MLB.com’s Ben Weinrib listed Los Angeles Dodgers prospects Mike Sirota and River Ryan as bounceback candidates for the 2026 season. Both prospects dealt with injury in 2025 causing them to miss most — or in Ryan’s case all — of…
MLB.com’s Ben Weinrib listed Los Angeles Dodgers prospects Mike Sirota and River Ryan as bounceback candidates for the 2026 season.
Both prospects dealt with injury in 2025 causing them to miss most — or in Ryan’s case all — of the season. Sirota, the Dodgers’ No. 5 prospects and the No. 60 prospect in MLB, suffered a season-ending knee injury in July after a great start to his professional baseball career, and Ryan spent the year recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Why is River Ryan a Bounceback Candidate?
Despite being 27 years old, Ryan is still considered a prospect because he didn’t exceed his rookie limits in 2024, when he made his debut for the Dodgers.
Ryan had a 1.33 ERA in four appearances with the Dodgers that season, and has a real chance to make the MLB roster out of spring training this season.
The right-hander has a unique five-pitch arsenal, and is even looking to add another pitch into the mix ahead of next season to improve his strikeout rate.
He could battle for the final spot in the rotation in spring training if he performs well enough, but could just as well take on a longer relief role in the bullpen for the Dodgers. If neither of those, he’ll surely work his way back up to the majors after some time in Triple-A.
Why is Mike Sirota a Bounceback Candidate?
Sirota came to the Dodgers after the 2024 season from the Cincinnati Reds in the trade which sent Gavin Lux to the NL Central.
Despite being drafted in 2024, the Reds didn’t give him any time in the minor leagues that year, so he made his professional debut in the Dodgers’ organization.
He began the season with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, where he had a 1.130 OPS in 25 games played. The Dodgers quickly moved him up to High-A, but he managed just 35 games before his season ended early.
During those 35 games, though, the prospect posted a 1.014 OPS in High-A, hitting six homers and driving in 30 runs.
In total, he had a 1.068 OPS through 59 games in the minors last season, hitting 13 homers and driving in 54 runs. The Dodgers will surely be happy with his progression following his monster half-season, and the 22-year-old will surely be quick to move up the ladder.
With their prospects returning from injury, the Dodgers will hope the two of them can come to the majors as soon as possible to relieve the Dodgers’ aging position player core — an increasingly prominent issue in the team.
Which prospect are you most excited for next season?
Category: General Sports
