Position: LHP
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 05/10/2002
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-Man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2024
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
De La Paz signed in the 2019-20 signing period, which of course means that his first pro season didn’t happen. He wasn’t a prominent signing, but had a strong debut in the DSL. When he signed he threw his fastball in the upper-80s, along with a curve, slider and change. By 2023 he was averaging just over 90 mph and relying heavily on the slider.
2020-22
After the lost 2020 season, De La Paz pitched in the rotation in the DSL in 2021 and put up good numbers across the board. Opponents batted just 179/275/236 against him and he had a 2.03 ERA, along with good walk and K rates. He moved up to the FCL in 2022, but after one outing, he went on the injured list for the rest of the season.
2023-24
De La Paz spent 2023 pitching in relief for Bradenton. He wasn’t very effective, with a 1.66 WHIP and 5.45 ERA. He had a K/9 of 10.5. He went back there in 2024 and was much more effective, allowing just ten hits and five walks in 22.2 IP, with 24 strikeouts. He had a 1.19 ERA. The Pirates moved De La Paz up to Greensboro in late May and he had more trouble there, with a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He got injured and missed the season’s last two months.
Stats
Transactions
October 15, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.