The Dominican Summer League regular season concludes for the two Phillies clubs on August 20th.
The Phillies clubs are both on the younger side with multiple seventeen year olds and even a few sixteen year olds seeing significant time. I am posting a two part review on some of each club’s standouts as I’ve seen them, not solely based on stats but rather upon the streaming feeds I’ve watched of DSL games, pitch data both from Phillies Minor Thoughts Matt Winkelman (he does a great job tracking info) along with what I’ve personally gathered and a review of the stats along with some input from coaches.
Part One pitchers can be read using the following link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/8-12-24-reviewing-the-dsl-part-one-of-two-pitchers. This is part two - position players.
Phillies Red :
Outfielder Victor Cardoza - 18 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 5’11”, 181 - signed 1/15/23 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Notes : has had an outstanding season - he was transferred from Team White to Team Red on 7/22/24 and took off from there. With Team Red he’s posted a .429/.459/.786 slash line and 1.245 OPS in 75 plate appearances. Overall for the season he’s at .331/.385/.568 with a .953 OPS with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 22 RBIs with 14 stolen bases in 162 plate appearances. Last season he had 133 plate appearances with Team Red. He’s a well built young man, has a short powerful stroke, holds hands high but gets quickly into a hitting position (a bit of drift) and has shown top hand ability to drive the ball the opposite way - pull side power is also very good. Player Development Assistant Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “Cardoza has made great strides this year cutting down his strikeouts and making adjustments as the season goes on.”
Catcher Cesar Mujica - 17 years old - RH hitter - 6’2” 198 - signed 1/15/24 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Notes : the numbers don’t pop out this season but in games I’ve watched where Mujica has played I’ve been impressed with how he has handled the pitchers and shown leadership qualities (based upon on how he takes charge of the infielders and insuring everyone is on the same page with outs, plays and also encouraging his teammates). Just seems like a smart heady player. He hasn’t put up offensive numbers in his first pro season but Baseball America projected that he could have 20-plus HR power if things click. The Phillies Dominican Academy has produced four catching promotions stateside this year (Tait, Rosario, Ferrebus and Silva) - Mujica could be one to follow such a path at some point next year with an upswing in offensive production.
Infielder Maylerson Casanova - 17 years old - SH, RH thrower - 5’11” 165 - signed 1/15/24 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Notes : the offensive numbers are not reflective of the athleticism he possesses, has played exclusively at shortstop this summer and while defense has been somewhat erratic (14 errors) he’s shown range that’s emblematic of the skillset he possesses. Has outstanding speed and has stolen 15 bases in 17 attempts. Is hitting below the Mendoza line in his first pro season (166 PA’s) but with that is a learning experience that is invaluable. A year of personal growth for a very young player.
Infielder Meylin De Leon - 17 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 5’11” 170 - signed 1/15/24 - Azua, Dominican Republic
Notes : has put up respectable numbers in his first pro season - .252 batting average and .347 OBP in 176 plate appearances with 8 doubles and a triple. Has played well at both second and third base defensively. Looks like a player who could develop into a dual position contributor as others have who’ve come stateside previously.
Infielder Adrian Garcia - 17 years old - SH, RH thrower - 6’2” 170 - signed 4/1/24 - Santiago, Dominican Republic
Notes : got off to a good first month to the season but has had struggles since which happens quite often to players in their first pro season. He’s shown some pop with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 2 home runs - defensively has played primarily second base but has also seen time at third base and shortstop. A tall lanky young man who as he grows into his body more and also adds strength weight could earn himself a stateside promotion at some point. In the games I’ve watched he’s shown some really quick hands (albeit hard to truly tell with video only) that makes him an intriguing player at least in my estimation.
Outfielder Jalvin Arias - 17 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 6’2” 230 - signed 1/15/24 - Peravia, Dominican Republic
Notes : He broke the hamate bone in his hand in early July - is now working back - on rehab assignment at the Clearwater Complex. Played in just 14 games - hit two home runs and drove in nine - According to Baseball America pre-season reports Arias “stands out with his size and power, particularly notable for someone of his age. Flashes of plus raw power hint at the potential for a 70-grade on the 20-80 scouting scale.” I haven’t seen him play that much so can’t provide further comment. He’s certainly got the build to succeed - big athletic frame at just 17 years of age.
Outfielder Samuel Estevez - 17 years old - RH hitter/thrower - 6’0” 184 - signed 1/15/24 - San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
Notes : had solid months of June and July hitting close to .250 with a .353 OBP but has struggled as of late - he’s quick and has played well defensively - primarily center field but time in the corners also. Was selected as a DSL National League All-Star. Has made a few errors of aggression but to me that’s not a bad thing as he gets after it. Has 17 stolen bases in 22 attempts - first year pro. Lean build - needs to add strength as he grows more into his frame - in times I’ve seen him on video I like the approach, projective skillset and the energy. Player Development Assistant Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented - “Estevez had a good start but he is trying to do too much right now. He is currently chasing more than usual but he is working hard to improve.”
Phillies White:
Outfielder Josueth Quinonez - 17 years old - RH hitter/thrower - 6’1” 172 - signed 1/15/24 - Maracay, Venezuela
Notes : has put up very good numbers in his first pro season - .299/.393/.380 with a .773 OPS in 168 plate appearances with 9 doubles, a triple and 20 RBIs. - 8 steals in 8 attempts. He’s shown really good bat to ball skills - has walked more than striking out (16 walks, 15 K’s). A line drive type hitter who seemingly (at least in times I’ve watched) always hits the ball hard. He’s very lean and is not the quickest player so a corner spot is likely his defensive position although he’s played mostly center field this season. He’s shown the ability to hit to all fields - as he adds strength and grows more into his body I can certainly see him as a future candidate for a stateside assignment. Very good first year for him. Player Development Assistant Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “Quiñonez has displayed solid bat to ball skill as well as zone discipline. He is having a great season.”
Outfielder Jaeden Calderon - 18 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 6’1” 208 - signed 1/15/24 - Miramar, FL
Notes : born in Florida but signed out of Dominican Republic - noted for raw power - hit .276/.414/.463 in 152 PA’s last season for Phillies Red with 8 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs, 23 RBI’s and 13 stolen bases. Is a corner outfielder who also plays first base. This year he’s put up really good numbers - .299/.439/.470 with a .909 OPS - 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 24 RBIs. Has walked 23 times while striking out 38 occasions in 173 plate appearances - 7 stolen bases in 11 attempts. Has been consistent all season but is having an outstanding month of August - .364/.462/.636 slash line in 33 AB’s - solid frame - reminds me a bit of Raylin Heredia. Player Development Assistant Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “ Calderon is having a great season and is among the candidates to make the stateside trip next year.”
Outfielder Jorge Julio - 18 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 6’1” 182 - signed 1/15/23 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Notes : played last season as a 16/17 year old appearing in 16 games for Phillies White - had a very strong 2024 spring camp going 9 for 16 in games I tracked with three doubles and a home run. His father pitched for nine seasons in the major leagues as a closer and relief pitcher. He’s been productive this year with a .267/.386/.362 slash line and .748 OPS in 140 PA’s with 7 doubles and two triples. Defensively is a corner with the arm strength to play right field. Is a player with family pedigree who knows the requirements to come stateside - needs to add strength weight - just turned 18 on 8/6 - is a youngster who has shown flashes of potential - I haven’t seen him a great deal but can’t ignore how he’s often in the mix in my minor league roundups for Team White when runs are being scored - just sayin.
Infielder Jose Familia - 16 years old - LH hitter and RH thrower - 6’2” 163 - signed 1/15/24 - El Fundo, Dominican Republic
Notes : he doesn’t turn 17 till 8/16 which makes him one of the youngest players in the league. Is very athletic who’s shown both strong bat speed and pop. Has struggled mightily in August but that’s not out of the ordinary for such a young player. More than held his own in June and showed the promise that’s there to build upon. Was selected as a DSL National League All-Star. Has been the primary shortstop all season - good hands, above average arm and decent range, sometimes erratic with throws. It’s impressive that as a 16 year old he’s popped two home runs - decent .348 OBP for the season in 184 PA’s - another player that the numbers aren’t gonna tell the story on - at least this season - he’s got a bright future from what I’ve seen. Player Development Assistant Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “Familia had a solid first month and he is working extremely hard to turn things around as is struggling right now - he will be in fall instructs to continue to work.”
Catcher Anderson Navas - 17 years old - RH hitter and thrower - 6’4” 180 - signed 1/15/24 - El Tigre, Venezuela
Notes : Navas has an outstanding throwing arm and pop times to second base. He’s thrown out 19 of 83 base stealers. Offensively it’s been a struggle for the young man as he’s hitting just .181 in 173 PA’s but has shown power on occasion that was notated before he signed with 5 doubles, 2 triples and 3 home runs. I will say that he’s a noticeable presence when I watch the game videos both at catcher and as a hitter - he’s got a big frame that’s angular and athletic looking. I’ve seen evidence of the tools that BA projected that he has - certainly is a strong candidate to come stateside at some point in his career - maybe another year in the DSL is needed though to get further acclimated to the pro process and get comfortable offensively - the Phillies DSL catching pipeline to me is a current system strength.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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