Here are the Dodgers' first-half Minor League MVPs
LOS ANGELES -- We’re a couple of weeks away from finding out who will represent the American and National Leagues at this year’s All-Star Game. The Dodgers, of course, will have plenty of representation, with at least six players expected to be named All-Stars.
The Dodgers are also enjoying a lot of success in the first half of the Minor League season. A lot of top prospects have continued their development and there have been some surprises, which is exactly what you want to see out of a farm system.
With the Minor League season reaching its halfway point, let’s pick our first-half MVPs, one for each for the four full-season levels.
Triple-A Oklahoma City
Player of the first half: INF Andre Lipcius
Lipcius was acquired from the Tigers during Spring Training, and he has been a key piece at Triple-A this season. The 26-year-old is still hoping for a chance in the big leagues, and he is helping his case with 18 homers, 59 RBIs and a .305 batting average in 292 at-bats.
Double-A Tulsa
Player of the first half: LHP Justin Wrobleski
Wrobleski, the Dodgers’ No. 14 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was so good at Double-A that he’s now in the Triple-A rotation. The 23-year-old left-hander went 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA, striking out 62 batters over 67 2/3 innings with Tulsa. Wrobleski has put himself in the conversation to potentially make -- at least -- some spot starts in the Majors as early as 2025.
High-A Great Lakes
Player of the first half: OF Chris Newell
Newell is an unranked prospect, but his stats at High-A have been eye-opening. The 23-year-old has dominated the competition this season, hitting 19 homers and swiping 18 bags in just 69 games. Newell has a lot of work to do in the Minors, but he’s taking care of business with Great Lakes.
Single-A Rancho Cucamonga
Player of the first half: INF Jeral Perez
It's hard to argue with what the 19-year-old Dominican infielder has done this year. Perez came into the 2024 season as a relative unknown player, but his power has turned him into the Dodgers’ No. 17 prospect. The 19-year-old Perez has eight homers and an .846 OPS in 230 at-bats this season.