New Padres Prospect Leodalis De Vries Feels Very Fortunate to Be With San Diego
The San Diego Padres have knocked it out of the park regarding international signings. In 2023, they landed the top international young free agent in catcher Ethan Salas. And in 2024, it was no different. The Padres signed 17-year-old Dominican Republic shortstop Leodalis De Vries.
De Vries is already considered a top-100 prospect, according to Baseball America. He has all the tools it takes to be an All-Star level player and possibly beyond. He's a great player, and more importantly, he wants to be a Friar. Not only that, but he said he feels lucky to be a part of the Padres organization.
De Vries appeared on MLB Network and said he feels fortunate to be a Padre. The interview was done in Spanish, and his responses were translated by MLB Network's Yonder Alonso.
"He feels incredibly lucky," Alonso said translating De Vries' words. "He is fortunate to have the opportunity to wear a San Diego Padres uniform. He feels lucky. He feels like the minute he got there, it’s been so comfortable to be able to play baseball, enjoy baseball and succeed as a high rate."
(per Leodalis De Vries via MLB Network)
De Vries revealed he was a Padres fan growing up, so the fit between the two cannot be more perfect.
The 17-year-old will have every chance to move up to the big leagues as soon as possible. He is arguably the most talented prospect in the Padres' farm system — although he has some competition with Salas. His offense and defense are a plus, and many scouts say he is beyond his years on the diamond.
With how quickly the Padres have moved Salas through the organization, we may see De Vries sooner rather than later.
