Josue De Paula scouting report – if you’re a Dodgers fan, this name has been buzzing nonstop, and for good reason. As we dive into 2026, the 20-year-old outfielder isn’t just the crown jewel of the Los Angeles system; he’s one of the most exciting young hitters in all of baseball. Pure swing, budding power, and a feel for the barrel that makes scouts drool – that’s De Paula in a nutshell.
Let’s cut to the chase: Josue De Paula is the kind of prospect who makes you dream big. Signed young out of the Dominican Republic, he’s rocketed up rankings with performances that back the hype. As detailed in our comprehensive Dodgers Farm System Top Prospects Update 2026, De Paula sits firmly at No. 1 in the organization’s pipeline, and many national lists have him cracking the overall top 20-40. But what makes him special? Grab a coffee – we’re breaking it all down in this full Josue De Paula scouting report.
Who Is Josue De Paula? Background and Rise
Picture this: a kid born in Brooklyn, New York, in 2005, moves to the Dominican Republic as a teen, and signs with the Dodgers in January 2022 for a modest bonus. Fast forward, and Josue De Paula is turning heads across minor league stadiums.
His pro debut came in the Dominican Summer League, where he slashed an eye-popping .350/.448/.522 with more walks than strikeouts. That wasn’t a fluke. Skipping complex ball entirely, he split 2024 between Low-A and High-A, showing advanced plate skills beyond his years. Then 2025? Wow. Despite minor injuries, De Paula dominated High-A Great Lakes, earned Futures Game MVP honors with a massive homer, and finished the year with a late promotion to Double-A Tulsa. At just 20, reaching Double-A is elite company.
What stands out? Consistency. He’s posted high OBPs everywhere, walking tons while rarely striking out. Dodgers brass calls him one of the most advanced young hitters they’ve seen in years. That’s high praise from an organization known for developing stars.
Josue De Paula Scouting Report: The Hit Tool – Pure Magic
Let’s start with the carrying tool in any Josue De Paula scouting report: the hit ability. Scouts slap a 60-grade on it currently, with plenty believing it plays up to plus-plus.
De Paula’s left-handed swing is poetry in motion – short to the zone, explosive through contact, and adjustable mid-at-bat. He stays back on off-speed, barrels velocity inside, and uses the whole field. In 2025, his strikeout rates hovered in the low-to-mid teens, while walks pushed 15-20%. That’s rare for a teenager facing older pitching.
Think about his Futures Game moment: swung through a nasty slider from a top lefty prospect, then parked the next one. That’s feel. He recognizes spin early, spoils tough pitches, and punishes mistakes. Exit velocities are climbing into the mid-90s average, with peaks over 110 mph. If you’re wondering why he’s compared to young stars like Juan Soto (minus the extreme patience), it’s this: De Paula just hits.
Analogy time – his approach is like a veteran chess player in a kid’s body. Calm, calculated, always a step ahead. The hit tool alone makes him a high-floor guy, but there’s more.
Power Potential: From Raw to Game-Changing
Power wasn’t always the headline in early Josue De Paula scouting reports, but it’s exploding now. Current grade: 60, with 65-70 upside whispered by optimistic scouts.
At 6’3″ and around 200 pounds (he’s filling out nicely), De Paula has the frame for loft and leverage. His swing has natural lift, and he’s driving balls farther as he adds strength. In 2025, he popped 12 homers across levels, but the underlying data screams more: hard-hit rates climbing, pull-side authority growing.
He’s not a dead-pull masher yet – he sprays gaps – but when he elevates, balls carry. Imagine 25-30 homer potential in his prime, paired with that hit tool? We’re talking All-Star ceilings. The Dodgers’ development staff has him focusing on intent without sacrificing contact. Early returns? Promising. This part of the Josue De Paula scouting report gets me most excited – the power is coming online fast.
Speed and Baserunning: Sneaky Contributor
Don’t sleep on the legs. De Paula grades 45 on speed – below average straight-line – but instincts make him effective.
In 2025, he swiped over 30 bags at an 80% success rate. That’s not burner speed; that’s reading pitchers, explosive jumps, and smart routes. He profiles as a 15-20 steal guy in the majors, adding fantasy value and real-world chaos on bases.
Rhetorical question: how many 20-year-olds combine plus hit, plus power, and double-digit steals? Not many. De Paula checks boxes across the stat sheet.
Defense and Arm: Corner Outfield Profile
Here’s the one knock in most Josue De Paula scouting reports: defense. Current field grade is 40, likely sticking in a corner.
He’s worked hard with coaches like Daniel Nava to improve routes and jumps. First-step quickness helps in left or right, and he’s playable now. Arm is average (50) – accurate with decent carry, enough for right field.
Could he sneak into center early? Maybe briefly, but long-term, he’s a corner guy. That’s fine – the bat plays anywhere. Dodgers have him on grass, focusing on fundamentals. Improvement here could push his overall value even higher.
Overall Grade and Risk in This Josue De Paula Scouting Report
Consensus FV (future value) hovers around 60-65, translating to perennial All-Star potential. Risk? Medium. He’s performed at every level, stayed healthy mostly, and the skills are loud.
Worst case? A solid everyday outfielder with .280 average and 20 homers. Best case? A cornerstone like a left-handed Freddie Freeman with more pop. The floor is high because of the hit tool; the ceiling skyrockets if power fully arrives.
ETA? Late 2026 or 2027 feels realistic. Starting 2026 in Triple-A Oklahoma City wouldn’t shock anyone, especially if he crushes spring training.
Comparables and Player Comps
Scouts love comps, right? Here are a few floating around in Josue De Paula scouting reports:
- A less patient Juan Soto: similar swing mechanics, opposite-field juice, advanced approach young.
- Yordan Alvarez lite: big lefty power with hit-first foundation (though Alvarez is DH-only).
- Christian Yelich in his prime: gap-to-gap with emerging pop, steals early.
No perfect match – De Paula’s blend is unique. But these names hint at stardom.
What Scouts Are Saying About Josue De Paula
Anonymous quotes paint the picture:
“Dodgers officials routinely describe De Paula as the most advanced young hitter their organization has had in years.”
“He’s one of the purest hitters in the minors – adjusts on the fly, barrels everything.”
“The power is starting to show; once it clicks fully, watch out.”
From the Futures Game MVP performance to late-season Double-A dominance, the buzz is real.
Challenges and Areas for Growth
No prospect is perfect. For De Paula:
- Consistency against lefties: solid so far, but small samples.
- Adding strength without losing swing quickness.
- Defensive polish to avoid DH track.
He’s young – time is on his side. The Dodgers’ track record with international bats (think Bellinger, Puig) bodes well.
Why Josue De Paula Is the Dodgers’ Future Cornerstone
Tie it back: in our Dodgers Farm System Top Prospects Update 2026, we called him the clear No. 1 for a reason. Outfield depth is loaded, but De Paula stands above with his bat-to-ball wizardry and upside.
He’s not just a prospect; he’s the kind of talent championships build around. Cheap years, high production – perfect for LA’s model.
Conclusion: Sky-High Ceiling Awaits
This Josue De Paula scouting report boils down to one thing: superstar potential. Advanced hit tool carrying the profile, power ticking up, sneaky athleticism – it’s all there. As 2026 unfolds, expect big steps toward Dodger Stadium.
If you’re investing in prospects (fantasy or fandom), De Paula is a must-watch. The hype is earned, and the future? Bright blue. Who’s ready to see this kid rake in the majors? I know I am.
FAQs
1. What are the scouting grades in the latest Josue De Paula scouting report?
MLB Pipeline gives him Hit: 60, Power: 60, Run: 45, Arm: 50, Field: 40, with an Overall: 60 – pointing to All-Star upside.
2. When could Josue De Paula debut according to his scouting report?
Late 2026 or 2027 is the projected ETA. Strong performance could accelerate him to Triple-A early in 2026 and a big-league call-up soon after.
3. How did Josue De Paula perform in 2025 per scouting reports?
He reached Double-A at 20, won Futures Game MVP, posted strong OBPs with double-digit homers and 30+ steals, showcasing elite plate discipline.
4. What position will Josue De Paula play based on scouting reports?
Primarily a corner outfielder (left or right field). He’s improved defensively but profiles best on the corners long-term.
5. Why is Josue De Paula ranked No. 1 in the Dodgers system in 2026 scouting reports?
His combination of plus-plus hit tool, emerging plus power, and advanced approach make him the highest-ceiling bat, as highlighted in broader prospect overviews.
