Red Sox, Dodgers World Series Rosters Have Prospect Pedigree

Image credit: Walker Buehler (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The point of prospects is they become big leaguers. If all goes according to plan, they become big leaguers that help a team win a World Series.

As the 2018 World Series between the Dodgers and Red Sox opens tonight, both clubs possesses a distinct prospect pedigree.

In all 48 of the 50 players on the Dodgers and Red Sox’s World Series rosters appeared in a Baseball America Prospect Handbook as they ascended toward the majors. The oldest is reliever Ryan Madson, who appeared in the first-ever Prospect Handbook as a Phillies prospect in 2001. The most recent is Walker Buehler, who ranked as the Dodgers No. 1 prospect entering this season.

Even the players deemed “late-bloomers” or “finds”—J.D. Martinez, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor and Steve Pearce— all appeared in a Prospect Handbook. Same goes for unheralded relievers like Dylan Floro and Ryan Brasier.

The only two players to never appear in a Prospect Handbook are Dodgers utilityman Kikè Hernandez and reliever Scott Alexander.

Here is a look at the 2018 World Series rosters, and when all the players ranked in the Prospect Handbook when they were prospects, as well as what organization they were with. 

Dodgers

 

Acquired
Name	Team	Years Ranked
Scott Alexander	—	Never
Dylan Floro	Rays	2014
Rich Hill	Cubs	2004-2006
Ryan Madson	Phillies	1999-2004
Alex Wood	Braves	2014
Austin Barnes	Marlins, Dodgers	2013-14, 2015-17
Brian Dozier	Twins	2011-12
David Freese	Padres, Cardinals	2007-08, 2009-10
Yasmani Grandal	Reds	2011-12
Kikè Hernandez	—	Never
Manny Machado	Orioles	2011-12
Max Muncy	A’s	2013-16
Chris Taylor	Mariners	2013-14
Justin Turner	Reds, Orioles	2008-09
Homegrown
Pedro Baez	Dodgers	2008-11, 14-15
Walker Buehler	Dodgers	2016-18
Kenley Jansen	Dodgers	2010-11
Clayton Kershaw	Dodgers	2007-08
Kenta Maeda	Dodgers	2016 — International
Hyun-Jin Ryu	Dodgers	2013
Julio Urias	Dodgers	2014-16
Matt Kemp*	Dodgers	2005-06
Joc Pederson	Dodgers	2011-15
Yasiel Puig	Dodgers	2013

Red Sox

 

Acquired
Name	Team	Years Ranked
Ryan Brasier	Angels	2012-14
Nathan Eovaldi	Dodgers	2009-12
Heath Hembree	Giants	2011-14
Joe Kelly	Cardinals	2010-12
Craig Kimbrel	Braves	2009-11
Drew Pomeranz	Indians, Rockies	2011-12
Rick Porcello	Tigers	2008-09
David Price	Rays	2008-09
Eduardo Rodriguez	Orioles, Red Sox	2012-15
Chris Sale	White Sox	2011
Sandy Leon	Nationals	2012-13
Brock Holt	Pirates	2010, 2013
Ian Kinsler	Rangers	2005-06
Mitch Moreland	Rangers	2010
Eduardo Nunez	Yankees	2006, 2010-11
Steve Pearce	Pirates	2006-08
J.D Martinez	Astros	2011
Homegrown
Matt Barnes	Red Sox	2012-15
Blake Swihart	Red Sox	2012-15
Christian Vazquez	Red Sox	2012-14
Xander Bogaerts	Red Sox	2011-14
Rafael Devers	Red Sox	2014-17
Andrew Benintendi	Red Sox	2016-17
Mookie Betts	Red Sox	2013-14
Jackie Bradley Jr.	Red Sox	2012-14