On January 11, the Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines by trading infielder Michael Busch, their No. 4 prospect and reigning Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year, to the Chicago Cubs. In return, they acquired two minor league players. At the time, this decision appeared practical, given Busch’s lack of a clear path to regular playing time in the Dodgers’ major league lineup. Fast forward eight months, and one of the incoming prospects, left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris, has emerged as a standout performer, underscoring the value of the deal.
Ferris has quickly made a name for himself within the Dodgers organization. He was named the Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year, a prestigious honor that reflects his stellar debut season. In a recent interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Ferris spoke candidly about his aspirations and determination to excel at the highest level of the sport.
“Step one is always about progressing to the next level,” Ferris explained. “Right now, I’m in Double-A, so the goal is to move up to Triple-A and then make it to the big leagues. Once I get there, I want to establish myself and aim for greatness. My ultimate goal is to become a Hall of Famer, to make it to Cooperstown, and to be remembered as one of the best left-handed pitchers in history. I’m chasing it all, and I’m putting in the work to achieve it.”
Ferris’s 2024 season stats underscore his potential. He posted a 3.20 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP while striking out 145 batters over 126.2 innings pitched across two levels: Double-A Tulsa and High-A Great Lakes. His time in Tulsa was particularly impressive, with a 2.54 ERA in seven starts. His dominance was even more evident during his stint in Great Lakes, where he earned a promotion after an exceptional run. Over his final 12 starts there, Ferris compiled a remarkable 1.59 ERA and held opposing batters to a minuscule .159 batting average. One of the highlights of his season came on August 1, when he pitched eight no-hit innings for Great Lakes before being elevated to Tulsa.
Ferris’s trajectory suggests he will begin the 2025 season in Double-A, with a likely promotion to Triple-A as he continues to develop. Given the Dodgers’ depth of talent in their major league rotation, the organization has the luxury of being patient with Ferris’s progress. This measured approach aligns with Ferris’s long-term commitment to the team.
“I love the Dodgers,” Ferris said. “I’m all in on what this organization is building. I hope to stay here for the rest of my career.”
The Dodgers’ decision to trade Busch, a highly regarded prospect, initially raised questions among fans and analysts. However, Ferris’s rapid rise within the organization has validated the move. His ability to adapt and excel at higher levels of competition is a testament to both his talent and the Dodgers’ scouting acumen. As Ferris continues to refine his skills, he appears poised to make an impact at the major league level, embodying the potential that made him such a valuable acquisition.
The trade also highlights the Dodgers’ ongoing strategy of leveraging their deep talent pool to address organizational needs. While Busch’s departure represented the loss of a promising infielder, the emergence of Ferris as a future cornerstone of the pitching staff illustrates the team’s commitment to long-term success. The Dodgers’ ability to identify and nurture talent remains a hallmark of their sustained excellence in player development.
Looking ahead, Ferris’s journey to the major leagues will be closely watched. His combination of skill, work ethic, and ambition makes him a compelling figure in the Dodgers’ pipeline. If his 2024 performance is any indication, Ferris has the potential to become a significant contributor to the team’s success in the years to come. His dream of becoming one of the game’s greats aligns perfectly with the Dodgers’ culture of excellence and ambition.
