Dodgers 2018 top prospects: No. 18, Imani Abdullah

Although 2017 was largely a redshirt season for Imani Abdullah, he slides from No. 9 on last year’s Dodgers prospect list to 18th this year largely based on the performances of others. Abdullah pitched in just six games last season, and his rather nondescript 12⅓ innings of work don’t tell us much about the improvements he’s made. However, a cleaner-looking delivery in instructs video and further physical development set the stage for a promising outlook on what could be a make or break year for Abdullah’s prospect status.

Abdullah is the first 55-grade tier prospect on the list this year, with no grades changing from 2017 to 2018. The outlook on Abdullah hasn’t changed despite the lack of in-game looks, largely because Abdullah suffered no significant injury, nor does it appear his abilities took a sharp step back. If anything, I’m more anxious to see where his tools have progressed in 2018 given the physical developments of last season.

Already an impressive looking 6’4 and 205 lbs., Abdullah appears to have added more upper-body strength while loosening up some of the stiffness that I’ve previously knocked him for. While he still doesn’t have the smoothest or quickest arm action in the system, Abdullah’s upper body mechanics look more athletic and repeatable.

Added strength should come as a plus for Abdullah, as his fastball showed promise but was said to operate in the lower 90s in his first Low-A stint. He showed advanced command for a teen, but the pitch lacked significant life and could use a few ticks in velocity to register as a plus pitch.

Beyond his physical projection, Abdullah is also exciting as a prospect for his feel for spin at a young age. His curveball isn’t a big bender, but features a tight 1-7 break that he can control in the zone. The curve is currently his best pitch and offers the most strikeout potential in his arsenal. Abdullah also throws a change but I have little information to share on the pitches progress last season.

Abdullah will turn 21 shortly after the start of next season, and though he only pitched briefly in Low-A last season, he could be pushed to High-A to start the year and be more in line with his age peers. More than anything, Abdullah just needs innings, as he’s still three innings shy of 100 professional innings despite starting his fourth year as a pro.

Physically, Abdullah looks up to the challenge of taking on a greater workload, and 2018 could be the year the kid gloves come off. For Abdullah to capitalize on his potential in the upcoming season, an uptick in velocity and strikeout percentage are needed, regardless of level. Abdullah has shown excellent command numbers before last year’s 12-inning season, but he now must put the whole package together.

If nothing else, Abdullah could reach the ceiling of a command guy at the back of a rotation or as a swingman between Triple-A and the majors, bullpen and rotation. However, the Dodgers have patiently been carefully steering his development and likely hope 2018 is the year they will see the fruits of their labor.

While talented and tool laden, Abdullah likely carries less trade value than his ability would indicate given the limited looks scouts have been given and his distance from the majors. He could accelerate his time table with a fast start in A-ball and reaching Double-A next season isn’t out of the question, but most clubs would likely prefer to take a wait-and-see approach with Abdullah.

Fans have been reading about Abdullah since he was given a large bonus in the 2015 draft as an overslot 11th rounder. Few fans, though, have been given the chance to see Abdullah perform, and that should change. A healthy, full season on the mound in any combination of Rancho Cucamonga and Tulsa should see Abdullah hold his 55 grade and perhaps climb in these rankings once again. Another abbreviated or start and stop season, and Abdullah will be seen as more project than prospect.