PEORIA, Ariz. – It was just one at-bat in the ninth inning of a February Cactus League game, but Leo De Vries’ opposite-field double against the Angels on Tuesday afternoon had the Padres’ camp buzzing.
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In that single moment, De Vries showcased exactly why San Diego is so excited about the 18-year-old shortstop, who was recently ranked No. 18 overall by MLB Pipeline.
Leading off the ninth, De Vries quickly fell behind 0-2 against Angels right-hander Brady Choban. He then showed patience, laying off three tough pitches below the zone to work a full count. When Choban delivered a high fastball on the outer half, De Vries adjusted and drove it the other way for a double.
“That at-bat really reflects who I am as a player—selective, controlling the zone,” De Vries said the next day through interpreter Danny Sanchez. “At that moment, the team needed me. We were down by two, and I needed to get on base. It was a good representation of my approach.”
The swing, the discipline, the mentality—the Padres were impressed with it all.
“We talk about situational awareness,” manager Mike Shildt said. “He could’ve just tried to hit a homer and show off his power, but he read the situation. Down 2-0, we needed a baserunner to start a rally. He took a smart at-bat.
“Because he had the right approach, he didn’t chase pitches. Then he laced one into the left-center gap. That’s a great combination of mindset and talent—something special.”
A day later, De Vries did it again against the White Sox in Glendale. After falling behind 0-2 against former Padres reliever Dan Altavilla, he worked the count full before lining a single into center.
The Padres believe there’s plenty more to come. That’s why they’re giving him an extended look in big league camp this spring, even though he’s expected to start the season in the Minors. His locker is placed between veterans Xander Bogaerts and Jason Heyward.
Just a year ago, De Vries had never set foot in the United States—or even flown on a plane—before reporting to Peoria in early March. The top-ranked international prospect in last year’s class, he quickly turned heads.
At just 17, he held his own at Single-A Lake Elsinore, finishing the season with a .237 average and an .803 OPS. He battled shoulder injuries at the beginning and end of the year, which affected his numbers early and forced him to miss the end of the regular season. But during July and August, he caught fire, slashing .284/.407/.589 over 35 games.
Now, De Vries is in big league camp and seen as a potential shortstop of the future for the Padres. He’s had a few struggles—expected for an 18-year-old facing MLB competition—but he’s mostly held his own. On Sunday, he made a diving stop at short to rob Mookie Betts of a hit.
For now, De Vries is embracing the experience.
“It’s amazing to be around all these superstars,” he said. “It’s something you dream about. Going into my second year, it all feels like a dream come true.”
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