Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

When Julian Javier debuted for the Cardinals in 1960, he became the first big leaguer to have been born in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic. Nineteen others have followed suit (including his son, Stan), with De La Cruz the next promising prospect to emerge from the “Land of Cacao.” A projectable 6-foot-2 frame has many evaluators believing De La Cruz, who trains with Jose Sanchez in his home city, is gifted with one of the higher all-around upsides in his class.

What stands out most in the box about De La Cruz is how loose and easy his swing looks from both sides. He currently focuses on line-drive contact, but as he gets into the pro ranks and begins to focus on launching the ball, particularly to his pull side, scouts see him being a significant extra-base hit contributor. There is some pop in there now that he derives from having a bit of an upswing at times, while his physicality also helps him compensate against less polished pitching.

De La Cruz currently works up the middle as a shortstop due to his slick fielding repertoire, which includes plus actions and premium footwork. He has quick, soft hands and the better-than-average arm strength to go along with it, making for an exciting package at the six. Some evaluators feel he will eventually outgrow the spot physically, which would enable him to shift to the hot corner, where his arm strength would make him a viable candidate.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

De La Cruz signed for $2.3 million in January, landing the largest bonus in the Cubs' 2025 international class and the ninth highest on the entire market. He's part of the shortstop factory of San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic that has produced All-Stars such as Tony Fernandez, Jose Offerman and Fernando Tatis Jr. De La Cruz may eventually move off short but has the offensive upside to profile as a regular at several positions. He got off to a slow start during his debut in the Dominican Summer League but then started figuring some things out, posting an OPS of 1.031 in July when he was sent to the Orioles in return for Andrew Kittredge at the Trade Deadline.

Scouts debate whether De La Cruz will stick out more with his hitting ability or power in the long run. He's a switch-hitter with a disciplined approach who focuses on making line-drive contact rather than swinging for the fences. His stroke also features promising bat speed and loft and his still-growing 6-foot-2 frame can get stronger, so he could grow into plus raw power and provide 20 or more homers per season.

De La Cruz's twitchy athleticism, smooth actions, soft hands and solid arm strength are suited for shortstop. Presently an average-to-solid runner, he could slow a bit as he develops physically, which would dictate a move to third base. He has the tools to be a quality defender at the hot corner and meet the offensive demands of the position.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/01/2025	SS Wilfri De La Cruz assigned to DSL Orioles Orange from DSL Orioles Black.
	07/31/2025	Baltimore Orioles traded RHP Andrew Kittredge to Chicago Cubs for SS Wilfri De La Cruz.
	07/31/2025	SS Wilfri De La Cruz assigned to DSL Orioles Black.
	02/05/2025	SS Wilfri De La Cruz assigned to DSL Cubs Red.
	01/15/2025	Chicago Cubs signed free agent SS Wilfri De La Cruz to a minor league contract.