Yadier Alvarez

A year ago, Alvarez looked like one of the best pitching prospects in the game. He isn’t injured, and the stuff didn’t decline, but he now looks more likely to end up as a high-end reliever than a high-end starter. Command is important, even when the stuff is electric, and Alvarez walked 50 batters in 92.1 innings between High-A and Double-A. He logged five or more innings in just eight of his 21 appearances, and fair or not, the rate at which Cuban pitchers come over and develop into quality starters is incredibly low. While his slider and changeup will flash plus potential, they lack consistency. Combine that lack of consistency with his inability to locate, and it’s impossible to predict what Alvarez will bring from start to start. He still has a projectable 6-foot-3 frame and 98 mph gas, so he will continue to be developed as a starter for now. But the time may soon come when the Dodgers choose the path of least resistance. After all, go ask last year’s team how important bullpen depth is in the postseason.