Repeating the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League used to be a developmental kiss of death. But it’s been happening more in recent years, with fewer short-season options in the United States and sometimes it really helps a young prospect figure some things out. Arguelles, whose $700,000 bonus in January 2024 was the second-highest the Rockies handed out during that international signing period, held his own during his pro debut in the DSL the summer after signing, but without any impact. He stayed for a second summer, and after adding some strength, earned DSL MVP honors after winning the batting title (.422) and leading the circuit in OPS (1.180).
Arguelles hit so well the Rockies considered flying him stateside last summer, but they’re excited to have him in country now. He already has a very strong feel for hitting, using the whole field. He grinds out at-bats, takes walks and shows excellent balance at the plate. The left-handed hitter is going to keep getting stronger and has mistake-type power with a hard rate of contact, but it’s more gap than over-the-fence kind of pop.
While he’s not a runner, he has solid instincts defensively and his average arm can play up a little when he attacks the ball. He’s played mostly center field thus far, and the Rockies will still give him reps there to maximize his athleticism, but he’ll start getting time at all three spots, with a corner the most likely home for him long term if he develops into a regular.
