6'0", 160lbs
DOB: 9/4/2007, DR
Signed as an IFA, April 2025
B/T: L/L
https://www.milb.com/player/nauris-de-la-cruz-832703mlb.com:
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40
While big-money international signings are usually wrapped in January, De La Cruz didn’t officially join the Nationals organization until April last year. All the same, the Dominican Republic native’s $500,000 bonus was the third-highest for a new Nationals prospect in the 2025 signing cycle. He backed that up quickly in the Dominican Summer League, where he hit .294/.448/.450 with two homers, 15 steals, 30 walks and only 17 strikeouts over 39 games.
A left-handed hitter, De La Cruz certainly put up a performance that would jump off any page at any level. His 1.76 BB/K ratio was 13th-best among 363 hitters with at least 140 plate appearances in the DSL last year. However, evaluators believe some of that success came from an all-too passive approach at the plate. In a league with young, wild arms like the DSL, oftentimes the best decision is not to swing. That can be promising discipline. It can also be worrisome if it’s a trend that carries over to leagues with arms that boast much better control. De La Cruz could also get to at least average power if he adds strength to his 6-foot frame in his move stateside.
An average runner, De La Cruz got the vast majority of his starts in center field in the DSL, as one might expect for the bigger-money signing on the grass, but he also saw time in both corners. He seems likely to slide over to left or right more permanently higher up the Nats’ chain. De La Cruz has certainly put himself on the map entering year two, and how he answers the passivity question will determine his place in Washington’s growing outfield depth chart.
2025 DSL stats:
109 ABs: .294 / .448 / .450, 2HR, 15SB, 30BB, 17K
