Traded twice last year, Dodgers prospect turns in historic Minors campaign

The Dodgers just extended their active postseason streak to 14 straight seasons (tying the MLB record set by the Braves from 1991-2005), clinched their 13th division title in that span and are going for their third straight World Series title (fourth in six years).

The scary thing for fans of the other 29 clubs -- that winning culture doesn’t stop at the big league squad, and James Tibbs III believes he is the proof in the proverbial pudding.

The Dodgers' seventh-ranked prospect didn’t just put together the best season of his pro career, he accomplished something that had not happened in affiliated Minor League ball before this year since at least 2005 -- posting 100-plus RBIs, runs and walks in a single campaign. (Milwaukee's Andrew Fischer, a Hitting Prospect of the Year finalist, also accomplished the feat this season.)

“I really just think it’s the Dodgers,” Tibbs said. “There’s so much knowledge in the room here and everyone just wants what’s best for me. They really do an amazing job of helping you figure out what works for you and helping you get the best out of yourself. They really project a lot of confidence in you, and as players, that helps build confidence in yourself.”

Tibbs landed with the organization at the Trade Deadline last year in the deal that sent Dustin May to Boston -- just 46 days after the 2024 first-round pick (No. 13 overall) was dealt to the Red Sox in the Rafael Devers blockbuster. An unusual path for a prospect who was selected that high in the Draft, but one the 23-year-old is grateful for.

“They wouldn’t have traded for me if they didn’t believe in me,” he said. “And I’m just forever grateful for the people who helped me develop my game thus far. There’s so many biometrics and weight training involved, there’s no stone left unturned here. They really emphasize being an all-around player, and that means getting the most out of your swing, defense, baserunning and going into every at-bat with a plan. It just allows me to be confident in what I need to do to be successful.”

Tibbs’ season puts him in elite company at the Major League level as well. Dating back to 2005, only 23 players compiled 100-plus RBIs, runs and walks in the same season, and some of those names include Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto, Mike Trout and Yordan Alvarez, the latter of whom also accomplished the feat this season.

If you go back even further and include the divisional era, names like Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, Mike Schmidt, Edgar Martinez and Jeff Bagwell also appear.

“It’s not something you strive for with the ups and downs of the baseball season and how difficult the season can be,” Tibbs said. “But to be here at the end of the season and see things like this happen, it’s extremely cool and I’m extremely thankful for that.”

It wasn’t just a career year for the Florida State product, who just about shattered every major categorical high he’d set before this season. Tibbs also made his mark at the Minors’ highest level, finishing atop the Triple-A totals in extra-base hits (65), total bases (278) and walks (108). He also placed among the top seven on the circuit with 107 RBIs (second), 109 runs (second), 150 hits (third), 30 homers (fourth), a .941 OPS (fifth), .532 slugging (sixth) and .409 OBP (seventh). He also finished the season with a 140 wRC+.

“I always took pride in my plate discipline,” Tibbs said. “Being able to get off to a good start in that first AB, make pitchers weary of throwing certain pitches in certain places, stick to my plan and just be patient. They’re going to have to come across the plate -- it’s up to me to control the zone, take good pitches and stay confident.”

Tibbs’ strong play carried over into the postseason, as he helped Oklahoma City claim the Pacific Coast League title and play for a Triple-A National Championship on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 5-foot-11, 201-pound lefty swinger mashed a pair of jacks in the PCL Championship Series, including a pivotal three-run dinger with his team facing elimination in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.

“The season I’m having is really a group effort, it just happens to show up on my stat sheet,” Tibbs said. “Yes, I'm trying to put together good at-bats, but people are getting on base in front of you and then driving you in when you get on base. That part is out of my control. It just speaks to how talented this team is.”