Josue De Paula and Chase Harlan Named Minor League Players of the Month for May

In a notable week for the Dodgers’ minor league system, two standout players have been recognized for their exceptional performances in May. Josue De Paula, the organization’s top prospect, earned Texas League Player of the Month honors, while Class-A third baseman Chase Harlan claimed the same accolade in the California League.

De Paula, who recently ascended to the fifth spot in Baseball America’s top-100 prospects, showcased an impressive array of skills throughout the month. As one of the youngest players in the Texas League, the 21-year-old left-handed hitter demonstrated remarkable hitting ability and plate discipline, but also began to exhibit more power. Josh Norris from Baseball America noted, “He’s about as complete a hitter as you’ll find in the minor leagues.”

In May, De Paula posted a remarkable .340 batting average with a .410 on-base percentage and a .650 slugging percentage, resulting in a 173 wRC+. He racked up 14 doubles, six home runs, 29 RBIs, and scored 27 runs over 25 games with Double-A Tulsa. Additionally, his speed was on display as he successfully stole seven bases in eight attempts. Notably, his 20 extra-base hits were a significant increase from his previous monthly best.

Meanwhile, Harlan made waves in the California League with an outstanding performance in May, hitting .388 with a .481 on-base percentage and a .694 slugging percentage, leading the league in both categories with a 185 wRC+. Over 22 games, he notched five home runs, seven doubles, two triples, and drove in 22 runs while crossing the plate 16 times. His versatility was highlighted by a four-hit game against San Jose on May 16 and a streak of homering in four consecutive games from May 24 to 28.

Selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2024 draft, Harlan is enjoying a breakout season, currently boasting a .335 average, a .455 on-base percentage, and a .571 slugging percentage with 21 extra-base hits in 45 games for Ontario. His discipline at the plate is evident as he has drawn nearly as many walks (35) as he has strikeouts (39). As he approaches his 20th birthday on July 9, Harlan’s future looks bright.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.