Complex and Dominican Summer League Risers

We have made it to the fourth of July week. If you plan to attend a Minor League game this week, be sure you double-check the schedule. It is a split week where the six-game series is split, with both teams having three games at home.

Monday brought us a full slate of Complex and Dominican Summer League action. Here is everything you need to know about what took place and the players that stood out.

Dominican Summer League and Complex Level Standouts

Kevin Alvarez, OF, Houston Astros, 17, DSL

Alvarez is a high-waisted, impressive athlete who has plenty of projection. After moving from Cuba to the Dominican Republic in 2021, Alvarez has displayed an impressive skill set and has steadily improved. This led to him being one of the bigger names in the 2025 international class.

Yesterday, Alvarez smoked his second home run of the year as he extended his hit streak to ten games. Over that span, Alvarez has struck out in just seven percent of plate appearances and is slashing .405/.436/.622. It just goes to show you how quickly a small sample can change on the surface. Alvarez started slow in the first few games but now is hitting over .300.

The left-handed swing is picturesque, and Alvarez controls the barrel extremely well for someone with long levers. He starts with the barrel just slightly above his shoulders and a wide stance before using a leg kick. He leads with his lower half before exploding the barrel through the zone. The bat speed comes easy for Alvarez.

I believe that Alvarez will emerge as one of the best hitters from the 2025 international class.

Braylin Morel, OF, Texas Rangers, 19, CPX

While Morel netted just a $100k signing bonus as part of the 2023 international class, he looks like a high-dollar signing as he is ascending the Rangers’ farm system. Being significantly bigger than his listed 180-pound weight, Morel looks like a future power hitter who has already exhibited the ability to hit baseballs a long way.

Using a small toe-tap, Morel starts with his hands before leading with his lower half to generate torque. He does fly open a bit earlier than you would like to see, but he controls the barrel well and creates good lag and power with his strong wrists.

The exit velocities took a big step forward in 2024 as Morel saw his 90th percentile exit velocity take a big jump to north of 103 mph. He hit seven home runs at the complex in 41 games while having 22 extra-base hits. While the .307/.407/.575 slash line looks quite good, Morel still has questionable contact ability.

Injuries limited Morel early, causing him to get a late start to the season and return to the complex. Things looked really rough early on as he struck out in eight of his first 12 plate appearances. Yesterday, Morel blasted his first home run of 2025 in a four-hit effort that also included two doubles. He now has 11 hits in the last four games and is really hitting his stride. It would not be surprising to see Morel in Single-A Hickory soon.

The athleticism is there despite the added weight. However, Morel likely sees his run times tick down as he continues to mature. He looks like a corner outfield masher, depending on how the profile develops.

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