With the Dominican Summer League season in the books—congratulations to the Padres Gold for winning the title—it’s time to unveil our annual list of the league’s best prospects.
The choice at No. 1 was easy. Josuar Gonzalez earned rave reviews from Opening Day until the close of the season thanks to a loud, well-rounded skill set that includes top-flight defense, speed and one of the more complete offensive games in the league.
The top pitching prospect was Kendry Chourio, who moved to the ACL after just 17.2 innings in the DSL. He demolished the competition in the Arizona Complex League, too, before taking his lumps a bit as a 17-year-old in the Carolina League.
Overall, this year’s version includes some of the gems of the most recent international signing period, a few players who looked rejuvenated in a second turn in the league and more than a few low-dollar signings whose talent well exceeds their signing bonuses.
The cutoffs to make this list were set at 50 at-bats for hitters and 15 innings for pitchers. Next week, we’ll highlight some of the talented players in the league who didn’t meet the threshold for inclusion.
Now, dig in and enjoy a peek at a wave of talent just beginning to form beneath the horizon, years before it comes ashore to the big leagues.
1. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, Giants
Gonzalez was one of the top talents available during this year’s international signing period, and he quickly lived up to the billing. The 17-year-old drew raves for his slick fielding, which will make him a surefire bet to stick at shortstop and provide defense that could reach double-plus at his peak. Gonzalez also earned potential 70 grades for his speed, which helped him swipe 33 bags in 38 tries.
Gonzalez was a bit streaky at the plate in his pro debut, but at his best, he showed a sound knowledge of the strike zone and the elements of a turn-and-burn player who makes his money at the top of a lineup. The switch-hitter’s righthanded swing is handsier and more contact-oriented, while his lefthanded cut is geared for more impact.
2. Kendry Chourio, RHP, Royals
Chourio almost didn’t stick around long enough to make this list, but he was the clear-cut best pitching prospect in the league based on stuff, pitchability and polish.
The righthander—who made it to Low-A in his pro debut—brings his…