Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula shone brightly during the MLB Futures Game at Truist Park in Atlanta, where he celebrated a significant achievement by hitting a decisive three-run homer that helped secure a 4-2 victory for the National League over the American League. This impressive performance not only earned him the Futures Game MVP award, but also marked him as the only other Dodgers prospect to receive this honor since infielder Chin-Lung Hu in 2007.
At just 20 years old, De Paula boasts an impressive resume as a former first-round draft pick, highlighting the depth of talent within the Dodgers’ Class A Great Lakes affiliate. He expressed pride in his team and their collective abilities, stating, “We’re all good, brother. We’ve all got talent. We all excel somewhere. Us together? It’s a dream squad.”
De Paula’s home run traveled a remarkable 416 feet, triggering fireworks and evoking a deep emotional response as he crossed home plate, especially in the presence of his father, who lives in New York City. Emphasizing the importance of this moment for his confidence, he remarked, “Mentally, it was a big moment, to prove, especially to myself, who I really am.”
Zyhir Hope, his teammate and right fielder for Great Lakes, also showcased his skills during the Futures Game, having singled before De Paula’s home run and joining the celebration at home plate. Hope praised De Paula’s laid-back but hardworking nature, stating, “Everything. He takes it easily. He’s calm, relaxed and laid back, but he works hard. He’s a great dude.”
Notably, both De Paula and Hope are among the top prospects in baseball, with Baseball Prospectus ranking them in the top 10 prior to the season, and currently MLB Pipeline lists them among the top 40. De Paula’s skill set includes power, speed, and advanced plate discipline, raising questions about his future positional fit in the Dodgers’ organization, while Hope’s journey from a defensively solid prospect to a promising hitter further underscores the depth of talent the Dodgers have cultivated.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, thoughts inevitably turn to the potential impact on player movements. Although it’s common for contenders to trade prospects for immediate major league help, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is not typically known for parting with top talents like De Paula, who is currently ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system.
De Paula expressed his aspirations to reach the major leagues with the Dodgers, saying, “I do want to get to L.A. I hope that’s in God’s plans. At the end of the day, we never make the decisions. We’ve just got to focus on what we need to do on the field and whatever happens, happens. But I really do hope I become a Dodger and I stay there for a very long time.”
The bright future for these young players may inspire hope among Dodgers fans that the next generation is ready to contribute at the major league level soon.