Imagine a player so fast, he steals bases like most people breathe. That's Kendall George, and his blazing speed is turning heads in the Dodgers organization. But does raw speed guarantee a future star in a crowded outfield? Let's dive in.
In 2025, Kendall George, the Dodgers' 21-year-old center fielder, achieved a feat accomplished by a mere handful of minor league players in the last two decades: he stole 100 bases. In just 111 games for High-A Great Lakes, George showcased his electrifying speed, including an impressive 34 steals in August alone. He joins an exclusive club that includes names like Billy Hamilton (twice!), Delino DeShields Jr., and Chandler Simpson, solidifying his reputation as a game-changing base stealer. Think about that for a second - 100 stolen bases in a season! That's the kind of number that makes scouts drool.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes, speaking about the team's 2023 first-round pick from Texas high school, emphasized George's exceptional talent level. "I think it speaks just to the talent level that’s there," Gomes stated. "When we took him where we did, our thought was, ‘This is an 80-runner and an incredible athlete, and we’re going to take our time and let the bat play out.’ I think where we sit today, it’s been pretty damn good." An '80-runner' is scout-speak for elite speed, the kind that can disrupt a game on any play.
George, a left-handed hitter, posted a .295/.409/.370 batting line with a solid 16% walk rate. And this is the part most people miss... While his on-base percentage is impressive, his power numbers are still developing, with only 19 extra-base hits. Interestingly, his power seems to primarily emerge when facing right-handed pitchers. This suggests a potential area for targeted development to unlock his full offensive potential against all types of pitching.
Gomes highlighted George's strengths, noting his "elite of the elite speed, a good foundation of decision-making and the ability to conduct an at-bat." He also pointed out areas for improvement. "There’s some things in the swing we want to continue to push and work on," Gomes explained. "That’s going to be the goal, along with really, really pushing his center field defense and making sure he is a plus defender, as we know he can be.” The Dodgers clearly see the potential for George to become a complete player, not just a speedster.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Dodgers' outfield is already brimming with talent. George faces stiff competition from within the organization. The Dodgers' top four prospects are all outfielders: Eduardo Quintero, Josue De Paula, Mike Sirota, and Zyhir Hope. That's a lot of competition for playing time!
"He’s right in there," Gomes assured. "I think it’s an interesting group. Each guy has his own individual skill set. Kendall obviously, with his 80-speed and bat-to-ball versus righthanders and then his center field play, he’s a little more your old-school type player." The 'old-school' label suggests a focus on speed and defense, a contrast to the modern emphasis on power hitting. But is that enough to stand out in today's game?
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
- In a trade, the Dodgers sent outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins in exchange for Cuban right-handed pitcher Adriano Marrero. Ruiz, 26, famously led the American League in stolen bases while playing for the Athletics in 2023. However, he's spent the majority of the last two seasons playing at the Triple-A level. Marrero, just 18 years old, made 10 starts in the Dominican Summer League last year, posting a 3.82 ERA and striking out 35 batters in 33 innings. This move suggests the Dodgers are prioritizing pitching depth and potentially see Ruiz as expendable, given their existing outfield options.
- The Dodgers have added former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli to their front office, appointing him as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Baldelli, 44, spent a significant portion of his playing career with the Rays, overlapping with Friedman's tenure there. During his seven seasons as the Twins' manager, Baldelli guided the team to three American League Central division titles and earned the AL Manager of the Year award in 2019. Baldelli's experience and insight could prove invaluable to the Dodgers' decision-making process.
So, what do you think? Is Kendall George's speed enough to make him a star in the Dodgers' crowded outfield? Can he develop his power and defensive skills to truly stand out? Or will the competition prove too fierce? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with the Dodgers' strategy of valuing speed and defense in today's game, or do you think they should prioritize power hitting above all else? Let's discuss!
