Ryan Falla
The Dodgers have promoted outfielder Chris Newell, a 2022 draftee, after the young star posted together an incredible start to his young career that saw him lead the Cal League in multiple offensive categories; HRs (14) and OPS (1.124). This news comes as a surprise to one as Newell was absolutely destroying the ball en route to promotion. The road so far includes a Cal League player of the week for the month of May 15th-21st after a week that saw him casually knock around 4 HRs on the week. Newell was drafted in the 13th round of the 2022 draft and currently mans CF in the Dodgers system brimming with talent. Newell carries a wildly advanced offensive toolset alongside a center field glove glowing with an excellency that speaks beyond what one may expect from a 22-year-old barely experiencing his in his first two months in Low A season.
Newell entered the 2022 draft as a highly touted outfield arm with a plus potential bat coming out of the University of Virginia. Although he showed great power potential in his final season at Virginia concerns regarding his plate discipline, especially his strikeout rates, kept him from going in the top rounds as he likely should have. Newell represents another draft class mastery for the Dodgers as they snuck away with him at the bottom of the draft despite the number of outfield-needy teams across the league.
The value Newell brings on both sides of the diamond cannot be understated, through his first two months with the Quakes Newell posted a blistering wRC+ of 179, standing light years beyond league averages. Across 330 innings of work in CF Newell posted a perfect fielding percentage which is frankly dazzling for a 22-year-old Low A prospect as defensive development tends to be a sticking point in the entry levels of the minors. On top of his contributions defensively and offensively Newell also provided exceptional production on the base-paths as he logged 7 stolen bases and 41 runs scored on the year (150 ABs).
Newell’s development will be a must-watch for all fans of the game, not just Dodger fans. Newell is poised to be one of the more fascinating talents among prospects, and should he continue his developmental track he could easily become an impact athlete at the Major League level within the next two to three years. It should be said that while his K% does sit a bit high (27.7%) he does walk enough (17.4 BB%) to provide confidence in his progressing plate discipline. Once again the Dodgers have struck gold with their immaculate drafting and development system, and hats off to future star Chris Newell for being the much-deserved beneficiary of the Dodgers’ organizational successes.
