Jose Rafael

De Paula

The Yankees agreed to sign DePaula way back in November of 2010. He worked out at the team’s academy in the Dominican Republic last season, but his pro career has been on hold because his contract isn’t yet official. DePaula, who turns 21 this month, was previously suspended by MLB in 2009 after lying about his age and identity.

His 58 total strikeouts are the most in the minor leagues. DePaula spent all of last season in the Dominican Summer League, so the Yankees conservatively started him out at their Low-A affiliate. He has little left to prove there at this point and it’s only a matter of time before he’s promoted to High-A Tampa or Double-A Trenton. DePaula, 22, boasts legitimate frontline starter potential and has established himself as one of the Yankees’ best pitching prospects.

DePaula posted a 2.94 ERA and 13.4 K/9 over 13 starts with Low-A Charleston, so it was only a matter of time before he was promoted. The 22-year-old right-hander has legitimate frontline starter potential and should continue to move quickly through the Yankees’ minor league system.

DePaula originally signed with the Yankees in 2010, but didn’t obtain his work visa until last March. The 22-year-old has top of the rotation potential and should progress quickly through the minors. He posted a 1.46 ERA over 14 starts in the Dominican Summer League in 2012.

De Paula had registered a 5.40 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings of relief this season with the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate in El Paso. San Diego acquired him from the Yankees back in July 2014 as part of the Chase Headley and Yangervis Solarte trade. The 26-year-old right-hander isn’t much of a prospect at this point.

DePaula has as good fastball and slider, but has poor command and a well below-average change-up. The Yankees have been developing the 23-year old Dominican as a starter, and the Padres will likely continue to do so. DePaula has posted a 4.15 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 17 High-A starts

The Padres also acquired Yangervis Solarte, but De Paula is the most intriguing piece. The 23-year-old owns a 4.15 ERA and 104/38 K/BB ratio over 89 innings this season with High-A Tampa. He has a big arm and has struggled with his control at times, so some believe he could end up in the bullpen in the long-term.

DePaula allowed a third inning home run, but otherwise pitched very well. Poor command and lingering injuries have held back his development, but he has the potential to be a frontline starter. If his command and change-up do not improve, he has the potential to be another hard-throwing bullpen arm in the Padres bullpen.

DePaula scattered eight hits, one walk, and one hit batsman to limit the Charlotte Stone Crabs to one run. Opposing batters have a .257/.346/.350 line for the season. He has an 11.4 K/9 rate and a 4.3 BB/9 rate, which, combined with his history of injuries, could turn him into a high-leverage reliever with the potential to be an elite closer.

After allowing a leadoff triple and an RBI groundout, DePaula allowed three consecutive singles, a grand slam, and then a solo home run. After a single and a stolen base, DePaula struck out the final two batters of the inning. His last two outings have been rough, as opposing batters have hit .579/.652/1.263, though he has struck out five batters over three innings.