Leodalis De Vries Embraces Arizona Fall League Challenge After Stellar Rookie Season
MESA, Ariz. -- The San Diego Padres are known for their bold approach in developing young talent, and this year is no exception. They made headlines by promoting Ethan Salas, the standout player from the 2023 international class, to Double-A at just 17 years old last summer. Following in his footsteps, Leodalis De Vries, regarded as the top prospect from this year's international signing period, has spent the entire season as the only 17-year-old player in the Single-A California League.
Now, De Vries is set to showcase his skills in the Arizona Fall League, making him the first 17-year-old to participate in this developmental league since Rangers shortstop Michael De León in 2014. He celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday with family in Arizona and quickly made an impact by recording his first Fall League hit the following day—a double off Wander Guante of the Athletics.
"I'm thrilled to be here, sharing a locker room with many future big leaguers," De Vries expressed through translator Juan Pena, a Padres trainer. "This opportunity excites me, and I'm enjoying every moment. I feel like I'm starting to adjust well. My performance at the plate is improving, and my shoulder feels great."
De Vries' season faced a setback on August 17 when he strained his right shoulder while diving for a ball. Prior to the injury, he was in the midst of a hot streak, boasting an impressive .284/.407/.589 batting line in July and August after recovering from a left shoulder injury earlier in the season.
The Padres are taking a cautious approach with De Vries in the Fall League, having him serve as the designated hitter just twice during his first week with the Peoria Javelinas, who suffered a 4-1 loss to the Mesa Solar Sox on Saturday. In those two games, he went 1-for-8 but is expected to return to his natural shortstop position as the six-week schedule progresses.
Ranked No. 28 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, De Vries signed with the Padres for $4.2 million out of the Dominican Republic in January. With the potential for exceptional tools across the board, he could evolve into a 30/30 player and possesses the refinement necessary to complement his impressive abilities. The primary question remains whether he can maintain his position at shortstop, but his offensive prowess should ensure his stardom, even if he transitions to second or third base.
In his inaugural professional season, De Vries concluded with a .238/.361/.442 slash line, hitting 11 home runs and stealing 13 bases over 75 games, all while competing against players who were, on average, four years older than him. He expressed his desire to build on this performance in Arizona.
"After returning from my first shoulder injury, I began to adjust, and my performance improved significantly," De Vries noted. "I started recognizing pitches better, taking more effective swings, and making solid contact. Everything just started to click.
"I aim to continue working on my strike zone awareness and pitch recognition, making consistent contact. I want to get more at-bats and keep progressing from there."
Joining De Vries on the Javelinas is Ethan Salas, providing him with a valuable opportunity to learn from a player who has navigated similar experiences. Salas has recorded 4 hits in 17 at-bats, including a home run, in his first four games with Peoria.
"I'm proud to be here with Ethan," De Vries said. "I knew him back in the Dominican Republic even before we turned pro. We share a great relationship, and he's always willing to help and spend time with me."