Dodgers Keep Top Prospect Josue De Paula on NLCS Roster
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The 21-year-old outfielder remains with Los Angeles as they prepare for a rematch against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have named their 26-man roster for the National League Championship Series, which includes top prospect Josue De Paula. According to Sports Illustrated, the 21-year-old is ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect for 2026 by MLB Pipeline.
De Paula made his postseason debut during the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, appearing as a pinch hitter in two games. Sports Illustrated reports that De Paula drew a walk in Game 4 but popped out to third base to end Game 2. The 6-foot-3 outfielder previously showed a strong ability to get on base during his first 11 major league games, where he recorded 11 walks.
While De Paula has primarily served as a designated hitter, that role is typically held by Shohei Ohtani. However, MLB notes that Ohtani has struggled during this postseason, recording only two hits in 13 at-bats with no extra-base hits in the NLDS. Sports Illustrated notes that Ohtani's regular-season injuries originally led to De Paula's first promotion; consequently, the prospect could start at designated hitter if the six-time All-Star misses time.
As the Dodgers prepare for a best-of-seven series against the Milwaukee Brewers, De Paula may be utilized as a pinch-hitter to counter right-handers Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe in the Brewers' bullpen, Sports Illustrated reports.