Dodgers Target Defensive Development for Josue De Paula

The Los Angeles organization aims to improve the 21-year-old prospect's outfield skills ahead of the 2027 season.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball

Dodgers Target Defensive Development for Josue De Paula

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are focusing on refining the defensive outfield skills of 21-year-old prospect Josue De Paula. This development plan comes as the team faces a crowded roster of established veteran players for the upcoming 2027 season.

Why it matters

Securing a spot on the 26-man roster requires De Paula to demonstrate defensive versatility beyond his offensive production. With limited outfield openings, the organization is prioritizing his defensive growth to increase his chances of making the team out of spring training.

Josue De Paula finished his 11-game major league stint with a .323/.500/.681 slash line. He currently competes for one of the limited spots on the Dodgers' 26-man roster for 2027.

The players

Josue De Paula

He is a 21-year-old baseball prospect recently called up to the Dodgers big league roster.

Los Angeles Dodgers

This professional Major League Baseball organization is based in Los Angeles.

The details

De Paula, who served primarily as a designated hitter during his September call-up, must now transition to a defensive role to bolster his utility. The team coaching staff outlined this specific developmental path to ensure the 21-year-old is prepared for the rigorous requirements of a major league outfield position.

September 2026: De Paula played as a designated hitter for the Dodgers.
October 2026: The team held end-of-season press conferences.
December 1, 2026: The MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire.
2027: The projected season for the team's regular lineup composition.

Season Trajectory

The potential lockout following the expiration of the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement could restrict coaching access during the offseason. This interruption would impact the developmental progress of prospects like Josue De Paula as they prepare for the 2027 competitive landscape.

De Paula must perform during spring training to secure a spot on the 26-man active roster for the upcoming season. His defensive versatility is the primary factor determining if he earns a permanent role among the team's established veterans.

The takeaway

Prospects often face a steep climb when moving from minor league success to full-time major league defensive roles. Readers should watch spring training results closely to see if defensive improvements allow young hitters to break into crowded major league lineups.

What happens next

A major league work stoppage is projected to begin on December 1, 2026, when the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, which may impact coaching availability.