Dodgers' De Paula Must Improve Defense

Los Angeles general manager Brandon Gomes says the top prospect needs defensive work before he can claim a starting outfield job.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Josue De Paula, the organization's No. 1 prospect, must improve defensively. De Paula said he will work on his glove and prove his critics wrong.

Why it matters

De Paula's defense is the main gap between him and a starting outfield role on a Dodgers roster already loaded with talent. His offensive numbers in a short major league stint suggest the bat is not the issue.

De Paula hit a home run, drove in seven runs and posted an OPS above 1.000 with a .500 on-base percentage across 11 MLB games at the end of 2026. His only outfield chance last season was a single putout over six innings, so his defensive record at the major league level remains very small.

The players

Josue De Paula

The 21-year-old is the Los Angeles Dodgers' No. 1 prospect and a switch-hitting outfielder whose bat has drawn early attention in the majors.

Brandon Gomes

The Dodgers general manager oversees the club's roster construction and player development decisions.

Jackie Bradley Jr.

The former Gold Glove center fielder is known for his defensive excellence and is expected to help De Paula refine his glove this offseason.

The details

Gomes told reporters that De Paula must improve defensively, and De Paula responded that he will work to improve his glove and prove his critics wrong. The Dodgers' coaching staff plans to develop his defense through offseason and spring training work, and he is expected to train with former Gold Glover Jackie Bradley Jr. this winter.

End of the 2026 season: De Paula played 11 games for the Dodgers.
Last season: He received one outfield opportunity in the majors.
Triple-A postseason: He posted a perfect fielding percentage through three outfield games with Oklahoma City.
Offseason: He is expected to train with Jackie Bradley Jr.
Upcoming season: He is projected as a key Dodgers player if his defense improves.

Season Trajectory

De Paula's short late-season stint gives the Dodgers a possible answer in the outfield if his defense catches up to his bat. The Dodgers already have a deep core, so his path to playing time depends on defensive development.

Fantasy managers tracking Dodgers outfield depth should note that De Paula's playing time will depend on defensive progress this offseason. Fans watching the club's spring competition can watch whether his glove improves.

The takeaway

De Paula's bat has given the Dodgers a reason to be patient with his glove. Improvement in the outfield over the offseason could decide whether he earns regular playing time next year.