8/11/26 : DSL Phillies - follow up
On 6/1/26 I published an article previewing this season’s Dominican Summer League (DSL) Phillies - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/6-1-26-dominican-summer-league-opening-day. As stated in that article it’s a very promising group - one capable of winning the DSL league championship. The team is currently in first place in the league’s East Division with a 33-17 record. Sixteen teams from the eight divisions (eight division winners plus eight wild cards with the next best records) advance to the round robin playoff round. The regular season concludes on August 18th.
Including feedback provided by Miguel Prestol (Assistant - Player Development) with input from Edwin Soto (Assistant Director - Player Development) here’s a follow up look on some of the team’s standouts and how they have impressed thus far in the early stages of their careers.
Offense :
The team offense has been great with the club in the top ten in the league in runs, hits, doubles, batting average, OBP, slugging and OPS.
OF Francisco Renteria - 17 years old - Venezuela - has put up monster numbers - he’s second in the league in hits (65), first in triples (8), tenth in batting average (.357), 5th in slugging (.621) and 8th in OPS (1.060). Francisco has 8 doubles, 8 home runs, 19 stolen bases, 56 runs scored and 44 RBIs in 212 plate appearances. He was a highly touted signee this past January.Miguel’s comments - “Very happy with his development, he has shown one of the best makeups in all of baseball and after seeing him compete this year we are even more excited about his ceiling.”
SS Juan Parra - 17 years old - Venezuela - another highly touted signee in January he’s also excelled thus far - Juan is a terrific athlete - he’s posted a .292/.448/.444 slash line and .892 OPS in 49 games (222 PA’s) with 55 runs, 50 hits, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 42 walks, 34 K’s and 26 RBIs batting mostly out of the lead off spot in the order. Miguel’s comments - “Parra is an extremely hard worker with a competitor’s mindset and a special ability to hit. He will definitely stay on the infield dirt for a long time in his career. Gamer!”
UTL Jose Tovar - 17 years old - Venezuela- signed in January and listed initially as a catcher this young man has played eight defensive positions already in his first pro season - the only spot he’s not seen action at is first base! Jose has primarily played third base and is yet another hitter on the club who’s excelling - in 41 games (164 PA’s) he’s posted a .289/.366/.401 slash line with 41 hits, 29 runs, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 28 RBIs, 15 walks, 28 K’s and 15 stolen bases.Miguel’s comments - “Athletic with a plus arm and plus speed, his defensive versatility creates a ton of value to his profile. The advanced bat to ball is his main offensive weapon.”
Others who’ve had strong seasons :
OF - Edwin Ramirez - 18 years old - Venezuela - signed 2/5/26 - .417/.483/.563 with a 1.046 OPS in 29 games (116 PA’s) - 43 hits, 16 runs, 8 doubles, 2 triples, HR, 23 RBIs, 5 stolen bases - Miguel’s comments - “The bat is his carrying tool. Has shown good ability to play in the corners, plus arm strength from the OF.”
C/1B - Nelson Prieto - 18 years old - Venezuela - .308/.391/.586 and .977 OPS in 37 games (151 PA’s) with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR’s, 38 runs, 38 RBIs - Miguel’s comments - “Grinder, passionate, power and aggressiveness are big parts of his game.”
OF - Elian Adames - 18 years old - Dominican Republic - signed in 2025 - second season in the DSL. - .291/.344/.453 in 41 games (163 PA’s) with 9 doubles, 5 home runs, 28 runs, 34 RBIs - Miguel’s comments - “Great kid, everyone loves Adames' energy. Significant improvement from last year, especially on his contact and power numbers. Good athlete.”
Ones to watch :
Catcher/1B - Sebastian Saenz - 17 years old - Venezuela - Miguel’s comments - “Plus defensive catcher, a natural leader, high IQ. Offensively has improved significantly in the last month or so. Really smart and mature for his age.”
Middle Infielder - Javen Maduro - 17 years old - Aruba - has a .402 OBP in 134 PA’s (39 games) with 20 hits and 25 walks - Miguel’s comments - “Elite contact hitter. Really high IQ, great defense at 2B.”
Catcher/1B - Deivas Velasquez - 18 years old - Venezuela-.413 OBP in 155 PA’s - 29 hits, 31 walks, 5 doubles, 2 HR’s -Miguel’s comments - “Offensive ceiling is high. Contact, power and swing decision are very advanced for his age/level.”
Middle Infielder - Nieves Izaguirre - 18 years old - Venezuela- signed 1/15/25 -Miguel’s comments- “Plus speed and makes consistent contact, unfortunately injuries have kept him off the field multiple times; but we are excited to continue to see his development.”
Pitchers :
Matt Winkleman (Phillies Minor Thoughts) provides a more detailed analysis of the Phillies Dominican League efforts than anyone not within the organization - especially pitching data - thanks to his efforts and willingness to share the information I can provide velocity ranges on fastballs and what he’s seen in regard to pitch mix. Thanks Matt!
LH Samuel Ortiz - 17 years old - Venezuela - signed 1/15/26 - FB - 90-94 mph, slider, change up - 2.12 ERA in 10 starts (34 IP), 30 K’s, 15 BB, 1.12 WHIP, .200 BAA, 62 % strike % - Miguel’s comments - “Very polished, high floor arm with pitchability and projectable stuff. Starter profile.”
RH Justin Burgos - 17 years old - Dominican Republic - signed 1/15/26 - FB - 89-92 mph, change up, curve - he struggled mightily in two July outings (10 R - 2.2 IP) which inflated the season ERA to 5.16 in 10 appearances (9 starts), 29.2 IP - in his other 8 appearances his ERA is 2.33 in 27 IP. Overall he’s posted a 57 % strike % - Miguel’s comments - “Rare combination of a big/strong guy with pitchability. Pitched in multiple international tournaments before signing.”
RH Cristian Rego - 17 years old - Cuba - signed 4/3/26 - FB - 90-96 mph, slider, change up - 4.55 ERA in 10 starts (27.2 IP) with 39 K’s, 13 walks - Miguel’s comments - “Very advanced for his age, strong pitchability and stuff combination. We are very excited about his development. High IQ.”
RH Yilmar Samudio - 17 years old - Panama - signed 1/15/26 - FB - 91-98 mph, change up, curve - 4.03 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) - 29 IP with 43 K’s, 25 walks - 1.483 WHIP - Miguel’s comments - “++ FB profile with ++ future stuff projection led by plus extension and quick arm. Very excited for his ceiling.”
RH Jorge Mitre - 20 years old - Panama - signed 1/15/25 - FB - 90-96 mph, slider, change up - made the 2026 DSL NL all-star team and has been the primary closer - 2.30 ERA in 11 appearances (15.2 IP) with 22 K’s and 8 walks - Miguel’s comments - “Plus control with solid FB up to 95. Velo is 3-4 mph higher compared to last year, has always shown advanced pitchability.”
RH Francisco Mercedes - 16 years old - Dominican Republic - signed 2/12/26 - FB - 87-92 mph, slider, change up, curve - has appeared in 11 games with a high ERA - he’s a big fella at 6’5” and is just 16 years old so I am listing him here as a projection. - Miguel’s comments - “Projectable body and stuff, exciting project.”
Thanks to Miguel and Edwin for taking the time to provide feedback. Let’s hope this crew wins the DSL title - it’s a big deal on the island to do so! Good stuff.
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