With the MLB trade deadline only a day away, Dodgers top prospect Eduardo Quintero has become one of the names worth watching.
The High-A Great Lakes Loons outfielder was removed from Sunday’s game in the seventh inning, and the timing immediately raised eyebrows. It is still unclear why Quintero came out of the game, but with just over 24 hours left before the deadline, the move is notable.
The situation also arrives after a separate bit of deadline chaos involving another Dodgers outfielder. Double-A outfielder Zyhir Hope was scratched right before first pitch of Saturday night’s game, and hours later he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Tarik Skubal.
Quintero, 20, is ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Dodgers system and has put together a strong season at the plate. He is hitting .304 with nine home runs, 51 RBIs and an OPS of .908.
The Dodgers have held him in high regard, and there had even been a report suggesting they may view him as “untouchable.” Still, with Los Angeles’ farm system as deep as it is, especially in the outfield, there has been speculation that multiple players could be moved.
What stands out about Quintero is how polished his bat already looks for his age. He has shown the kind of strike-zone discipline the Dodgers love, especially his ability not to chase pitches outside the zone.
He also brings real athleticism, which gives him a strong future projection in center field. Compared to some of the other outfield prospects in the system, Quintero is considered the better athlete and looks like a center fielder down the line.
His arm is another selling point. Quintero has recorded 18 assists in 170 starts in center field, and the Dodgers have been pleased with how he has developed.
Even so, the reality in Los Angeles is that not everyone can play, and the front office has already been forced to trade talented players to make room for others. That has opened the door for prospects to rise, but it also leaves Quintero in a tricky spot.
Whether he ends up being the next Dodgers prospect moved remains to be seen. But with the team pushing for a three-peat, it is clear Los Angeles is operating like a club going all in.
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