out of 80, according to MLB.com, measuring at six feet, two inches and weighing 210 pounds.
“Root employs his fastball only about a third of the time, operating at 91-94 mph and reaching 97 mph with sink that creates groundball contact. His most effective offering is an 83-85 mph changeup with fade, and his low-80s curveball gives him a second plus pitch,” MLB.com’s scouting report reads.
“He topped all D-I pitchers with 51 strikeouts via his curve. His mid-80s cutter/slider is a solid fourth option, and he uses all three of his secondaries at a roughly equal amount.
“Root has an unorthodox delivery with a high leg kick and a deep arm swing that produces a three-quarters arm slot that helps him stay on top of his pitches. He throws consistent strikes, but catches the heart of the plate more than he should. He’s a safe bet to become a No. 4 starter.”
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
LA Baseball Report
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