Angels’ Randy De Jesus Steps Forward With Power This Season
The Angels assigned Randy De Jesus to Low-A Inland Empire to start the season in hopes that the 19-year-old Dominican outfielder would rise to the challenge of facing better pitching.
While there is still plenty of swing-and-miss in his game, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound De Jesus has shown improved pitch recognition and promising raw power to all fields, which is reflected in his improved exit velocities.
Through 58 games, the righthanded batter had hit .277/.340/.451 with seven home runs and 76 strikeouts.
“He has shown the ability to handle the fastball, and he’s going to see more advanced breaking balls as he continues to get at-bats against better competition,” Angels farm director Joey Prebynski said.
“The big thing with Randy is his raw power. His contact rates continue to get better, and his ability to put the power in play has really taken a step forward this year.”
De Jesus projects as a run-producing corner outfielder. He started 11 games in center field in the Arizona Complex League last season. This season he’s zeroed in on right field, where he has bobbled a few balls but has shown the athletic ability to be an average defender with a plus arm.
The Angels signed De Jesus for $1.2 million in 2022. In his pro debut that summer, he won MVP honors during the Dominican Summer League all-star game.
His production fell off in the ACL in 2023, but early this season De Jesus was one of Inland Empire’s top hitters and has earned high marks for his attitude and work ethic.
An above-average runner, De Jesus has good extension in his swing and drives the ball with authority. He already has above-average power potential but could tap into even more power as he adds more strength and his pitch-recognition and timing improve, resulting in more consistent contact.
“He’s a big, physical kid,” Prebynski said, “and there’s still some projection in the body where he’s going to continue to get stronger.”
