latimes
In a recent meeting at Great American Ball Park, Dodgers rookie Josue De Paula discussed his defensive development with third base and outfield coach Dino Ebel. Ebel presented defensive metrics for three outfielders: Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, the NL MVP favorite and MLB's defensive fWAR leader; Dodgers' Andy Pages, who has become an elite center fielder; and De Paula himself. Ebel explained that red indicates poor performance while green signifies excellence. While the other two showed mostly green, De Paula's report had a mix of green and red, which resonated with him. The metrics covered his first step, directional movement, arm strength, and more.
De Paula drew inspiration from Pages' journey, realizing that improvement is possible. He stated, "I have all the tools under my belt to be able to do so. It's more about just being focused throughout the whole thing, and having that drive to want to do it. And when I saw it, it was also a motivation for me. It was like, all right, let's go now."
De Paula's bat earned him a call-up when Shohei Ohtani went on the injured list, and it's his bat that is making a case for a postseason roster spot. However, manager Dave Roberts noted that this is more of a trial run, and for De Paula to stick in the majors, his defensive development is crucial. Throughout his rise in the system, his outfield play has lagged behind his offensive impact, but the Dodgers have seen growth this year. Ebel remarked, "Our goal is to become, one day, a Gold Glover. And I think he's young enough to do it, and his mindset is right, he's got a chance to do that."
Key Analysis
Jason Heyward, a five-time Gold Glove outfielder and now a special assistant for the Dodgers, has been working with De Paula since May. Heyward praised De Paula's ability to handle constructive criticism, saying, "He handles constructive criticism, for me, with some of the best of them that I've been around." Heyward first met De Paula during spring training in 2024 and has since made multiple trips to Tulsa to work with him. He emphasized the importance of a consistent routine, noting, "He makes it so easy to have something to make relatable to this because I've seen his work in the cage, I've seen his attention to detail. He takes on challenges, but it's not a, 'Let me hurry up and get to this challenge, let me rush through this.' He's like, 'No, I'm going to go about this how I want to go about it, I'm not going to be rushed, I'm going to lock in, and I'm going to give this like all my focus.'"
Heyward encouraged De Paula to apply his offensive focus to all aspects of his game, including defense. De Paula acknowledged that outfield defense can be challenging due to the sporadic nature of action, saying, "Hitting, you are always unfocused on the next pitch, your mind is always going. But you could go three days without getting a fly ball. So it's kind of easy for your mind to drift and stuff like that. But it's just more about tips of engagement and that intensity of focus." Heyward, who had a 16-year MLB career with a second-place rookie of the year finish and an All-Star nod, is a fitting mentor. De Paula expressed gratitude, stating, "It's a blessing to have somebody like that in your corner, especially rooting for you, to be able to see your talent, like what you're capable of. He's been through it, so he knows, man. So it's awesome to have somebody like that as your mentor."
Coincidentally, De Paula's first major-league hit was a three-run home run, a feat he shares with Heyward, though Heyward achieved it in his first at-bat. Heyward credited the organization's staff, saying, "It's a very commendable job that all of our staff have done at every level. I'd be doing a big injustice without giving everyone their flowers on this because it's definitely been a group effort. For someone like him who became a part of the organization at 16 years old, he's a Dodger through and through."
Over the past week and a half, the major-league coaching staff has taken over De Paula's development, and they have already seen the benefits of his routine. Ebel commented, "All the reports that we've gotten from our minor-league staff are right on cue. He's been working, he's bringing it right here to the major leagues. And it's a pleasure for me, with some energy, coming out early every day – hasn't missed. We're working on game situations, ground balls, left, right, right at him, fly balls, shags during BP. So we're on the right track."
Dodgers two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell joined De Paula one day in Miami, catching his throws during early work. While specifics of their conversation remain private, Snell's advice and encouragement left an impression. De Paula said, "It's like putting fuel in a rocket." Snell added, "He's just really, really talented, lots to learn. And excited for him in his journey and what it could turn into." In Cincinnati, Roberts spent an afternoon in left field with De Paula during batting practice, observing his reads and angles. Roberts said, "I wanted to be up close to watch him get off on the baseball, watch his reads, his angles to balls and make sure he's shagging the right way. Had some instruction for him; he was great."
Roberts has challenged De Paula to make defense a strength, one that will keep him in games rather than being lifted for a defensive replacement. De Paula has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. He stated, "The trust on the defense is going to come. I have to prove it over time. And with the work that I'm doing on the field, I know I'm going to gain it. A gold glove is a goal of his too. That's one thing about me, when my mind is set on something, I feel like it's no going back. So, I've gotten a lot of hate on my defense, and I just love to prove people wrong. So I'm like, hey, all right, there's a weakness there, but I'm gonna shut you up. Just give me some time. I've got you."
Originally reported by latimes.