30. Oscar Pujols (55 points, 9 ballots)
Pujols was Colorado’s top international free agent pitcher signing in the 2024 period, receiving a $600k bonus. The 6’3”, 155-pound starter is in the upper 80s/low 90s now and boasts a promising curveball.
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Mid-season 2025 Rank: HM
High Ballot: 15
Mode Ballot: 27
Future Value: 35+, back-end starter
Contract Status: 2024 International Free Agent, Dominican Republic, Rule 5 Eligible After 2028, three options remaining
MLB ETA: 2028
MLB Pipeline ranked Pujols 36th among their international free agent prospects from 2024 (and second among pitching prospects) as a 50 FV player, though he’s not in the system top 30 currently:
Pujols has an easy, repeatable delivery and a three-pitch repertoire that features a fastball, curveball and changeup. The advanced teen uses the same arm action and delivery on all his pitches, which will serve him well as he progresses through the Minor Leagues. Scouts have also noted Pujols’ aggressiveness and strike-throwing ability.
His fastball hovers in the 88-92 mph range, and more velocity could be on the way as he matures and his body develops. His secondary pitches also have plus potential. Scouts rave about his composure and mound presence. He doesn’t get rattled or deviate from his plan when he’s on the mound. Like most prospects his age, Pujols lacks some polish but that should come with daily instruction at a team’s academy.
Here’s some video of Pujols accompanying the above report:
After signing, Pujols adjusted well to the professional game in the DSL against hitters who were on average 1.6 years older than him. In 26 2⁄3 innings across seven games (Pujols didn’t pitch at all in July, so there was possibly an injury in there), he had a 2.36 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 rate, and 2.0 BB/9 rate.
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In 2025, Pujols was sent back to the DSL but he only pitched in three games, all in June. One must surmise there was some kind of injury, but no details have been shared. The good news is that in those three games, Pujols went 8 1/3 innings, allowing only one run on four hits with 12 strikeouts and no walks. It’s just a shame there’s not more than those games in his 2025 stat line.
I consider Pujols a 35+ FV prospect, just off my list, as I need some more information and stats on him to form a clearer picture of the upside. Assuming good health, the Rockies will probably bring Pujols stateside to the ACL in 2026 at some point with a late season appearance in Low-A Fresno possible.
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