Tim Rogers
The Dodgers made a minor splash in the 2021 Minor League Rule 5 Draft. They were able to snag the eighth pick in the 2015 draft, Carson Fulmer. Walker Buehler, a Vanderbilt teammate, was taken with the 24th pick in the same draft.
The Dodgers selected three players in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. https://t.co/erUGmFGcF3
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) December 9, 2021
Carson Fulmer
Fulmer was the top prospect for the White Sox a few years ago. MLB Pipeline had some good things to say about him back then.
Fulmer handled high Class A hitters easily in his pro debut and rushed through the Minors, just as Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon did with Chicago. Fulmer can miss bats with both his 93-97 mph fastball and his power curveball. His changeup gives him at least an average third pitch, though he should throw it more often.
Jon Duplantier
The Dodgers took another player with major league experience, Jon Duplantier, from the Giants. Duplantier’s time in the majors was with the Diamondbacks. He goes from being a top Diamondbacks prospect to being drafted by the Dodgers. This will be a great opportunity for him to get some excellent coaching to help fulfill his potential. When he was with the Diamondbacks and was their top prospect here is what MLB Pipeline had to say about him.
Duplantier’s fastball usually sits in the 93-95 mph range, but he can reach back for more when needed. He throws it with sink and run, making him effective both at getting ground-ball outs and missing bats. His slider is at least above average and represents his best secondary offering, thrown with power, at 85-87 mph, and late biting action that nets him whiffs and is especially lethal against righties. He also throws an effective curveball in the low 80s and has feel for a mid-80s changeup, though he’ll need to refine the latter to neutralize left-handed hitters. He’s around the strike zone with his entire four-pitch mix.
First K that Jon Duplantier has recorded with his changeup this season. Definitely not the last. pic.twitter.com/W8EYA573Jj
— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) June 6, 2019
Kekai Rios
The Brewers drafted Kekai Rios in the 28th round of the 2018 draft out of Hawaii. Rios is a catcher who provides some organizational depth after the Dodgers traded Keibert Ruiz and Steve Berman last season.
Kekai Rios with another smoked ball, single in the 2nd for #HawaiiBSB He came into today hitting .345, UH up 2-0 pic.twitter.com/Qb0MUOHopM
— Sam Spangler (@SamSpanglerHI) May 22, 2016
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers also lost two players in the Rule 5 Draft.
The last two picks of the MiLB Rule 5 Draft both come from the Dodgers. They lose LHP Nelfri Contreras (22 years old) to St Louis, and SS Carlos Santiago (20) to Miami. Draft is now finished.
— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) December 8, 2021
For another good wrapup of the Rule 5 Draft check out this article from Dodgers Nation. Given the lack of movement allowed at the Major League 40-Man roster level, this little bit of news was a breath of fresh air. One thing we believe here at Dodgers 2080 is that the Dodgers have an amazing department of player development. All three players should benefit.
NEXT: Dodgers Prospect Roundup: Jacob Amaya, Bobby Miller, Michael Grove and More
