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 |
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