Juan Soto, star of the New York Yankees, at just 25 years old, is already shaping the next generation of hitters. According to NJ media, the new Bronx Bomber star has been serving as something of a mentor to Josue De Paula, a prospect of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As Juan Soto geared up for the 2024 season with the Yankees, he spent time training with the next wave of MLB stars – one currently in the majors and another seemingly on the fast track.
Who is the prospect that Juan Soto has been tutoring?
Through the MLB Pipeline’s top prospects report on Josue De Paula, the fourth-ranked prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ system was highlighted.
De Paula spent the offseason training with Juan Soto and Elly De La Cruz in Florida, adding significant muscle to his 1.90m frame, which should translate into more power in 2024. With his hitting ability, bat speed, and projectable strength, he could develop into a .300 hitter with 30 home runs annually once he learns to drive the ball in the air more consistently.
That De Paula is only 18 years old and at the top of one of the deepest minor league systems speaks to his potential. De Paula reached Low-A last season, batting .284 with two home runs and 40 RBIs in 340 at-bats (74 games). The Dodgers signed him in the Dominican Republic, but he was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is a second cousin to former NBA players Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair.
De La Cruz, the 22-year-old shortstop of the Cincinnati Reds, is one of the most exciting talents in the game. In 2023, he had a batting average of .235, got on base at .300, and recorded 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. De La Cruz is blessed with tantalizing skills – ranking in the top 1% in maximum exit velocity (119.2 mph), 100th percentile in running speed, and 98th percentile in arm strength.
Meanwhile, Juan Soto looks to build on a .275/.410/.519 campaign where he hit 35 home runs and drove in 109 runs.
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