Gwen Palsquith
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a surprising move by designating Diego Cartaya, once regarded as a premier catching prospect, for assignment. This decision clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Hyeseong Kim, whose recent three-year contract has now been finalized.
Cartaya, hailing from Venezuela, was recognized as one of the most promising talents during his amateur signing period in 2018, signing for a considerable $2.5 million. His performance in the lower minor leagues propelled him to the top ranks of the Dodgers’ prospects, earning him high praise and recognition from Baseball America as the organization’s number one prospect in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite initial promise, Cartaya has struggled recently, recording a disappointing .189 batting average in 93 games with the Double-A team in 2023, leading to concerns about his future in the organization. A brief improvement in performance was evident in his second stint at Double-A; however, his struggles continued upon promotion to Triple-A, where he posted a mere .208 average.
With the emergence of other catching prospects and the extension of Will Smith’s contract through 2033, it became clear that Cartaya’s role within the team was uncertain. Now, the Dodgers have five days to either find a trade partner or place him on waivers, leaving many to wonder where the talented young catcher will land next. Teams might see potential in him as either a backup or a developmental player in the minors.
Dodgers Shake Up Roster: What’s Next for Diego Cartaya?
Los Angeles Dodgers Designate Promising Prospect Diego Cartaya
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated catcher Diego Cartaya for assignment, giving them the flexibility to accommodate newly signed player Hyeseong Kim on their 40-man roster. This decision marks a significant shift for Cartaya, who was once celebrated as one of the brightest catching prospects in baseball.
Background on Diego Cartaya
Diego Cartaya, a Venezuelan native, burst onto the scene during the 2018 amateur signing period when he was inked by the Dodgers for a hefty $2.5 million. His early career showcased a remarkable talent that led Baseball America to rank him as the Dodgers’ number one prospect in both 2022 and 2023. However, despite his accolades, Cartaya has struggled to find his footing in recent seasons.
Performance Struggles
In 2023, Cartaya’s performance has raised concerns, particularly as he posted a .189 batting average over 93 games with the Double-A team. Although there were signs of improvement during a second stint at Double-A, his promotion to Triple-A highlighted ongoing issues, where he managed only a .208 average. This underwhelming output prompted the Dodgers to reconsider his position on the roster, especially with the recent extension of starting catcher Will Smith through 2033.
What’s Next for Cartaya?
Now that Cartaya has been designated for assignment, the Dodgers have five days to either trade him or place him on waivers. This uncertainty has left fans and analysts speculating on potential landing spots for the young catcher. Teams in need of catching depth may view Cartaya as an intriguing option for their roster.
# Potential Use Cases
1. Backup Catcher: Teams looking for a second-string catcher with high upside may consider Cartaya, given his once-promising pedigree.
2. Minor League Development: Some organizations might opt to pick up Cartaya for their minor league systems, aiming to refine his skills and restore his confidence at the plate.
Market Analysis and Future Predictions
Cartaya’s designation reflects broader trends in MLB where teams are prioritizing performance metrics and prospect development levels. As the game continues to evolve, we might see more organizations willing to take a chance on players who have experienced a downturn in production but possess the skills that can be polished over time.
For the latest news on roster changes and player insights, visit the official Dodgers website at Dodgers Official Site.
