The cream of the crop of the Angels’ international signings in 2024 was shortstop Joswa Lugo, who netted a $2.3 million bonus to begin his pro career. The organization might have found some good talent on the mound at the start of the signing period as well. De La Rosa’s $300,000 bonus was the most the Angels gave to a pitcher and he made a very good first impression during his debut in the Dominican Summer League.
Just 17 for all of his debut season, De La Rosa is a 6-foot-4 right-hander who projects as a future workhorse starter. He currently throws his fastball in the 91-94 mph range and can top out at 96, and it’s easy to dream on more consistent velocity as he matures. His 77-82 mph slider is his best secondary offering, flashing above average. He has a firm 86-88 mph changeup that needs work.
With a relatively clean delivery, De La Rosa has a chance to find the strike zone enough to be a starter long term. He has the ceiling of a rotation member with a power repertoire if it all clicks.
