Padres Double Down in Dominican Summer League with Two Teams

The San Diego Padres are once again fielding two teams in the competitive Dominican Summer League (DSL), showcasing a roster filled with promising international prospects. Players live and train at the Padres’ Dominican Academies, where they also compete at team-operated training sites. The DSL serves as a critical starting point for many young athletes embarking on their professional baseball journeys.

Both the Padres Gold and Padres Brown teams kicked off their seasons on June 1, featuring several top international talents. The Padres have been active in the international signing market, securing dozens of players since the signing period began on January 15. Fans can track the influx of new talent by checking the transactions section of the Padres’ website, which reflects ongoing roster changes as more players are signed.

All players in the DSL must be at least 16 years old and turn 17 before September 1 of the signing year. This league attracts talent from across the globe, providing a vital platform for players from outside the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico to begin their professional careers. The Padres have a substantial bonus pool of $5.94 million for this signing class, which remains open until December 15.

Among the standout prospects, three players ranked in the top 100 international prospects by MLB Pipeline have signed with the Padres and are currently competing in the DSL. Additionally, three other high-reward players are making their mark this season. One notable player is Deivid Coronil, an 18-year-old shortstop/third baseman from Venezuela, who was active in the DSL last year but is currently in Arizona focusing on his development.

Jhoan De La Cruz, also 18, hails from the Dominican Republic and has transitioned to playing for the ACL Padres, taking on multiple roles including shortstop and designated hitter. Meanwhile, 19-year-old right-hander Lan-Hong Su from Taiwan has already made a name for himself with the ACL team, boasting an impressive 1.29 ERA over three starts after skipping the DSL entirely.

On the other hand, left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez is still seeking to find his footing after a challenging debut in the DSL last year. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, the 18-year-old has time to refine his command and control as he continues his development.

The Padres have also made headlines by signing Joniel Hernandez, a 17-year-old Cuban shortstop and the No. 13 rated international prospect, for a $1.4 million bonus. With a solid build at 6-1 and 180 pounds, Hernandez has the potential to evolve into a five-tool player, potentially moving to center field if he outgrows his current position.

Diego Serna, another promising left-handed pitcher from Mexico and the No. 20 prospect for the Padres, brings international experience from the 2024 U-15 World Cup. At 6-3 and 205 pounds, Serna possesses a low-90s fastball complemented by a slider and changeup, and he is currently pitching for the DSL Gold team.

Timothy Mogen, a 17-year-old from Curacao, stands out at 6-4 and 170 pounds, noted by Baseball America as a top athlete to watch. His combination of speed, a strong arm, and power potential makes him an exciting prospect for the Padres Gold roster.

Additionally, 17-year-old Yoel Duarte, originally a shortstop from Venezuela, has transitioned to pitching and has already been clocked with a mid-90s fastball, reaching up to 98 mph. At 6-3 and 185 pounds, Duarte is still developing but shows significant promise as he competes with the DSL Brown team.

Catcher Jhonneiker Leon, another notable talent at 6-1 and 210 pounds, possesses both a strong arm and impressive power at the plate, contributing to the DSL Gold roster. Meanwhile, fellow 17-year-old Jordan Perez from Cuba showcases a low-90s fastball paired with a curveball and a developing third pitch, exhibiting more polish than many peers in the league.

The DSL season typically spans a 72-game schedule, concluding in August. Last season, the Padres DSL Gold team clinched the championship, and they will strive to defend their title and keep the DSL Cup in their sights. Fans can expect regular updates on the teams’ progress through weekly minor league updates on Gaslamp Ball.

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