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Dodgers' Michael Byrne Emerges as Rising Prospect

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 9:05 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Arizona, Texas, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 23, 2026 - While the Los Angeles Dodgers are consistently lauded for their robust farm system and big-league pitching depth, a lesser-known name is starting to generate quiet buzz within the organization: left-handed pitcher Michael Byrne. Acquired in a relatively unassuming trade with the Miami Marlins in June 2022 - the same deal that saw Kyle Funkhouser head south - Byrne is no longer simply a throw-in, but a prospect increasingly viewed as a potential contributor to the Dodgers' future success.

Dodgers General Manager Andrew Friedman recently highlighted Byrne as a player the team is "really excited about," a statement that, coming from a front office known for its sophisticated player evaluation, carries significant weight. While stars like Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler (currently recovering from elbow surgery, but expected back by the All-Star break) rightfully dominate prospect conversations, Byrne represents a different type of potential: a high-ceiling, late-blooming arm that could provide valuable depth, or even become a key piece of the rotation.

Byrne's journey to this point hasn't been filled with fanfare. At 6-foot-7, his imposing frame immediately stands out. However, raw size alone doesn't guarantee success. Initially, control and command were significant concerns. Early reports from his time in the lower minors suggested a pitcher struggling to harness his velocity and consistently locate pitches. His time with High-A Great Lakes in 2023, where he went 5-4 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 starts, hinted at progress, but also highlighted the work that remained.

However, the Dodgers' renowned pitching development staff appears to be unlocking Byrne's potential. Over the past season, and continuing throughout Spring Training 2026, observers have noted a marked improvement in both his command and velocity. Sources within the organization suggest he's added nearly 3 mph to his fastball, now consistently hitting the low-90s, and his secondary pitches - a slider and changeup - are gaining sharper break and more deception.

What's particularly encouraging is the development of his delivery. Former MLB pitcher and current Dodgers pitching coach, Rick Honeycutt (despite rumors of his impending retirement, he remains a vital part of the development process), has been instrumental in streamlining Byrne's mechanics, enabling him to repeat his delivery with greater consistency and reduce the strain on his arm. His size, combined with a now-refined delivery, creates a deceptive angle that makes it difficult for hitters to pick up the ball.

While he's still not on the 40-man roster and a major league roster spot in 2026 appears unlikely at this stage, Friedman's comments signal a significant shift in the organization's perspective. The Dodgers aren't just monitoring Byrne; they're actively invested in his development. He's currently competing for a spot on the Double-A Tulsa rotation, and a strong performance there could accelerate his ascent through the system.

The Dodgers' pitching pipeline is notoriously crowded, featuring a constant influx of promising young arms. Navigating this competition is a challenge for any prospect. However, Byrne offers a unique profile - a left-handed pitcher with exceptional size, improving velocity, and a deceptive delivery. In a league increasingly focused on power pitching and swing-and-miss stuff, those attributes are highly valuable.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers face several key questions regarding their pitching staff beyond 2026. Clayton Kershaw is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and questions linger about the long-term durability of pitchers like Walker Buehler and Dustin May (returning from Tommy John surgery). Players like Michael Byrne could become increasingly important as the team seeks to maintain its dominance on the mound. He represents a low-risk, high-reward potential acquisition - one the Dodgers originally made two years ago, and one that may soon be paying dividends.