The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been recognized for their ability to wield financial power, but sometimes their most impressive moves come from unearthing hidden gems. Not every future star comes with a hefty price tag. Enter Josue De Paula, a name that's quickly becoming familiar across the league.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2022 for just $397,500, De Paula is proving to be one of the most exciting prospects in baseball. Fast forward to today, and he’s ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, making him the top player in the Dodgers’ system. His advanced batting skills have drawn comparisons to Dodgers legend Corey Seager, a testament to his potential impact.
Back in 2024, De Paula was already making waves, praised as the Dodgers’ most advanced young hitter since Seager. His swing decisions and exit velocity have even sparked comparisons to Yordan Alvarez.
In the Midwest League, he showcased his prowess with a .406 on-base percentage and 82 walks, highlighting his disciplined approach at the plate. For a signing cost of $397,500, this isn't just a stroke of luck-it's a testament to elite scouting and development.
The buzz around De Paula continues to grow. In ESPN’s preseason Top 100 list, released on January 27 by Kiley McDaniel, De Paula is ranked No. 21 overall.
His consistent presence in the 15-24 range across major prospect lists underscores his rising stock. Evaluators have even floated the tantalizing potential of a "Yordan Alvarez if it clicks" scenario.
De Paula isn’t the only Dodger making headlines. Eduardo Quintero has also surged to No. 37 after an MVP run in the California League.
In total, five Dodgers prospects have cracked ESPN’s Top 100, signaling that the Dodgers' pipeline remains as robust as ever. With talents like De Paula leading the charge, the future looks incredibly bright for the Dodgers.