Los Angeles Dodgers minor league outfielder Josue De Paula is turning heads as the top prospect in the franchise’s farm system. At 20, soon to be 21, De Paula is making waves with his left-handed prowess both at the plate and in the field.
Standing tall at six-foot-three and weighing 185 pounds, De Paula’s journey began in Brooklyn before moving to the Dominican Republic, where he signed with the Dodgers in 2022 for $397,500. With familial ties to former NBA guards Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair, athleticism runs in his veins.
Prospect Rankings
De Paula’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. MLB Pipeline ranks him No. 15 overall, leading the Dodgers’ prospects. ESPN and FanGraphs also place him at the top of the Dodgers’ list, while The Athletic and Baseball America have him slightly lower but still highlight his potential.
Performance in 2025
Last season, De Paula showcased his skills across High-A and Double-A. In 98 games with Great Lakes, he posted a .263/.406/.421 line, belting 12 homers, driving in 44 runs, and swiping 31 bases. His brief stint in Double-A Tulsa was challenging, but it sets the stage for what could be a pivotal 2026 season.
Scouting Insights
Looking ahead, De Paula is projected to reach the majors by 2027. The Dodgers can afford patience, given their current outfield depth. However, with Teoscar Hernandez potentially leaving after 2026, De Paula could find himself with significant playing time if he excels this year.
Doug McKain from Dodger Nation praises De Paula’s plate discipline and hard-hitting ability. The key question is whether De Paula can convert his consistent contact into more power. If he can, he might just rise to the top of baseball’s prospect lists.
Dodgers’ Prospects to Watch
Alongside De Paula, keep an eye on River Ryan and Emmet Sheehan, who are poised for breakout seasons. De Paula could also make a splash if given the opportunity later in the year.
Scouting Grades
- MLB Pipeline: Hitting - 60, Power - 60, Base-running - 40, Arm strength - 50, Fielding - 50, Overall - 60/80
- FanGraphs: Hitting - 45, Power - 65, Speed - 40, Fielding - 40, Overall - 55/80
With his potential and the Dodgers’ strategic patience, Josue De Paula is a name to watch closely as he continues his climb through the ranks.