The Los Angeles Dodgers received an encouraging early return from one of their later selections in the 2026 MLB Draft as shortstop Caleb Johnson quickly made his presence felt after beginning his professional career.

Johnson, selected in the 13th round, joined the organization's Single-A affiliate following four seasons at Jacksonville State. In his first 22 professional games, the switch-hitter showed a combination of offensive production and baserunning ability that gave the Dodgers an early reason for optimism about his development.

Johnson hit .293 with a .375 on-base percentage and a .537 slugging percentage, adding five home runs and nine stolen bases. His production offered an encouraging introduction to professional baseball after completing his collegiate career.

Johnson spent four years at Jacksonville State, giving him substantial collegiate experience before entering the professional ranks. That background provided him with an opportunity to refine his approach against college competition before making the transition to the minor leagues.

As a switch-hitter, Johnson offers the ability to bat from both sides of the plate. His offensive profile includes gap power, while his speed gives him another way to influence games beyond hitting for extra bases.

The early home run production was particularly encouraging for a player selected outside the first several rounds of the Draft.

His baserunning also stood out. Johnson stole nine bases during the same stretch, showing that his speed could become a useful part of his offensive game as he progresses through the Dodgers' farm system.

Defensively, Johnson has the actions to remain at shortstop. His ability to handle the position adds value to his overall profile, particularly as the organization evaluates where its younger players fit within its long-term plans.

A player's first professional games rarely provide a complete picture of what his career might look like. Recent draft selections face different challenges when transitioning to professional baseball, particularly after lengthy college seasons or extended breaks between competitive action and the start of their pro careers.

For Johnson, however, the initial numbers offer a promising foundation.

His combination of contact ability, power and speed gives the Dodgers several areas to monitor as he gains more experience. Maintaining his offensive production against better pitching and continuing to develop defensively will be important steps in determining his future trajectory.

Johnson remains an unranked prospect, meaning his early performance should be viewed as an encouraging beginning rather than evidence that he is already among the organization's top young players.