Each year, fantasy owners hear about the new shiny toys of the dynasty world. This fascinating group primarily consists of the J-15 International Class, the FYPD class, and the up-and-coming Dominican Summer League group. With 2024 on the horizon, here is a look back at the rising hitting stars of the DSL. As you assess players in the DSL, remember that they are teenagers. They have ever-changing bodies, inconsistent skill sets, and perhaps most importantly, are several years away from the big leagues. Also, as you consider hitters, remember that the pitching is just as young, and the DSL is a very hitter-friendly environment overall. In short, the 2023 version and the 2024 version of these players could look vastly different.
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Eduardo Quintero, OF, LA Dodgers (Age:18)
2023 DSL: .359/.472/.618/5 HR/22 SB/20.0 K%/18.8 BB%
Quintero dominated the DSL this summer, posting impressive offensive numbers across the board, including top-five finishes in hits, RBI, stolen bases, SLG, and OPS, all as a 17-year-old. His near 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio was perhaps the most impressive stat, demonstrating some feel for the zone and pitch recognition. One important note is that Quintero ran a .414 BABIP, one stat that will surely regress in future seasons.
Quintero brings many tools to the table, none more evident than his speed. He converted 22 of his 26 stolen base attempts this season, and according to reports, “[he] began posting 70-grade run times upon reaching the Dodgers’ academy.” Also, Quintero showed plenty of raw and in-game power, posting five homes and 27 extra-base hits. At 6’0, 180lbs, he has a body we can dream will add more strength and size. Of course, all of this should be taken with a grain of salt, knowing that Quintero is far from a finished product. Assuming he has a fast start to 2024 in Complex Ball, we should get a look at Quintero in the low Minors by late Summer. I have Quintero firmly inside my top 150 prospects, and he will rise with another strong performance.
Yoeilin Cespedes, SS, Boston Red Sox (Age:18)
2023 DSL: .346/.392/.560/6 HR/1 SB/12.6 K%/7.3 BB%
The Red Sox grabbed Cespedes during the 2023 J-15 signing period, agreeing to a hefty $1.4M bonus with the lanky middle infielder. As an 18-year-old in the DSL, Cespedes impressed with six homers, 38 RBIs, and a .952 OPS. It was also encouraging to see Cespedes post nearly identical splits from both sides of the plate, showing that he could have staying power as a switch hitter.
The reputation for Cespedes preceded his performance in the DSL. Before his signing, reports indicated that Cespedes was an advanced hitter with above-average instincts and a high baseball IQ. But the most promising thing about Cespedes last season was the presence of his in-game power. Even with his slight frame (5’8; 180), it was apparent that Cespedes had a knack for finding the barrel and that his raw power would translate well. Cespedes is the Red Sox’ 14th-ranked prospect entering 2024, but it won’t be long until he ascends into the top 10 and beyond.
Javier Mogollon, 2B/SS, Chicago White Sox (Age:17)
2023 DSL: .315/.417/.582/10 HR/11 SB/17.0 K%/16.4 BB%
When the White Sox signed Javier Mogollon from Venezeula early in 2023, they knew two things: he could hit, and he could run. But, the offensive firepower Mogollon showed in the DSL was something to behold. The diminutive middle-infielder belted ten homers and added eleven steals, all while being among the youngest players in the league. According to Baseball America, Mogollon led all DSL 17-year-olds in HRs, finished 7th in barrel rate, and the 98th percentile for OPS. Not a bad debut for the White Sox prospect.
Mogollon was not a top-rated guy coming in, but he’s definitely on the radar now. His size (5’8″; 160) is a concern even as a second baseman, but he’s still young with room to grow. His contact skills look to be a solid carrying tool moving forward, and if the power can hold, he could climb in the rankings quickly. We haven’t even touched on his speed. He converted 11 of 13 attempts, and by all accounts, he has plus speed. Keep tabs on Mogollon ahead of 2024 and see how he builds off his impressive debut.
Yeremi Cabrera, OF, Texas Rangers (Age:18)
2023 DSL: .329/.445/.559/7 HR/9 SB/16.5 K%/19.4 BB%
2023 was the second trip around the DSL sun for Yeremi Cabrera, an outfield prospect for the Rangers. Cabrera was just 16 when he made his DSL debut in 2022, and it showed. His .613 OPS was the lowest in the league despite posting a near 19% walk rate and a .328 on-base percentage. Things weren’t progressing for the youngster, and a return to the DSL was in store for 2023. This season, Cabrera became a standout on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he maintained a stellar walk rate while boosting his batting average by more than 150 points and his slugging percentage by nearly 300 points. Defensively, he played above average in center and right field, adding versatility to his profile.
Cabrera is a thin 160 pounds and could benefit from added weight and strength. Cabrera has shown a propensity to run, and although his success rate is lower than average, I like his aggressiveness. At the dish, his approach is advanced, and consecutive seasons with nearly 20% walk rates are quite impressive for a 17-year-old. I’ve added Cabrera to a pair of dynasty leagues while keeping a close eye on the improvements he made year after year.
Kelvin Hidalgo, SS/3B, Colorado Rockies (Age:18)
2023 DSL: .310/.406/.574/12 HR/14 SB/23.9 K%/14.7 BB%
Hidalgo was another prospect who repeated the DSL in 2023. After he agreed to a $500k bonus with the Rockies in the 2022 J15 class, Hidalgo was assigned to the DSL. The Rockies’ outfielder had a fair showing in 2022, hitting .269 with five homers and 15 steals over 59 games. But, 2023 was much more impressive as Hidalgo broke out with a league-leading 12 home runs and 54 RBI. His 149 WRC+ was also among the league leaders.
The power breakout that Hidalgo experienced in year two of the DSL is something to keep an eye on. His body (6’2″; 170lbs) is very projectable, and any added strength could push his in-game power to the next level. There are still concerns over his hit tool, but as long as he can make league-average contact, his power should be his carrying tool. Defensively, Hidalgo has struggled at shortstop, resulting in increased time at the hot corner. With his known defensive issues and physical growth, I think a move to third base could be on the horizon.