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2024 Dodgers Prospects: Where Are They Now?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 13:22 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN

Looking Back at the 2024 Contenders: Where Are They Now?

Gavin Stone, initially seen as a high-ceiling prospect, faced consistency challenges early in his career. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to consistently locate his pitches. The Dodgers, rather than outright releasing him, opted for a strategic development plan. Stone spent much of the 2025 season in Triple-A, working closely with pitching coaches to refine his mechanics and command. In 2026, he's become a valuable swingman, capable of both starting and relieving, and frequently utilized in long-relief situations. He's a testament to the Dodgers' patient approach.

Alex Vesia, a left-handed specialist, ultimately transitioned into the dedicated relief role many predicted. His starting experience proved useful in building endurance and versatility, making him a reliable option for multiple innings when needed. He has become an integral part of the Dodgers' late-inning bullpen, consistently facing high-leverage situations.

Emmet Sheehan proved to be the most difficult case. Despite flashes of potential, he battled inconsistencies and ultimately requested a trade after the 2025 season, feeling he needed a fresh start to unlock his full potential. He now pitches for the San Francisco Giants, often facing the Dodgers with a chip on his shoulder.

The 2026 Landscape: Beyond the Initial Six

The Dodgers' pitching depth now extends far beyond the initial contenders from 2024. The team has continued to invest in young talent through the draft and international signings. Several new names have entered the rotation conversation, including 2025 draft pick, Miguel Alvarez, a powerful right-hander with a dominant fastball. This deeper pool of talent demonstrates the success of the Dodgers' pitching development program, directly influenced by the need to maximize the value of every arm in the system after the initial Ohtani-induced competition.

The current competition for the sixth spot, mirroring the situation from two years ago, involves a different set of players. Veteran free agent acquisition, Marcus Peterson, is a leading contender, bringing experience and stability. He's competing with rising prospect, Javier Rodriguez, who boasts an impressive strikeout rate, and seasoned veteran, Clayton Kershaw, who continues to defy father time and contribute as a spot starter.

Dodgers' Strategic Shift: Leveraging Pitching Depth The Ohtani effect hasn't just been about filling a rotation spot; it's fundamentally changed how the Dodgers approach pitching. The team now prioritizes depth and versatility. They actively seek pitchers who can handle multiple roles - starter, reliever, long-relief - and aren't afraid to experiment with unconventional usage. This strategy minimizes injury risk and maximizes the team's ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

The Dodgers' continued success is a testament to their ability to adapt and innovate. The initial competition sparked by Ohtani's arrival forced them to evaluate their pitching depth and develop a long-term strategy. Two years later, the effects are clear: a deep, versatile pitching staff capable of competing for championships for years to come. The team's approach of strategic trading, development, and role flexibility has proven remarkably effective, proving that even an abundance of talent can be successfully managed with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to building a sustainable winning culture.