Josue De Paula: Dodgers, Stats, Call-Up and Prospect Ranking

Josue De Paula has become one of the biggest names in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system. The 21-year-old outfielder has made a major jump in 2026, producing at Double-A Tulsa and earning recognition as one of baseball’s top prospects. Now, the Dodgers have decided to bring De Paula to the major leagues, giving fans a chance to see one of their most highly regarded young hitters.

De Paula entered the season as the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect and continued to strengthen his reputation with an outstanding offensive campaign. MLB Pipeline currently lists him as the No. 4 overall prospect in baseball and No. 1 in the Dodgers organization.

Josue De Paula Dodgers Call-Up

The Dodgers are calling up Josue De Paula from Double-A Tulsa in September 2026. The promotion represents an important step in the development of the young outfielder.

According to reports, De Paula is expected to receive an opportunity at designated hitter after Shohei Ohtani’s injury created an opening in the Dodgers lineup. Manager Dave Roberts said De Paula is expected to start at DH in Miami on Friday.

The timing of the promotion is significant. De Paula was already expected to be added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster later this year because of Rule 5 Draft considerations. Instead, Los Angeles has accelerated his path to the majors.

Josue De Paula Stats in 2026

De Paula’s 2026 minor league numbers show why the Dodgers are so excited about his bat.

According to Baseball Savant, he has produced a .303 batting average, .401 on-base percentage and .547 slugging percentage in 2026. He has also hit 27 home runs and stolen 31 bases, giving him an impressive combination of power and speed.

His 2026 numbers include:

These numbers highlight De Paula’s all-around offensive ability. He has shown that he can hit for average, reach base consistently, provide power and create opportunities with his speed.

Josue De Paula Prospect Ranking

Josue De Paula is currently ranked No. 4 overall by MLB Pipeline and No. 1 among Dodgers prospects. Baseball Savant also lists him at No. 4 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 and No. 1 within the Dodgers system.

MLB’s Dodgers prospect rankings place De Paula at No. 1 ahead of Mike Sirota, Eduardo Quintero and Emil Morales.

Baseball America also ranks De Paula highly. Its 2026 ranking places him at No. 4 overall, while the publication lists him as the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect.

That consensus is important because it shows that De Paula is not simply a highly regarded Dodgers prospect. He is viewed as one of the best young players in all of professional baseball.

What Makes Josue De Paula a Top Prospect?

De Paula’s hitting ability is the biggest reason for his prospect status.

The left-handed hitter has consistently shown the ability to control the strike zone and produce extra-base hits. His 2026 campaign has added more evidence that his power can translate as he moves toward the major leagues.

Baseball America has previously given him strong grades for both hitting and power. The publication’s scouting report described him as one of the purest hitters in the Dodgers system.

His offensive profile also includes speed. De Paula has already reached 31 stolen bases in 2026, making him more than a traditional power hitter.

Josue De Paula Defensive Questions

While De Paula’s bat has received widespread praise, his defense remains an area scouts continue to monitor.

He is an outfielder, but questions have been raised about whether he can become a consistent defensive option at the major league level. Baseball America’s scouting grades have reflected stronger evaluations for his hitting and power than for his fielding.

For the Dodgers, that creates an interesting situation. If De Paula’s bat immediately translates, the organization can find different ways to keep him in the lineup. The designated hitter spot provides one potential solution.

Josue De Paula Minor League Career

De Paula signed with the Dodgers in 2022 and quickly established himself as an exciting young hitter.

He began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League before progressing through the Dodgers’ minor league system. He reached Double-A Tulsa in 2025 while still just 20 years old.

His career minor league numbers have also been impressive. Baseball Savant lists him with a .286 batting average, .404 on-base percentage, .453 slugging percentage, 56 home runs and 120 stolen bases across his minor league career.

That combination of production and age helped establish De Paula as one of the Dodgers’ most valuable prospects.

Josue De Paula and the Dodgers’ Future

The Dodgers already have one of baseball’s deepest organizations, but De Paula gives the team another potential impact bat.

His promotion also gives Los Angeles an opportunity to evaluate him against major league pitching before the 2027 season. Even if his first games involve an adjustment period, the experience could be valuable for his long-term development.

The biggest question will be whether De Paula can maintain his excellent offensive approach against MLB pitchers. His minor league production suggests he has the talent to make an impact, but major league pitching presents a significantly different challenge.

Will Josue De Paula Stay With the Dodgers?

De Paula’s performance after his call-up will determine how much playing time he receives. The Dodgers have several established players competing for opportunities, so his role could change depending on injuries, performance and roster decisions.

However, his prospect status gives the organization plenty of reasons to give him an extended look.

The Dodgers were already planning around De Paula’s future by considering a 40-man roster addition later in 2026. His major league promotion simply moves that timeline forward.

Josue De Paula FAQs

Who is Josue De Paula?

Josue De Paula is a 21-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He became one of baseball’s top prospects after producing strong numbers in the minor leagues.

What is Josue De Paula’s prospect ranking?

Josue De Paula is ranked No. 4 overall by MLB Pipeline and No. 1 among Dodgers prospects.

What are Josue De Paula’s 2026 stats?

In 2026 minor league play, De Paula has posted a .303 average, .401 OBP, .547 slugging percentage, 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases, according to Baseball Savant.

Has Josue De Paula been called up by the Dodgers?

Yes. The Dodgers are calling up De Paula from Double-A Tulsa in September 2026, according to multiple reports.

What position does Josue De Paula play?

De Paula is an outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws left-handed. Baseball Savant lists him at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds.

Why is Josue De Paula considered a top prospect?

His combination of hitting ability, power, plate discipline and speed has made him one of the most highly rated prospects in baseball.

Conclusion

Josue De Paula has earned his Dodgers call-up with one of the strongest offensive seasons in the organization’s minor league system. His .303 average, 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases demonstrate why he is ranked among baseball’s elite prospects.

Now, De Paula gets his biggest opportunity yet. His performance with the Dodgers will show whether his impressive minor league production can translate to the major league level.