DSL Names To Watch
- Anashe Mapuranga
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
The DSL season is here and while there will be plenty of names making their professional debuts, I wanted to highlight four players returning to the level that intrigue me and could have big years in store for them during the 2026 season.
SS Mani Cedeno
The top IFA signing in the 2025 class, Cedeno slashed .183/.371/.305 for a .676 OPS. While the numbers aren’t eye popping, Cedeno was just 16 years-old at the level, walked over 20% of the time and during his final month of the season, slashed .206/.426/.588 for a 1.014 OPS. One key next step for Cedeno will be to add more power to his game, though that’s natural as he grows into his frame. Another will be for him to be less passive at the plate as while he did show a lot of patience at the plate, he would run into trouble particularly with his strikeout numbers as he often wasn’t swinging much at all. After last season, the now 17 year-old looks to make a statement this year.
SS Stiven Marinez
Signed at the end of the 2024 period, Marinez had a productive year hitting .275/.424/.375 for a .799 OPS. In his age 17 season, Marinez impressed in numerous areas as he displayed good bat to ball ability, slick fielding at shortstop, a great eye walking 20% of the time, and good speed on the basepaths. What can further elevate Marinez’s game will be to find more game power, as he only posted a .100 ISO with 1 HR last year. The lefty slugger could add himself to the list of shortstop prospects in the Yankees organization making names for themselves with another productive season.
INF Carlos Bello
One breakout name I have is the righty infielder bat Carlos Bello, who slashed .217/.359/.354 for a .713 OPS last year in his age 17 season. Bello had started the season incredibly well, with a putting up a .259/.444./.463 slash for a .907 OPS in his first 17 games, before tailing off. However, with his good eye at the plate, walking 14% of the time, along with decent pop with a .137 ISO, I expect Bello to find more consistent production that will reflect closer to the numbers he put up at the beginning of his first pro season.
2B Juan Torres
Finally, Juan Torres was among the most impressive last season at the DSL during his age 17 season. The righty second baseman had a fantastic slash of .359/.406/.516 for a .922 OPS and 4 HR. Torres displayed fantastic contact skills as shown by both his high average and only striking out 11.8% of the time. He also showcased power too, as evidenced by his previously mentioned HR total and .157 ISO. Continued success at this level would ensure Torres to make his stateside debut.
The DSL season is always a great time as for many it marks the beginning of their baseball careers, while others look to break through and make the push to stateside baseball.
Every Prospect. Every Level. Every Day.
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