Ryan Falla
When it comes to evaluating the Dodgers prospect pipeline it feels as if the organization is in possession of some of baseball’s best kept secrets. In the case of Thayron Liranzo, the 20-year-old catching prospect coming off a sensational season with the Single-A Quakes, he fully lives up to the reputation. The big-bodied switch-hitting catcher (6’3 195lbs) just recently finished his first Single-A season and almost immediately established himself as one of the best, if not the best, power-hitting prospects within the organization. Liranzo not only led the Single-A Quakes with 24 HRs on the year, but he also led the entire Cal League among qualified hitters, all while posting the league’s best Flyball to HR rate of 29.6%.
Not only was Liranzo by far the best power hitter in the league, he was also one of the more disciplined hitters as showcased by his walk rate of 16.7%, which would rate Top 3 in the Cal League. If it wasn’t made certain by this past season, should Liranzo repeat himself in 2024 he would easily establish himself as one of the most dangerous power prospects in baseball due to his advanced approach paired with a significant power bat.
Background As A Pro
The Dodgers signed Thayron Liranzo as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic back in 2021 and saw him make his organizational debut in 2022 in the Arizona Rookie League. His age-19 season saw the young star make an immediate impact as he posted a .826 OPS with 20 XBH through 171 plate appearances. His advanced ability to balance the walk with the strikeout was already present in the 19-year-old Liranzo as he managed 21 BBs to 42 Ks through the year.
He would continue to improve in this regard as his 2023 Cal League debut season saw Liranzo display incredible effectiveness at the plate, even more, impressive when you consider his makeup as a big swinging HR hitter. His 70 BB total would be enough to place him in the Cal League’s Top 5 walk leaders against his 112 strikeouts. A high strikeout total is to be expected from a power hitter in this day and age, yet considering his incredible BB/K balance his 112 strikeouts are almost nominal in this current hitter’s landscape.
Player Profile
Liranzo profiles as a hit-first catcher, shining the most when he does his damage in the box. An ever-present threat as a switch hitter, the young star terrorizes pitchers on either side of the plate with his ability to drive the ball over the wall. Liranzo posted a phenomenal 1.003 OPS against righties on the year while logging 18 of his 24 HRs against this split while also swinging for an above-average .807 OPS versus lefties. Liranzo was featured mostly against righties with 332 of his 439 plate appearances going against righties.
Finding a more consistent approach that will allow more exposure against lefties going forward will be the biggest developmental sticking point for Liranzo. If he can deliver less disparity in his splits as he matures he will easily blossom into a true force to be reckoned with at the Major League level. As is he is already one of the most dangerous 20-year-old hitters on the West Coast and with continued focus this effect will translate through every level of the Minors.
Defensie Future
Defensively it is possible Liranzo will end up fitting into a 1B/DH scheme at the Major League level, though he has shown promise as a catcher. He’s displayed strong talents with his arm, having a 27% caught-stealing rate on the year. There is plenty of room for his catching to develop, though it seems the Dodgers may end up going a route where his hitting development is prioritized over his defensive play. His clutch power bat is by far his best ability, when it comes down to it Liranzo thrives in the heaviest of situations. When facing 2 outs and RISP Liranzo posted a 1.054 OPS across 72 plate appearances with 5 HRs to 11 walks and 15 strikeouts. This is about as “Dodgers” as it gets, a prime-time power hitter who can anchor a lineup and perform in deep situations with consistent excellence.
Final Thoughts
Liranzo still has a bit of a way to go before the organization taps him for Major League work, but I would expect to see Liranzo flirting with an MLB call-up come 2026. Should he exceed developmental expectations the Dodgers can easily streamline his path by pushing him as a DH with backup catcher ability, though I imagine once Freddie Freeman hits the tail end of his contract there will be some 1B at-bats opening up. All in all Liranzo projects as a significant power bat with the potential to challenge for the crown atop many offensive rankings once he hits his Major League stride. There is a lot to get excited about with the future All-Star, and should development continue as is he will line up just nicely as the next premiere power bat to wear Dodger blue.
For Further Reading: Catcher Dodgers Prospects: A ’23 Review and ’24 Preview
