The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines this week by designatng their former top prospect, Diego Cartaya, for assignment to make room for the newly signed infielder Hyeseong Kim. The announcement came shortly after the Dodgers finalized Kim's three-year contract, worth $12.5 million, which also includes options for 2028 and 2029.
Cartaya, once regarded as the top talent within the Dodgers' minor league system, faced mounting struggles over the past couple of seasons. With 2023 proving particularly challenging for the young catcher, he recorded just .189/.278/.379 during his time with Double-A Tulsa, accompanied by 19 home runs and 57 RBIs across 93 games. Despite showing flashes of elite power, his difficulties at the plate, combined with injuries, limited his overall effectiveness.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has acknowledged Cartaya’s immense potential, stating, "He’s a really naturally talented player who’s coming off a down year." Despite those sentiments, the continuing challenges Cartaya faced this past season prompted the organization to reevaluate its future with him.
Initially signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela back in 2018 for $2.5 million, Cartaya rose through the ranks of the minor leagues—being highly touted by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect for the Dodgers entering both the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. His climb suggested promising prospects for the franchise's catching needs. Yet, as Will Smith flourished as the starting catcher for the Dodgers, it became apparent to analysts and fans alike, including Cartaya himself, the route to major league action was narrowing.
Fast forward to 2024, Cartaya's situation became even more precarious. Competing with the invaluable Dalton Rushing, who has emerged as the top prospect for the Dodgers catcher's position, Cartaya's standing within the organization seemed increasingly tenuous. Over the previous season, he had managed to accrue only .221/.323/.363 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs across his time in both Double-A and Triple-A.
The Dodgers’ decisive move to designate Cartaya for assignment came as somewhat of a shock to fans and baseball analysts alike. The organization is expected to either trade him or place him on waivers, where other teams have the opportunity to claim him. Amid the shuffle, other catching prospects such as Hunter Feduccia and Rushing are gaining attention, as they fill the gaps left open by the former prospect's decline.
Friedman expressed optimism for Cartaya’s potential bounce-back year, commenting, "I’ve seen it happen with players who show incredible makeups before. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Diego has great success next season." Regardless, substantial doubts linger over Cartaya's capability to regain his previous form.
This move not only reflects the changing dynamics within the Dodgers' roster but also signals fundamental shifts happening within their farm system. Historically, catching depth is pivotal for major league teams, and Cartaya’s release poses questions about the organization's future direction when it pertains to developing young talent for key positions.
With Cartaya now at this crossroads, there are legitimate hopes he may find renewed fortune elsewhere. His name remains one of the more notable ones as teams assess their needs and aim to bolster their rosters during the off-season. Analysts predict he could be claimed off waivers or traded as teams look to capitalize on Cartaya's talent and the promise it once held.
Cartaya’s career has taken on unexpected turns within only his early twenties, showcasing the unpredictable nature of player development within Major League Baseball. It stands to reason, though, with the right circumstances, Cartaya might reinvigorate his career, securing himself another chance to prove he belongs at the highest level of the sport.