Top Prospects Josue De Paula and Lazaro Montes Face Off in Double-A Matchup

Arkansas and Tulsa battle as two of baseball's top young stars go head-to-head.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

A fractured, geometric painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting the action of a baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes that capture the dynamic movement and competition of the contest.Two of Minor League Baseball's brightest young stars face off in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and intensity of their matchup.Today in Tulsa

In a highly anticipated Double-A matchup, top MLB prospects Josue De Paula of the Tulsa Drillers (LAD, No. 12) and Lazaro Montes of the Arkansas Travelers (SEA, No. 39) squared off on the diamond. The two young stars, both ranked among the league's best up-and-coming talents, put on a show as their teams battled it out.

Why it matters

Prospect matchups like this one offer a rare glimpse at the future stars of Major League Baseball. As two of the most highly touted young players in the minors, the showdown between De Paula and Montes is a must-watch event for baseball fans looking to see the next generation of talent.

The details

De Paula, a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher, has been dominant at the Double-A level this season, posting a 2.45 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 58.2 innings. Montes, a 20-year-old outfielder, has been equally impressive, batting .302 with 8 home runs and 25 RBIs. In their head-to-head matchup, both players showcased their skills, with De Paula striking out Montes twice and Montes recording a hit off the young lefty.

  • The game took place on April 13, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The players

Josue De Paula

A 21-year-old left-handed pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, ranked as the 12th-best prospect in baseball.

Lazaro Montes

A 20-year-old outfielder in the Seattle Mariners organization, ranked as the 39th-best prospect in baseball.

Arkansas Travelers

The Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Tulsa Drillers

The Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you get to see two of the best young players in the game go head-to-head, it's must-see baseball.”

— Jim Callis, MLB.com Prospect Expert

The takeaway

This matchup between two of baseball's top prospects is a glimpse into the future of the sport, showcasing the incredible young talent that will soon be making an impact at the Major League level.